Cruises to Corfu

595 Reviews
Corfu (Photo:Tony Zelenoff/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Corfu

Dream up a wish list of everything you'd want from a Greek holiday: talcum-soft beaches, spectacular subtropical forests, tasty cuisine and a beautiful, historic Old Town to explore. Add wall-to-wall sunshine, and you'll find Corfu ticks pretty much every box.



This small Ionian island (only 40 miles long and 20 wide) is a highlight of many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, and it's not hard to see why. Corfu (known to the local Corfiots as Kerkyra) is one of Greece's most verdant and picturesque islands.



Its lush interior, well-watered by winter rains and smothered in fragrant pine forests and dense olive groves, is studded with charmingly old-fashioned rural villages, where the sleepy routine is occasionally enlivened by summer religious festivals (panegyria).



At such times, tempting food and craft stalls appear, a fairground atmosphere prevails and brass bands, known locally (and rather confusingly) as philharmonic orchestras, toot out foot-tapping tunes. The main festivals take place in July and August and, of course, over Easter. And if religion's not your thing, perhaps the two Corfu beer festivals, in July and October, will grab your attention.



Most time-strapped cruise visitors confine their visits to exploring Corfu Town on the island's east coast, and this delightful medieval enclave, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, certainly deserves the attention. You'll find historic fortresses and the vast Spianada Square (esplanade), which is the largest public square in the Balkans, as well as intriguing alleyways and spectacular statues and fountains (not to mention excellent shops and lively restaurants).



If your cruise schedule allows, or you've visited Corfu Town before, you'll find it very rewarding to venture farther afield. In its long history, Corfu has "belonged" to many invaders -- Byzantines, Venetians, France, Russia and Britain -- before returning to Greek rule in 1864, and all have left their cultural stamp. You'll see it in the esplanade's cricket pitch and the island's Byzantine churches, Italianate mansions and the elegant French Liston arcade.



It all blends into the fascinating jumble, which makes Corfu one of the best-known and best-loved islands of the Ionian archipelago.

  • More about Corfu

  • Why Cruise to Corfu?

  • Corfu Cruise Port Facilities?

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Seven Seas Grandeur
Grandeur  Ship rendering  Flat

12 Night
Mediterranean - Western Cruise

12 Reviews
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Riviera
Riviera

10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

782 Reviews
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Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic

10 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

4,409 Reviews
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Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic

11 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

4,409 Reviews
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10 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

808 Reviews
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11 Night
Europe - Western Mediterranean - Barcelona

3,046 Reviews
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10 Night
Italy, Greece, & France: Mediterranean Jewels

3,046 Reviews
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7 Night
Venice,the Adriatic & Greece

1,568 Reviews
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14 Night
Mediterranean Cruise

6 Reviews
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10 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

4,409 Reviews
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10 Night
Greek Isles & Italy

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9 Night
Eastern Mediterranean

2,156 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Greek Isles & Eastern Med

2,401 Reviews
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7 Night
France, Italy & Greece Cruise

1,490 Reviews
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10 Night
Europe - Classic Mediterranean

79 Reviews
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More about Corfu

Why Cruise to Corfu?

Pros:

This picturesque island boasts an interesting history, idyllic beaches and top-notch dining

Cons:

If you're docked between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., many attractions and restaurants will be closed for siesta

Bottom Line:

Corfu offers up the best the Greek Isles have to offer, particularly for beachgoers

Corfu Cruise Port Facilities?

The cruise terminal has a duty-free shop, car rental outlets and a welcome desk at which you can pick up a map and get local orientation tips. New Port is a working dock area.

Good to Know?

Don't expect crossings to be respected, and look out for cars zooming suddenly out of side roads. If you dare to drive, beware reckless passing and center-of-the-road hogs.



If you're visiting a church or monastery, respect dress codes. Women should take along a scarf to cover their arms or head and avoid short skirts; men should ditch wearing shorts unless planning a day at the beach.



Siesta time runs between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. (known locally as mikro ypno).

Getting Around?

By Shuttle: Most ships offer free (or reasonably priced) shuttle transfers to the Old Fortress area of Corfu Town, which is about two miles away.



By Taxi: A taxi stand sits outside the terminal building, but most drivers want to sell island tours. Negotiate the rate in advance. Establish that the fare is per cab, not per person, and pal up with other passengers for the best deals, particularly if you're planning a day at the beach.



Only use cabs with meters and a rate card clearly displayed, and check that the meter is on before you start. The fare shouldn't come to more than 10 euros per cab because Corfu Town is a short distance away.



By Bus: At the terminal, head left outside; the blue bus will say port. The fare to Corfu Town is about 1.50 euros one way. The green buses at New Port take you to sites around the island. Once you're in Corfu Town, the blue-coach suburban routes operate from San Rocco Square. Keep in mind that bus timings are erratic, and service can stop early in the evening. If in doubt, shuttle or cab it.



By Car: If your ship's in for a long time and you're feeling adventurous, you could rent a car. You'll find desks at the airport, and one long-established company,Sunrise, is located at Ethnikis Andístasis 6, by New Port.



Online bookings must be made at least 36 hours ahead of your visit to Corfu, and you must be older than 21 with a valid driver's licence of at least one year's standing.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The euro is national currency in Greece. For the latest exchange rates, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.



ATMs are easy to find (there are dozens in Corfu Town). You'll find them mainly in banks, but they also are located on streets and in some hotels and restaurants. Some of the outlying villages also have banks with machines, but if you're heading further afield, stock up on cash before you go. Many bars and restaurants still don't accept card payments.

Language?

A legacy of British rule means many Corfiots speak at least a smattering of English, particularly in the shops and restaurants of the tourist-rich old town. You'll find an English section in most restaurant menus but may have difficulty finding a specific address, as street signs are rare, and those that exist are in Greek. If in doubt, ask a shopkeeper.



A friendly demeanor goes a long way, but it's also worth taking a phrasebook or language app along help. Emergency numbers worth knowing: 100 for police, 199 for fire and 166 for ambulance.



Good morning/Good day: Kalimera /Kalispera

My name is: Me lene

Thank you: efharisto

Do you speak English?: Milate Anglika?

How much is this?: Posa kostizi afto?

Where's the bathroom?: pu ine i tualetta?

Where You're Docked?

Your ship will dock at the Neo Limani (New Port), which also accommodates ferries operating between Corfu and Italy, Greece and Albania.


Corfu Cruise Reviews
In Corfu, we visited the Ambelonas Winery, which was set up in the hills with amazing views. We enjoyed wine tasting and light snacks. Following this tour was a visit to the Governor's Oil Olive Grove, where we got aRead More
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OleMissSamfordMom
We chose an island tour with RCL which we thoroughly enjoyed as it not only gave us a taste of Corfu town but we got to see the other side of the island and enjoy the rugged scenery.Read More
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roselilyoz
First time to Corfu - easy to walk into old town (45 minutes) - lots of sights to see / explore. New fortress is closed on Tuesdays.Read More
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CruisingPoof
We were in port a total of 8 ½ hours from 6:30AM to 3PM. Again, arriving early is no benefit when most places do not open until 9AM. We chose to visit the island using the double decker hop-on, hop-off bus. You caRead More
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ram88doc

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