Best Shore Excursions in Corfu for Every Cruise Passenger (NCL, Princess, Celebrity & More)
Corfu is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, making it a favorite among cruise travelers. Whether you're sailing with MSC Cruises, Viking Cruises, Princess Cruises, or any other major line, a shore excursion in Corfu is your ticket to experiencing the island's natural beauty, historic charm, and culinary delights.
The Corfu cruise port is conveniently located just a short drive from the historic old town, allowing cruise visitors to begin exploring quickly. Most cruise ships dock between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and depart in the late afternoon, giving you anywhere from 6 to 9 hours ashore—plenty of time to enjoy a half-day or full-day Corfu shore excursion tailored to your interests.
With its combination of beautiful beaches, fascinating history, scenic villages, and world-class food, Corfu has become one of the top-rated destinations for cruise passengers in the Mediterranean. The island caters to a wide range of preferences, whether you’re an adventurer looking for exploration or a traveler who prefers a relaxed day soaking up the sun.
This guide is tailored to cruise passengers looking for the best ways to explore Corfu in just one day. We've organized the top Corfu shore excursions by traveler type so you can find the perfect tour to match your interests, time frame, and energy level. Whether you're arriving with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), or Regent Seven Seas, there is a curated experience just for you.
For First-Time Visitors
1) Paleokastritsa and Corfu Town Tour
Paleokastritsa Beach
The Paleokastritsa and Corfu Town Tour is ideal for a quick introduction to the island, this half-day tour takes you to the turquoise bays of Paleokastritsa, where you can visit the 13th-century monastery and enjoy panoramic views. Afterward, explore the UNESCO-listed Corfu Town, with its Venetian architecture, cobblestone alleys, and lively cafes. This excursion is especially popular among cruise guests arriving with Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean, who want a balanced mix of scenic and cultural highlights. It’s one of the top-rated NCL, Celebrity and Princess Corfu shore excursions.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Great for: First-timers, families, and couples
2) Achillion Palace, Kanoni Viewpoint and Corfu Town
Achillion Palace
When taking the Achillion Palace, Kanoni and Corfu Town tour you will step into the imperial elegance at the Achillion Palace, once the retreat of Empress Sissi of Austria. Then you will visit Kanoni for a postcard-perfect view of Mouse Island and the iconic Vlacherna Monastery. Finally you will explore the UNESCO-listed Corfu Town, with its Venetian architecture alleys and lively cafes. A blend of history and scenery, this half-day tour appeals to those cruising with Princess Cruises and NCL Cruises and Celebrity shore excursions in Corfu who enjoy historical landmarks with stunning backdrops.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Great for: History buffs, photographers
For Beach Lovers
1) Glyfada Beach Escape (Shared Group)
Glyfada Beach
If you're looking to relax, swim, and sunbathe, this group tour takes you straight to Glyfada Beach—a sandy stretch with clear waters and beach bars. It's easy, stress-free, and ideal for those with a short time in port. Many travelers with NCL, Princess and Celebrity choose this option for a no-fuss beach break. Interested in this shared beach escape? Contact Blue Tours for availability!
Duration: 4.5 hours
Great for: Families, beachgoers
2) Corfu Beaches – Paleokastritsa & Glyfada
Want variety? The Corfu Beaches – Paleokastritsa & Glyfada tour combines two of Corfu's best beaches. Enjoy the dramatic coastline of Paleokastritsa before heading to Glyfada for a relaxing swim or drink by the sea. Guests sailing with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises often choose this for a mix of nature and beach time. These are also popular among MSC shore excursions in Corfu due to the island’s accessibility and scenic coast.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Great for: Sunseekers, active travelers
3) Corfu Beaches and Corfu Town – Full-Day Combo
This full-day combo -Corfu Beaches and Corfu Town is perfect for those who want both sun and culture. Start your day at Paleokastritsa and Glyfada beaches, and then spend the afternoon exploring Corfu Town's historic streets and shops. It’s a favorite among travelers from Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and NCL looking to maximize their day ashore.
Duration: 7 hours
Great for: Balanced beach and culture experience
If you're docked in Corfu on a hot summer day and want to spend time swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding at some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, then this category of tours is ideal. With stops tailored to match ship schedules, they offer the perfect escape for guests aboard Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess shore excursions in Corfu.
For Foodies & Culture Seekers
1) Governor Olive Mill (Shared or Private)
Governor Olive Oil
Dive into Corfu’s culinary roots at the Governor Olive Mill. Learn how award-winning olive oil is made, taste the different varieties, and pair them with local wines. You can also combine this with a visit to Corfu Town for a more rounded experience. Food and wine lovers traveling with Seabourn, Oceania, Azamara, and Regent Seven Seas find this to be a flavorful highlight of their Corfu visit. These tours are featured in many Seabourn shore excursions in Corfu. The Governor Olive Mill small group option is offers the olive oil tasting experience with the olive oil workshop and transportation from the port. On the other hand, the Governor Olive Mill and Corfu Town Tour offers the same experience plus the visit to Corfu Town.
Duration: 3.5 hours (shared), 4.5 hours (private with Corfu Town visit combo)
Great for: Food lovers, culture enthusiasts
2) Corfu Culinary Experience – Walking Food Tour
Food Tasting Experience
Taste your way through Corfu Town with this Corfu Culinary Experience. Sample Corfiot classics like pastitsada, loukoumades, and kumquat liqueur as you explore local markets and eateries. This is a perfect choice for guests sailing with Azamara, and Regent Seven Seas but also for MSC, NCL and Princess passengers in Corfu who want a deeper cultural immersion. It’s also one of the top food-focused Corfu shore excursions for luxury cruise passengers.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Great for: Couples, foodies, small groups
These food and wine experiences allow you to discover a different side of Corfu. Rather than sightseeing, you’re connecting with the island’s traditions and flavors—a favorite among passengers on smaller luxury lines like Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas shore excursions in Corfu.
For Explorers Seeking Great Views
1) Corfu in a Day – Full-Day Tour
This Corfu in a Day comprehensive tour is ideal for longer cruise stops, like those with Viking Cruises, Holland America Line, or Princess Cruises. Visit Paleokastritsa, Lakones (a scenic mountain village), Kanoni Viewpoint, and Corfu Town all in one trip. It’s one of the best Corfu shore excursions for cruisers wanting to check off multiple highlights in a single day.
Duration: 7 hours
Great for: Full-day explorers, photographers, first-time visitors
2) Panoramic Corfu Tour
Lakones Viewpoint
Designed for a relaxed pace, this Panoramic Corfu Tour tour offers stunning viewpoints without strenuous walking. Perfect for guests with limited mobility or those simply wanting a scenic overview. Travelers arriving with Viking Cruises, Holland America, and Silversea appreciate this as an easy yet enriching option.
Duration: 4.5 hours
Great for: Seniors, mobility-limited travelers
Which Cruise Lines Visit Corfu?
Corfu welcomes ships from nearly every major cruise line. Whether you're browsing for:
MSC shore excursions Corfu
NCL shore excursions in Corfu
Princess shore excursions Corfu
Viking shore excursions Corfu
Celebrity Cruises Corfu experiences
Royal Caribbean Corfu tours
Azamara, Seabourn, Oceania or Holland America Line
...you’ll find something tailored to your schedule and style. Most cruise passengers dock in Corfu for 6–9 hours, making it ideal for both quick escapes and full-day explorations.
Why Book with a Local Operator?
Booking your Corfu shore excursion with a local provider like Blue Tours ensures:
Smaller group sizes for a more personal experience
Flexible itineraries and custom add-ons
Insider knowledge and licensed guides
Competitive prices and cruise-ship safe scheduling
Unlike many ship-organized excursions, local tours offer direct contact, more customization, and often a more authentic experience. You won’t feel rushed or herded. You’ll feel welcomed.
Blue Tours also guarantees punctuality and peace of mind. You’ll be back at your cruise ship well before departure, and you’ll experience more than you ever could in a large group. Booking with a local company means your money stays in Corfu, supporting real families and small businesses.
Plan Your Perfect Day in Corfu
Corfu offers something for everyone: beaches, history, scenic villages, and unforgettable food. No matter which cruise line you arrive on—NCL Cruises, Viking Cruises, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or even MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean—there's a perfect shore excursion in Corfu waiting for you.
Booking is easy through Bluetours.gr, where you can browse experiences, check availability, and contact a real local team for personalized help. Whether you're planning ahead or booking last-minute, the right Corfu shore excursion is just a few clicks away.
→ Explore all tours and book your Corfu experience at Bluetours.gr
