Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa: Complete Guide 2024
Looking for the best ways to get from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa? This transportation guide has got you covered.
Most visitors to Corfu Island arrive at the Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, located on the outskirts of Corfu Town, also known as Kerkyra. While some opt to explore the historic city, many head to other parts of the island.
Paleokastritsa is a picturesque village that has become a favourite among tourists, and it’s easy to see why. The village is nestled amidst lush green hills and olive groves, and it boasts several beaches with crystal-clear waters. Moreover, Paleokastritsa offers a raft of fun activities and a good selection of restaurants.
Whether you’re heading to Paleokastritsa for a day trip or an extended stay, reaching it from Corfu Town is relatively straightforward. There are several transport options available, ranging from public buses to private car transfers.
On our most recent visit to Corfu, my husband and I spent over a week in Paleokastritsa and we got to try the different transport options on offer. Given that Corfu Town is the island’s biggest city, we found navigating to most popular areas of the island from there quite simple.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the transport options available for those travelling from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa.
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Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa Overview
Paleokastritsa is located in the north-west of the island, around 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Corfu Town. As part of the trip, you will get to cross the island from east to west while enjoying its mountainous interior.
The distance between these two places is not big and there are a few transportation options you can choose from. These are the main ways to get from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa:
- Public bus, also known as the Green Bus
- Taxi
- Uber
- Private transfer
- Car and scooter hires
- Organised day tours
The Green Bus is the most affordable way to travel around not just to Paleokastritsa, but also to other Corfu destinations. It is the only mode of public transport available on the island.
Other options may offer shorter journey times and more comfort but are significantly more expensive. Hiring your own car will give you the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore other areas while basing yourself in Paleokastritsa.
Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa – Green Bus
Green buses are Corfu’s intercity buses that offer an easy and affordable way to explore the island. They connect Corfu Town with the most popular destinations on the island. Buses in Corfu are comfortable and air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The service from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa is frequent, with buses departing every half hour in the morning and afternoon, and hourly in the evening. The first bus departs the city at 6:30 am every day except Sunday, and the last one at 8 pm.
Make sure to check the bus timetable in advance to plan your journey. The timetable varies slightly between weekdays and weekends, so keep this in mind if you need to get to Paleokastritsa at a specific time for a tour, for example. You can check it on the official Green Bus website or get a paper copy at the bus terminal or a tourist information centre.
The Green Bus to Paleokastritsa departs from the main KTEL Green Bus Terminal (Leof. Eptanisou), situated just a 15-minute walk from Corfu’s historic town centre.
The journey time is about 45-50 minutes. There are multiple stops within Paleokastritsa – just let your bus conductor know where you need to go to get to the most convenient spot for you.
A single trip costs €2.30 (US $2.40) per person. Payments are cash only and tickets can be purchased on the bus. You can buy a return ticket in one go as well.
Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa by Taxi
Another way to travel from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa is by taxi. They offer shorter journey times and more comfort than the public bus. However, these do come at a higher cost.
Getting a taxi in Corfu is easy: you can hail one on the street or head to the official taxi rank on Spianada Square in the heart of the city centre. Be prepared to wait for an available taxi during the peak season of July and August as this is when the island is the busiest with tourists.
You can also pre-book your taxi ride by phoning one of many local taxi companies. Both Corfu Taxi Services and Alfa Taxis are reliable operators that offer trips to Paleokastritsa.
The journey time is about 30 minutes. However, the rush hour traffic in Corfu Town during weekday mornings and evenings can slow things down. Allow for more time if you need to travel at these times.
The cost of the taxi journey from Corfu Town and Paleokastritsa is around €40 – €50 (US $42 – $52).
Get an Uber to Paleokastritsa
As of April 2023, the Uber ride-hailing service became available in Corfu. It can be used to get around Corfu Town or to travel to other destinations on the island, including Paleokastritsa.
Due to Greek legislation, Uber in Corfu operates as a taxi service. The regular UberX service involves non-professional drivers that offer rides in their private cars. However, that is illegal in Greece. That’s why, if you decide to try out Uber in Corfu, don’t be surprised when a regular taxi turns up.
To use Uber, download the app and register with your payment details. Once registered, simply input your desired destination and wait for a car to be assigned. Upon confirmation, the driver will arrive shortly to take you to your selected location.
Uber offers several ride options in Corfu. These include the ‘comfort’ mode, which provides a car with extra leg room, and a more expensive van option suitable for larger groups. You can find out more about how ride-hailing works in this guide to Uber in Corfu.
The trip from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa with Uber will typically cost around €40 – €50 for a regular car, and €80 – €90 for a van. Be mindful that Uber uses a surge pricing system. As a result, the final price might vary based on demand and the number of drivers available.
Private Transfer from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa
One of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa is by booking a private transfer. Many companies offer these transfer services across the island.
You can arrange your private transfer in advance online or via phone. Tourist information offices can assist with making a booking also.
The cost for a trip from the heart of Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa is approximately €72 (US $76). While it’s on the higher end price-wise, the extra cost reflects the convenience and great service. I’ve used Welcome Pickups on multiple occasions and have consistently had positive experiences.
Corfu International Airport to Paleokastritsa
The transportation options mentioned above, such as the public bus, taxi, Uber, and private transfer, are also applicable if you’re looking to travel directly from Corfu International Airport to Paleokastritsa.
Directly outside the airport terminal, you’ll find a taxi rank. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer before your flight or order an Uber ride on the day of your arrival. Do note that the cost might be slightly higher than traveling from Corfu Town.
Using the public bus system from the airport is a little more complex. The intercity Green Buses operate from Corfu Town rather than the airport.
To get to Corfu Town, you’ll first need to board bus no. 15 which departs from a stop just outside the airport. Conveniently, this bus has a stop near the KTEL Green Bus Terminal, where you can then catch a bus to Paleokastritsa.
The fare from the airport to Corfu Town is €1.20 (US $1.26) per person. While the public bus system is the most affordable way to travel around the island, it might take a bit longer.
If your budget allows, I suggest booking a direct private transfer from the airport to Paleokastritsa for an easier and quicker journey.
Renting a Car in Corfu
Renting a car in Corfu provides maximum flexibility for your travels. This option is especially beneficial if you aim to explore areas around Paleokastritsa since public transport from the village to nearby beaches and attractions is rather limited.
For a small rental car, expect a daily cost of about €60 (US $62). Opting for a larger, more powerful vehicle will naturally increase the price. While this may initially seem costly, it becomes cost-effective if you plan on seeing more of the island, especially when compared to frequently hiring local taxis.
Many companies allow for online car bookings that you can easily arrange before your trip to Corfu. Moreover, there are many car rental offices in Corfu Town and at the airport. So, even without an advanced booking, you can easily hire a rental once you arrive in Corfu.
Scooter Rentals in Corfu
Personally, this isn’t my favourite transport option as I’m not convinced about their safety, especially for those who are not confident riders. Nevertheless, scooters remain a popular choice among both locals and tourists.
You can pre-book your scooter online or arrange it at one of the many rental places scattered around Corfu Town. The cost of hiring a scooter depends on the model but expect to pay anywhere between €20 (US $21) and €50 (US $53) a day.
To rent a 50cc scooter, a valid driving license is required. For those above 125cc, a motorcycle license is necessary. Be sure your license is accepted before your trip.
Also, if you are planning to rent a scooter, I highly recommend getting travel insurance that covers such activities. Traffic in Corfu is not nearly as chaotic as it is in Bangkok, for example. However, the island’s roads can still be dangerous. Main roads are usually in good condition, but smaller country roads can be winding and riddled with potholes.
Always wear a helmet. There’s a penalty of €350 (US $370) for not doing so. During our last visit to Corfu, we noticed a few tourists disregarding this rule. Don’t emulate such reckless behaviour.
Aggressive driving isn’t rare, and speeding is common. This caution extends to car drivers as well, but scooter riders are more exposed to risks compared to those in cars.
Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa on a Guided Tour
If you’re interested in a day trip to Paleokastritsa without the hassle of organising it yourself, consider joining a guided tour from Corfu Town. These tours typically include visits to other sites on the island as well.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Palaiokastritsa, Mouse Island, and Old Town Tour
- Achilleion Palace, Palaiokastritsa, and Old Town Tour
- Paleokastritsa & Corfu Old Town Private Tour
Arriving in Paleokastritsa: What Next?
So, you’ve made it to Paleokastritsa – now it’s time to decide on the things that you want to do while there. The village offers plenty of activities to choose from:
- Relax at the picturesque Agios Spiridon Beach
- Gorge on delicious seafood and traditional Corfiot dishes at local restaurants
- Enjoy a craft cocktail and breathtaking views at Monastre
- Hire a boat to explore Paleokastritsa’s stunning coastline
- Hike up to the picturesque village of Lakones
- Visit the spectacular ruins of Angelokastro
- Go on a cultural day trip to Corfu Town
- And more!
Check out this guide to the best things to see and do in Paleokastritsa to start planning your next visit.
Final Thoughts
So now you have a good idea of how to travel from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa. With the availability of public buses, taxis, and private transfers, the journey is relatively straightforward.
In my opinion, if you have heavy luggage with you, it might be more convenient to opt for a taxi or a private transfer. On the other hand, if you’re traveling light, the Green Buses offer an excellent and affordable transportation option on the island.
FAQs: Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa
Absolutely! Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Paleokastritsa is a lively coastal village that offers visitors a raft of things to do. It is a great spot for water sports, hiking or simply enjoying a day out at the beach. Keep in mind though that the place can get quite busy during the peak season. I recommend heading there in May or September instead to avoid the crowds.
There isn’t really a ‘shuttle’ from Corfu to Paleokastritsa per se. Instead, there is the public Green Buses that travel regularly between these two locations.
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