Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is a series of small bays separated by wooded promontories, where cypress and olive come down to clear water and the coastline is broken by sea caves reached by small boats from the beaches. The monastery of Theotokos, founded in the thirteenth century and rebuilt since, sits on the highest headland with a courtyard of bougainvillea, a small museum of icons and a view along the coast; entry is free but modest dress is required. Above the resort, the village of Lakones and the terrace known as Bella Vista give the classic aerial view over the bays, and the ruined Byzantine castle of Angelokastro stands further along the ridge. The beaches are small and pebble or coarse sand, and the water is cold and exceptionally clear.

What you actually see

• The monastery - a clifftop foundation with courtyard, icons and views.
• The coves - a chain of small bays between wooded headlands.
• The sea caves - grottoes reached by small boats from the beaches.
• The Bella Vista terrace - the panoramic viewpoint above at Lakones.

When to go

May, June and September for clear water and manageable crowds; July and August fill the small beaches and the road becomes congested. Winter is quiet, with the monastery still open.

Honest expectations

The beaches are small and get crowded quickly, with sunbeds occupying much of the sand. Parking is limited and often paid. The monastery is a working religious house, so dress rules are enforced and photography is limited.

Nearby

Angelokastro stands on the ridge above; Corfu Town lies half an hour east.