Corfu: Pirate Ship Cruise & Vlacherna Monastery 75 Min
Sail Past Corfu's Fortresses & Watch Planes Land from the Water
You board the Black Rose in Corfu Town and sail for 75 minutes past both Venetian fortresses, Vlacherna Monastery, and the old town waterfront. Planes land overhead, the bar keeps you comfortable, and kids get pirate props. The boat departs every two hours, so timing is flexible. All fees are included.
Step-by-step itinerary
Minicruise around Corfu coastline
- Board the Pirate Ship Black Rose
- Cruise along Corfu old town coastline
- See Venetian fortresses and Faliraki
- Pass Garitsa Bay and Mon Repo Palace
- Sail to Vlacherna Monastery and Corfu airport
- Watch airplanes landing overhead
- Enjoy drinks at the onboard bar
- Children play with pirate hats and swords
The Experience
There's something about being on the water that makes you notice things you'd miss from land — the angle changes everything. On the Black Rose, a 75-minute cruise around Corfu Town, you're close enough to the Old Fortress to see the stone detail, then suddenly the boat swings toward Vlacherna Monastery, that white chapel sitting on its own tiny island, and before you can take a proper photo, a plane descends so low you feel like you could touch it. The ship sails every two hours, so if the first departure doesn't work, another one leaves soon after.
The route covers the major landmarks most visitors only see from the shore — both Venetian fortresses, Garitsa Bay, Mon Repos Palace where Prince Philip was born, and the coastline of the old town where the Venetian architecture still holds its color. You're not getting a lecture; the boat has a bar, and people mostly stand on deck watching the sights pass, pointing out the planes, or sitting with a drink while the captain navigates the familiar route. Kids get pirate hats and swords to play with, which keeps them occupied during the sail. The crew doesn't allow outside food or drinks, but whatever you order at the bar is part of the experience.
It's the kind of tour that works because it solves a simple problem — you want to see Corfu from the water without spending half a day on a boat, and you want to do it without planning. The ship leaves from Corfu Town itself, so no transfer needed, and the timing is built around the schedule, not around your hotel checkout or dinner reservation. Families, solo travelers, couples — the boat fills up with all of them, and the 75 minutes is just long enough to feel like you've actually been somewhere without eating up your whole afternoon.
What’s included
- Your 75-minute cruise includes passage on the Black Rose, views of the Old Fortress, New Fortress, Vlacherna Monastery, Garitsa Bay, and Mon Repos Palace, plus the chance to watch planes land near the boat.
- Children receive pirate hats and swords.
- A bar onboard serves drinks.
- All fees and taxes are included in the ticket price.
Operated by Corfu Pirate Ship Black Rose
Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Corfu's main sights from the water without a long commitment — the 75 minutes is enough to cover the fortresses, monastery, and old town without eating your whole afternoon. Families with children enjoy the pirate theme and plane-watching; the frequent departures mean you can fit it into almost any schedule.
Traveler reviews
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How often does the pirate ship sail?
Every two hours throughout the day. Check the departure board when you arrive at the dock.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
No. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed, but the ship has a bar onboard.
Is it suitable for young children?
Yes. Children can play with pirate hats and swords, and the boat is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
What if I'm in a wheelchair?
The boat is wheelchair accessible. Strollers and prams are also welcome.
Will I definitely see planes landing?
Most of the time, yes — the route passes near Corfu airport and planes often land just above the boat. It's not guaranteed every trip, but it's a regular feature.
How long is the cruise?
One hour and 15 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance?
The boat sails every two hours, so walk-up availability is usually possible, but booking ahead ensures your preferred time slot.
What's included in the price?
All fees and taxes. Drinks from the bar are separate.
Corfu: Pirate Ship Cruise & Vlacherna Monastery 75 Min
1h 15m · EN · EL
from € 16 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.65298 reviews












