Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion: Paleokastritsa & Corfu Town

Explore the Best of Corfu in a Short but Memorable Shore Excursion

For cruise passengers visiting Corfu, this Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion offers a well-balanced taste of the island’s natural beauty and cultural charm. Priced at $173.64 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time. The experience includes pickup and drop-off at Corfu cruise port, a professional driver, and an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.

What truly sets this tour apart is its ability to combine breathtaking scenery at Paleokastritsa Beach with the exploration of Corfu’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. While an optional boat trip to caves costs €15 per person, the included stops already deliver a rich glimpse into Corfu’s landscape and history. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an engaging and manageable overview of the island’s highlights.

Key Points

• Short but comprehensive tour lasting about 4.5 hours with convenient cruise port pickup
• Two main stops: Paleokastritsa Beach with optional boat cave visits, and Corfu Old Town with key landmarks
• Includes a professional driver and air-conditioned transport for comfort and ease
• Tour guide provides detailed insights into Corfu’s history, architecture, and natural scenery
• Most reviews highlight the scenic views, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to enjoy local sights

Starting at Corfu Cruise Port with Hassle-Free Pickup

This Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion begins directly at Corfu cruise port, where a driver or tour guide greets guests. The pickup service ensures a smooth start, avoiding the hassle of finding transportation on your own. The use of air-conditioned vehicles keeps the journey comfortable, even on warmer days.

The group size is flexible, and since it’s a private tour, your party receives personalized attention. The entire experience is designed to fit conveniently into a 4.5-hour window, making it accessible for most shore excursions. You can also opt for group discounts, which may make this tour an even better value.

Visiting Paleokastritsa Beach and Its Enchanting Landscape

The first stop on the tour is Paleokastritsa Beach, famous for its rocky coastline and crystal-clear waters. This location is celebrated throughout the Mediterranean for its scenic bay and stunning hillside views. Here, visitors can admire the colorful gardens surrounding the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary, perched atop a hill.

The monastery offers breathtaking vistas and a chance to experience a piece of Corfu’s history. Guests are encouraged to take plenty of photos of the picturesque scenery. The beach itself provides an opportunity to relax or take a boat ride to caves rising from the waters—an optional activity costing €15 per person.

This stop is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long, giving enough time to enjoy the natural beauty, explore the monastery, and consider the cave trip for an extra adventure. The admission tickets to the monastery and beach are free, but the boat ride is an additional cost.

Exploring Paleokastritsa Monastery and Its Gardens

The 13th-century monastery of the Virgin Mary is a highlight at Paleokastritsa. Located on a hilltop, it features colorful gardens and offers spectacular views of the surrounding region. The monastery’s historical significance and peaceful ambiance make it a popular spot for photos and quiet reflection.

Visitors get a chance to learn about the monastery’s history from the guide and enjoy the serene environment. The views from the hilltop are especially praised for their enchanting landscape, making it a perfect photo stop. Since the monastery admission is free, it’s a budget-friendly highlight of the tour.

Optional Cave Boat Trip and Its Extra Cost

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is the boat ride to the caves, which rises out of the waters near Paleokastritsa. This trip offers a close-up view of the rock formations and natural caves—a truly memorable experience for landscape lovers.

This activity is not included in the base price but is available for €15 per person. It’s an optional add-on, so guests can choose whether to include it based on their interest and time constraints. The boat ride enhances the experience by offering a different perspective of Paleokastritsa’s stunning coastline.

Discovering Corfu Old Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Charm

After exploring Paleokastritsa, the tour moves to Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Venetian architecture and historic landmarks. The drive from Paleokastritsa takes approximately 1 hour in an air-conditioned vehicle, led by an expert guide.

In Corfu Old Town, the guide highlights the Old Fortress, Liston Promenade, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the St. Spyridon Church. Visitors can wander through narrow pavements known locally as Kantounia, admire tiny churches, and explore secret gardens. The Spianada Square, the largest in the Balkans, offers a lively setting for relaxing or enjoying a gelato.

This segment lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing ample time to absorb the historic atmosphere and Venetian architecture. The admission tickets for these landmarks are included in the overall tour.

Strolling the Vibrant Streets and Sampling Local Delights

During the Corfu Town visit, guests have the opportunity to browse souvenir shops for local specialties. The promenade is lined with cafes and shops where visitors can indulge in traditional Greek dishes or simply unwind with a refreshing gelato.

The guide’s detailed commentary enhances the experience, helping visitors understand the history and significance of each site. Whether taking photos or shopping for keepsakes, this part of the tour encapsulates the lively spirit of Corfu.

Practical Details: Pacing, Accessibility, and Flexibility

This tour is designed to maximize sightseeing within a manageable timeframe. The pacing balances natural scenery and cultural exploration, ensuring guests experience key highlights without feeling rushed.

The private nature of the tour means it offers flexibility, and children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The pickup and drop-off at the cruise port make it a convenient option, especially for those with tight schedules. The most reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and the scenic stops, making it a reliable choice for a half-day adventure.

Summary: A Perfect Short Tour of Corfu’s Top Sights

This Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion offers a compact, well-organized experience that combines the island’s natural beauty with its historic charm. The scenic Paleokastritsa Beach and monastery provide a picturesque start, while Corfu Old Town’s landmarks reveal the island’s cultural depth.

The optional boat trip adds a memorable touch, and the professional guide ensures you get insightful commentary along the way. For cruise passengers seeking a convenient, enriching short tour, this experience delivers a solid introduction to Corfu’s most beloved spots.

While the tour duration limits time at each site, the well-paced itinerary and comfortable transport make it an excellent choice for those with limited time. Most reviews highlight the stunning views, friendly guides, and the ease of logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes from pickup to return.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at Corfu cruise port, a professional driver, air-conditioned vehicle, and all fees and taxes.

Can I visit the caves at Paleokastritsa?
Yes, the boat trip to the caves is available as an optional activity for €15 per person.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult; however, specific accessibility details are not provided.

What are the main highlights of Corfu Town?
Guests explore landmarks such as the Old Fortress, Liston Promenade, Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the St. Spyridon Church.

Is there time for shopping or tasting local food?
Yes, the tour allows time to browse souvenir shops and enjoy gelato in Spianada Square.

What is the tour’s cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How flexible is this private tour?
Since it is a private experience, the itinerary can be somewhat customized to suit your interests and pace.

What is the best time to book?
Most bookings are made about 109 days in advance, but availability can vary.

Who operates this tour?
The tour is provided by Blue Tours Corfu.