Paleros

Ionian Coast, Greece

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Turquoise waters, green olive groves, terracotta rooftops and golden sands

Based on the west coast of Greece in the Aetolia-Acarnania region, the village of Paleros sits in one of the most colourful parts of the country, this mainland location feels more like an island paradise. 


Ionian Coast Weather

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Get out and explore

Looking out into the Ionian, Paleros is also a gateway to exploring some of the country’s most beautiful islands and islets. With nearby Lefkada reachable by car, you’re all set for an action-packed road trip to one of one of the jewels of the Ionian islands. 

Or, let the lush landscape inspire you to grab one of our bikes and explore the unspoiled coastline and spectacular mountains. From hiking the peaks to toasting the sunsets, get ready for the very best of holiday moments in Greece when you stay at our Paleros beach resort.

Porto Katsiki Beach, Lefkada, Greece
Paleros Marina, Greece

Local highlights

Sitting on the highly-rated Portamaki Beach, Paleros Beach Resort is in a prime location for days of adrenaline-pumping watersports or lounging lazily in the sun. 

It’s just a 30-minute walk to the traditional Greek coastal village of Paleros, where the marina and multiple tavernas create a sparkling atmosphere. Despite its mainland location, Paleros has all the charm of a Greek island, with friendly locals and expansive sea views. Spend an evening strolling along the seafront walkway, lit up by the lively restaurants hugging the coast. 

Heading west from our Paleros beach resort, you’ll discover pristine beaches, traditional villages and beautiful old churches. Grab one of our road bikes and cycle to the small village of Pogonia, which has a handful of restaurants and beach bars. It’s also a perfect spot to start a trek up the overlooking mountains, or to hop on a boat and explore the dreamy islets and coves nearby. 

Psili Korfi

At 1,589 metres, Psili Korfi is the highest point in the Acarnanian Mountains and the whole of Aetolia-Acarnania. The most popular trail begins from the monastery Romvou, which is a 40-minute drive from the resort. Get ready to sweat, before drinking in the awe-inspiring view at the top.

Viticulture & Winery Gerokostopoulos

Paleros’ local winery has been in business since 1861. Come enjoy a tour of the vineyard from the friendly owner, followed by a tasting of their organic wine and traditional Greek meze. Surrounded by the mountainous landscape, it’s a spectacular setting for exercising your taste-buds.

Ammos All Day Beach Bar

If you’re looking for beach-party vibes, Ammos All Day Beach Bar is just a 15-minute walk from the resort. The friendly bar is open throughout the peak season in the summer. Sink into one of the hammocks and make the most of its excellent music, food and cocktails.

Local food and drink

There are a number of fantastic restaurants in Paleros town, a 30-minute walk away from the resort. With the walk almost completely flat and taking you along the water’s edge, it’s the ideal way to work up an appetite (or work off your desert on the way home). 

In Paleros, look out for Sirtaki and The New Mill Tavern, which both have multiple five-star reviews. But whichever taverna you choose, make sure you try the wines from the local vineyards, and of course ouzo, the national aperitif of Greece.

For a taste of Ionian cuisine, the island of Lefkada has a number of excellent places to eat. While it’s welcomed more tourists in recent years, the locals in Lefkada have worked hard to maintain the culinary tradition of the area. The island prizes its self-sufficient agricultural production, known for its high quality and rich taste, and economic independence from the mainland. 

Like all the Ionian islands, food in Lefkada is heavily influenced by Venetian gastronomy since its occupation. Each of the island’s villages has its own recipes and traditions, but you’ll find spicy sausages and salamis, the olive-oil based Ladopita pie and Egklouvi lentils everywhere. Delicious!

Retail therapy

Paleros town has a few lovely shops selling hand crafted jewellery, beautifully made kaftans and beach bags. But for more serious shopping, look no further than Lefkada town. The pedestrianised town centre is right next to the bridge to the mainland and sells everything from fish, to clothes, to gifts and souvenirs. If it’s jewellery you’re after, Elsa Alta Bigiotteria has some beautiful handmade pieces. 

When you’re ready to drop, the main square by the harbour is full of cafes for your much-needed refreshment. It’s also a great spot to people watch. Stay into the evening and you might catch some traditional Greek dancing and music.

If you’re looking for local produce—and advice from a knowledgeable owner—Classicon traditional market in the south of the island is the place for you. The shop sells high-quality Greek honey, wine, liqueurs, body creams, soaps and of course, olive oil, and will give you the chance to sample some of the products too. Meanwhile, a 30-minute drive south of the town centre is Karsaniko Kentima, which sells exquisite embroidery, fabrics and other handicrafts.

Best days out

Looking out on the Ionian Islands, while surrounded by the mountains and traditional villages of the mainland, Paleros is an ideal base for Greek adventures. There are various tours available locally to show you the sights by boat or bus. Or, you can take one of our hire cars for a spin, and discover this enchanting corner of Greece for yourself.

Lefkada

Known as the “Caribbean of Greece” for its scenic beaches and exotic landscape, the island of Lefkada is one of the most popular in the Ionian. You can reach it in around 30 minutes by car via a bridge connected to the mainland. With multiple historical sites to visit, mountain treks and picturesque coves, you’ll likely want to spend more than one day exploring this gem.

The Acheron Springs

According to Greek mythology, the Titans drank from the Acheron River to gain strength as they fought the Olympians. With its turquoise waters, dramatic gorges and riverside villages, the 32-mile-long river now attracts visitors from all over the world. By car, the Acheron Springs are a one hour and 20 minute drive away.

Ionian boat trip

From the mountains of Kalamos island, to the unspoiled coves of Meganisi, to the electric blue waters of Kastos, each one of the islands around Paleros is uniquely beautiful. You’ll no doubt want to visit them all. Thankfully, the local boat tours can cruise you around several islands in one day. The idyllic island of Kefalonia, where Hollywood movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin was filmed, also makes for a fantastic boat trip.

Best beaches

With so many exceptional patches of coastline in Western Greece, your only problem will be deciding which ones to visit. Discover our favourites below, from crystal clear waters, to dramatic cliffs, to a village setting. 

Vathiavali Beach

The 20-minute drive along bumpy roads is worth it for these heavenly shores. WIth turquoise waters, a backdrop of green hills and dreamy views out to the nearby islands, Vathiavali Beach is often rated as the best in the area.

Porto Katsiki beach

Encircled by white cliffs, the azure waters of Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada are a must-see. A one hour and 45-minute drive from the resort, we’d recommend visiting this bay as part of a day trip on the island. Note that you’ll need to bring your own umbrella and refreshments.

Nydria

An hour’s drive from the resort on the east coast of Lefkada, this is the main beach of the traditional fishing village of Nydri. Surrounded by mountains thick with olive groves, the beach is protected from the western wind. With plenty of watersports on offer, it’s a great destination for families.

Culture and history

The best way to discover the history of the area is to explore its many traditional villages, admiring the architecture of its houses, churches, manors and official buildings. In Paleros, look out for Raggou’s Manor: an imposing mansion with fortress-like walls overlooking the bay.

Just a half hour drive from Paleros is Peratia, one of the oldest villages of the region. It was destroyed by an earthquake, but you can explore the remains of its 18th century architecture. Meanwhile, Lefkada has many cultural and historical landmarks to visit, from castles, to monasteries, to ancient fortresses.

Ancient Palairos

Up in the nearby mountains sit the ruins of the ancient city of Palairos, which is thought to have existed since the 6th century BC. Believed to have once had a population of over 10,000 people, you can easily spend several hours exploring the expansive site. Different areas of the ruins belong to different periods. The eastern part of the site is the most ancient, thought to date back as far as the Mycenean period (1600–1100 BC). Pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and let your imagination take you back to ancient eras.

Monastery οf Faneromeni

This hilltop monastery is Lefkada’s most important religious centre and well worth a visit. It was founded in 1634, but had to be rebuilt in 1886 after a fire. Set among pretty gardens, the tranquil site includes a small zoo and a museum showing rare Byzantine icons, old manuscripts, and gospels. The views across the town below are spectacular, and if you’re lucky, you might get to meet one of the friendly monks.

Archaeological museum of Lefkada

Lefkada is home to a small but excellent archaeological museum. Come and learn about the history of the island and its surrounding area, from the Palaeolithic era to the late Roman years. The museum includes objects illustrating the everyday lives of the island’s inhabitants in times gone by, plus a room dedicated to the deities of Lefkada. You can also explore the funeral costumes of ancient Lefkada and objects recovered from burial plots, plus artefacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic period. After visiting the museum, there are various historical landmarks to see on the island. Near the entrance to Lefkada from the mainland, you will find the Venetian castle of Agia Mavra, a beautiful medieval castle and church built in the 15th century. The nearby Castle of Grivas (or Tekes) provides a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea. Further north, the castle of Vonitsa overlooks the Amavrakikos Gulf and the harbour. Once fortified by the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, it represents many chapters of the country’s history.