Corfu: Paleokastritsa Beach and Old Town Bus Shore Excursion
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Reservations
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Transport Access
History
Corfu’s strategic Ionian position shaped its destiny under Venetian rule for over 400 years, leaving a legacy of fortresses, arcaded Liston, and UNESCO-protected Old Town. Paleokastritsa’s dramatic cliffs and sea caves inspired myths of Odysseus, while the hilltop monastery has guarded the coast since the 13th century.
Blending Greek, Venetian, French, and British influences, Corfu remains a living mosaic of Mediterranean culture, with olive groves carpeting hills that plunge into emerald bays.
Highlights
- Relax for 2 hours at world-famous Paleokastritsa Beach with cliffs and caves
- Visit the 13th-century Monastery of Virgin Mary atop scenic hilltop
- Enjoy panoramic coastal drive with stunning photo stops
- Explore UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town on a self-guided adventure
- Discover Venetian landmarks: Liston, St. Spyridon Church, and grand palaces
- Shop for local ginger beer, olive oil, and handmade crafts
- Multilingual audio guide brings history to life in 9 languages
Full Description
Begin your Corfu escape directly from the cruise port aboard a modern air-conditioned coach. Wind through olive-clad hills to Paleokastritsa, where turquoise waters lap against dramatic cliffs. Enjoy two full hours to swim, sunbathe on organized loungers, or explore hidden coves by boat (optional).
Ascend to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary for panoramic views and a glimpse into monastic life among fragrant gardens. Then, return via scenic routes to Corfu Town for a panoramic orientation drive past fortresses and palaces.
Dropped at the Old Town gate, dive into 1.5 hours of free exploration: wander cantilevered alleys, sip kumquat liqueur under Liston arcades, and photograph the red-domed St. Spyridon. Your tour leader ensures smooth return to the port with time to spare.
Why Choose This Experience?
Perfect for cruise passengers seeking both relaxation and culture, this excursion balances beach time with independent Old Town discovery. Multilingual audio guides and an expert tour leader provide context without crowding your freedom.
Guaranteed departures and port proximity eliminate stress, while the spacious coach and extended beach stop offer rare comfort on a shore day.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned coach from Corfu Cruise Port
- English-speaking professional tour leader assistance all day
- Multilingual audio guide (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese)
- 2 hours free time at Paleokastritsa Beach (sunbed reservation optional)
- Panoramic drive with multiple photo stops
- 1.5 hours independent exploration in Corfu Old Town
- Monastery of Virgin Mary hilltop visit
- Bottled water and onboard WiFi
- Digital map and Old Town walking route suggestions
- Port return with buffer before ship departure
- Assistance with local boat rentals at Paleokastritsa
- Umbrellas and beach towels (limited supply)
Itinerary
- Departure from Corfu Cruise Port (Οργανισμός Λιμένος Κέρκυρας)
- Coach transfer through scenic hills (30 minutes)
- Paleokastritsa Beach – free time, swimming, photo stops, optional boat to caves (2 hours)
- Monastery of Virgin Mary – hilltop visit and views
- Coach transfer with panoramic drive (30 minutes)
- Corfu Town – orientation sightseeing loop (20 minutes)
- Corfu Old Town – drop-off at gate, free exploration (1.5 hours)
- Coach transfer to port (10 minutes)
- Return to Corfu Cruise Port
Pricing
From $44 per person
Meeting Point
Corfu Cruise Port arrivals terminal. Proceed inside the building—look for tour leader holding CORFU TRIP sign.
How to Get There
- Exit cruise ship and enter port terminal building
- Follow signs to arrivals hall
- Meet tour leader with CORFU TRIP sign
- Present booking confirmation (digital or printed)
- Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for Old Town cobblestones
- Swimwear, towel, and flip-flops for beach
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Light cover-up for monastery visit
- Camera or smartphone
- Small euro cash for snacks, souvenirs, or sunbed rental
- Reusable water bottle (refills available)
Know Before You Go
- Monastery requires modest attire (shoulders and knees covered)
- Sunbeds and umbrellas at Paleokastritsa available for rent (~€10–15)
- Optional boat trips to sea caves depart from beach (~€10–15)
- Old Town is vehicle-free—wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Audio guide app must be downloaded before tour (link provided post-booking)
- Bring earphones for audio guide
- Tour operates rain or shine; ponchos provided if needed
Reviews
- The beach time was pure bliss—crystal water, dramatic cliffs, and just the right amount of relaxation before diving into Corfu’s charming Old Town.
- Natasha and the driver were outstanding: safe, friendly, and full of local tips that made the day flow perfectly from port to paradise.
- Loved the balance of guided panoramic drive, beach freedom, and self-paced Old Town wandering—audio guide added depth without overwhelming.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is beach equipment included or do I need to rent?
Sunbeds and umbrellas are not included but are widely available for rent directly on Paleokastritsa Beach at organized sections (approximately €10–15 per set). Your tour leader can pre-reserve spots upon request during the drive. Some beach areas offer free access if you bring your own towel and prefer natural shading under olive trees. Changing cabins and showers are available. The 2-hour stop allows ample time to secure equipment after arrival. For convenience, a limited number of beach towels are provided on the coach (first-come, first-served). This flexible system lets you choose comfort level and budget.
Can I visit the Paleokastritsa Monastery interior?
Yes—the Monastery of the Virgin Mary is included in the hilltop stop during your 2-hour beach block. A short 5-minute uphill walk (or monastery shuttle) from the beach leads to the entrance. The courtyard, small museum, and chapel are open to visitors with free entry. Photography is allowed outside but restricted inside the church. Modest dress is required—sarongs are provided at the gate if needed. The site offers stunning panoramic photos over the bays. Your tour leader provides timing reminders to ensure you return to the coach on schedule.
What if I want to stay longer in Corfu Old Town?
The tour is timed for cruise schedules with a fixed 1.5-hour Old Town stop and guaranteed port return. However, you may choose to leave the group at the Old Town drop-off and return independently via public bus or taxi (not included). Inform your tour leader at the start of the day. Public buses run every 20 minutes from Spianada Square to the port (€1.70). Taxis are plentiful near Liston (~€10). You must be back at the ship before “all aboard” time—your leader provides the deadline. This option suits passengers with late departures.
Is the audio guide available offline?
Yes—the multilingual audio guide is a mobile app that downloads content in advance for full offline use. After booking, you’ll receive a link and access code via email. Download on WiFi before the tour to avoid data usage. The app includes GPS-triggered narration for the panoramic drive and self-guided Old Town walking routes. Bring your own earphones (standard 3.5mm jack). Battery life tip: lower screen brightness during beach time. The tour leader can troubleshoot app issues at the port meeting point.
What happens if my cruise ship arrives late?
The tour waits up to 45 minutes past the scheduled departure for delayed ships. Your tour leader coordinates directly with port agents and cruise staff for real-time updates. If delay exceeds 45 minutes, the itinerary is shortened—prioritizing Paleokastritsa (1.5 hours) and a quick Old Town photo stop—or converted to an Old Town-focused tour if time is critical. In extreme cases where the ship cannot dock, a full refund is issued automatically within 48 hours. All adjustments ensure you return to the ship at least 1 hour before departure. No action required from you.
