Paleokastritsa, a dream setting in Corfu

Paleokastritsa is not strictly speaking a village: it's a seaside resort developed thanks to tourism, stretching out along a winding road and a particularly indented coastline. The site is simply stunning, and the reason for Paleokastritsa's popularity.

As is often the case in Greece, this is an ancient settlement. According to Homer's writings, Paleokastritsa was even the site of the palace of Alkinoos, king of the Phaeacians and father of Nausicaa, who took in a sickly Odysseus on the last leg of his Odyssey before returning to Ithaca.

Today, there is no trace of this mythological past: instead, Paleokastritsa specialises in the pleasures of the sea. Here, nature is superb, as is the colour of the water. Several beaches and coves are a delight for sun-seekers, while the resort's cafés and restaurants provide a lively atmosphere throughout the season.

An excellent base for exploring the north and west of Corfu, just 25km from the capital Kerkyra and its airport, Paleokastritsa also has plenty to hold you over for a few days...

There's much more to Paleokastritsa than just lazing on the beach, even if these hours of relaxation do take centre stage. On the sea side, excursion boats take you to discover the caves in the area, underwater reliefs that are also renowned in Corfu as excellent diving spots.

The coast around Paleokastritsa is dotted with some of Corfu's finest beaches, either by water taxi or via paths that are not always easy to access. These include the photogenic Rovinia beach, the pretty Limni, the more secretive Iliodoros, and the spectacular Chomi ("Paradise Beach") with its sheer white limestone cliffs.

You'll be spoilt for choice by the sea, but also on land, for example on the heights of Angelokastro, this ancient Byzantine fortress (13th century) which, like a lookout, overlooks an impressive seascape. Facing due west, the sunset is impressive. Another remarkable site is the Orthodox monastery of Paleokastritsa (Panagia Theotokos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary), with its church and icons, in the heart of a verdant setting above the blue waves.

Paleokastritsa is also the starting point for a popular hiking trail: the secret path to Lakones. This ancient kalderimi, a paved path used by mules, climbs quietly through olive groves to reach the village of Lakones (a few good tavernas on site), peacefully established overlooking the resort (1h30 a/r, 250m ascent). In summer, the song of the cicadas is deafening!