Sightseeing tour in Paleokastritsa and Kanoni.
3 hour private sightseeing tour with Makis Ziniatis, a professional english speaking driver.
It all begins with a pickup from your Corfu hotel or the cruise port
Then hop inside your private, air-conditioned vehicle and travel to Doukades, which is a traditional village set on the main Palaiokastritsa road about 20km from Corfu town and will take a little over half an hour by car. There is plenty to see in Doukades, there is a beautiful square, Venetian stone houses, a Neo-classical school building and the beautiful house of the Theotokis family. Georgios Theotokis was the prime minister in 1900 the house once abandoned, has been restored and is now a Library of political science. There are plenty of walks in the area but the village is well worth exploring and there is a path that leads to the monastery of Agios Simeon.
Then, perhaps head into the Krini village, Which is a small village on the island of Corfu. The Castle of Angelokastro is located at the top of the highest peak of the island's shoreline. Krini is a relatively picturesque village, with old houses, built on the slope of mountain Istoni at an altitude of 310 meters. Inside the village dominates the church of Agios Nikolaos where, it is worthwhile seeing its marble representations of the Archangels in the bell-tower that was built in 1827. You will also see many interesting edifices, including among others the old, school made of stone of the village which today is closed but, also the tall houses of the above rouga (neighborhood) with its embrasures. If you go downhill towards the location Paliokklisies you will enjoy the view of the Diapontia Islands.
Next, Head to Makrades. The Village Makrades located in northern Corfu and within walking distance from the famous Paleokastritsa. It is a picturesque village with few inhabitants. Nearby is Aggelokastro Fortress, the village Krini with the hidden homonymous beach, Vistonas village and village Lakones.
Drive a little for Half an hour by car to reach Lakones. This village has houses dated from 18th-19th century. Lakones is set on the slopes of the Araki Mountain above Paleokastritsa and has some spectacular views. There are plenty of viewing points on the road towards the village. You will find women wearing traditional Greek dress, many stalls and shops for local organic Honey, olive oil and Herb. You can explore village by walk to relax your mind from hectic city schedule. While here, do not forget to gaze sea because it’s pretty stunning.
Cool off inside your air-conditioned vehicle as you travel to one of Corfu’s beautiful beach of Paleokastritsa. This is a coastal village located at northwest of the town of Corfu and there are many hotels and restaurants on beach in Paleokastritsa bay. The Paleokastritsa beach is famous for its cold waters. The rare topography has resulted in the existence of six important caves where attracts most tourists . You even visit this rare phenomenon only with the use of a vessel or vessels that have to hire locals . There is a boat that make day trips to the caves. There are two most known and important caves that you will be visiting. The first one is called Nausica Cave, named after the daughter of the King of the Phaeacians.
Now is time to see Monastery of Virgin Mery .Relive the legends of the 13th century Corfu monks as you explore the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, made up of spiritual courtyards, rows of monks' cells, and the abbot's quarters. Monastery of Paleokastritsa, suspended over the Ionian Sea. Heaven on earth, the abode of the terrestrial world and the view over the endless blue leaves you speechless. On a green hill above the beach of Paleokastritsa, on the north western side of Corfu, there is a large Monastery complex dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa. This monastery dominates the whole region. Built on top of a remote hill, it gives gorgeous view of the island and the sea. This Byzantine Monastery dates back to 1228, however the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard date from the 18th century. The monastery has a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books and other relics. Inside the monastery, there works a traditional olive oil press. The road to the monastery passes through a forest of olive trees and cypresses.
It time to head towards Glyfada Beach. It’s a wide and many mixed color sandy beach. The is quite long and good for bare foot walks, the place is surrounded by high rocks covered by trees, it makes the landsape really beautiful and it's quite isolated. You can swim here as sea water is clean and waves are not so frequent.
Next, Head to Achillion Palace, The place abounds with paintings and statues of Achilles, both in the main hall and in the lavish gardens depicting the heroic and tragic scenes of theTrojan War. This palace has twisting roads through the olive groves to the village of Agios Deka. You will also find attractive flowers in gardens. The Imperial gardens on top of the hill provide a majestic view of the surrounding green hill crests and valleys as the Lonian Sea gleams in the background.
Pay your entrance fee and head inside to explore independently. Admire the statues, frescoes, paintings and neoclassical architecture, and learn more about the royal residence's long history. There is a hint of something special at the end of the road which unfolds itself at the imposing iron gates of the Achilleion Palace
It time to visit Kanoni Once the capital and heart of the Greek island of Corfu. The name Kanoni is derived from the canons that protected the city near the entrance to the lagoon, which once featured the main port of Corfu. With a steep, rugged coastline covered in trees, Kanoni has just two beaches for visitors to enjoy, but there is plenty else worth seeing. You can also visit mouse island from here.
End your tour with a drop-off back at your hotel or Corfu port after approximately Five hours of exploring.
