Paleokastritsa Holidays

Paleokastritsa is a lively village along Corfu’s rocky north-west coastline. It’s set in the middle of a clover-shaped bay surrounded by wooded hills and olive groves – and overlooking the town is an 18th-century hilltop monastery. Half-a-dozen little beaches dot the bay and there are tavernas and café-bars spread around them. Plus there’s a colourful little port about 5 minutes’ walk from the village centre.

Instead of 1 beach, Paleokastritsa has 6. The main one is Agios Spyridon – it boasts turquoise waters and white sands, plus lots of sunloungers and umbrellas. From here you can grab a water taxi to the more secluded ones, too. Then there’s the beach up at Agios Georgios North – a 5-kilometre stretch of golden sand just 30 minutes’ drive away. The dive centre to the north of the beach is one of the most popular on Corfu.

Corfu Town, the island’s capital, is 30 minutes’ drive away. The UNESCO-listed old town over to the east is overlooked by a 16th-century fortress. Down in the mazy narrow streets, the Church of Agios Spyridon shows off beautiful wall murals and relics of the saint himself. There’s also a modern side to the town – the elegant café-bars and restaurants are at the Liston, a classy French-style colonnade with views of the grassy Esplanade square.