Mediterranean · Greece
Corfu Travel Guide
Corfu is the greenest of the Greek islands — a lush, Venetian-influenced gem in the Ionian Sea. Its UNESCO-listed old town has Italian-style piazzas, French arcades, and British cricket pitches, reflecting centuries of different rulers. The food is distinctly different from mainland Greece.
How Do You Get from the Cruise Port to Old Town?
The main cruise berth is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town — follow the waterfront road past the imposing New Fortress. The walk is flat and pleasant. Some ships use the new port further south, where a taxi (5 euro) or 15-minute walk gets you to the centre.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Old Town — A maze of Venetian lanes (kantounia), Italian piazzas, and neoclassical buildings. The Spianada is one of the largest squares in Greece. Wander without a plan — the architecture rewards every turn.
Old Fortress — The Venetian fortress on the eastern headland. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the town, the Albanian coast, and the Greek mainland. Entry 6 euro.
Achilleion Palace — Empress Sisi of Austria's summer retreat, 10km south. A taxi costs about 20 euro return. The gardens and sea views are splendid.
Paleokastritsa — A stunning bay with turquoise water and a hilltop monastery. Bus from Corfu town (25 min, 2 euro). Excellent swimming and snorkelling.
Where Should You Eat in Corfu?
Corfiot specialities: Sofrito (veal in garlic-wine sauce), pastitsada (pasta with spiced meat), and bourdeto (spicy fish stew) are unique to Corfu — you won't find them on other Greek islands.
Kumquat: Corfu's signature fruit appears in liqueurs, marmalades, and sweets. Buy a bottle of kumquat liqueur as a unique souvenir.
Ginger beer: A legacy of British rule — tsitsibira (ginger beer) is still brewed locally. Try it cold at a Liston cafe.
Is Corfu Worth Exploring Independently?
The Old Town is easily walkable from the port and has enough character to fill a half day. Ship excursions to Paleokastritsa or the Achilleion are overpriced — both are easily reached by cheap local buses or affordable taxis. Corfu's Venetian atmosphere is best savoured slowly over coffee at the Liston.
Useful Local Phrases
Yia sas
Hello (formal)
(YAH-sas)
Efcharisto
Thank you
(ef-hah-ree-STOH)
Poso kanei?
How much?
(POH-soh KAH-nee)
Ton logariasmo
The bill, please
(ton lo-gah-ree-as-MOH)
Local Tips
- •Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO site — the Venetian architecture gives it a completely different feel from the Cycladic islands.
- •Try a kumquat liqueur — Corfu is the only place in Greece that grows kumquats, introduced by the British in the 19th century.
- •The Liston arcade (modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli) is the place for coffee and people-watching on the Spianada.
- •Beaches require transport. Paleokastritsa (25 min by bus, 2 euro) is the most popular with good snorkelling.