Paleokastritsa Shore Excursion from Corfu
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A half-day bus excursion built for cruise passengers — the famous cliffs and turquoise bay of Paleokastritsa, then free time in Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back at the port in five hours. 1,211 reviews · 4.3 stars.
This Corfu shore excursion is a 5-hour bus tour designed for cruise passengers, combining the island’s two must-sees: the dramatic cliffs and turquoise bay of Paleokastritsa, and the Venetian streets of Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You get two hours at the beach and around 90 minutes of free time in the Old Town, with an air-conditioned bus and a multilingual audio guide. It departs from the Corfu Cruise Port from $44 — one of the easiest, best-value ways to see Corfu in a short port stop.
Paleokastritsa Beach
The island’s most famous stretch of coast — turquoise water framed by dramatic cliffs and olive-covered hills. You get around two hours here to swim, relax on the organised beach, or take the optional boat trip to the sea caves (about €15 extra). It’s the scenic heart of the excursion.
Corfu Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Venetian streets, arcaded Liston, and lively piazzas. After a short panoramic drive past the landmarks — the Liston, St. Spyridon Church, the old fortresses — you get around 90 minutes of free time to wander, shop, and grab a coffee at your own pace.
The Panoramic Drive
The route itself is part of the experience — a scenic coastal drive through olive groves and hillside villages, with the 13th-century Paleokastritsa Monastery on its headland and photo-stop views over the bays. The audio guide fills in Corfu’s history along the way in your language.
This excursion is built around the cruise schedule — designed to get you off the ship, around Corfu’s highlights, and safely back to the port with time to spare. Here’s how it works.
Finding your group
Meet inside the Corfu Cruise Port arrivals terminal, where the tour leader waits with a sign reading “CORFU TRIP”. There’s no long transfer to a separate meeting point — the bus leaves from the port itself, which is what makes this work for a short stop.
Timing & your ship
The excursion runs about 5 hours and returns to the same cruise port. As with any independent shore tour, check that the finish time leaves a comfortable buffer before your ship’s all-aboard time — operators plan for this, but you’re responsible for your own re-boarding. Have your ship’s name and departure time handy when booking.
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~11:00
Meet at the Cruise Port
Find the “CORFU TRIP” sign in the terminal arrivals area and board the air-conditioned bus.
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~11:30
Drive to Paleokastritsa
A 30-minute scenic drive through olive groves and hills, with audio-guide commentary on Corfu’s history.
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~12:00
Two Hours at the Beach
Free time at Paleokastritsa to swim, relax on the loungers, or take the optional boat to the sea caves.
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~14:15
Panoramic Corfu Town Drive
Back on the bus to Corfu Town for a short sightseeing drive past the Liston, fortresses, and St. Spyridon.
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~14:45
Free Time in the Old Town
Around 90 minutes to explore the UNESCO Old Town at your own pace — shops, cafés, and Venetian streets.
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~16:00
Back to the Port
A short transfer returns you to the cruise port, about five hours after you set off.
Included in your ticket
- Air-conditioned bus from the cruise port
- Professional tour leader
- Multilingual audio guide (6+ languages)
- Panoramic Corfu Town sightseeing drive
- Free time at the beach and Old Town
Not included
- Optional caves boat trip — about €15 at Paleokastritsa
- Beach loungers / umbrellas (small fee)
- Food, drinks, and personal spending
- Gratuities (optional)
What to bring
One of the most amazing excursions we have done. The guide and driver were fantastic — so thoughtful and full of useful information about Corfu, its life and culture. Comfortable bus and a perfect balance of beach and town.
Loved the balance of a guided panoramic drive, beach freedom, and self-paced Old Town wandering. The audio guide was a nice touch. Easy cruise port pickup made the whole day stress-free.
Good value and a comfortable, convenient cruise terminal pickup. The beach was beautiful. My only wish is that we’d had a bit more time in Corfu Old Town — the free time there felt slightly short.
Reviews displayed are representative summaries of verified bookings on GetYourGuide. See all 1,211 reviews on the booking page →
Is this shore excursion good for cruise passengers?
Yes — it’s specifically designed for them. It departs directly from the Corfu Cruise Port, runs a manageable 5 hours, and returns to the same port, so there’s no long transfer eating into a short stop. With 1,211 reviews and a 4.3 rating, it’s one of the most popular ways for cruise travelers to see Corfu’s highlights in limited time.
Where does the tour meet?
Inside the Corfu Cruise Port arrivals terminal. Your tour leader waits with a sign reading “CORFU TRIP”. Just walk through the terminal building after disembarking and look for the sign — the bus leaves from the port itself.
Will I get back in time for my cruise?
The excursion runs about 5 hours and returns to the same cruise port, and operators schedule it around port days. That said, on any independent shore tour you’re responsible for your own re-boarding, so check the return time against your ship’s all-aboard time and keep a comfortable buffer. Have your ship’s details ready when booking.
How much time do you get at Paleokastritsa?
Around two hours at the beach — enough to swim, relax on a lounger, or take the optional boat trip to the sea caves (about €15 extra). It’s the longest single stop on the tour, and the scenic highlight.
Is the boat trip to the caves included?
No — the boat trip to the Paleokastritsa sea caves is an optional extra, around €15 per person, paid locally at the beach. It’s worth considering if you want to see the caves up close, but you can also simply enjoy the beach for free during the two-hour stop.
How much free time is there in Corfu Old Town?
Around 90 minutes, after a short panoramic drive past the main landmarks. It’s enough to wander the Venetian streets, browse shops, and grab a coffee or a bite. Some reviewers wish it were a little longer, so if the Old Town is your priority, use the time efficiently.
Is this a good tour if I’m not on a cruise?
It can be — anyone staying in Corfu can book it for an easy, good-value half-day combining Paleokastritsa and the Old Town. Just note the meeting point is the cruise port, and the 11:00 departure suits a relaxed start. If you’d rather a full day on the water, a Paxos cruise might suit you better.
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