Paleokastritsa and Corfu old town tour: 4 hours with monastery

The monastery sits between two of Corfu's most photographed bays.

A 4-hour tour of Corfu takes in the old town's narrow streets, the Monastery of Virgin Mary, and Paleokastritsa's bays and caves. You're picked up from your hotel or cruise ship, guided through the key stops, then left free to swim, eat or take a boat trip to sea caves before returning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Paleokastritsa and Corfu town

• Pick up from accommodation or port
• Visit monastery of Virgin Mary
• Free time in Paleokastritsa for lunch, swim, or boat trip
• Visit Corfu old town
• Return to port or hotel

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation or the cruise terminal, then heads straight to Corfu's old town. You walk the narrow streets at your own pace, taking in the Venetian architecture and the layout that has barely changed in centuries. From there the route moves to the Monastery of Virgin Mary, positioned on the cliffs above Paleokastritsa's bays.

Paleokastritsa is where the tour opens up. You get free time to swim in the water, order lunch at one of the waterfront tavernas, or book a boat trip out to the sea caves: the kind of choice that turns a guided stop into your own afternoon. The water is clear enough to see the rocky bottom, and the beach sits in a cove ringed by cliffs. If you're coming off a cruise ship, this is where you can actually get in the water instead of just looking at it from the deck.

The return journey takes you back to your hotel or the port in time for the ship's departure. The whole day runs 4 hours, which means you're not exhausted by the time you get back, but you've covered enough ground that it feels like a real day out. Bottled water is included, and the vehicle is private, so there's no waiting for other groups to finish their photos.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off.
• transport by private vehicle.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• professional guide (if selected at checkout).
• driver.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour with driverGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:008-seat minivan, pickup is included

Tour with guideGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:00Minivan with a professional guide included, includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by PACHIS TRAVEL

Is this one for you?Choose the guide option if you want context about the monastery and the old town's history. Pick the driver-only version if you prefer to explore at your own pace and save the cost. Either way, the free time at Paleokastritsa is yours to swim, eat or take a boat out: the tour doesn't rush you through it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

Can I swim at Paleokastritsa during the free time, or is it just for looking?

Paleokastritsa Beach is open for swimming during your free time. The bay has calm water and a sandy bottom, and you can bring a swimsuit and towel or rent them locally. A boat trip to the sea caves is also available if you'd rather stay on the water.

What is the Monastery of Virgin Mary, and how long do we spend there?

The Monastery of Virgin Mary is a working Orthodox monastery perched on the cliffs above Paleokastritsa. The tour includes a visit to the monastery itself. The exact time depends on services or closures, but it's a stop rather than a lengthy stay.

If I'm on a cruise ship, will the tour get me back in time for departure?

Yes. The return to Corfu port is timed to fit cruise schedules. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are included, and the 4-hour duration is built around port call windows.

Is the guide included, or do I choose between a guide and a driver?

You choose at checkout: the tour is available with a live English-speaking guide, with a driver only, or as a private tour for 1–4 people with a driver. The route and stops are the same. The guide option adds commentary at each stop.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle, bottled water, and all taxes and fees are included. Food, drinks and lunch are not included, though you'll have free time at Paleokastritsa to eat at a taverna or bring your own.