Paleokastritsa
Location: Greece (Island of Corfu (SW of the island))
Type of village: small hotel then village of huts from 1955
Year of opening: 1953
Year of closing: 1961
For the record: In 1953 and 1954, Paleokatritsa is tentatively mentioned in the Trident in a corner of a page of the village of Corfu. It is indicated that a simple small hotel is used as a base, and that GMs can only stay there for 24 hours. (see 1st image on the right of the page)
Given the success of this destination during these first two years, Paleokatritsa, or Paléo in club language, was truly transformed in 1955. No more small hotel, the Club found and rented a magnificent plot of land in Alipa Bay planted with olive trees descending in terraces towards the sea.
Quickly considered the little brother of Ipsos, it became its annex village and a prime spot for exploration and underwater hunting. Bivouacs and excursions are also offered.
The journey
As with Corfu, the journeys are made by special train to Brindisi. The GMs arrive on Monday morning in Paleokatritsa (nearly 48 hours after leaving the Gare de Lyon in Paris). The return journey takes the same amount of time.
Village Chiefs
Throughout the six summers it was open, Paleokastritsa was directed by Marcel Contal.
In 1960/61, a young man began his career as a GO player there. His name was Jean Pierre Batard.
Videos
1955 Paleokatritsa – filmed by Marcel CONTAL – Collierbar Document
Hello, what an emotion to discover these photos of Paleo. I spent 15 days there with my parents in July 57. At the time the journey was made by train to Marseille and then by seaplane to Ipsos!! An old British military plane I think. The arrival around 6am in the bay of Ipsos was something! I was 7 years old. The concept of a village of huts was really good, the sea bass necklaces, and all the rest. A long time ago…Thank you for creating this site. Kind regards. Ca Van Ryn