Founded in 1225, Panagia Paleokastritsa is located on the Greek island of Corfu about 25 kilometers to the west of the Corfu city limits. After taking a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Corfu, visitors can reach the monastery easily by following a quaint, winding road (relatively easy to navigate) with ample signage marking the way.

 

The name of the Monastery Paleokastritsa was derived from a local phrase (Paleokastritissa) applied to the temple of Virgin Mary in the 15th century. The phrase itself originated from a document drafted on the 7th of August, 1497 in which the temple is referred to as a "Paleokastro", which means "old castle." Though the ruins of the castle no longer exist, in its place the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa now stands.

The panoramic vistas and 18th century architecture offer a wonder respite to enjoy a peaceful sunset overlooking the Ionian sea. Inside the monastery is a small museum laden with Byzantine and Post-Byzantine icons as well as the paleolithic skeleton of a wooly mammoth in its center!

The extraordinary prehistoric skeleton in the monastery has fed many legends from travelers who came upon the beast over the centuries. Tours are offered by the Monks onsite and the in house souvenir shop is filled with locally made hand crafted gifts. Among the favorite of tourists are the small, unmarked, bottles of olive oil produced by the monks in the monastery from local olives pressed onsite.

The landscape around Paleokastritsa is some of the most beautiful in all of Greece. The lush green vegetation extends to a shoreline of rugged rocks and opulent Ionian waves. The rocky shore intermittently gives way to hidden beaches, nestled among abrupt cliffs, where one can relax under the sun in peace. The adventurer is rewarded with small grottos and caves if they take their curiosity out to sea in a paddle boat or canoe. However, the less energetic visitor can tour the peaceful shoreline in one of the many small boats that perform short cruises around the spectacular coast. Additionally, there are a number of secluded hotels and quaint restaurants built on the beach poised on the edge of the rocks and neatly tucked away among the lush greenery.