Destination Corfu; read about this great Cruise location

It has been some time ago that I posted info about East Med. Cruise destinations. As this is a very popular destination for my customers, I am happy to give you now some information about the Greek Island Corfu.
Below I have compiled a general guide about things to do during your stay on Corfu.  There is also information on how to get about on the island and make the most of your stay there.

For those who wish to see other parts of the island and take part in other activities there is a whole range of things on offer, from excursions to golf to horse riding.   There are so many things to do on Corfu as well as swimming and sunbathing.  Perfect for people of all ages.
Where You’re Docked
Ships dock right at the New Port. They typically offer free shuttles to the passenger services terminal (if you get lucky, your ship will also operate shuttles to and from Corfu Town, a few miles away) where you can find auto rental kiosks and a sparkling duty-free shop. You have to exit the terminal to find taxis (typically the first queue is for passengers looking for island tours; you have to walk way down to the end to find those cars that’ll take you on the shorter hop to Corfu Town

Corfu Overview
The island of Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek) has everything one would expect of a great Greek holiday: a rich architectural tradition, a strong cultural presence (there are no fewer than 19 philharmonic bands) and ample opportunity to sample moussaka and dolmades.

Corfu, 40 miles long and 20 miles across, also has some of the best beaches in the region; chief among them are Agios Stefanos-Avliotes, Agios Spyridonas, Boukari and Arillas. It, along with many of its Ionian counterparts, is also lush with tropical flora and fauna — a significant departure from, for instance, the stark, desert-like climate that permeates Greece’s Cyclades series of isles.

Beyond all this, there is something textured, something different about Corfu that sets it apart. Maybe it’s as simple as the fact that the island — hanging off the northwest coast of Greece and within a heartbeat of Albania — has been occupied by so many cultures: the Byzantines, the Venetians, the French, the Russians, the British. It wasn’t until 1864 that Greece annexed Corfu, the best known of the seven Ionian Islands.

Transport and How to Get About.
Local Buses:
There is a regular daytime bus service operated by KTEL, to and from Corfu Town to all the towns and villages around the island. The green buses are used for the services to the towns and villages and the blue buses operate the centre of Corfu Town and the outskirts. There are timetables posted up at the main bus stops in all the areas and at the main bus station in Town.  It is wise to be at the bus stops at least 10 minutes before departure time as the bus will not wait if it arrives a bit early.

Taxis:
It is very easy to find a taxi in Corfu Town. There are taxi ranks at the main bus station, the Liston, and at San Rocco square. In all the villages you will also be able to find a local taxi. Always check the fare with the driver before you start your journey.

Car Hire:
You must be at least 23 years of age and hold a full driving licence. Whilst driving please make yourself aware of speed signs and other traffic regulations. It is the law to wear seat belts. Unwisely, many people do not, but these days it is highly likely that the police will be just round the next bend and they regularly do spot checks. As in most of the advanced countries like the UK, it is also illegal here to be using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Excursions.
It is often very tempting to laze by the pool or on the beach, but there are so many beautiful places to see on Corfu that you really should make an effort to see them.

Corfu Town:
This excursion takes you to Corfu’s main town for shopping and sightseeing.  It takes approximately 1 hour from Kassiopi in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach and you will have around 4 hours to do as you wish.  This is not a guided tour.

Paleokastritsa:
Approximately 1 hour from Kassiopi, this coach trip takes you to one of Corfu’s most famous beauty spots.  Time for swimming, browsing the shops and to visit the 13th century, hilltop monastery  or to simply sit in a beachside taverna and admire the stunning views.

Grand Island Tour:
This very popular guided tour starts in Kassiopi and takes you to see some of the most popular places in the northern area of Corfu.  See places on the stunning NE coast such as Kouloura, Kalami and Barbati,  as well as Corfu Town, with Mouse Island and the Achillion Palace, then on to the NW coast and the fabulous, mountainous area of Paleokastritsa and Bella Vista.

Albania:
One of our most popular trips,  this is the chance to experience something completely different.  After departing from the port in Corfu Town, you will head off towards the ancient city of Ag. Saranda.  From there you can go on an optional tour to the ancient site at Butrint.  An ideal excursion for those who like to learn about another country and its people.

Paxos and Parga:
An opportunity to visit two beautiful places.  The island of Paxos, south of Corfu and Parga, on the west coast of the Greek mainland. A very scenic island surrounded by turquoise waters, you will then head off across the water to Parga.  Plenty of time for lunch, swimming and sunbathing.