Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™
Overview - Corfu Cruise Port
Introduction
The Island and the Cruise Port
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 mainland Greece.
Corfu - Liston
Photo by Tasoskessaris CC-By-SA
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
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 one of the main attractions of many cruise itineraries in the Eastern Mediterranean. 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.
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, Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Museum of Asian Art or the Banknote Museum.
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.
Pontikonisi - off Kanoni
Photo by stefanos kozanis public domain
Just one mile south of the Old Town, in the area known as Kanoni, the Mon Repos Palace is a must see. The Achilleion Palace, near the Village of Gastouri (10 km south of the Old Town), is another highlight not to be missed. Farther away, the Paleokastritsa Monastery, Vido's Island or the villages of Kassiopi, Agios Matheos and Pelekas are wonderful sites to be enjoyed on a full day excursion.
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. 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.
Corfu Basic Information
| Language | Greek is the official language. English is wdely spoken. |
|---|---|
| Currency: | The Euro (€) is the official currency and legal tender. |
| ATM's: | In the Old Town and also at the cruise terminal. |
| Wifi: | It is available at the Cruise Ship Terminal, and also on some restaurants in the Old Town |
| Post Office: | Close to San Rocco Square on Leoforos Alexandros Avenue. |
| Opening Times: | Most shops in the Old Town will be open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, most public services will close for a lunch break between 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm. |
| Rent-a-Car: | The cruise passenger will find car rental services at the terminal. |
| Driving: | Driving is on the right. |
Municipality of Corfu Official Website - Click to Visit.
Port of Corfu Official Website - Click to Visit.
St. George Church - Old Fort
Photo by joanbanjo CC-By-SA
Current Local Time
Time Zone
Corfu and the all Greece is on EET (Eastern EuropeanTime) and participates in daylight saving time (DST) changing every year to EEST (Eastern European Summer Time).
Next time changes:
Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 AM - one hour forward.
Sunday, October 30 at 4:00 AM - one hour back.
Corfu Weather
Highlights
Achilleion Palace
Photo by Thomas Schoch CC-By-SA
Saint Spiridon
Photo by jean housen CC-By-SA
Mon Repos
Photo by Marc Ryckaert CC-By-SA
Old Palace
Photo by managment
Connect with US
