Upon arrival in Corfu, the grandeur of the Old Fortress stands out, merging architectural styles from Byzantine, Early Venetian, and Late Venetian eras. Besides this, the allure of the region lies in the mesmerizing waters that surround it. From Corfu to Croatia, the transparent sea meanders around rocky islets and piers, resembling a vast river originating from the Alps and flowing into the Mediterranean. Although Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands, it sits near the western coast of mainland Greece where the Adriatic seamlessly merges with the Ionian Sea.
For those with a penchant for architecture, exquisite jewelry, and vibrant streets, the temptation to linger and explore in Corfu Town is strong. However, the island offers more experiences to be had. In particular, the beaches nestled between limestone cliffs, accompanied by crystal-clear blue waters that beckon you to touch them to confirm their reality, make Paleokastritsa a magnet for visitors. Windstar guests are also captivated by Paleokastritsa, embarking on the Corfu, Paleokastritsa and Boat Trip that takes them to the beaches and onto the azure waters. With its heart-shaped bay and panoramic vistas of the island’s central mountain range, Paleokastritsa is believed to be the very spot where Odysseus encountered Nausicaä in Homer’s Odyssey, adding a touch of enchantment to the region.
What to Expect during the Tour
The guided segment of the tour spans about four hours, with two stops and slightly over an hour spent on the tour bus. The visit to Paleokastritsa includes a 45-minute boat journey and approximately an hour of leisure time. The second stop comprises indulging in wine and snacks provided in the tour, lasting another hour. The tour concludes in Corfu Town, allowing for independent exploration, with the return to the ship facilitated via a shuttle bus rather than the tour bus.
Always keen on any type of boat adventure, my spouse and I opted for this tour during our recent Windstar cruise that docked at Corfu. The experience commenced with a scenic drive, a roughly 30-minute trip along the coastal road leading north of the port. En route, we passed through tourist locales and caught a glimpse of the former Venetian leper colony on the Isle of Lazaretto. As the road veered away from the coast and into the mountains, the population gradually thinned out, with olive groves dominating the mountainside landscape.
Paleokastritsa boasts several beaches, and our tour took us to Agios Spiridon Beach. To truly admire the splendor of the water here, venturing out on it is essential. The shore excursion vessels were small wooden outboards, each accommodating approximately 12 passengers on bench seats beneath a shaded canopy.
We spent approximately 30-40 minutes exploring several shallow caves that resembled grottos. The first stop was Nausicaä’s Cave, named after Odysseus’ love interest. The most renowned cave, Blue Eye Cave, derives its name from an underwater orifice in the rocks that allows sunlight to filter through, illuminating the water in a striking blue hue. Our captain regaled us with songs, we fed the fish, took selfies, and marveled at the scenery along with the variety of boats in the two bays we visited.
During our free time, we strolled along the beach, found a gelato stand (an essential for me), and explored a small market where I purchased some local olive oil that turned out to be among the best we had tried on the trip. Our second stop on the tour led us to a clifftop restaurant overlooking the bay, serving a delectable assortment of Greek cheeses, olives, bread, and local wine. Please note that the specific restaurant featured in the tour might change seasonally.
Heading Back to Corfu Town
Referred to as Corfu Town in English and Kerkyra in Greek (pronounced KER kee rah), the town is home to both a new and old fortress, both primarily built or enhanced by the Venetians. The robust fortifications enabled Corfu to remain the sole Greek territory unconquered by the Ottomans. After your adventures in Paleokastritsa, you should have ample time to visit the old fortress, even if merely from across the moat known as the Contra Fossa.
Consider strolling through sections of Old Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It exudes a lively atmosphere and a noticeable Italian influence due to its extended period of Venetian rule. Bougainvillea adorning doorways and walkways are a common sight throughout Old Town. Although there are a few shops showcasing local artisans, these are outnumbered by vendors selling souvenirs. As is typical in old-world towns, venturing a bit farther away from the main streets leads you to more tranquil residential areas.
We discovered Spianada Square, close to the ship’s shuttle pick-up point, to be a charming location to relax and enjoy a Mythos Lager (the quintessential Greek leisure activity, right?). Adjacent to the fountain at the square’s center, several eateries line the street, offering outdoor dining options. Menus range from Italian and Greek cuisine to seafood specialties. Additionally, there are cozy coffee shops to unwind in. The park provides a peaceful break from the bustling streets of Old Town, allowing us to people-watch while awaiting the bus back to our ship.
Insider Advice
What to Dress In: Unless you plan on swimming or splashing about at the beach, you are unlikely to get wet during the boat ride. (You will step onto a dock before descending into the boat.) If water activities are on the agenda, water shoes are recommended. Restrooms are available for changing in or out of swimwear. Personally, I opted for quick-drying swim shorts paired with a rash guard suitable for all parts of the excursion.
What to Carry: For the boat voyage, securing your sunglasses with a lanyard is wise. One of our travel companions lost hers while leaning overboard to peer into the clear waters. A dry pouch for your phone can make capturing photos on the boat safer, and a lanyard for your phone improves security further. If your water shoes are not suitable for extended walking, consider packing an alternate pair for exploring Corfu Town, particularly in Old Corfu where the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Lastly, do not forget to pack your sunscreen.
Additional Information: The tour is available on most cruises making a stop in Corfu, including aboard the Wind Surf cruising between Athens and Venice, as well as on Star Legend itineraries sailing between Athens and Barcelona or as part of the Star Collector: Winter Muse in the Mediterranean.
