The Location
Paleokastritsa is on the west coast of Corfu island (25 km outside the Corfu city limits) surrounded by beautiful coves with sandy beaches covered in lush forests of olive trees. The verdant vegetation cascades to the shoreline where rugged rocks gently repel the dark blue Ionian waves. This rocky shore is a great place for seaside activities with numerous beaches nestled among abrupt cliffs allowing visitors to relax under the Grecian sun. For the adventurous sort, small grottos and caves await those who venture further out to sea in a paddle boats or canoe.
Tavernas and Resorts
The local tavernas serve up the town's delicious local dishes about a mile from the beach. The fare served at these venues is traditional cuisine that captures the essence of Ionian cooking with timeless adherence to fresh ingredients and family recipes. Whether it is a robust fish dish or a classic gyro, there is always a wealth of juicy, vine-ripened vegetables and fruits that accentuate meats cooked so tender they fall off the bone, and seafood pulled from the water just hours before it's consumed. Any traveler will come away mesmerized by their time spent consuming this wonderful fare consumed while dining in the idyllic setting of Corfu.
A medieval castle, Angelokastro, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the area and can be reached by a very scenic drive from the city of Lakones. This historic resort is famous for its breathtaking beauty and magnificent scenery. Paleokastritsa is known as a place where visitors quickly make local friends and find themselves enchanted by its beauty and charm again and again. This laid back atmosphere is the perfect retreat for families travelers wishing to escape the bustle of life, although the resort itself can get busy with `day tours` seeking out its beautiful vistas.
Museum
The monastery of Paleokastritsa was founded in 1225, though the current structures on site date back to the 18th century. It is a great place to enjoy a languid stroll among the olive groves or a peaceful sunset overlooking the Ionian sea. Visitors may also visit the interior of the monastery and its small museum featuring Byzantine and Post-Byzantine artifacts as well as the skeleton of a prehistoric mammoth in the main chamber.
It is extraordinary to see such a skeleton in a monastery and has been a source of legend and delight for travelers who came upon it over the centuries! The little souvenir store inside the monastery is the perfect place to buy hand crafted gifts such as small bottles of olive oil produced by the monks and sold in simple, unlabeled bottles.
The Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa is a central attraction for tourists from all across the globe. The beauty of Paleokastritsa is accentuated its presence on Corfu Island. The monastery exudes history and highlights the grandeur of the island setting with its fabled past. Among the most visited tourist attractions on the island, it is easily accessible from the various parts of the Greek archipelago and is well connected to the different villages set on the island. For this reason, the monastery experiences a heavy tourism each year as an essential part of the Corfu Island Tours.
Also known as the Theotokos Monastery, it is situated in the rocky bluffs above Corfu's beautiful beaches. The whitewashed walls reflect the purity of its idyllic setting and gentle spirit. The central church structure is situated amidst the attractive complex of courtyards, cells, archways, monks' quarters, oil presses and storerooms. Iconic imagery punctuates the site with numerous depictions of characters like St George and the dragon as well as a magnificent Last Judgement. The ceiling of the church is uniquely special rife with majestic architectural splendor that features a breathtaking Tree of Life woodcarving.
The tourist can also visit the small museum which is resplendent with further icons; the beautiful Dormition of the Virgin Mary along with jewel-encrusted silver-bound Bibles are of special note. The Greek Orthodox ritual and the fabled sea monster are other representations worth viewing. Finally, the brilliantly paved garden is one of the most interesting highlights of the grounds from which the most majestic views may be seen. A visit to the Monastery is truly amazing with the beauty and historic grandeur making the monument a special one indeed.
PALEOKASTRITSAis situated 16 miles north-west of Corfu's attractive capital, City of Corfu. The Monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa is situated along a coastal road that winds among the cliffs and sheltered bays. It is a hilly expanse of lush land full of twists and turns that reveal unexpected vistas. Paleokastritsa coast is famous for pristine beaches and striking blue-green water. In truth it is one of six spectacularly situated beach coves. The rocky coastline provides great launching points for diving, snorkeling, and boating as some of the islands most popular adventure activities. The tavernas and accommodations are scattered around the coast and inland, many in extraordinary locations. Paleokastritsa is not known for lively nightlife but there are plenty of tavernas, bars and a couple of discos to keep a traveler entertained. On an island renowned for its outstanding scenery, Paleokastritsa stands unrivalled as Corfu's finest beauty spot. Paleokastritsa six stunning bays that flank the historic monastery perched high upon a cliff are accessible via water-taxis available from Aghios Georgios. This idyllic location leaves all who visit reflecting on their time spent in Corfu with fond memories.
