Making the most of Corfu
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships berth at the New Port. They usually provide free inter-port shuttles to Corfu’s passenger terminal, though the walk takes only 5–10 minutes, depending on the berth.
Some ships also run shuttles to Corfu Town for around 8 Euro. A taxi costs 10 Euro each way, so it may be better value for a larger party.
The terminal has car-hire kiosks and a large duty-free shop.
Taxis are outside the terminal. The first queue is usually for passengers seeking island tours, so walk well down to the far end for cars that will take shorter rides into town.
Corfu Town is a 20–30-minute, or 3 km, walk away. On leaving the terminal, turn left and then keep right along the sea all the way.
Public bus costs 2 Euro, payable to the driver. Take bus #16 or #17 from the port car park; it leaves every 15 minutes, takes about 10 minutes and drops passengers at the town entrance, a short walk from the other bus departures. Ask the driver for a free map.
If planning to use other city buses as well, a day ticket costs only 5 Euro.
Printable map.
Corfu Town, especially its oldest quarter, is one of modern Greece’s most charming and romantic places. Venetian and Byzantine art, secret streets and panoramic viewpoints lend it character. By the sea, Kerkyra’s old town is enclosed by two ancient fortresses.
Getting around
Corfu’s good bus network reaches major villages including Paleokastritsa, Kavos, Ipsos, Sidari, Gouvia, Kassiopi and Roda, all departing from Kerkyra Town. Taxis are well organised but fares should be negotiated. Bicycles, motorbikes, cars and jeeps are easy to hire across Corfù.
Corfu has two bus networks: Blue buses serve Corfu Town and its surroundings, while Green buses cover the rest of the island. Route 7 runs to and from Dasia every 20 minutes, or every 30 minutes on Sundays.
A Hop On Hop Off Tour is available.
Dasia beach follows the village, making it long and narrow. The sea is calm along this stretch, and the bay looks across to the Albanian mountains and coastline.
Food and shopping
The old town’s narrow streets are packed with hundreds of small local shops, where it is possible to find almost anything. Corfu also has many jewellery and leather shops, plus local workshops that shape olive wood into souvenirs. Carpets, handmade tablecloths and ceramic gifts are available too.
Kum Quat is a distinctive symbol of Corfu island, something very special and worth trying at least once during a stay on Corfu.
Money
The Euro.
Staying connected
Greek is spoken, and English is widely used.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the cruise terminal, though it slows when many crew members use it. As crew must return on board half an hour before passengers, that may be a better time to connect.
Opening Hours and
Public services open Monday to Friday, 8.00am–2.00pm. Retail and specialist shops open Monday to Friday, 9am–1.30pm and 5pm–9pm, and Saturday, 9am–2pm. Supermarkets open Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm, and Saturday, 9am–6pm. Most tourist shops and convenience stores have no official hours and, in summer, usually open from dawn until well after midnight.