Corfu Cruise Port Guide: Best Things to Do & Tips
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Corfu, or Kerkyra (Κέρκυρα in Greek), is the second-largest of the Ionian Islands and one of the greenest places in Greece.
With its UNESCO-listed Old Town, sandy beaches, and small mountain villages, it’s a favorite stop on Eastern Mediterranean cruises.
I’ve been to Corfu three times, and it’s an island I always enjoy coming back to.
The cruise port is close enough to walk into the Old Town, which makes it simple to explore on your own.
Of course, Corfu isn’t just about the town; you’ll also find beaches, local tavernas, and plenty of sights outside the city if you want to go a bit further.
In this guide, I’ll share:
- What to know about the Port of Corfu (terminals, getting around, useful links)
- The best things to do both near the port and around the island
Corfu Cruise Port Overview
Cruise ships dock at the New Port (Nea Limani), about 1.5 km (1 mile) from Corfu’s Old Town. It’s roughly a 20–25 minute walk along the coast, or you can take a short taxi ride (around €10 per car each way).
The port has a long L-shaped pier shared by cruise ships and ferries.
Free shuttle buses connect the piers with the terminal building, where you’ll find tourist information, an ATM, car rentals, duty-free shopping, and free Wi-Fi.
Some cruise lines also run their own shuttles to the Old Town (sometimes free, sometimes for a small fee). Otherwise, it’s easy to walk or grab a taxi right outside the terminal.
Getting Around Corfu
💶 Currency
Greece uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash, as local buses and small shops may not take cards. ATMs and exchange offices are easy to find in Corfu Town.
🚌 Public Buses
Corfu has a reliable bus system with two networks:
- Blue Buses serve Corfu Town and nearby areas (port, Kanoni, Benitses, Achillion, Gouvia, etc.). Buses #15 and #2b link the port with the Old Town. Central station: San Rocco Square. Schedules here.
- Green Buses cover the rest of the island. Popular routes include Paleokastritsa, Lefkimi, Acharavi, Roda, and Pelekas. Central stop: Eth. Antistaseos Street, near the port. Schedules here.
🏰 Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
Sightseeing buses stop at the port and are perfect for cruisers with limited time. They run every 15-20 minutes in the peak season and there are two lines:
- Kanoni Line: Old Fortress, Spilia Square, Spianada Square, Mon Repos Palace.
- Achilleion Line: Includes Achilleion Palace and Gastouri Square.
👉 Check Hop on Hop off tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
🚂 Corfu Sightseeing Train
This is a fun option to see Corfu Town. The train departs hourly from Pentofanaro Spianada Square and makes 4 hop-on, hop-off stops around the city.
🚗 Car Rental
I’ve rented a car every time I visited Corfu, and it’s the most flexible way to see the island. Corfu is only 40 miles long and 20 wide, so you can easily reach beaches, villages, and landmarks in a single day.
During summer (July–August), Corfu Town gets packed and parking can be difficult.
At the same time, many of the popular beaches, like Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Kassiopi, have paid parking lots, which makes things a lot easier if you’re driving.
If you want the freedom to explore, check rental car deals here.
🛥️ Shore Excursions
Of course, if you prefer exploring with a guide, a shore excursion is a great option. You’ll see the highlights without worrying about logistics.
👉 Browse top-rated Corfu tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
✈️ Airport Transfers
Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) is about 3 km (10 minutes) from the port. Bus #15 connects the airport, Old Town, and the port.
Practical Tips for Cruisers
- Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk between the port and Old Town.
- Carry cash for buses, small cafés, and markets.
- Summer months (July–August) can be hot and crowded, so plan sightseeing early in the day.
- If you only have a few hours, stick to Corfu Town and nearby sights. With a full day, consider beaches or Achilleion Palace.
🎥 Watch my YouTube video about Corfu Cruise Port, Old Town & Best Beaches!
Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide
If you’re planning more cruises in this region, check out my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook. It covers 40+ ports with insider tips on transport, excursions, and the best things to do — all in one place.
Top Things to Do in Corfu
Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO site, full of cobbled streets, Venetian houses, and small squares. If your ship is only in port for a few hours, this is where you should go.
The town lies between the New Fortress on one side and the Old Fortress on the other, with plenty to see in between.
If you’ve got more time, Corfu is also known for its green hills, small villages, and some of the best beaches in Greece.
🚶♀️ Within Walking Distance from the Cruise Port
Corfu Old Town (UNESCO)
Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the island. It’s a maze of narrow lanes, colorful Venetian houses, and lively squares filled with cafés and shops.
You’ll find elegant architecture from the Venetians, French, and British, as well as small churches tucked between the alleys.
Some of the town’s highlights include the Liston Promenade, a French-built arcade lined with cafés, and the Church of St. Spyridon, dedicated to the island’s patron saint.
On Dimarchiou Square, the Town Hall stands out as one of the island’s finest Venetian buildings, once home to the first Greek opera house.
Culture lovers can also visit the Museum of Asian Art, housed in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, or the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, which displays finds from ancient temples.
The Old Town is the perfect place to wander, pick up souvenirs, and soak up the island’s history and atmosphere.
👉 See top Corfu Old Town tours here
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 16th century on the site of an older Byzantine fort, sits on a rocky peninsula east of the Old Town.
You reach it by crossing the Contrafossa moat bridge, just a short walk from Liston and Spianada Square.
I really loved visiting this fortress, as the views are incredible! From the walls, you can see Mandraki Marina, Corfu Town, and even across to Albania.
Inside, there are several points of interest, including the Byzantine art collection, St. George’s Church, the old prison, and the British gunpowder depots.
The lighthouse at the top is the perfect spot for the best panorama.
👉 Explore Old Fortress tours here
Liston Promenade & Spianada Square
In front of the Old Fortress lies Spianada Square, the largest in Greece. It’s a lively green space with statues, monuments, and even a cricket pitch, a tradition from British times.
On the west side of the square is the Liston Promenade, built during the French occupation and modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
The arcades are lined with cafés and restaurants. I ate here twice and loved it! If you stop, I recommend trying fresh fish or kleftiko lamb at one of the traditional tavernas.
👉 Browse Liston & Spianada Square tours here
New Fortress
About 800 meters west of Spianada Square, the New Fortress rises above Corfu Town on St. Mark’s Hill. Built in 1577, it’s a massive structure of stone walls, passages, and arched chambers.
Walking through feels like stepping back in time. It’s quieter than the Old Fortress, but the views over the town and sea are just as impressive.
🏖️ Best Things to Do Around the Island
If you have more than a few hours in port and want to see beyond Corfu Town, the island has plenty to offer.
Whether you rent a car (my favorite way), join a tour, or hop on a bus, you can easily reach beaches, palaces, and mountain villages in a single day.
The Achilleion Palace
In the village of Gastouri, about 20 minutes south of the port, stands the Achilleion Palace, built in the late 19th century for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (“Sisi”).
She named it after her hero Achilles, and the neoclassical design is filled with references to Greek mythology.
The palace was her summer retreat after the death of her son and today it is open as a museum. Set on a hilltop with gardens and sea views, it’s one of the most popular sights outside Corfu Town.
👉 Check tours to Achilleion Palace here
Corfu Beaches
Corfu has beaches all around the island. The east coast is calm and great for swimming, while the west and north coasts are home to the island’s most scenic bays.
Here are some of the best ones to visit from the cruise port:
Paleokastritsa
About 30 minutes from the port, Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu’s most famous spots. The area has a mix of sandy and pebble beaches surrounded by olive groves and rocky hills.
You can also visit the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, enjoy tavernas with sea views, or take a boat trip to nearby caves.
👉 Check Paleokastritsa tours here
Glyfada Beach
Only a 30-minute drive away, Glyfada is a long stretch of golden sand with Blue Flag waters.
It’s popular with a younger crowd thanks to beach clubs and restaurants. There’s also parking nearby, which makes it easy if you’re renting a car.
👉 Explore Glyfada Beach tours here
Canal d’Amour (Sidari)
On the north coast, about 50 minutes from the port, you’ll find the Canal d’Amour, known as the “Channel of Love.”
The rock formations create coves and canals that are perfect for photos. Local legend says couples who swim here will stay together forever.
Dassia Beach
Just 15 minutes from Corfu Town, Dassia is a family-friendly beach with calm, shallow water and views across to Albania. It’s one of the closest good beaches to the cruise port.
Kassiopi Bay
A 50-minute drive to the northeast tip of Corfu, Kassiopi combines small rocky beaches with a charming fishing village atmosphere.
The marina is lined with tavernas and gelato shops, making it a lovely stop for both swimming and strolling.
Agios Georgios Beach
Located on the west coast (45 minutes from the port), Agios Georgios is a long sandy beach with plenty of cafés, tavernas, and water sports options.
Barbati Beach
About 25 minutes north of the port, Barbati is a pebble beach with crystal-clear turquoise water, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Faliraki Beach (Town Beach)
If you’re staying close to town, Faliraki is just a short walk (700 m from Spianada Square).
It’s not a classic sandy beach, but there are stairs and platforms to get into the water, plus a few bars with views of the Old Fortress.
👉 Browse Corfu beach activities here
Kanoni & Mouse Island
Just 10 minutes south of Corfu Town, Kanoni is one of the island’s most photographed spots.
Here you’ll find the Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, built on a tiny islet and connected to land by a stone pier.
From there, small boats make the 5-minute trip to Pontikonissi (Mouse Island), home to a 13th-century chapel.
The best views are from the hilltop cafés overlooking both islets, where you can also watch planes landing at nearby Corfu Airport.
👉 Check Kanoni & Mouse Island tours here
Mon Repos
About a 10-minute drive from the port, Mon Repos is a 19th-century neoclassical villa set in the forest of Palaeopolis.
It was built as a summer residence for the British Lord High Commissioner Frederick Adam and later hosted figures like Empress Elisabeth of Austria and the Greek Royal Family.
Today, it houses a small museum, and the surrounding park is open for visitors to stroll.
Paxos & Antipaxos Day Trip
A popular excursion from Corfu is a boat trip to the small islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, famous for their turquoise waters, blue caves, and unspoiled scenery.
Highlights include Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos and the charming port village of Gaios on Paxos.
👉 Browse Paxos & Antipaxos tours here
Taste the Local Food & Wine
No visit to Corfu is complete without trying the local food.
Fresh seafood, gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad with olives and feta, and warm pita with tzatziki are all staples you’ll find in tavernas. Pair your meal with a shot of ouzo or a glass of crisp Corfiot white wine.
Corfu has a long winemaking tradition, and several estates offer tastings and tours. Some of the most popular are Theotoky Estate, Goulis Winery, Livadiotis, Nicoluzo, and Ambelonas Corfu.
👉 Browse Corfu food & wine tours here
Corfu Cruise Port FAQ
❓ How far is Corfu cruise port from the Old Town?
The port is about 1.5 km (1 mile) from Corfu Old Town. You can walk in 20–25 minutes, take a taxi (around €10), or use the shuttle bus provided by some cruise lines.
❓ Can you walk into Corfu Town from the cruise port?
Yes, it’s a pleasant 20-minute coastal walk. Many cruisers choose this option if the weather is good.
❓ Are taxis available at Corfu cruise port?
Yes, taxis wait outside the terminal. A ride to the Old Town usually costs about €10 per car each way.
❓ Is there a shuttle bus from Corfu cruise port to Old Town?
Some cruise lines run a shuttle (free or for a small fee). The local blue buses (#15 and #2b) also connect the port with the Old Town. The bus stop is across the street from the terminal.
❓ What currency is used in Corfu?
Greece uses the euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for buses, cafés, and small shops.
❓ What are the best beaches near Corfu cruise port?
The closest nice beach is Dassia, just 15 minutes away. For a full-day trip, top picks include Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, and Barbati.
❓ What can you do in Corfu in one day from a cruise?
With a short stop, explore Corfu Old Town, the fortresses, and enjoy local food. If you have a full day, you can add Achilleion Palace, a beach visit, or a scenic drive around the island.
Helpful Resources for Corfu Cruise Port
🌐 Useful Websites
- Find the Corfu cruise port location on Google Maps
- Corfu Cruise Ship Schedule
- Corfu Port Authority
- Corfu Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
- Official Achilleion Palace Info
- Blue Bus Timetables (Corfu Town)
- Green Bus Routes (Island)
⚓ Other Ports Often Included in Itineraries
Planning a stop in Corfu? These ports are also common on Mediterranean cruises:
- Santorini – whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches
- Mykonos – lively Old Town and famous windmills
- Piraeus (Athens) – gateway to the Acropolis and ancient landmarks
- Civitavecchia (Rome) – access to the Eternal City
- Venice – canals, bridges, and Italian heritage
- Pula – home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters
- Argostoli – Kefalonia’s turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs
- Katakolon – entry point to Ancient Olympia
- Kusadasi – explore the ruins of Ephesus
- Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and vibrant culture
- Dubrovnik – medieval walls and Adriatic views
- Kotor – fjord-like bay and fortress climbs
- Messina – Mount Etna and the town of Taormina
- Naples – Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
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We will be in Corfu in Oct 2025. My daughter wants to see the Temple of Artemis. I am having no luck in finding any information about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi! Yes, the Temple of Artemis is located in Corfu, although only the ruins remain today. The site is near the Garitsa area, close to the airport. Some of its most important sculptures, like the Medusa pediment, are displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Corfu Town. From the cruise port, it’s easy to get there: bus line 15 connects the port and the airport area, or you can take a short taxi ride. I’ll drop the official bus link for more details! Hope this helps! https://www.corfu-airport.com/corfu-airport-bus/