Corfu Shore Excursion: Paleokastritsa & Old Town

The Old Fortress sits on a rocky point the Venetians rebuilt in the 1500s to hold back Ottoman invasions.

A half-day guided shore excursion from Corfu's cruise port visits Paleokastritsa village and beach on the western coast, includes a stop at the Old Fortress and Spianada Square in Corfu Town, and returns you to your ship on schedule. The guide leads you through the island's Venetian and Byzantine landmarks while you have free time to swim at Paleokastritsa Beach. A 45-minute optional boat trip to nearby coves and caves costs 15 euros per person and depends on weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Paleokastritsa Beach1h
2. Old Fortress20m
3. Spianada20m

Corfu shore excursion highlights

• Meet guide at cruise port
• Travel to Paleokastritsa village
• Visit Paleokastritsa Beach
• Optional boat trip to caves
• Explore Old Fortress exterior
• Walk through Spianada Square
• Visit Old Town Hall
• Return to cruise ship

The experience

The tour picks you up at the port in an air-conditioned vehicle and coordinates the timing with your ship's schedule, so you leave knowing when you need to be back. The drive takes you west to Paleokastritsa, a village on the western coast known for its rocky coves and clear water. You get free time on Paleokastritsa Beach to swim, sunbathe on the pebbly shore, or book the optional boat trip that explores the sea caves and smaller beaches nearby.

After Paleokastritsa, the tour moves to Corfu Town. You walk past the Old Fortress, originally fortified by the Byzantines in the 6th century and then rebuilt by the Venetians in the 15th and 16th centuries as a defense against Ottoman attacks. The guide takes you through the Old Town Hall, a 17th-century Venetian building that once housed a noblemen's club, and then to Spianada Square: Greece's largest public square, with gardens, a cricket pitch left over from British rule, and neoclassical monuments. You have time to stroll the Liston promenade's arcades or sit for a coffee before heading back to the ship.

The tour lasts between four and five hours total. Your guide speaks English and is certified. The driver is professional and the vehicle is air-conditioned. The operator guarantees a timely return to your ship and offers a full refund if your ship bypasses the port. If the boat trip at Paleokastritsa interests you, check the weather and seasonal conditions when you arrive. It's optional and may not run every day.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a certified English-speaking guide and a professional driver in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup and drop-off at the cruise port.
• and guaranteed timely return to your ship. You also get 24/7 customer support and a full refund if your ship bypasses the port. Free time on Paleokastritsa Beach is included.
• the optional 45-minute boat trip to explore the coves and caves costs 15 euros per person and depends on weather and seasonal conditions.

Options for this experience

2 options

The top-rated Corfu shore excursion, featuring Paleokastritsa and Old TownGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:30Pickup is included

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

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

Before you book

Lasts 4h–5h, runs every day, 7 start times, from € 55 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

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 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Telia Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour if you're traveling with family or friends and want your own guide and vehicle for the half day. The shared excursion works well if you're comfortable meeting other cruise passengers and prefer a lower cost. Either way, the itinerary is fixed to get you back to your ship on time, so you can explore freely without watching the clock.

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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.

What is the Old Fortress like to walk around?

The Old Fortress sits on a rocky promontory at the eastern edge of Corfu Town and you explore its exteriors. It's a substantial structure with centuries of history: originally built by the Byzantines in the 6th century and then heavily rebuilt by the Venetians in the 15th and 16th centuries to defend the island from Ottoman invasions. The guide will walk you through the site and explain its role in the island's past.

Can I book this as a private tour, or does it run as a shared group?

You have two options at checkout: a private tour for your group, or a shared excursion called The Best Corfu Shore Excursion. Both follow the same itinerary and return you to the ship on time. The private option means your own guide and vehicle.

What is Spianada Square actually used for?

Spianada is Greece's largest public square and sits between the Old Fortress and the historic Liston promenade. It has elegant gardens, a cricket pitch (a legacy of British influence), and neoclassical landmarks like the Maitland Monument. It's a vibrant hub where locals gather, and you can stroll the arcades, sit for a coffee, or simply watch the life of the town.

Do I need to check in before the tour starts?

Check your email at least 12 hours before your scheduled activity for your exact pickup time, location, and identifying signage. The start time shown on the website is a general estimate. Your actual pickup time may differ depending on your ship's schedule and port operations. If you have questions, contact the operator via email, WhatsApp, or phone.