by Carol Larsson

Created on: May 18, 2009

Paleokastrisa is on the Greek island of Corfu (Kerkyra) which is off the northwest coast of mainland Greece. Corfu is at the point where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. It is also the nearest Greek island to Italy and is so close to Albania you can see it quite clearly from the northwest coast of the island.
Corfu is a very popular holiday (vacation) destination for many people and once you have been there it is not just the beautiful scenery, food, sunshine and the beaches that stay in your mind, but the warm and genuine welcome you receive from the people who live there. Everyone is so friendly you just long to return.

Paleokastrisa itself is on the northwest coast of the island and has some of Corfu's most dramatic coastal scenery. The resort is strung out along a winding road that has hills, cliffs, and olive and cypress trees on one side and spectacular sea glimpses on the other. The road itself comes to an end at the car park below the Theotokos (Paleokastrisa) Monastery.
Some people think that Paleokastrisa is the site of the ancient city of Scheria the place where Odysseus was washed ashore and was met by Nausicaa. I think it's just used to illustrate the point that even all the charms of Paleocastrisa could not divert Odysseus from his goal of returning home to Ithaka and the faithful Penelope.
The whole road down to the main beach which is approximately 2 miles long has holiday apartments, bars, tavernas, restaurants and hotels along the whole length. If you are thinking of somewhere to stay keep in mind that the road can be narrow, winding and that in places there are no sidewalks or pedestrian paths and at night it can be very dark. Which ever way you are walking it is going to be either uphill or downhill on the way there or back.
One of the popular things to do is to take a boat trip around the bays. The small boats leave from the main beach and take you out on a trip around some of the bays and into some very small caves. In one of them is the Blue eye an even more intensely blue patch of water that almost looks illuminated from below.
Paleocastrisa and its monastery are both very popular for day trips. Not only from tourists staying in other resorts in Corfu, but also tourists from the cruise ships that moor at Corfu Town. This can make it very busy.
The monastery is on the top of a rocky headland above the main beach. It is believed to be founded in the 13th century but the buildings that exist now mainly date from the 18th century.
Try and visit at a quiet time. It is a very pleasant walk even though it is uphill. Take your time, as every corner of the road has a new and beautiful vista. When you near the summit you may hear the bells of the sheep as they graze beneath the olive trees.
When you reach the top of the hill outside the monastery there are tall pine trees and a small caf/restaurant with tables outside with lovely views. If you look north from here you can see Angelokastro the ruined Venetian castle.
Inside the monastery is a small church with a number of icons. A small museum with a large icon of Saint George slaying the dragon and other unusual objects including a huge clam shell and strange ancient bones and tusks.
Down on the lower level of the monastery there is an olive press and a small shop selling postcards and religious souvenirs. One of The nicest things about the monastery is the paved gardens with vines, bougainvillea, bird of paradise flowers as well as the fattest cats in town.
Paleokastrisa is one of the most beautiful places; there are so many views that just take your breath away. One day I will return.

Learn more about this author, Carol Larsson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.