Corfu shore excursion for cruise passengers: Paleokastritsa caves

A morning to see the island's west coast and its capital without missing your ship.

A 4-5 hour shore excursion from Corfu port designed for first-time cruise visitors, with guaranteed return timing and port pickup and drop-off included. The tour covers Paleokastritsa Beach on the west coast, an optional boat trip to the caves, and the winding streets of Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An English-speaking guide leads the group in air-conditioned transport synchronized with your ship's schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Corfu's highlights by shore excursion

• Meet guides at cruise port
• Drive to Paleokastritsa village
• Relax at Paleokastritsa Beach
• Optional boat trip to caves
• Visit Corfu Old Town
• Return to cruise ship

The experience

The tour starts and ends at the cruise port, with pickup right next to your ship and a guaranteed return time that syncs with your departure. A certified English-speaking guide meets you in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the entire route is timed so you're back onboard without stress. This matters for cruise travelers because the schedule is locked in: you explore knowing exactly when you need to be back.

Paleokastritsa Beach sits on the west coast and is the centerpiece of the morning. The beach itself is pebbly with clear water and views of rugged cliffs. You get roughly an hour there to swim, sunbathe or walk the nearby coves. From the beach, an optional boat trip explores the Paleokastritsa caves and the coastline by water. This costs 15 euros extra and runs subject to weather and seasonal conditions. After the beach, the route heads inland to Corfu Old Town, also called Kerkyra, where the guide walks you through the UNESCO-listed streets. The architecture layers medieval, Venetian, French and British influences, each one marking a different era of the island's history.

The return journey to the ship is built into the schedule, so the day doesn't feel rushed even though it covers three distinct stops. Twenty years of operating cruise excursions means the operator knows the timing down to the minute.

What’s included

• Cruise port pickup and drop-off next to your ship.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned transportation.
• 24/7 customer support.
• guaranteed timely return to the ship.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour upgradeGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30Individual, with a tour guide and a driver; pickup is included

Shore Excursion for First Time Cruisers: Majestic CorfuGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:30includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (3 to 15 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by European Tours & Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your cruise schedule is tight and you need the return time guaranteed: the operator syncs every departure with ship schedules and has 20 years of experience getting passengers back on time. The optional cave boat trip adds a water-based element if you want it, but the beach and Old Town stops work fully without it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 15 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How does the tour time work if my ship leaves at a specific hour?

The tour is scheduled to sync with your ship's departure time. You receive your exact pickup time and location by email at least 12 hours before the tour, and the guide guarantees a timely return to the port so you're back onboard before departure.

What is Paleokastritsa Beach actually like when you get there?

Paleokastritsa Beach is a pebbly cove on the west coast with clear water and views of tall cliffs and green hillsides. You spend roughly an hour there and can swim in the calm sea, sunbathe, or explore the smaller coves nearby on foot.

Is the boat trip to the caves included, or do I pay extra?

The boat trip to the Paleokastritsa caves is optional and costs 15 euros if you choose it. It's subject to weather and seasonal availability, so confirm conditions when you receive your pickup details.

What is Corfu Old Town like to walk through?

Corfu Old Town, or Kerkyra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with winding alleys and buildings that mix medieval, Venetian, French and British styles. The guide leads you through the streets and explains the layers of history each architectural period left behind.

Do I need to be very fit to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The Old Town involves walking on uneven streets, and the beach stop includes optional swimming. The tour is not wheelchair or scooter accessible.