Corfu is one of the most rewarding ports on any Greek Islands or Adriatic itinerary. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walk from the ship takes under ten minutes, and the streets inside are genuinely beautiful in a way that rewards slow exploration rather than a timed checklist.
The island has more to offer beyond the town as well: Paleokastritsa on the west coast, the Achilleion Palace, and the beaches in the north all make strong full-day options for those who want to see more of Corfu than the centre. The main decision is whether to stay local and unhurried, or commit to one longer island trip.
Photo by Monika Guzikowska on Unsplash
Port Overview
Corfu is generally a docking port. Ships dock at the New Port, which is conveniently close to the historic centre. Occasionally, if the port is extremely busy with three or more ships, a vessel may anchor and tender – but this is far less common than in places like Santorini.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Type | Dock (Rarely Tender) |
| Distance to Town | 0.5 km / 5 – 10 minute walk |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Greek (English widely spoken) |
| Best Known For | UNESCO Old Town, Venetian architecture u0026 Paleokastritsa |
- New Port , The commercial and cruise dock
- Old Fortress , Venetian fortress separating port from the town
- Spianada , Largest square in the Balkans
- Liston , Elegant French-style arcade
- Old Port , Historic harbour for private boats and ferries
Corfu New Port (Cruise Terminal) · View larger map
Getting From the Port to Town
This is one of the easiest ports in the Mediterranean. The Old Town is a short, flat walk from the terminal.
Walking: The Best Option
Free- Walk time: 5 – 10 min to Old Town
- Simply exit the terminal and follow the waterfront toward the Old Fortress – flat, easy, and the fastest option. You'll enter the Old Town through the Spianada in about 10 minutes.
Local Bus
€1.80 – €3.00- The blue bus station is near the New Port market – walking is usually faster to the centre. Use the green bus station at San Rocco Square for beaches like Glyfada and Paleokastritsa (every 30 – 60 min).
Taxi
€5 – €10- Taxis queue outside the terminal. Only really necessary if you have mobility issues or heavy bags – walking to the Old Town is quicker. Agree a fare before longer island journeys.
Top Excursions
Corfu’s interior is mountainous and the best beaches are away from town – excursions are the most efficient way to see the island’s highlights.
Corfood bites – Cooking classes by Christos
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Things to Do in Corfu
Corfu Town is a gem for wandering – walkable, flat, and full of history within a short distance of the port.
The Liston is a beautiful arcade of cafes modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Order a ginger beer – a non-alcoholic speciality unique to Corfu made from fresh ginger. Far more refreshing than the British version.
When visiting the Church of Saint Spyridon and other churches, shoulders and knees must be covered. Scarves are usually available to borrow at the entrance.
Planning how to spend your time ashore is half the pleasure. Our Port Day Planner will build a timed schedule around your ship’s arrival and departure. Choose your pace and it arranges the rest.
Best Restaurants in Corfu
Corfu cuisine is heavily influenced by Venetian and British history, making it uniquely different from the rest of Greece. Look out for sofrito and pastitsada – you won’t find them like this anywhere else.
Bougainvillea Restaurant
We are a family owned Greek and Mediterranean Restaurant located at the higher level of the atmospheric Town Hall square. We provide a large variety of homemade Greek dishes (meat,fish,vegetarian options). We use the best quality products found from all over the Greece from small
#19 of 352 Places to Eat in Corfu Town
View on TripAdvisorRosmarino Restaurant Corfu
Bringing the authentic Italian taste in the island. Home made pasta and slow rise pizza. We are not taking reservations.
#16 of 352 Places to Eat in Corfu Town
View on TripAdvisorRatings & reviews powered by TripAdvisor
Getting Around
Corfu Town itself is easy to cover on foot from the port, and that is the best approach for most port days. The Old Town lanes, the Spianada, the Liston, and the Old Fortress are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. For the rest of the island, the green bus network from San Rocco Square reaches Paleokastritsa and the main northern beaches, though services run every thirty to sixty minutes. Taxis are the most flexible option for reaching outlying sights on a tight schedule, and the fares are reasonable by European standards. The roads inland are narrow and winding, which makes self-drive a poor choice for a first-time visit on a short port day.
The roads into Corfu’s interior are extremely narrow and winding. For day-trippers this is not recommended – excursions or taxis are far less stressful and you won’t waste time navigating.
Port Day Tips
Kumquat liqueur – Corfu is the only place in Europe where kumquats grow commercially, try the liqueur or sweets as a souvenir. Ginger beer – a unique non-alcoholic local speciality. The views from the Old Fortress – the climb is absolutely worth it.
Nearby cruise ports: Athens (Piraeus) and Santorini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually no – it’s a docking port and you walk off the ship. It may tender only if the port is at maximum capacity with three or more ships, which is uncommon.
About 5 – 10 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal gates to the main entrance of the Old Town. The route is completely flat.
Absolutely. It’s widely considered the most beautiful spot on the island – six incredible bays and a cliff-top monastery dating back to the 13th century.
Its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, stunning Venetian architecture, kumquat liqueur (unique to Corfu), ginger beer, and being the greenest of all the Greek islands.
Corfu’s cruise terminal is at the new port, about 1 kilometre from the entrance to the UNESCO Old Town. The walk along the waterfront takes 15 minutes; a paid shuttle covers the same distance in five. Once at the Old Fortress, the rest of the historic core opens up on foot.
Corfu’s cruise terminal is at the new port, about 1 kilometre from the entrance to the UNESCO Old Town. The walk along the waterfront takes 15 minutes; a paid shuttle covers the same distance in five. Once at the Old Fortress, the rest of the historic core opens up on foot.
A Port Day That Earns Its Place on Any Greek Islands Itinerary
Corfu is a lush, welcoming island with a capital city that feels like an open-air museum. Few cruise stops manage this combination as naturally: walkable enough for a genuinely relaxed morning, yet rich enough in history and scenery to fill a full day without effort.
How We Verify Port-Day Details
We aim for practical, low-risk guidance. Before publishing and during updates, we check core planning details against official sources and current operator information.
What We Check
- Berth and terminal details, including whether the port is walkable or requires a transfer
- Transport options and realistic return timing for different port types
- Details that change frequently, such as fares and schedules, with up-to-date notes where relevant
Typical Sources
- Official port authority and terminal updates
- Cruise line port notes and day-of-call instructions
- Local transport operators and official tourism resources