Corfu Island, Greece

Corfu Cruises

Corfu — the emerald jewel of the Ionian Sea and one of the most enchanting islands of the Mediterranean. This is a place where ancient Greek mythology intertwines with Venetian fortifications, French arcades and British gardens, and the streets of the Old Town still carry the spirit of four great civilisations that ruled here over the millennia. The island lies at the far west of Greece, in the Ionian Sea, between the shores of Albania and mainland Greece — and its strategic position at the entrance to the Adriatic made Corfu a witness to most of the key maritime events of Mediterranean history.
For the cruise tourist, Corfu is not simply a stop on a route. It is an island with the only Old Town in the Ionian Islands on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 73 beaches, a palace built by an Austrian empress, and a unique phenomenon: it is the only place in Greece where cricket is officially played — a legacy of British rule. In 2025 the port of Corfu welcomed more than 894,000 cruise passengers, and more than 500 ship calls are planned for 2026. 🚢

📋 Before going ashore in Corfu, here are the key facts:
🇬🇷 Country: Greece
📍 Region: Ionian Islands (periphery)
👥 Island population: approximately 99,000 residents (2021 census); population of the capital Kerkyra — approximately 40,000
📐 Island area: 592.9 km²
📏 Dimensions: length — approximately 64 km, greatest width — approximately 32 km
🗣️ Language: Greek (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
💶 Currency: euro (EUR)
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2), in summer EEST (UTC+3) — same as Kyiv
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild wet winters (+10…+15 °C) and hot dry summers (+28…+33 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU) — 3 km from the centre of Kerkyra and 5 km from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Λιμάνι Κέρκυρας / Port of Corfu (Kerkyra)
🏛️ UNESCO Heritage: Old Town of Kerkyra (inscribed in 2007)

🏛️ History of Corfu — from Homer's Scheria to the Venetian Fortresses
⏳ Three millennia of maritime civilisation
Corfu is one of the oldest centres of maritime civilisation in the Mediterranean. The first written mention of the island dates to around 1300 BC: the Mycenaean word «ko-ro-ku-ra-i-jo» («inhabitant of Kerkyra») is preserved in Linear B tablets. Even earlier, according to ancient Greek legend, the god Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful nymph Kerkyra, daughter of the river god Asopos, and carried her off to an unnamed island to which he gave her name. Their union produced Phaeax — the ancestor of the Phaeacians. This is why Corfu has long been called the «island of the Phaeacians», and most ancient scholars identified it with Scheria — the magical island of Homer's Odyssey.
Around 775 BC, colonists from Corinth founded the settlement of Kerkyra, which quickly grew into a prosperous city-state. Kerkyra is credited with building the first warship fleet in the ancient Greek world. During the Peloponnesian War, the naval battle of 433 BC between Corfu and Corinth was, according to Thucydides, the largest sea battle between Greek city-states up to that time and served as one of the main triggers for the entire Peloponnesian War.
🏰 From Byzantium to Venice: the shield of the Adriatic
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Corfu became part of Byzantium. The island's strategic location at the entrance to the Adriatic turned it into the main bulwark against Normans, Arabs and, later, Ottomans. In 1386 the island voluntarily came under the rule of the Venetian Republic — and this chapter lasted more than 400 years, until 1797. Under the Venetian flag, Corfu endured the most dramatic moments of its medieval and early-modern history: four major Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571, 1573 and 1716 — and never once surrendered. The writer Will Durant noted that Corfu is the only part of Greece never conquered by the Ottoman Empire — and this the island owes above all to the Venetian system of fortifications.
After Napoleon dissolved the Venetian Republic in 1797, Corfu passed from France to Russia, from Russia back to France, and in 1815 became a protectorate of the British Empire. British rule (1815–1864) left behind a university, a road network, a water-supply system and architectural gems, including the Palace of Saints Michael and George. In 1864, after 49 years of British protectorate, the Ionian Islands were reunited with Greece. 🇬🇷

⚓ The Port of Corfu — Gateway to the Adriatic
📊 Port structure and infrastructure
The cruise port of Corfu — official name Λιμάνι Κέρκυρας — is located in Nea Limani («New Port»), on the eastern coast of the island. It serves as both a cruise and a ferry terminal, connecting Corfu with the Ionian Islands, mainland Greece and the Adriatic ports of Italy. The port is managed by the state joint-stock company OLKE S.A., under the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP).
Port technical specifications: 7 berths, total length — 2,240 metres, depth — 8–11 metres; 2 passenger terminals; check-in desks (7 counters), information kiosks, medical post, free Wi-Fi, ATM, duty-free shops, car rental desks.
In 2025–2026 the Port of Corfu Administration (OLKE) is actively implementing a modernisation programme: expanding passenger areas, separating cruise and ferry passenger flows, installing new digital check-in systems. In 2026 the port received four Tourism Awards, including two gold ones — for infrastructure modernisation and contribution to the local economy. ✨
🚢 How many ships does the port accommodate
The port of Corfu is a year-round cruise hub — the first in the Ionian Islands to systematically overcome seasonal dependence. In 2025 the port welcomed 894,179 cruise passengers and approximately 479 ship calls. More than 500 ship calls are planned for 2026. New cruise sailings in 2026 began as early as 2 January — a strong start to the year.
🏢 Which cruise companies call at Corfu
Corfu features on the itineraries of the world's leading cruise lines: MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Explora Journeys, Viking Ocean Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Windstar Cruises and many others. The island is a standard call in Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. 🌍

💡 Interesting facts about Corfu
Getting to know the island better starts with a few non-obvious details:
🏏 Corfu is the only place in Greece where cricket is played. This sport, unusual for Greece, was brought by the British during the protectorate (1815–1864), and took hold so firmly that the Greek Cricket Federation is based here rather than in Athens.
🧅 The name «Corfu» is Venetian. The island's own name is Kerkyra (Κέρκυρα). «Corfu» arose from the Venetian pronunciation of the Byzantine word «Koryphō» (Κορυφώ) — «city of peaks», referring to the two hills on which the Venetian citadels stand.
🏛️ The Old Town of Kerkyra is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Ionian Islands. It was inscribed in 2007 as an outstanding example of a fortified Mediterranean port city that has preserved the authenticity of its Venetian system of fortifications.
🌿 Corfu is the greenest island in Greece. The Ionian Sea brings the island significantly more rainfall than most Aegean islands, so Corfu is covered in lush olive groves: the island is home to approximately 4 million olive trees.
👑 The Austrian empress built her favourite palace here. Sisi — Elisabeth of Austria — commissioned the Achilleion Palace in 1889 and considered Corfu her spiritual sanctuary. She left the island for the last time in 1898 — and that same year was assassinated in Geneva.
🎵 The Corfu Philharmonic Society is the oldest in Greece, founded in 1840. Thanks to it, Corfu earned a reputation as the «music capital of Greece»: dozens of open-air concerts are held here every year.
🚢 Corfu is the only part of Greece never conquered by the Ottoman Empire. The Venetian fortifications withstood four major sieges, making the island a true shield of the Adriatic.
🗺️ The island was used as a filming location for Casino Royale (2006). Villa «Damas» in Dassia served as one of the locations for the James Bond film.

📍 Corfu's top sights — must-see for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's stay in Corfu typically lasts 7 to 12 hours, so it is important to choose your priorities in advance. A detailed list with addresses, prices and opening hours can be found in the «Sights & Attractions» section; below is a brief overview of the island's key locations.
🏰 Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) — a medieval citadel on an artificial island, cut off from the city by the Venetian canal Contrafossa. One of the most photogenic structures in the Ionian Islands, with panoramic views of the town and the sea.
🏯 New Fortress (Neo Frourio) — a monumental Venetian fortress of the 16th–17th centuries on a hill above the city. Built after the first major Ottoman siege of 1537 to strengthen the island's defences.
🕌 Church of Saint Spyridon — the island's main shrine and arguably the most visited church in Greece. It houses the relics of the island's patron saint, which according to tradition wear out shoes every year — so the saint's shoes are replaced twice a year. The relic maintains a temperature of 36.6 °C to this day.
🛍️ Liston Street and Spianada Square — the heart of Kerkyra. The Liston is a colonnade built by the French in the style of the Parisian Rue de Rivoli. Spianada Square — one of the largest in Greece — is lined with cafés where cricket and coffee exist side by side. ☕
👑 Achilleion Palace — a neoclassical palace of Austrian Empress Sisi, built in 1889 in the village of Gastouri, 10 km from the city. Gardens with statues of Achilles, sea-view terraces and a rich museum collection.
🌊 Paleokastritsa — considered the most beautiful bay on Corfu and perhaps in all of Greece. Crystal-clear water, a cluster of picturesque coves, a 12th-century cliff-top monastery and sea caves accessible by boat.
🏛️ Palace of Saints Michael and George — a neoclassical palace from the British period of rule, 1819. Today it houses the Asian Art and Numismatic Museums of Corfu.
🏺 Archaeological Museum of Corfu — one of the most important in Greece. It preserves the unique Gorgon Pediment from the Temple of Artemis (590 BC) — one of the oldest surviving sculptural ensembles of ancient Greek art.

✨ Why choose a cruise that calls at Corfu
Corfu is a rare island where every type of traveller will find something for themselves.
First, unrivalled cultural depth: the only city in the Ionian Islands protected by UNESCO, more than 3,000 years of continuous maritime and urban history. ⛵
Second, nature: the island is considered the greenest in Greece, with 73 beaches of every character — from urban strips to wild rocky coves at Paleokastritsa. 🌿
Third, logistics: the port is 1.5–2 km from the Old Town, which is compact and entirely pedestrian, with free Wi-Fi throughout. Even with only 6–7 hours in port, Corfu will manage to surprise you. 📸

The cruise specialists of Four Gates Group will help you select the ideal ship and itinerary calling at Corfu, arrange transfers and shore excursions, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises and other leading lines. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Corfu

Corfu is one of Greece's most convenient islands for cruise passengers: the airport is just 4–5 km from the port, the Old Town is literally a 10–20-minute walk from the piers, and the island itself is compact and well served by transport. Cruise ships berth at Nea Limani («New Port») — the island's main maritime hub, which also functions as an international ferry terminal. Below is a proven step-by-step guide covering all transfer options, current prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Exactly where is the Corfu cruise port
The port of Corfu is located on the eastern coast of the island, in immediate proximity to the capital, Kerkyra (Corfu Town). The complex has two separate passenger terminals approximately 600 metres apart:

⚓ International Terminal (Neo Limani — New Port) — the main cruise terminal where all large ships berth, as well as ferries to Albania (Saranda, Himara) and Italy (Brindisi, Bari, Ancona):
• OLKE Passenger Terminal — the main terminal with 7 check-in desks, information kiosks, ATM, Wi-Fi, duty-free shop and car rental desks
• 📌 GPS address: Eth. Antistaseos 24, Kerkyra 491 00, Greece
• 🚶 Distance to the Old Town: approximately 1.5–2 km (from the terminal entrance); 20–25 minutes on foot along the waterfront

⚓ Domestic Terminal (Old Port) — located closer to the city centre. Serves ferries to mainland Greece (Igoumenitsa, Patras) and local routes. Cruise ships do not normally berth here.
• 📌 Address: Near the New Fortress, Kerkyra centre

❗ Important: free shuttle buses operate within the port between the ship's berth and the passenger terminal. Your ship's exact berth is always stated in the cruise voucher — verify it 48 hours before arrival in port.

✈️ From Corfu Airport (CFU) to the cruise terminal
Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU) is the island's only airport, located just 3 km from the centre of Kerkyra and 4–5 km from the cruise terminal. Flights arrive here from major European hubs including Warsaw, Vienna, Frankfurt and Istanbul. The journey to the port takes 10 to 20 minutes.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
Official Corfu taxis have a distinctive blue colour. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal. Always join the queue — this is a mandatory rule for Greek taxis.
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Approximate fare to the port: EUR 15–20
• Payment: mainly cash; not all drivers accept cards
• Operating hours: 24/7
• Important: the first cars in the taxi queue may be reserved for island tours — if you need a short ride, walk further along the queue
💡 Four Gates tip: agree on the price before getting in — some drivers may try to overcharge. Corfu operates a fixed fare schedule, so don't hesitate to ask.

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling with family or a group, or have a lot of luggage, this is the optimal choice. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name board and take you directly to the terminal at a fixed price, with no queuing or bargaining.
• Cost: from EUR 25–35 for a saloon car (1–3 persons), from EUR 45–60 for a minivan (4–8 persons)
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, terminal meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, no waiting
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚌 City bus (Blue Line No. 15) — budget option
Direct bus service between the airport and the port is provided by Blue City Bus No. 15. The route passes through the city centre — San Rocco Square.
• Journey time: 20–25 minutes (airport → port)
• Fare: EUR 1.20 (ticket from a stop machine or vending machine); EUR 1.80 (cash ticket from the driver)
• Frequency: approximately every 30–60 minutes (more frequent in summer)
• Important: luggage space is limited; buses are crowded during peak season
⚠️ Note: if your flight arrives late at night or very early in the morning, we recommend taking a taxi or a pre-booked transfer.

⛴️ By ferry from mainland Greece or Italy
If you are planning a package trip or want to combine your cruise with a visit to Greece or the Adriatic, Corfu is excellently served by ferry routes:

🇬🇷 From mainland Greece:
• Igoumenitsa → Corfu: crossing ~45 minutes; several departures daily; operators — ANEK Lines, Kerkyra Lines
• Patras → Corfu: night or day ferry, approximately 6–7 hours
• Fare: from EUR 10–15 per person (foot passenger) one way

🇮🇹 From Italy:
• Brindisi / Bari / Ancona → Corfu: direct ferries by several operators (Grimaldi Lines, Endeavour Lines). Duration: 5–9 hours depending on the route
• Fare: from EUR 40–80 per person depending on class and season
💡 All ferries arrive directly at the Nea Limani International Terminal — the same one used by cruise ships.

🏙️ From Kerkyra city centre to the cruise terminal
If you have spent the night or a few days at a hotel in town, several convenient options exist for reaching the piers:

🚕 Taxi from the hotel — EUR 8–12 depending on the district. Quick (5–10 minutes), convenient with luggage. Taxis in Kerkyra can be hailed on the street or found at the rank near San Rocco Square.

🚶 On foot along the waterfront — the most pleasant option without heavy luggage:
• Distance: approximately 2 km from the Old Town
• Time: 20–25 minutes
• Route: exit the terminal on the left and walk straight along the sea — a flat, straight road with water views
• Recommended in the morning or evening; in the scorching midday heat, opt for transport

🚌 City bus (Blue Lines) — the cheapest option:
• Routes No. 15 and No. 16/17 stop directly in the cruise terminal car park
• Boarding point: San Rocco Square (Kerkyra centre) — all Blue city buses depart from here
• Journey time: 10–15 minutes
• Fare: EUR 1.20–1.80 (cash to the driver or ticket from a stop machine)
• Frequency: every 15–30 minutes

🚌 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off (open-top double-decker bus) — the most popular option among cruise tourists:
• Stop: at the main port entrance (Corfu New Port — Main Gate), 350 metres from the terminal exit
• Routes: Kanoni Line (Kanoni, Mouse Island Pontikonisi, Mon Repos Palace, Old Town) and Achilleion Line (Old Town, Achilleion Palace in Gastouri)
• Cost: from EUR 16 per day (ticket valid for 24 hours)
• Frequency: every 15–20 minutes
• Operating hours: 09:00–20:00; on days of cruise ship calls — until 30 minutes before your ship's departure
• Audio guide: 8 languages, including Greek and English
• Payment: cash or mobile voucher (QR code)
⚠️ Note: the Achilleion Line operates only until 12:30. Plan your visit to the Achilleion Palace for the morning.

🚗 By private car — parking near the port
If you are arriving at the port by your own or a hired car, official car parks are available near the terminals:

🅿️ OLKE Car Park (at the cruise terminal) — closest to the passenger terminal:
• Address: Eth. Antistaseos 24, Kerkyra
• Cost: approximately EUR 20–25 per day (confirm on the OLKE.GR website)
• Operating hours: 06:00–17:00 on days of ship calls
• Security: present

🅿️ City car parks near the port — more budget-friendly options a 5–10-minute walk away:
• Car park near the New Fortress: convenient for a quick drop-off — unload passengers and leave
• Waterfront car park (Eth. Antistaseos street): paid on-street parking, EUR 1–2 per hour
💡 Tip: during peak season (June–August) parking near the port may be difficult due to high ship traffic. Book a space in advance or use the car rental desk inside the terminal — far less congestion on departure than in the city centre.

🛣️ GPS route: set your navigation to Eth. Antistaseos 24, Kerkyra 491 00 — this is the main entrance to the New Port international terminal.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Corfu's cruise terminal is adapted for passengers with disabilities:
✅ The passenger terminal is equipped with ramps and designated areas for passengers with special needs
✅ The free intra-port shuttle between the berths and the terminal is accessible for passengers with reduced mobility
✅ Adapted taxis for passengers with disabilities can be arranged through local radio taxi services — inform the dispatcher of your requirement in advance
✅ Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing (Kanoni Line) is partially accessible for passengers with reduced mobility on the lower deck — confirm when booking
✅ Notify your cruise company of any special needs in advance — terminal staff will provide individual assistance

⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Most cruise companies open check-in desks 3–4 hours before the ship's departure. Recommended arrival times:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity: at your assigned check-in time (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Explora Journeys, Hapag-Lloyd, Seabourn (luxury segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure. Missing it means watching the ship leave without you. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.

💡 Expert tips from Four Gates Group
After years of working with Corfu, our cruise specialists have compiled a set of tips that will save you time, money and stress:

🌅 Arrive the day before your cruise. Even a 2–3-hour flight delay can cost you your entire cruise — ships do not wait. Corfu is worth at least one night before departure; an evening stroll through the Old Town's lanes is itself a reason to come early.

💼 Book your transfer in advance. During peak summer days, the taxi queue at the airport can be 30–40 minutes long. A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price and zero waiting.

💶 Carry cash. Not all taxis and small shops in Corfu accept cards. Keep EUR 20–30 in small notes for buses and unexpected expenses.

🎒 Leave luggage at the hotel until boarding. If you arrive in the morning but boarding isn't until afternoon, most Kerkyra hotels will store your bags for free even after check-out. This gives you a few hours to explore the city unencumbered.

🚕 When leaving the terminal, walk to the end of the taxi queue. The first cars in line are usually reserved for island tour excursions. For a short ride to the centre, walk to the far end of the rank.

📱 Download apps in advance: Google Maps with an offline Corfu map; Google Translate with the Greek language pack — not all signs are in English. Uber does not operate in Corfu — only local taxis and private transfers are available.

🏖️ Planning a beach day or Paleokastritsa? The Green Bus A9 to Paleokastritsa departs from a stop a 15-minute walk from San Rocco Square. In July and August it fills up very quickly — book your ticket online or arrive early.

🏨 Choose a hotel in or near the Old Town. It is 5–10 minutes on foot or a 5-minute taxi ride to the port — convenient both before and after the cruise.

📞 Useful contacts
Port of Corfu Administration (OLKE S.A.): +30 2661 039 000
Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport (CFU): +30 2661 089 600
Kerkyra Radio Taxi: +30 2661 033 812
City Sightseeing Corfu (Hop-On Hop-Off): city-sightseeing.com/corfu
Emergency services Greece: 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (for clients):
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53

The logistics of a Corfu cruise are simpler than they first appear. The airport is close by, the Old Town is a walkable distance from the piers, and the island's size makes it perfect for independent exploration without a hire car. The Four Gates Group cruise experts assist our clients at every stage — from choosing the right flight to Corfu to arranging a private transfer with a meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager and your Corfu cruise will begin without a moment's stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Corfu Sights & Attractions: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers

Corfu is an island where every street tells its own story. Here you will find the only Old Town in the Ionian Islands on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Venetian fortresses that withstood four Ottoman sieges, a palace built by an Austrian empress and beaches considered among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. For a cruise passenger with 7–10 hours in port, the key is choosing the right itinerary. Below is a tried-and-tested guide to the key sights, with current 2025–2026 prices, opening hours and precise directions from the Nea Limani cruise terminal to each attraction. 🎯

🏰 1. Old Fortress — Palaio Frourio
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Old Fortress is not merely Corfu's top landmark — it is one of the most remarkable examples of Venetian fortification engineering in the Mediterranean. The Venetians turned a natural promontory into an island by cutting the artificial channel Contrafossa — a seawater moat that still separates the citadel from the city today. Entering the fortress across its 60-metre iron bridge is itself a sight worth savouring. ✨
🔹 Above the main gate is the marble Lion of Saint Mark, symbol of the Venetian Republic — silent testimony that this land served as the «gateway to Venice» for four centuries.
🔹 The fortress withstood four major Ottoman sieges — in 1537, 1571, 1573 and 1716. Not one of them succeeded. The writer Will Durant called Corfu «the only part of Greece never conquered by the Ottoman Empire».
🔹 Inside the citadel stands the Church of Saint George — a unique neoclassical structure in the Doric style, built by the British in 1840. It stands in striking contrast to the Venetian walls yet fits seamlessly into the ensemble.
🔹 From the highest point of the fortress there is a panoramic view of Kerkyra, the Ionian Sea and the Albanian coastline, visible to the naked eye on a clear day.
🔹 The fortress grounds house the Corfu Archives, part of the Ionian University, a café and a restaurant in Mandraki.

📜 History:
The first fortification on this promontory appeared in the 6th century, when the Goths forced the inhabitants of an ancient settlement onto the rocky headland. The Byzantines strengthened the fortress, and the Venetian Republic, acquiring the island in 1386, almost completely rebuilt and expanded it. Venetian military engineers developed a system of fortifications here that was later recognised as a benchmark of defensive architecture of the era. After Venice, the fortress was occupied successively by the French, Russians, British and finally the Greeks. In 1864 Corfu, together with all the Ionian Islands, was reunited with Greece.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 20–25 minutes along the waterfront. Exit the port on the left and walk straight along the sea. The fortress is visible from a distance — you cannot miss it
• City bus (Blue Line No. 15): to the Spianada stop → 2-minute walk to the entrance. Fare EUR 1.20–1.80
• Taxi: 8–10 minutes, EUR 8–12. Address: Paleo Frourio, Corfu Town

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Adults: EUR 6
• EU students, EU seniors over 60: EUR 2
• Under-18s, people with disabilities: free
• Combined city ticket (Old Fortress + several museums): EUR 15, valid 3 days
• Summer hours (April–October): daily 08:00–20:00
• Winter hours (November–March): daily 08:30–15:30
⚠️ IMPORTANT: tickets are purchased on-site at the ticket booth. Online pre-booking is available through some platforms, but queues are small even in peak season. Wear sturdy footwear: the climb to the top is steep and the surface uneven. Bring water. 👟

🏯 2. New Fortress — Neo Frourio
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The paradox of the New Fortress is that it is the last major Venetian structure on the island and simultaneously the least tourist-frequented of Kerkyra's attractions. Those who make the effort are rewarded with the best elevated viewpoint over the rooftops of the Old Town — a perspective you will find nowhere else.
🔹 The fortress was built in 1572 — immediately after the first major Ottoman siege of 1537, which demonstrated that the Old Castle alone was insufficient to defend the island. Construction took less than 30 years — exceptional speed for a project of this scale.
🔹 The main gate features another Lion of Saint Mark — but this one holds an open book, signifying peaceful intent. A detail noticed only by those who pause to look.
🔹 The fortress is far less visited than the Old Fortress, making it ideal for those wishing to avoid the crowds.
🔹 Every summer, exhibitions of contemporary art and cultural events are held in the fortress's halls and courtyards.

📜 History:
The New Fortress was built by the Venetian Republic after the first major siege of 1537 exposed the island's vulnerability. The military architect Michele Sanmicheli designed a system of walls, bastions and posterns that was later studied by military engineers across Europe. The fortress successfully withstood the sieges of 1571 and 1716. In the 19th century the British administration carried out partial reconstruction. It is currently under joint management of the Greek Navy and the Municipality of Corfu.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 15–20 minutes. Straight along the waterfront, turn left before the Old Port — the fortress will be in front of you
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, EUR 7–10. Address: Neo Frourio, Corfu Town

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Summer hours (April–October): daily except Tuesday, 08:30–15:30
• Winter hours (November–March): CLOSED
• Admission: free (on operating days)
⚠️ Tip: if your time is limited, combine the New Fortress with a stroll through the Old Town — they are close to each other.

⛪ 3. Church of Saint Spyridon (Agios Spyridonas)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Church of Saint Spyridon is the island's principal shrine and one of the most visited places of worship in all of Greece. Its crimson bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands — and the very first landmark to appear on the horizon as your ship enters Kerkyra harbour. 🔔
🔹 The four «worn-out» shoes: by local tradition, the saint's relics are given new shoes twice a year, because the shoes in which he «walks» wear out. This is no mere legend — museum staff have genuinely found signs of wear on the soles of the relics.
🔹 The feast of Saint Spyridon is celebrated four times a year (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, 11 August, first Sunday of November) — and each time the relics in their silver sarcophagus are carried in solemn procession through the streets of Kerkyra. If your cruise coincides with one of these days, you are in for something unique. 🎊
🔹 The temperature of the saint's relics is, by all accounts, a constant 36.6 °C.
🔹 Saint Spyridon is said to have saved the island four times: from famine in 1533, plague in 1629 and 1673, and an Ottoman siege in 1716.
🔹 The church was built in 1590 in the Venetian architectural style. Inside: a lavishly painted ceiling, a gilded iconostasis and countless oil lamps.

📜 History:
Saint Spyridon (AD 270–348) was a bishop from Cyprus who participated in the First Council of Nicaea in 325. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, his relics were transferred to Corfu, where they remain to this day. From the very beginning the islanders treated them as a living protector — and each «deliverance» of the island only strengthened that belief. The church was built specifically to house the relics and has never changed its purpose since.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 25–30 minutes along the waterfront, then into the Old Town. The church is among the first prominent buildings you will see; the tower is visible from a distance
• City bus No. 15: to San Rocco Square → 5-minute walk. EUR 1.20–1.80
• Taxi: 8–10 minutes, EUR 8–12. Address: Agiou Spyridonos, Corfu Town

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Admission: free. Donations welcome
• Opening hours: daily 07:00–20:00
👕 Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Wraps are usually available at the entrance for those who need them.

🛍️ 4. Liston Street and Spianada Square (Liston & Spianada)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Spianada is the largest square in Greece and by some estimates one of the largest public squares in the Balkans. During the Venetian period more than 300 houses were demolished here to give the fortress a clear field of fire. The freed space became the heart of city life. 🌿
🔹 The Liston is an elegant arcaded promenade built by French governor Mathieu de Lesseps between 1807 and 1814, modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It is one of the few surviving legacies of French rule, preserved almost unchanged.
🔹 The name «Liston» (Lista d'Oro) derives from the «Golden Book» — the Venetian register of nobles who alone were permitted to promenade here. Today anyone can sit and enjoy a coffee. ☕
🔹 Spianada has the only cricket pitch in Greece — a legacy of British rule that is still in active use. Regular matches are played from May to October.
🔹 The romantic two-wheeled «phiton» (phaeton) horse-drawn carriage still makes its rounds on Spianada — one of the very few corners of Greece where this tradition has survived. 🐎

📜 History:
Spianada Square came into being during the Venetian period, when residential blocks between the fortress and the city were demolished for the citadel's security. During the Napoleonic era the French laid out the arcaded promenade; the British in the 19th century added their own mark — the Maitland Monument and the cricket lawn. Since 1864 the square has been a symbol of the Greek Ionian Islands.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 20–25 minutes along the waterfront to the Old Town; the square is immediately in front of the Old Fortress
• City bus No. 15: alight at the Spianada stop. EUR 1.20–1.80
• Taxi: EUR 8–12, 8–10 minutes

💶 Admission:
• Strolling along the Liston and Spianada: free
• Coffee on the Liston terrace: EUR 3–5
• Phaeton ride: from EUR 15–20 per circuit (agree price with the driver)

👑 5. Achilleion Palace
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Achilleion is not simply a palace. It is the materialised dream of a lonely woman who ruled a vast empire but sought refuge from it. Austrian Empress Elisabeth — Sisi — commissioned this neoclassical palace in 1889, one year after the tragic death of her only son Crown Prince Rudolf, and immersed herself entirely in ancient Greek mythology. 🏛️
🔹 The palace is named after Achilles — Sisi's favourite hero. She was drawn to his tragic invincibility and his premonition of imminent death. The gardens are adorned with statues of Achilles by different sculptors: the «Dying Achilles» (by Danish sculptor Ernst Herter) and the monumental 11-metre «Triumphant Achilles», installed during the time of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
🔹 After Sisi's assassination in Geneva in 1898 the palace stood empty for some years; in 1907 it was purchased by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Secret diplomatic meetings took place here on the eve of the First World War.
🔹 «Bond scenes»: in 1980 part of the film For Your Eyes Only was filmed here — the casino scene.
🔹 The gardens are set on a hillside with a breathtaking view of Kerkyra Bay and the Ionian Sea — one of the most beautiful vistas on the island. 🌅

📜 History:
Sisi first visited Corfu in 1861 and fell irrevocably in love with the island. After her son's death she began searching for a secluded retreat away from court protocol. Choosing a hill in Gastouri 10 km from the capital, she commissioned the palace in the neoclassical style from Italian architect Raffaele Carito. Sisi visited the palace for the last time in 1897 — and according to legend a mirror cracked before her departure. A year later she was assassinated. Today a state museum occupies the building.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes, EUR 20–30. Address: Gastouri, Corfu (10 km from Kerkyra centre)
• City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off (Achilleion Line): stop directly at the main entrance. Ticket from EUR 16 per day. ⚠️ The Achilleion Line operates only until 12:30 — plan your visit for the morning
• City bus: route No. 10 from Psychiatreio Square (1 minute's walk from San Rocco Square) → stop at the entrance. Fare EUR 1.80

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Adults (general admission): EUR 7
• Concession (students 6–18, seniors 67+, groups of 10+): EUR 5
• Children under 6, people with disabilities: free
• Opening hours: daily 08:00–20:00 (summer)
⚠️ Note: the interior museum may be partially or fully closed for restoration. Check the current status before visiting at achillion-corfu.gr. In 2025 the interiors were closed; the gardens and exterior remained open.
💡 Tip: even if the museum is closed, the gardens with their viewing terraces and statues are worth the visit in their own right.

🌊 6. Paleokastritsa and the Monastery of the Virgin Mary
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Paleokastritsa is, by the verdict of most tourists and the Corfiots themselves, the most beautiful spot on the island. Rocky headlands, six crystal-clear coves, a picturesque 12th–13th-century cliff-top monastery and sea caves accessible by rubber dinghy. 🌊
🔹 The ancient Greek scholar Strabo believed Paleokastritsa to be the legendary Scheria of Homer's Odyssey — the island of the Phaeacians where Odysseus met Nausicaa. This theory still lives on among local residents. 📖
🔹 The sea caves — a network of grottos at the foot of the cliffs, in some of which the water takes on an incredible blue hue from reflected sunlight. They can be reached only by small rowing or motor boats hired directly from the beach.
🔹 The Monastery of the Theotokos (Μονή Θεοτόκου) was founded in 1225. It has been destroyed three times and rebuilt three times. The small monastery museum holds a unique exhibit — the skeleton of a whale caught by local fishermen in the 19th century. 🐋
🔹 Paleokastritsa regularly appears in international travel publications' lists of the «most beautiful coastal spots in the Mediterranean».

📜 History:
The first monks arrived here in the 12th century, drawn by the solitude of the headland. The monastery was repeatedly destroyed by Normans, Genoese and Ottomans and each time rebuilt from scratch. The current church building dates from the 18th century. The British administration used the monastery as a military hospital in the 19th century. The road from Kerkyra to Paleokastritsa was originally laid by the Romans — and modern tourists travel the same route.

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Green Bus A9 (intercity): departs from the Green Bus station (15 minutes' walk from San Rocco Square). Journey time ~45 minutes, fare EUR 2.50. In July and August seats may run out — it is best to book online in advance or arrive early
• Taxi: 30–35 minutes, EUR 35–45 one way
• Organised tour: City Sightseeing does not go to Paleokastritsa. Many operators offer combined «Paleokastritsa + Old Kerkyra» tours for EUR 25–40

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Monastery admission: free. Donations welcome
• Monastery opening hours: daily 07:00–13:00 and 15:00–20:00 (closed 13:00–15:00 every day!)
• Boat hire to the caves: EUR 10–15 per hour (negotiate on the beach)
👕 Monastery dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Wraps are usually provided free at the entrance.
⚠️ Note: if you travel by Green Bus A9, keep a close eye on the time to avoid missing your return to port. Allow at least 1.5 hours' buffer.

🏛️ 7. Palace of Saints Michael and George & Museum of Asian Art
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The imposing neoclassical palace at the edge of Spianada Square is the most prominent architectural legacy of British rule on Corfu. It now houses Greece's unique Museum of Asian Art — one of the finest in Southern Europe. 🎎
🔹 The museum's collection numbers approximately 15,000 objects from ancient China, Japan, India, Tibet, Thailand and Korea: porcelain, ivory and wood carvings, samurai swords, Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Buddhist sculptures.
🔹 The building was erected in 1819 for Sir Thomas Maitland — the first British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. It served as a parliament, a law court and the commissioner's official residence.
🔹 A dedicated room recreates the atmosphere of an aristocratic Regency-era household, with furniture, clothing and domestic objects of the 19th century. 🏡

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• The same routes as for the Liston (on foot 20–25 min, bus No. 15, taxi EUR 8–12). The palace is at the edge of Spianada, directly in front of the Old Fortress

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Adults: EUR 6
• Students, EU seniors 60+: EUR 3
• Under-18s: free
• Summer hours (April–October): daily except Monday, 08:30–15:30
• Winter hours (November–March): check the official website
💡 Tip: a visit to the Museum of Asian Art combines perfectly with a stroll through the Old Town — they are just a few minutes' walk apart.

🏺 8. Archaeological Museum of Corfu
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Archaeological Museum of Corfu is one of the most important ancient-world museums in the region. Its prize exhibit is the massive Gorgon Pediment (590 BC) from the Temple of Artemis, which occupies an entire hall. It is the oldest surviving stone pediment of an ancient Greek temple in the world — a discovery that rewrote the textbooks on ancient Greek architecture. 🏺
🔹 The Gorgon Medusa on the pediment is depicted in a terrifyingly realistic style: tongue lolling, snakes in her hair and around her waist, with her winged sons Chrysaor and Pegasus at her sides. The original vivid colouring has almost entirely disappeared, but the sculptural form is in magnificent condition.
🔹 When the pediment was unearthed in 1911, it became a world-class sensation: the find predated all other known examples of architectural sculpture by a considerable margin.
🔹 The museum also holds the Lion of Menecrates (600 BC) — one of the best-preserved archaic sculptures in Greece — and marble portrait heads of Menander and Thucydides. 🦁

🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• On foot: 25–30 minutes (slightly further than the Old Fortress)
• Taxi: 8–10 minutes, EUR 8–12. Address: Armeni Vraila 1, Corfu Town

💶 Admission and opening hours:
• Adults: EUR 6
• EU students, EU seniors 60+: EUR 3
• Under-18s: free
• Summer hours (April–October): daily except Tuesday, 08:30–20:00
• Winter hours (November–March): daily except Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 08:30–15:30

🎨 9. Other attractions worth visiting
• 🕍 Jewish Quarter (Evraiki) — one of the oldest Jewish quarters in Greece (15th century). The old synagogue is still active. Free entry; visitors are welcomed at agreed times
• 🦉 Kapodistrias House Museum (Casa Parlante) — an interactive reconstruction of a 19th-century noble household, with wax figures recreating the daily life of an aristocratic family. EUR 7–10
• 🌿 Kantounia lanes and the Campiello quarter — the most «Venetian» part of the Old Town, with narrow alleyways so tight that neighbours on opposite balconies can almost shake hands. Strolling is free
• 🐦 Mouse Island — Pontikonisi — a tiny islet with a white chapel amid cypress trees, rising from the sea in Kanoni Bay. Reachable by ferry from Cape Kanoni (EUR 1.50–2). This is reportedly where Arnold Böcklin found inspiration for his painting «Isle of the Dead»
• 🏖️ Vlacherna Monastery (Panagia Vlacherna) — a small white chapel on a tiny islet right at the shore in Kanoni. The most photographed sight on Corfu. Ferry EUR 1.50
• 🫒 Olive Oil Museum in Kinopiastes — if you are planning a trip to the west of the island. Free entry, tasting included
• 🏄 Glyfada Beach — the best beach option within 30 minutes of the port. Golden sand, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, several tavernas. Taxi EUR 25–30 one way or Green Bus EUR 2.50

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Corfu Itineraries for an 8–9-Hour Port Call
A cruise stop in Corfu typically lasts 7–10 hours. With good planning you can realistically see 2–4 top sights. Below are three options depending on budget and interests.

🥉 Itinerary 1. Budget — under EUR 20 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: EUR 20–25 + food

🕘 09:00 — Leave the cruise terminal
Take city bus No. 15 (EUR 1.80) → Spianada stop.

🕘 09:20–10:30 — Church of Saint Spyridon and the Old Town
Free. Enter the church, explore the kantounia alleyways, San Rocco Square.

🕙 10:30–11:00 — Liston and Spianada
Coffee under the arcades (EUR 3–4), cricket ground, view of the Old Fortress. Free.

🕦 11:00–13:00 — Old Fortress (EUR 6)
Climb to the lighthouse, Church of Saint George, panorama of the bay and Albania.

🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch at an Old Town taverna
Pastitsada or pastitsio with wine — from EUR 10–15. Try the side streets off the Liston: prices are half what they are on the waterfront.

🕝 14:00–16:30 — Free time and shopping
Shops selling kumquat products, olive oil and jewellery in the Old Town.

🕟 16:30–17:00 — Return to the terminal by bus or on foot

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Bus return: EUR 3.60
• Old Fortress: EUR 6
• Coffee: EUR 3–4
• Lunch: EUR 10–15
💸 TOTAL: EUR 22–29 per person (excluding shopping)

🥈 Itinerary 2. Balanced — nature and culture
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: EUR 70–90 per person

🕘 08:30 — First bus to Paleokastritsa
Green Bus A9 from the Green Bus station (EUR 2.50) — at 08:30 or 09:00.

🕙 09:30–11:30 — Paleokastritsa
Monastery of the Virgin Mary (free), walk along the headland, photos; optional boat hire to the sea caves (EUR 12–15).

🕚 11:30–12:30 — Return to Kerkyra by Green Bus A9 (EUR 2.50)

🕧 12:30–14:00 — Lunch on the Liston or in the Campiello quarter
EUR 15–20.

🕐 14:00–15:30 — Old Fortress (EUR 6)
Climb to the summit, panoramic view, Church of Saint George.

🕝 15:30–16:30 — Liston, Church of Saint Spyridon, Campiello quarter
Free.

🕞 16:30–17:00 — Return to port (bus EUR 1.80 or taxi EUR 10)

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Green Bus A9 return: EUR 5
• Boat hire (Paleokastritsa): EUR 12–15
• Old Fortress: EUR 6
• Lunch: EUR 15–20
• Bus back: EUR 1.80
💸 TOTAL: EUR 40–48 per person

🥇 Itinerary 3. Premium — private guided tour from EUR 200 for two
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: EUR 300–450 for two (EUR 150–225 per person)

🏆 What is included:
• ✅ Private driver with a name board meeting you at the ship's gangway
• ✅ Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for the full day
• ✅ Achilleion Palace with gardens and sea-view terraces
• ✅ Paleokastritsa — monastery and sea caves (boat trip included)
• ✅ Old Fortress of Kerkyra (ticket included)
• ✅ Walk through the Old Town — Liston, Spianada, Church of Saint Spyridon
• ✅ Lunch at a traditional taverna with Corfiot dishes (pastitsada, bourdeto, sopressata)
• ✅ Guaranteed return to the ship on time

To book, contact your cruise manager or reach us through any convenient channel:

Phone:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53

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🕘 08:30 — Driver meets you at the terminal

🕘 09:00–10:30 — Achilleion Palace
Gardens, statues, sea-view terraces. If the museum is open — full interior tour.

🕚 10:30–12:30 — Paleokastritsa
Monastery of the Virgin Mary, sea caves by boat, photos of the crystal-clear coves.

🕧 12:30–14:00 — Lunch at a sea-view restaurant in Paleokastritsa or on the way back

🕝 14:30–16:00 — Old Kerkyra: fortress, Liston, Church of Saint Spyridon
Private walking tour: narrow lanes, kumquat market stalls, waterfront promenade.

🕟 16:30 — Return to the ship

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private driver for 9 hours (car): from EUR 180
• Admission tickets (Achilleion + Old Fortress): EUR 13
• Boat hire (Paleokastritsa): EUR 12–15 for two
• Lunch: EUR 30–40 for two
💸 TOTAL: from EUR 235–250 for two (~EUR 120–125 per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group organises private Corfu excursions with licensed drivers, transfer from the ship's gangway and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Corfu will be perfectly tailored to your tastes. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to know before going ashore
🕐 All aboard rule: return to the ship 60–90 minutes before departure. If you are late the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport and your cruise card (Ship Card).
💶 Cash: keep EUR 30–50 in cash for small expenses — not all taxis and small shops accept cards.
👟 Footwear: comfortable shoes only. The Old Town has cobblestones and gradients. For the Old Fortress, closed-toe shoes with a non-slip sole are essential.
☀️ Sun protection: Corfu is the greenest island in Greece, but the sun is fierce. Hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen are essential in summer.
🌡️ Water: in peak summer months temperatures reach +33 °C. Carry water, especially if you are planning the climb up the Old Fortress.
🌿 Dress code for religious sites: churches and monasteries require covered shoulders and knees. Wraps for women are usually available at the entrance, but it is wise to carry a light scarf in your bag.
📱 Navigation: download an offline Google Maps map of Corfu in advance. Street signs in the Old Town are predominantly in Greek.
🐜 Mosquitoes: the island is lush and humid — in the evenings near parks and gardens, repellent is recommended.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. For the most current information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or refer to the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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