Culture

The setting of Palaiokastritsa, with the monastery of the Virgin dominating the tree-clad hillside, is quite unique in Greece.
For decades now, visitors have been enchanted by the variety of the laced coastline, the pine trees which stretch down to the shore, the impressive caves and the emerald waters of our resort. On the rich greenery of the little bays and coves, one of the best-known resorts of the island has been developed. In recent years, serious efforts have been made by the local council towards encouraging a quality tourism that suits better the locality, which has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. At the end of the road, up above the village, nestled among the cypress and olive trees, stands the Monastery of Virgin Mary, built in the late 18th to early 19th century on the site of an earlier monastery. It’s worth a walk up there, not only to admire the enchanting view, but also to visit the monastery’s museum with its remarkable collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.
Palaiokastritsa it also owes part of its reputation to Lakones, the village from which you can best enjoy the landscape of the region. As you come up the winding road from Palaiokastritsa, just before you reach Lakones, stop at Bella Vista – the name says it all. Every day, dozens of tourists gather on the balconies of the rented rooms and in the tavernas to admire the unique panorama; telescopes are permanently installed on flat, open-air surfaces to help you enjoy the view in more detail. The village itself, with its narrow, well-kept streets and Venetian houses, is just as superb as the view. You can also walk along the path, lined with pine trees.