Hotels near Paleokastritsa (Beaches and Monastery)

Paleokastritsa is a horseshoe-shaped resort village on the west coast where six small bays cut into pine-covered cliffs to make some of the most photographed coves in the Ionian. The 13th-century Theotokos Monastery of Paleokastritsa sits on the headland above the main bay, free to enter (donations welcome) with a small icon museum, an old olive press and resident peacocks. Below, you can rent a kayak (15 EUR per hour) or join a boat tour to the offshore caves at Agia Triada and Nausicaa (15-20 EUR for 90 min). The Bella Vista taverna in nearby Lakones village 4 km uphill has the famous panoramic view back over the bays.

Pro Tip: Walk 12 minutes east from the main beach over the rocks to find the small cove at Agia Triada beach, almost always free of crowds.