Paleokastritsa is the image many travelers hold of Corfu. Steep green hills drop into coves of glass clear water, a white monastery crowns the headland, and small boats trace bright lines across the bay. The best way to enjoy this scenery is with the freedom that a car rental in Corfu offers. Pick up your vehicle at Corfu Airport with Corfu Cars and you can be on the coastal road within minutes. You set your own timetable, stop for photos when the light is perfect, and reach beaches and viewpoints that are not practical with public transport.
The drive from the airport to Paleokastritsa is straightforward and well signed. Follow the main road toward the west coast and you will reach the resort area in around thirty minutes depending on traffic. As you approach, the road begins to curve through pine and olive trees and the sea appears in flashes of deep blue. Parking is available near the main beach and around the monastery headland. In the height of summer it helps to arrive early or later in the afternoon when spaces open again and the sun softens.
Start at Agios Spyridon beach where the water is shallow and calm. It is ideal for a first swim, especially if you travel with children. From here you can take a short walk to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary where courtyards, bougainvillea, and sea views create a gentle atmosphere. After the monastery, return to the coves below and explore a second beach such as Ampelaki or Platakia. The sea here is known for clarity, so bring a mask for simple snorkeling along the rocks. Boatmen offer small cave trips from the main jetty. With your own car you are free to time a cruise when the crowds are light.
For the best panorama, drive up to Lakones village and the Bella Vista viewpoint. The climb is steady and the road is paved, and every turn reveals a wider slice of the coast. At the top you can see the entire bay of Paleokastritsa with its inlets and limestone cliffs. This stop is easy to combine with a visit to Angelokastro, the medieval fortress that guards the ridge above the sea. Park at the base and take the brief path to the ruins. The reward is a view that stretches along the west coast of Corfu. With car hire in Corfu you can link these highlights without rushing, since you are not tied to bus timetables.
If you prefer quieter swimming, use your car to reach nearby coves outside the main resort. Liapades is a short drive to the south and offers a sheltered bay backed by trees. Rovinia is also close and reached by a footpath from the parking area. The path is stony in places, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Always choose paved roads and marked car parks and avoid tracks that lead off into the olive groves. Driving with care preserves the area and keeps your insurance coverage valid.
Food is part of the pleasure of a day in Paleokastritsa. With a car you can pause at simple tavernas above the water or return to the village for a relaxed lunch. Try local specialties such as pastitsada or sofrito and cool watermelon by the slice. Later in the day continue to the headland for sunset. The limestone takes on warm colors and the boats leave gentle wakes that catch the light. When you are ready, your car is close by and the return to your hotel is easy.
Corfu Cars makes this plan simple. Your rate includes Full Damage Waiver for peace of mind. There is no deposit and no excess and you pay on arrival. Pick up at Corfu Airport is quick with our shuttle service and you can also visit our central office next to the airport at Riga Fereou 21. If you want extra protection you can add cover for wheels undercarriage and glass. The fleet includes compact cars for winding lanes, comfortable automatics for longer drives, and spacious family models that fit beach gear with ease. Renting a car in Corfu gives you the freedom to shape your day in Paleokastritsa and to explore more of the island whenever you wish.