Corfu (Greece)
Cruise Port Must Know, See and Do

Corfu is an island located a few miles off the west coast of Greece, south of the Adriatic, in what is properly known as the Ionian sea. Although a relatively small island - 40 miles long and 20 miles wide -, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands (Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Lefkada are the other major ones).

 

The northern tip of the island is just 2 miles from Albania, separated by a strait, whilst the southern part lies 18 miles from the Western Coast of mainland Greece.

The Island's Landscape

Corfu is a place to enjoy historical sites, nature and tasting the fruits of life. Known as the greenest island in Greece, it is lush with abundant wild plant life. It has a mountainous landscape, with the highest mountain being 914 meters, and a dramatic coastline that attracts cruise visitors to seaside villages and wonderful beaches.

 

The Cruise Port

With over 650.000 cruise passengers visiting the island every year, on more than 450 ships, Corfu is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Greece and a top attraction on many cruise itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Where Cruise Ships Dock

Cruise ships dock in the New Port (Neo Limani) just a couple of miles from the main attraction in the island: Corfu's Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the main reason why cruise ships visit this Greek island.

Attractions in the Old Town

Corfu Town aka Old Town is picturesque and vibrant. It sits in the middle of two fortress, the Old and New fortresses, both built by the Venetians in the 15th century.

Visitors will find much to see in the Old Town, with most attractions concentrated close to the Liston and the Spianada, such as the Saint Spyridon Church, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Museum of Asian Art, the Banknote Museum or bit farther away the St. George Church and the Old Fort. Click Here to Explore the Top Attractions and Highlights of Corfu Old Town

Getting to the Old Town

The Old Town is around 2 miles (3 km) from the cruise port. Although the walk to Corfu Town is pleasant and has a few interesting landmarks along the way, on summer hot days, a taxi might be preferable costing around €10.00 each way. Some cruise lines provide a shuttle to the Old Town. Depending on the cruise line, this can be a paid service. The public bus is the most affordable transportation to the Old Town, with tickets costing €1.90 but be aware that the cruise passenger will need cash to pay the driver.

Beyond Corfu Old Town

Just one mile south of the Old Town, in the area known as Kanoni, the Mon Repos Palace is a must see and always included in tours of the highlights of Corfu.

The Achilleion Palace, near the Village of Gastouri (10 km south of the Old Town), is another highlight not to be missed and also always included in shore excursions.

The Vido Island (not Vidos as you may find misspelled on most Travel Guides) is right across the Old Town and, farther away, the Paleokastritsa Monastery, or the villages of Kassiopi, Agios Matheos and Pelekas are wonderful sites to be enjoyed on a full day excursion. Click Here to Explore Out Of Town Highlights of Corfu

If you are not interested in cultural heritage and historical sites, there are also many exciting activities in the island, in particular, for those traveling with young families. There is a good number of wonderful beaches, an excellent golf course and horse riding is a must do. Click Here to Explore Outdoor Activities and Beaches of Corfu.

 

Shopping in Corfu

Considering that Corfu is one of the most famous and visited Greek Islands, there is a good number of shops with local souvenirs, gifts and crafts. Olives, kumquats, and honey are harvested locally and make flavorful treats. You can take home the flavors of Corfu in kumquat liqueur or jam and fresh-pressed olive oil. Click Here to Explore the Shops of Corfu.

 

Local Flavors - Corfiot Food

Don't forget to “taste” the island as it is filled with local delicacies and traditional Corfiot food. Dishes like Pastitsada and Sofrito are mouth-watering traditions found in most restaurants on the island. In Corfu Town, the cruise traveler will find excellent restaurants to savor local flavors. Click Here to Explore the Restaurants of Corfu.

Corfu Cruise Port Video

Watch the 3-minute video below to have a preview of what the Corfu Cruise Port looks like.