14 May, 2013

Paleokastritsa – possibly the most beautiful village on the island of Corfu

Paleokastritsa is considered by many to be the most beautiful village on the island of Corfu. Whether or not it takes the number one beauty spot is perhaps immaterial but one thing is absolutely certain, Paleokastritsa is an extremely handsome place indeed!

The beaches are of the picture-postcard variety and the inland scenery is an artist’s delight. Olive and citrus trees grow right the way down the hilly coastline, almost touching the deep blue sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Of course nowadays the village is equipped with all mod cons. Restaurants and bars are situated alongside motor bike hire shops and souvenir stores. Although one has to admit that you have to expect a certain amount of tackiness wherever you in the world of ‘cheap travel.’

Beautiful spots mean many people and many people often mean plenty of people wanting to make a “fast buck.” Not that Paleokastritsa is anywhere near as badly off as many commercial resorts are today.

It’s just so easy to imagine how absolutely pristine this place must have been in say, the fifties. Still a few dozen gaudily coloured lilos and beach balls flapping about in the gentle Greek breeze mustn’t put you off. This place is still lovely and if you are lucky enough to be taking a holiday on Corfu this summer, it is certainly recommended that you plan at least one of your valuable days in Paleokastritsa.

If you feel really adventurous you could hire a boat and sail to the nearby secluded bays, or perhaps scuba dive in the area’s famous caves.

It is also well worth visiting the nearby villages of Lakones and traditional Krini. From a bar or café in Lakones you can drink in the view of the whole Paleokastritsa bay. You can visit the 12th century monastery of Theotokas situated at the northern most point of the bay, or check out the grand view from the Angelokastro Castle at Krini.

It is safe to say that there is plenty to see and do on the magical island of Corfu and visiting the handsome town of Paleokastritsa is just one of them.