Mediterranean
Ships dock at the New Port (Neo Limani) of Corfu Town, located approximately 1 km from the edge of the Old Town and the Spianada Square.
Few Greek islands pack as much beauty, history, and sheer personality into a single port call as Corfu. Draped in Venetian architecture, olive groves, and impossibly blue water, this Ionian gem rewards every traveller who steps off the ship. Whether you have four hours or a full day, Corfu has a way of getting under your skin.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the New Port of Corfu (also called Kerkyra Port), located conveniently on the edge of Corfu Town itself. It’s a short 10–15 minute walk along the waterfront promenade to the heart of the Old Town — one of the most walkable cruise arrivals in the Mediterranean. Taxis line up just outside the port gates, and a reliable transfer service can smooth out your day from the very first moment. 🎟 Book: Transfer service in Corfu Larger ships occasionally anchor and tender passengers ashore, so check your itinerary in advance. Either way, the old town’s bell towers and terracotta rooftops greet you almost immediately, which sets the tone perfectly.
Things to Do
Corfu Town’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you step inside its labyrinthine alleyways — known as kantounia — you’ll understand why. The Liston, a graceful arcaded promenade modelled on Paris’s Rue de Rivoli, is the perfect spot to sip a coffee and watch the world stroll by. Nearby, the Old Fortress juts dramatically into the sea and offers sweeping panoramas of the Ionian coastline — entrance is just a few euros.
Beyond the town, Corfu’s countryside is spectacular. Paleokastritsa, a cluster of coves and a clifftop monastery on the island’s west coast, is arguably the most photographed spot in all of Greece. Combine it with a stop in Corfu Town and a beach break, and you have a near-perfect day. 🎟 Book: Corfu Shore Excursion : Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town & Beach Break If you want more ground covered — from the Kaiser’s Throne viewpoint to the Canal d’Amour — a longer island sightseeing tour makes the distances manageable and keeps the day stress-free. 🎟 Book: Corfu Island Sightseeing Tour
For something more curated, a private tour lets you linger at the spots that actually interest you rather than rushing through a set itinerary — a worthwhile splurge if Corfu is a destination you’ve been dreaming about. 🎟 Book: Visit Corfu Private Tour – The Best Way to Discover Corfu
Local Food
Corfu’s cuisine carries a distinctly Venetian fingerprint that sets it apart from the rest of Greece. Don’t leave without trying sofrito — thinly sliced veal cooked in white wine, garlic, and parsley — or pastitsada, a rich braised meat sauce served over thick pasta. Both are deeply comforting and utterly unlike anything you’ll find on a mainland Greek menu.
Wander into the covered market near the New Port for local olive oil, kumquat liqueur (Corfu’s most famous produce), and fresh herbs. For lunch, duck into one of the small tavernas on Guilford Street or inside the Old Town. Avoid anything with an English-language menu plastered outside — the best meals here are written on chalkboards and change daily. Wash everything down with a glass of chilled tsitsibira, a local ginger beer with a surprisingly spicy kick.
Shopping
The Old Town is genuinely excellent for shopping — as long as you venture beyond the souvenir stalls near the fortress. Look for handmade olive wood products, locally produced ceramics, and bottles of kumquat liqueur or marmalade, which make genuinely delicious gifts that you won’t find elsewhere. The brand Mavromatis is considered the gold standard for kumquat products and has shops throughout town.
The Liston area and the narrow streets behind it are lined with independent boutiques selling linen clothing, jewellery, and artisan goods. If you’re a bookish traveller, keep an eye out for small shops selling prints and maps of the island — lovely, affordable souvenirs that pack flat.
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Corfu Town is very walkable, but the wider island requires wheels. Taxis and pre-booked tours are the most efficient options on a tight cruise schedule. Car hire is available but traffic near the port can eat into your precious time.
- Currency: Greece uses the Euro. Most shops and restaurants accept cards, but carry a little cash for small tavernas and market stalls.
- Dress code: If you plan to visit the Old Fortress, the Achilleion Palace, or any monastery (including Paleokastritsa), cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
- Timing: The port can get crowded when multiple ships are in simultaneously — aim to head out early. The Old Town is at its loveliest in the morning before the heat and the crowds build.
- Weather: Corfu is lush because it rains more than most Greek islands. Pack a light layer if you’re visiting in spring or autumn.
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Corfu is the rare cruise port where a few hours genuinely isn’t enough — and that’s a compliment. The Venetian lanes, the clifftop monasteries, the plates of sofrito, the glittering coves: it all adds up to something that feels more like a destination than a stop. If your ship offers an overnight, take it. If not, step ashore with purpose and let this extraordinary island surprise you.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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Getting Around from the Port
Walk
The Old Town is reachable on foot via a pleasant seafront path from the New Port; flat and well-signposted
Taxi
Taxis queue outside the port gates; agree on a fare before boarding or ensure the meter is running; useful for reaching beaches or villages outside town
Bus
KTEL intercity buses and local green buses serve Corfu Town and surrounding areas; the main bus station is a short walk from the port in town; limited English signage so check routes in advance
Rental Car or Scooter
Several hire agencies operate near the New Port and in the Old Town; a hire car or scooter gives the most flexibility for reaching beaches and inland villages in a single port day
Horse-Drawn Carriage
Traditional carriages (fiakeria) are available near the Spianada Square for a short scenic tour of the Old Town area; a leisurely and characterful option
Top Things To Do
1
Corfu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The compact Venetian Old Town is one of the best-preserved in the Mediterranean, with narrow cobblestone lanes (kantounia), Venetian-era architecture, churches, and local shops. It is easily explored on foot and is the unmissable highlight of any port call here. Allow time to wander beyond the main streets into the quieter residential alleys.
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Old Fortress of Corfu (Paleo Frourio)
The imposing Byzantine and Venetian fortress sits on a promontory at the eastern edge of the Old Town and offers sweeping views over the sea and town. Inside you can explore battlements, a Venetian lighthouse, a 19th-century church, and a small museum. It is a short walk from the cruise terminal and a very efficient use of port time.
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Spianada Square (Esplanade)
One of the largest squares in Greece, the Spianada sits between the Old Fortress and the Old Town and is lined with French-era arcaded buildings called the Liston. Sitting at a cafu00e9 here for a coffee or a glass of local kumquat liqueur is a quintessential Corfu experience. The square is directly on the walking route between the port and the Old Town.
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Achilleion Palace
Built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) in the late 19th century and later used by Kaiser Wilhelm II, this neoclassical palace sits in the hills south of Corfu Town surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens with sea views. It houses a small museum with imperial-era artefacts and is a popular destination for cruise passengers. A taxi or organised tour is required to reach it.
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Paleokastritsa
Widely considered the most scenic spot on the island, Paleokastritsa is a cluster of small coves with turquoise water, a hilltop monastery (Moni Theotokou), and boat trip options to sea caves. It is about 25 km from the port, making it a half-day commitment, but well worth it for passengers seeking natural beauty outside the town.
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New Fortress of Corfu (Neo Frourio)
Built by the Venetians in the 16th century on a hill above the New Port, the New Fortress is very close to the cruise terminal and easy to visit on arrival or departure. It offers excellent views over the port and Old Town and has a small cafu00e9 inside. Often overlooked in favour of the Old Fortress, it is a quieter and convenient option.
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Local Wine and Kumquat Tasting
Corfu produces its own wines and is famous for kumquat-based liqueurs, preserves, and confectionery u2014 a product unique to the island in Europe. Several shops in the Old Town offer tastings, and a handful of small producers operate cellar-door experiences outside town. Picking up a bottle of kumquat liqueur makes an excellent and very local souvenir.
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Glyfada Beach
One of Corfu's most popular and easily accessible sandy beaches on the west coast, about 17 km from Corfu Town. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for hire, the water is calm and clear, and tavernas are on hand for lunch. Reachable by taxi or bus, it is a good option for passengers whose priority is a relaxing beach stop.
Find shore excursions on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- The New Fortress is literally steps from the port gate u2014 if you have limited time or mobility, it gives an easy taste of Corfu's history without walking into town.
- The Old Town's narrow lanes are best explored on foot; wheeled luggage or pushchairs will struggle on the cobblestones, so leave anything unnecessary on board.
- Cruise ships can be in port for as little as 6-8 hours; prioritise either the Old Town and Old Fortress on foot, or book a pre-arranged excursion to outlying sites like Paleokastritsa or the Achilleion u2014 trying to do both independently in one day is rushed.
- Kumquat products (liqueur, jam, chocolate) are a uniquely Corfiot souvenir u2014 buy from Old Town shops rather than port-gate tourist stalls for better quality and price.
- Summers in Corfu are hot and the Old Town has little shade; bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle as bottled water in tourist areas can be expensive.
- Euro (u20ac) is the local currency; ATMs are plentiful in the Old Town. Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but smaller kafeneions and market stalls may be cash only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The New Port cruise terminal is approximately 1 km from the edge of the Old Town and the walk takes around 15-20 minutes along a flat, well-maintained seafront promenade. It is one of the more walkable cruise ports in the Mediterranean.
Most cruise ships spend between 7 and 10 hours in Corfu, typically arriving mid-morning and departing in the early evening, though this varies by itinerary and cruise line. Check your ship's daily programme for confirmed times and be back on board at least 30 minutes before the stated all-aboard time.
Corfu is very safe and well set up for independent cruise passengers. The Old Town is compact, walkable, and well-signposted, and English is widely spoken. Independent exploration is straightforward and recommended for the town itself; for outlying areas such as Paleokastritsa, a pre-arranged taxi or organised excursion is more reliable than relying on local buses given time constraints.
Greece uses the Euro (u20ac). ATMs are widely available in the Old Town. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, shops, and tourist businesses, but carry some cash for smaller cafu00e9s, market stalls, and bus fares.
For first-time visitors with a full port day, a combined tour covering the Achilleion Palace and Paleokastritsa with a guided walk through the Old Town gives the best overview of the island's history, scenery, and culture. Many cruise lines and independent Viator operators offer this type of island highlights tour. Alternatively, passengers who have seen the town before often rate a boat trip to the sea caves at Paleokastritsa as the single most memorable activity.
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