Port Review: Corfu

Also known as Kerkyra, Corfu is a scenic and cosmopolitan Greek island nestling in the Ionian Sea, which has been appearing more regularly on eastern Mediterranean cruise itineraries for a lineup of reasons. 

The Facts

Location: Off the coast of Greece and Albania.

Language: Greek.

Currency: Euro.

Docking/Anchoring: Ships dock at the port about three kilometres from Corfu Town.

Transport: There are free shuttles to the passenger terminal at the port, or it’s about a five to 10 minute walk depending on exactly where you are docked. To get to town, taxis are usually available outside the terminal, or you can enjoy a 20 or 30 minute walk along the ocean front. Public buses are also available and inexpensive although you will need to have euros to pay. 

Overview

Corfu is a very much a modern holiday destination, although signs of its glorious past are never far away. The island has a rich, multicultural heritage with plenty to offer cruise visitors for a day, from lovely beaches lapped by crystal clear waters and a spectacular landscape, to traditional Greek cuisine and historic monuments. Its multicultural feel stems from the fact that, unlike the rest of Greece, Corfu never fell under the Ottoman oppression. In fact, the island was dominated by the Venetians, the French and later, the British, making it part of the Western rather than Levantine world. It’s also destination of firsts, home of the first Greek university, The Ionian Academy, and the country’s first Philharmonic Orchestra and School of Fine Arts.

Don’t Miss

Old Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and packed with architecture of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styes, as well as being a place where palaces, fortresses and public buildings blend with narrow alleys and secluded squares. It’s ideal to explore on foot.

Spianáda is an impressive square in the centre of the city surrounded by 19th century French architecture, and if you are lucky, on the right day you may also get to see a musical concert. 

Listón is great for an early evening walk if your ships stays late or overnight in port, and it’s lined with pretty cafés.

Notable Buildings include the 15th century Old Fortress, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George on the Spianáda, which was originally the residence of British High Commissioners, also the city’s cathedral, the Church of Agios Spyridon, which is Corfu’s beloved patron saint.

Our pick of the best museums include the Archaeological Museum, with finds from the temple of Artemis, and Byzantine Museum, and the Dionysios Solomos Museum, former home of the national poet of Greece.

Best Photo Op

Some of the best can be enjoyed from the Old Fortress; if it’s not too hot, climb to the very top to enjoy panoramic views of the rest of the fortress, the ocean and the surrounding area. There’s even a café at the top for a well-earned rest and more views to savour.

Shopping

If you love food and markets, head to the public market north of Plateia San Rocco to see an abundance of local fruit, vegetables and fish, and for local products including some lovely natural cosmetics. Also check out The Land of Corfu Natural Products located in the Old Town. 

Food and Drink

Corfu has a bustling outdoor café and restaurant scene with tavernas at every turn, and glorious year-round weather. Try the Old Town for people watching, and Greek culinary specialties including moussaka, shish kebabs and souvlaki, and sweet treats such as pastries and honey baklava.

Pick of the Excursions

If you’re a first timer to Corfu, a half-day city tour will usually include the best sights and some nice photo ops, leaving you with plenty of time to wander around later on your own.

If you’ve been to Corfu before, there might be an option to visit some of the island’s other villages including Paleokastritsa, which has lovely views of the area’s many bays.