Corfu: Paleokastritsa & Glyfada Private Beach Tour Pickup

Summary

Corfu beaches day trip with port pickup sun swim and monastery views

You’ll float in Paleokastritsa’s clear waters, visit a hilltop monastery with sea views, and unwind on Glyfada’s golden sand—all with private pickup from Corfu port and a friendly local driver who knows every shortcut. Expect simple pleasures: salty air, warm sun, maybe even a laugh trying out your Greek.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder if the water in Corfu is really that clear? I did, until we rolled up to Paleokastritsa. Our driver Yannis was waiting right at the cruise port (holding a little sign with my name, which always feels oddly official), and after a quick chat about the weather—he shrugged and said “Corfu is moody but generous”—we were off. The drive was all winding hills and olive groves, windows down, that salty air sneaking in. I still remember the first glimpse of those emerald coves through the trees; it actually made me laugh out loud. You know when something just looks exactly like every postcard you’ve seen, but real?

Paleokastritsa itself buzzed a bit—families unloading towels, old men arguing over coffee at a seaside café. We climbed up to the 13th-century monastery (Yannis insisted we couldn’t skip it), where the air smelled faintly of incense and wildflowers. There’s this view from the gardens—I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t do it justice. Some people took boats out to the blue caves (extra cost), but we just sat for a while on the rocks, toes in the water, watching tiny fish dart around. It felt slow in a good way.

After that, Glyfada was all about soft sand and lazy hours. I ordered an iced coffee at the beach bar (the girl behind the counter had perfect English and laughed when I tried “efharisto”), then just stretched out under an umbrella while someone nearby played Greek pop quietly on their phone. The main keyword here is relaxation—no rush, no schedule. If you want to swim more or try jet-skiing, you can wander off; if not, just let yourself do nothing for once. I kept thinking how easy everything felt with pickup and drop-off sorted—no stress about getting back to Corfu port on time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paleokastritsa and Glyfada beaches

• Meet private driver at Corfu port
• Travel to Paleokastritsa beach
• Visit 13th-century hilltop monastery
• Swim or relax at Paleokastritsa beach
• Return to vehicle and drive to Glyfada beach
• Swim and relax at Glyfada beach
• Enjoy beach bar snacks or watersports
• Return to Corfu cruise port

Top questions

Is pickup from Corfu cruise port included?

Yes, private pickup and drop-off at Corfu port are included in this tour.

How long does this Corfu beach tour last?

This is a half-day tour designed for cruise guests with limited time ashore.

Are both Paleokastritsa & Glyfada beaches visited?

Yes, you’ll visit both Paleokastritsa Beach and Glyfada Beach during your tour.

Is there time to swim at both beaches?

Yes, you’ll have time to swim or relax at each beach stop.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; infant seats are available if needed.

Does this tour include lunch or snacks?

No meals are included but you can buy food or drinks at Glyfada’s beach bar.

Is there much walking involved?

A small amount of walking is required from the vehicle drop-off point to Glyfada beach.

Are water sports available at Glyfada Beach?

Yes, activities like jet-skiing and pedalos are available for an extra cost.

What’s included

Your day includes private half-day touring by modern air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver plus all taxes covered; convenient pickup and drop-off right at Corfu cruise port so you don’t worry about timing or transport logistics along the way.