Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece
Greece's greenest island pairs a UNESCO-listed Venetian Old Town with crystalline Ionian beaches, centuries-old fortresses, and the hilltop palace of an empress — all manageable in a single cruise day.
Greece's greenest island pairs a UNESCO-listed Venetian Old Town with crystalline Ionian beaches, centuries-old fortresses, and the hilltop palace of an empress — all manageable in a single cruise day.
Corfu is a docked port — no tender required. Ships berth at the New Port (Néo Limáni), just outside the Old Town walls.
💡 Pro move: Port security at Néo Limáni is straightforward. Bring your ship card and passport/ID for re-boarding. Last tender/gangway times are strictly enforced — the port is busy in peak season.
Cruise ships dock at Corfu New Port, immediately adjacent to the Old Town fortifications.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines (MSC, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, etc.) | Corfu New Port (Néo Limáni), Corfu Town📍 | Docked |
| Small/expedition ships | Corfu New Port or Garitsa Bay anchorage (occasional tender)📍 | Tendered |
One day is enough to hit the top sights independently, or go deeper on a guided tour.
Wander the Venetian laneways (Kantounia), the grand Liston arcade, the Spianada Esplanade, and the Church of Saint Spyridon. The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) crowns the eastern headland with sweeping views over the Ionian Sea.
Find Corfu Old Town walking tours →The hilltop neoclassical palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) is Corfu's most iconic landmark. Stunning formal gardens, marble statuary, and panoramic views over the island and sea.
Find Achilleion Palace tours →Corfu's most celebrated natural bay — turquoise coves beneath dramatic limestone cliffs topped by a working Byzantine monastery. Snorkelling, boat trips to sea caves, and tavernas on the shore.
Find Paleokastritsa day trips →One of Corfu's longest sandy beaches on the west coast, backed by pine hills. Sun-loungers, parasols, and beachside cafés. Easily reached by KTEL bus in about 40 minutes from the port.
Find Corfu beach day tours →Paddle sea caves, sea arches, and hidden coves along Corfu's dramatic coastline. Half-day guided kayak tours depart from several beaches and cater to all levels.
Find Corfu kayaking tours →Sample local kumquat liqueur, sofrito (slow-braised veal), pastitsada, and Corfu-style olive oil at Old Town tavernas or on a guided food tour that covers the central market and traditional producers.
Find Corfu food tours →Old Town is compact and very walkable — most historic sights are within 20 minutes of each other on foot.
Start at the Spianada (Esplanade), the largest public square in Greece and the Balkans. Walk north to the New Fortress (Neo Frourio), then wind through the Venetian Kantounia lanes to the Church of Saint Spyridon. Continue east to the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) for views, then return along the waterfront to the port.
A relaxed loop along the elegant Liston arcade (modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli), through the covered market alley, and past the Town Hall square. Perfect for coffee, souvenir shopping, and people-watching.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 14 | 7:59 AM | 5:40 PM |
| Feb | 57°F / 14°C | 49°F / 9°C | 10 | 7:32 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Mar | 59°F / 15°C | 50°F / 10°C | 11 | 6:51 AM | 6:47 PM |
| Apr | 64°F / 18°C | 55°F / 13°C | 9 | 7:03 AM | 8:18 PM |
| May | 71°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 9 | 6:26 AM | 8:47 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 69°F / 21°C | 5 | 6:12 AM | 9:09 PM |
| Jul | 86°F / 30°C | 74°F / 23°C | 2 | 6:25 AM | 9:06 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 3 | 6:52 AM | 8:35 PM |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 70°F / 21°C | 9 | 7:21 AM | 7:48 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 64°F / 18°C | 10 | 7:50 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Nov | 65°F / 18°C | 58°F / 14°C | 15 | 7:24 AM | 5:24 PM |
| Dec | 58°F / 14°C | 51°F / 11°C | 12 | 7:54 AM | 5:16 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
City Sightseeing operates Kanoni and Achilleion routes; buses pick up near cruise terminal main gate. Kanoni-only ticket ~€22; combined routes ~€35. Runs April–October.
Fixed-price taxis and pre-booked transfers from the cruise terminal to Corfu Town take about 5–10 minutes. Pre-booking online (e.g. Suntransfers, Get Corfu Transfer) guarantees a set fare.
Uber Taxi and Bolt both operate on Corfu using licensed local drivers. Download the app before arrival; pricing is metered and typically comparable to taxis.
Blue bus line (route #15) runs from the New Port to San Rocco Square in Corfu Town in about 10 minutes. Tickets purchased on board; cash only.
Corfu Old Town is roughly 2–3 km from the port — a pleasant 20–30 minute walk along the waterfront promenade, though hilly terrain in the Old Town itself.
Upcoming cruises that call at Corfu Island, Ionian Islands, Greece. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.