The first thing you notice when your boat docks here is the imposing presence of Corfu’s Old Fortress, whose architectural styles span the Byzantine, Early Venetian, and Late Venetian eras. But another reason to venture here is to experience the water itself. Corfu to Croatiaclear waters swirl around rocky islands and dykes, as if a huge river flows from the Alps to the Mediterranean. According to records, Corfu is an Ionian Island, but it is located off the west coast of mainland Greece, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet.
Those who love architecture, fine jewelry, and stunning street scenes may, like me, just want to wander around and explore Corfu Town. But there is so much more to this island. In particular, the beaches hidden between limestone cliffs, coupled with clear blue waters that make you want to touch it and see it for real, make Paleokastritsa so attractive to tourists. It also appeals to Windstar guests, Corfu, Paleokastritsa and Boat Triptaking you to the beach and water. With its heart-shaped bay and views of the island’s central mountains, Paleokastritsa is said to be the place where Odysseus met Nausicaa in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. It’s a story of unrequited love that adds to the area’s charm.
How was the trip?
The guided portion of the tour lasts approximately 4 hours, including two stops and a total of just over an hour on the tour bus. The tour to Paleokastritsa includes a 45-minute boat ride and approximately one hour of free time. The second stop is for wine and snacks, which is included in the tour and also lasts approximately one hour. The tour ends in Corfu Town for independent exploration, and the return to the ship is by shuttle bus, not tour bus.
My husband and I have always loved boating, so on our last Windstar cruise we chose this tour, which included the island of Corfu. The experience began with a ride, about 30 minutes north of the port along the coast road. We passed through the tourist area and saw views of the former Venetian leper colony on the island of Lazzaretto. Once the road leaves the sea and enters the mountains, the population decreases. Farms (mostly olive groves) are scattered on the mountainside.
There are several beaches in Paleokastritsa; our tour took us to Agios Spiridon Beach. To enjoy the beautiful waters here, you have to go to the beach. The shore excursion boats are small wooden outboard motor boats. Each boat can carry about 12 passengers, who sit on benches under an awning.
We spent 30-40 minutes visiting several shallow caves (more like grottoes). The first was Nausicaa Cave, named after an admirer of Odysseus. The most famous cave is called the Cave of the Blue Eye because there is an underwater hole in the rock that allows sunlight to shine through, making the water glow a bright blue. Our captain sang to us. We fed the fish, took selfies, and admired the scenery and the various boats in the two bays we visited.
In our free time we strolled the beach, found an ice cream stand (because I had to), and shopped at a small market where I bought some local olive oil which turned out to be some of the best on the trip. Our second stop on the tour was a restaurant perched on a cliff in the bay with views of the beach below. We had delicious Greek cheese, olives, bread, and local wine. The restaurants used on the tour may change depending on the season.
Return to Corfu Town
In English, most people call it Corfu Town. In Greek, it is Kerkyra (pronounced KER kee rah). There is a new fortress and an old fortress. Both fortresses were built or expanded by the Venetians. The strength of the fortifications made Corfu the only region in Greece that was not conquered by the Ottomans. After exploring Paleokastritsa, you should still make time to see the old fortress, even if it is just from across the moat. It is called hole.
Or consider walking through Corfu Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This is a bustling area that is constantly visited by tourists and has a distinctly Italian feel, thanks to the long Venetian occupation. Doorways and sidewalks throughout the old town are covered in bougainvillea. Expect a few shops featuring local artisans, but these are far outnumbered by trinket sellers. As with most ancient old towns, you can almost always walk far enough to avoid the shopkeepers and enter the much slower-paced residential areas.
We found Spianada Square, near the ferry pick-up point, an idyllic place to sit and drink a glass of Mythos Lager (like Greeks do on a lazy afternoon, right?). In the center of the square, near the fountain, there are restaurants with outdoor seating on the streets facing the park. The menu ranges from Italian to Greek to seafood. There are also cafes. The park provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of the old town streets. We people watched as we waited for the bus back to the ferry.
Insider Tips
what to wear: You’re unlikely to get wet on the boat ride. (You’ll walk onto the dock and then off the boat.) But if you plan on swimming or playing on the beach, it’s a good idea to wear water shoes. There are restrooms where you can change into or out of your swimsuit. I wore quick-drying swim shorts and a rash guard, which worked for the entire trip.
What to bring: When on a boat, it is a good idea to have a lanyard attached to your sunglasses. One of our travel companions dropped his sunglasses into the sea while looking at the clear water and lost them. A dry bag for your phone will make taking photos on the boat a little safer, and a lanyard is even better. Bring a beach towel from the boat if you plan on getting wet. If your water shoes are uncomfortable to walk in, you may want to bring a spare pair to sightsee in Corfu Town, especially in Old Corfu where the streets are paved with uneven cobbles. Don’t forget to bring your Sunscreen.
More information: Most cruise ships calling at Corfu offer this itinerary, including Windsurfing Between Athens and Venice Star Legend Flights between Athens and Barcelona Star Collector: Mediterranean Winter Muse.
