TOUR CODE: 02 · PRIVATE · ~4 HOURS
Paleokastritsa & Kanoni Private Tour
Corfu is celebrated for its turquoise sea, radiant sun, and lush mountain greenery unlike anywhere else in Greece. On this four-hour private tour, we drive through the traditional mountain villages of Doukades, Krini, and Makrades before descending to the spectacular bays of Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast. From there we continue south to the iconic Kanoni viewpoint. Get your camera ready.
⏳
~4 hrs
Duration
👥
Scenic
Coast & monastery
🏛
13th century
Clifftop monastery
Two unforgettable stops
What you will see on this tour
A private half-day combining Corfu’s most beautiful coastal bay with its most photographed viewpoint.
Northwest Coast · Monastery & Bays
Paleokastritsa
Paleokastritsa is a coastal village on the northwest side of Corfu, approximately 25 km from Corfu Town. The panoramic coastline is known for its rock formations, sea caves, and a series of sheltered turquoise coves framed by limestone cliffs and sun-drenched green hills. The water shifts from pale aquamarine at the shore to deep blue further out, and the views along the way justify every photograph.
Above the main bay stands the Monastery of the Virgin Mary (Moni Theotokou), an active Orthodox monastery founded in the 13th century and substantially rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries. It sits on a rocky headland with sweeping views of the sea and is open to visitors. A dress code applies and covered shoulders and knees are required, with shawls generally available at the entrance.
✓ Active monastery open to visitors ✓ Dress code: covered shoulders and knees ✓ Sea-view terrace and museum inside
South of Corfu Town · Viewpoint
Kanoni
Kanoni is a small peninsula about 4 km south of Corfu Town, named after an old cannon that once stood on the hill above. From the viewpoint terrace you look across a calm lagoon to the whitewashed church of Panagia Vlacherna, a small chapel built on its own islet and connected to the shore by a narrow stone causeway.
Behind the church, the wooded islet of Pontikonisi, also called Mouse Island, rises from the water with a small Byzantine chapel at its highest point. The combined view across the lagoon to the church and island is one of the most photographed scenes in Greece and makes a natural ending to the tour.
✓ Open viewpoint terrace ✓ Panagia Vlacherna church visible ✓ Easy walking access from car park
Your tour experience
Four hours of private sightseeing
Your own car, your own pace, no shared vehicles or timetables.
Scenic drive
Corfu’s Green Interior
The drive from Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa passes through the island’s olive-covered interior, with views of terraced hillsides and traditional villages before the coastline opens up dramatically as you descend toward the sea. Your driver will point out landmarks along the way.
Monastery visit
Moni Theotokou
A short walk through the monastery grounds takes in the main chapel, a small museum of ecclesiastical items and icons, and a terrace overlooking the sea. The monastery is still home to an active religious community, giving it a quieter and more genuine feel than most tourist destinations on the island.
Kanoni lookout
Vlacherna & Mouse Island
From the Kanoni terrace you look across the still lagoon to the iconic church of Panagia Vlacherna at the water’s edge, with the wooded islet of Pontikonisi directly behind it. Your driver will provide the local history and context. It is one of those views that tends to exceed expectations even for seasoned travellers.
Practical information
Good to know before you book
Timing, dress code, and what to expect on your private Paleokastritsa tour.
Duration
~4 hours
From pickup to drop-off. Time at Paleokastritsa is approximately 45 to 60 minutes including the monastery walk. Kanoni is a 15 to 20 minute viewpoint stop.
Dress code
Shoulders covered
Moni Theotokou is an active Orthodox monastery. Covered shoulders and knees are required for entry. Wraps and shawls are generally available at the entrance for those who need them.
Vehicle
Private taxi
Your car is exclusively yours throughout the tour. No shared vehicles, no fixed group schedules, and no strangers in your car.
Also visits
Pelekas village
The route can include a brief stop at Pelekas, a traditional hilltop village with a panoramic island viewpoint. Ask when booking if you would like it included.
Tour FAQs
Questions guests ask before booking
Straightforward answers about the Paleokastritsa and Kanoni private tour.
How long does this tour take?
Approximately four hours from pickup to drop-off. Around 45 to 60 minutes is spent at Paleokastritsa, including the monastery walk. The Kanoni stop is 15 to 20 minutes.
Is the Paleokastritsa Monastery open every day?
Moni Theotokou is generally open daily, though hours vary by season. Your driver will confirm in advance and time the arrival accordingly so you can explore the chapel, the small museum, and the sea-view terrace at a relaxed pace.
What should I wear to the monastery?
Covered shoulders and knees are required at Moni Theotokou. Wraps and skirts are often available at the monastery entrance if needed.
Can we stop at the beach at Paleokastritsa?
The standard tour does not include dedicated beach time, but if you would like a short stop, mention it when booking and your driver will build it in where timing allows.
Where does the tour start and finish?
We collect you from your hotel, villa, port, or any address on Corfu and return you to the same or a different location. Your meeting point is confirmed at booking.
Ready to explore the west coast?
Book your Paleokastritsa & Kanoni private tour
Send us your tour date, number of guests, and pickup address. We confirm your booking the same day with a fixed price and a named driver.