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A Cruise Stop in Corfu: Make the Most of Your Day

9/5/2016

4 Comments

 
Old Venetian Fortress in Corfu
The best views of the surrounding blue waters are at the Old Fortress in Corfu.
By John Roberts 

Cruisers know that time is limited in port, so it helps to know what's around. I recently landed on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu during my cruise on Oceania Riviera. 

What can you do if you have just one day in port at Corfu? 

Let's take a look. Your cruise ship docks at Kekyra (Kekira) port, and you can walk along the coast or take a bus to get to many spots. 

Local bus service is offered just off the ship in a parking lot. You can find the stop outlining the routes. Check with the information booth at the cruise ship terminal for how to use the system or for recommendations on where to go if you aren't sure what is nearby. 

You'll also find plenty of cab drivers hawking their taxi services as well as booths for rental cars. 

Want a beach day? About 9 miles from port just up the coast is Ipsos Beach. This is the nicest beach close to port. It features calm waters in an enclosed bay setting. Loungers and umbrellas are available, as well as several tavernas and restaurants. 

You can grab the Corfu City Bus (Blue Bus) to get there. Take the Dassia-Ipsos northbound bus. If you buy a daily ticket, you can ride all day to all destinations for 5 euros (single rides are about 1 euro).     

Interested in a hike, too? Across the road from the beach resort area, you can find footpaths and trails that lead into the hills that give you a good workout and scenic views. In fact, if you keep climbing out of the lower Ipsos area, you can reach the highest peak on Corfu, Mount Pantoktator. You might want to get an early start if you want to conquer that activity during your day in port.  

If you want to explore historic Corfu Town, head south away from the port of Kekyra instead. You can reach it by walking (about 3 kilometers or 30 minutes), Blue Bus or a 6 euro taxi ride.  

This is the main tourist area on Corfu and offers a lot to see and do. The cobbled alleys and streets are fun to explore, as you wind around past shops selling fresh produce or handicrafts. You also can find workshops making leather goods like exquisite sandals and belts.  

You'll definitely want to make time to have a beer or coffee while just chilling in a public plaza enjoying the warm weather and bustling show of people moving through the streets. Don't forget to grab a gelato, too. Try a special flavor of Corfu, like kumquat! 

We piled up the steps visiting the Old Fortress that sits as an imposing presence between the town square and the coast. Entrance is 6 euros, and the site includes a museum filled with artifacts and paintings. You also might hear the sounds of live music emanating from the Hellenic Music Research Lab of the Ionian University on the property.  

The history of this Venetian fortress dates to the 6th century and has been the site of several invasions and sieges as well as Nazi occupation in the 1940s. Weaponry, such as cannons are on display on the grounds.  

The hike to the top of the fortress can be challenging because of some slippery surfaces, but the multiple views you get from a variety of lookouts as you pause on the way up are stunning. The fort overlooks the promontory jutting between the Gulf of Kekyra and Garitsa Bay.

After descending from the top, we wandered down to the attached marina and boat club at the waterside. If you are up for a swim, you can enter the waters at a small grassy park area. 
Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece
The first steps on the way to the top of the fortress.
Old Fortress clock tower in Corfu, Greece
The clock tower is an iconic landmark.
Cannon on display at Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece.
Cannons and other weapons are on display at the Old Fortress.
Marina at the Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece
At the beautiful waterfront of the marina you can access when visiting the fortress.
Corfu Town in Corfu, Greece
Strolling the streets of Corfu Town.
Other highlights in Corfu Town:  

The Esplanade, which is a beautiful event grounds and park between the Old Fortress and the Royal Palace. The large green space was built by the French under Napoleon. 

The New Fortress: Another Venetian fortification, dates from 1577. 

The Church of St. Spyridon: The red dome of this 1589 structure's bell tower looms over the city.   

The Royal Palace: This impressive neoclassical mansion built in 1816 houses the Museum of Asian Art, and its beautiful courtyard cafe offers views across the sea to neighboring Albania. 

If you love to dive, Corfu is known for its amazing cave diving. Check at the port terminal for an outfitter that offers day trips to the well-known beach area of Paleokastritsa on the west side of the island. You'll explore wrecks, caverns, caves, walls and reefs. 

Opa! Thanks for reading. 

Travel fit, travel happy, travel often!
JR
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4 Comments
Patti Maghamfar link
9/6/2016 02:25:00 pm

I have wanted to visit Greece for as along as I can remember. Well, actually, my love of Greece started with the classic Hayley Mills film, "The Moon Spinners." The windmills, the blue sea, white-washed walls with blue roofs, the food, heaven. One day we'll get there!

Reply
Gagan Chauhan link
1/8/2017 02:09:19 am

Great post, JR! You have provided so much detailed information with great pictures. Love the way you story tell and recommend things to do. Cheers mate. Keep up the good stuff!

Reply
JR
1/8/2017 08:39:51 am

I'm so gad to enjoyed the guide Gagan. And many thanks for your kind words. Will you be getting to Greece soon? It's one of my very favorite countries.
Happy travels!
JR

Reply
Jeff
8/26/2021 12:42:49 am

I loved your post but can you tell me how far the walk is to the old fortress. We are cruising there next month and I don't like our excursion choices but we are getting old and limited how far we can walk. Would the bus take us there from the ship ?

Reply



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