Corfu, Greece
Corfu, Greece is a captivating island in the Ionian Sea, a place of remarkable beauty and a rich cultural heritage shaped by Venetian, French, and British rule. Its capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, grand fortresses, and a vibrant atmosphere. For a cruiser, Corfu offers a perfect blend of historic exploration, stunning natural beauty, and a chance to experience the unique charm of Greek island life.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock at the New Port (Neo Limani), which is the main port of Corfu.3 This is a working commercial port, so while your ship will dock directly at the pier, you will likely need to take a shuttle bus provided by the port to get to the main passenger terminal.4 The shuttle bus ride is very short, and once you are at the terminal, you can get a taxi or take a local bus to the Old Town, which is a short distance away.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Corfu Cruise Port Terminal is a modern facility that has a variety of amenities for your comfort. You'll find a tourist information kiosk, restrooms, and a few shops.5 The terminal also has a free Wi-Fi connection.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has restrooms, a tourist information kiosk with friendly staff, and an ATM. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located right outside the terminal. A shuttle bus service is available for a small fee, which drops you off at the main square, the Spianada, in Corfu Town.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Greek. While English is spoken in the main tourist areas, it is not as universally spoken as in some other European ports. It is a good idea to have a few basic Greek phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Yassas (YAH-sahs) - Hello
Efharisto (ehf-hah-rees-TOH) - Thank you
Parakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) - Please/You're welcome
Pou einai? (poo EE-nay) - Where is...?
Posa kanei? (POH-sah KAH-nee) - How much is this?
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). While many businesses accept credit cards, cash is often preferred by smaller, independent shops and cafes. It's a good idea to have a mix of cash and card for convenience and security. ATMs are available at the port and in Corfu Town. Be aware that ATMs in Greece often charge a fee for withdrawals.
🚗 Transportation
Corfu Town is a very walkable city, but to get from the port to the town, you will need transportation.
Shuttle Bus: The shuttle bus service runs frequently and is an affordable choice, dropping you off at the main square.
Local Bus: The blue City Bus line 15 connects the port with the city bus station in the center of Corfu Town. You can buy a ticket on board for a small fee.
Taxis: A taxi from the port to the Old Town has a flat rate, but it is still a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in.
Walking: The walk from the port to Corfu Town is about 30 minutes and is a pleasant coastal route.
♿ Accessibility
Corfu has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise port has a shuttle bus, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and steep steps that can be challenging to navigate. The city's fortresses are also not easily accessible for people with limited mobility.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the Old Town from the cruise port is to take the shuttle bus. It's an easy, affordable, and stress-free way to get to the heart of the city, where you can then explore on foot.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in Corfu Town, but they are not very common. You can find them in Upper Square and at the entrance of the Old Fortress. It is also common practice in Greece not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You'll find a small can next to the toilet where you should dispose of the paper.
💊 Drugstore
Boots Pharmacy: There is a Boots Pharmacy in Corfu Town at Nikiforou Theotoki St, Kerkira 491 00. This is in the town center.
Farmakeio I. Papageorgiou: Ioannou Theotoki 55, Kerkira 491 00, Greece.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine on Local Greek Meze: For a taste of authentic Greek culture, find a local taverna and order some meze, a selection of small dishes. You can try classic dishes like tzatziki (yogurt dip), moussaka, and fried calamari. This is a great way to try a variety of local food and to experience the social nature of a Greek meal.
Explore the Old Fortress and the Liston: The Old Fortress is a masterpiece of Venetian military architecture and a must-see. You can walk the ramparts and see the stunning views of the sea and the city.22 After your visit, take a stroll down the Liston, a beautiful arcade in the style of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
Take a Cooking Class with a Local Chef: For a truly immersive experience, take a cooking class with a local chef. You can learn to make traditional Greek dishes like pastitsada (beef cooked in a mix of spices) and sofrito (beef cooked with plenty of parsley and garlic).
