Highlights
Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion
Paleokastritsa, Achilleion and Old Town — Corfu's essential trio on a single port day.
Corfu Highlights is our Editor's Choice for passengers who want the island's headline sights without choosing between coast and culture. A sequenced route covers Paleokastritsa's turquoise bays, Empress Sisi's Achilleion Palace and a walking introduction to UNESCO Old Town.
Morning departures from Neo Limani reach Paleokastritsa before coach convoys peak — time for the monastery viewpoint, La Grotta outlook and a swim stop when seas are calm. Your guide explains why Corfu's architecture looks Venetian rather than classically Greek.
Achilleion follows on the return loop toward town — terrace gardens, Achilles statuary and panoramic views over the Ionian. Afternoon shifts to Spianada, the Liston arcades and Campiello lanes with a stop at Saint Spyridon.
This is a full day, not a leisurely beach visit. On calls under 8 usable hours, switch to Old Town only or a half-day Paleokastritsa tour instead.
Highlights
- Paleokastritsa monastery viewpoint and bays
- Achilleion Palace gardens and terraces
- Liston, Spianada and Old Fortress exterior
- Door-to-door Neo Limani transfer
What a good tour includes
- Licensed guide
- Coach or minivan transport
- Achilleion entry where stated
- Return timed to ship
Getting there from the cruise port
Ships dock at Neo Limani (New Port), about 2 km west of Corfu Old Town. Allow 5–10 minutes by taxi to Spianada or 35–45 minutes each way for Paleokastritsa and Achilleion. Confirm your all-aboard time and keep a 60–90 minute buffer — summer traffic on the coastal road back to the port can slow returns from the northwest coast.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Book before sailing in July and August
- Wear water shoes for Paleokastritsa pebble beaches
- Bring sun protection — limited shade at Achilleion
Related excursions
Paleokastritsa Shore Excursion
Emerald Ionian coves beneath olive cliffs — Corfu's most photographed coastline.
Corfu Old Town Walking Excursion
Venetian alleys, pastel shutters and the Liston — Greece's most elegant port stroll.
Achilleion Palace Shore Excursion
Empress Elisabeth's hilltop villa — Achilles statues and terraces above the coast.
Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion — FAQs
Can I swim at Paleokastritsa on a highlights tour?▼
Many operators include a 30–45 minute swim stop when your ship allows — confirm when booking.
Is this too much for a 7-hour port call?▼
Tight — choose corfu-old-town or paleokastritsa half-day tours on shorter calls.