Situated off the northern West coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea, Corfu Greece is a beautiful island in the Ionian island group. Home to rocky hills and fantastic beaches, Corfu attracts Sun seekers from all over Europe and from around the world.

Strongly influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English, the island is still very Greek. Corfu Town is located near the cruise port as well as the international airport and is under Unesco’s protection as a World Heritage site. In town you can stroll through the picturesque cobblestone alleys, called “kandounia” and the large Spianada square as you explore the many shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes.

Where Your Ship Docks

The cruise pier in Corfu harbor is about a mile and a half from Corfu Town. Shuttle service is usually provided into the Old Town of Corfu for free or at a minimum charge. The shuttle normally drops you off at the entrance of the Old Fortress.

Transportation

Exploring the Old Town of Corfu on foot is easy and most cruise ships provide shuttle service to the entrance of the Old Fortress at the top of town. A taxi into town from the pier is about US$12 each way and there is a City bus service. The Corfu city (blue) bus departs from within the port cruise pier area to the city center for €1.20. To see more of the island in a day tours are recommended.

Currency

Greece uses the Euro (€) and foreign currency is usually not accepted. ATM’s are available and most credit cards are welcome.

Attractions

Standing above Corfu Town is the Old Fortress of Corfu. Known to Greeks as the Paleo Frourio, this massive medieval structure dates back to 1546 when the Venetians controlled the island. The Old Town is also home to several museums, like the Museum of Asian Art. Walk down the Liston promenade as the whole town overwhelms you with it’s nostalgic charm as you pass grand palaces, mansions, beautiful public buildings, and quant squares.

If you have time or can arrange a tour visit beautiful Corfu beaches nestled in small coves around the island. Beaches like Dassia, Paleokastritsa, Glyfada, Kontokali, and Kavos are famous all over Europe. These sandy coves, surrounded by high mountains and rocky coasts, are some of the best beaches in the world!

The iconic Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary at the village Kato Panagia, near Kyllini. It is the historical Monastery of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which was named Monastery of Panagia of Vlachernas, in memory of the famous monastery of the same name in Constantinople.

Additional places to consider in Corfu are the Achillion Palace, the retreat of princess Sissi of Austria, and Mon Repos Palace, where Queen Elizabeth II’s Prince Phillip was born.

Nightlife

If you are traveling to Corfu on your own, you’ll discover that this island has a completely different side after the Sun goes down. It is famous as one of the biggest party spots in the whole Mediterranean. Corfu is a magnet for Europe’s younger generations including college students and jet setters looking to beach all day and party late into the night.

Popular clubs include; 54 Dreamy Nights in town and Edem Beach Club at Dassia Beach that opens at 11 am and stays open until dawn. The most upscale on Corfu is Montecristo Club with two levels featuring different styles of music, an open stage, and a VIP section. Internationally renowned for its specialty parties and its international and local guest DJs out on the deck. Montecristo is where the late night action is.

Animal rescue is a seriously needed service and animal rescue and rehabilitation centers are a great way to educate people on the importance of wildlife and the threats they face in our modern world. Spend some time traveling around and you will discover any number of remarkable facilities that are worth a visit and especially support with money and volunteers. From wild bird rescue to manatee hospitals and dozens of others, and these mostly volunteer operations fill a genuine need. Sea turtles are a special category all their own and the biggest threat is issues surrounding their nesting areas.

If you find yourself on the southeast coast of Florida there’s a facility you should add to your list of things to see. Located in Juno Beach near the ocean it’s the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. The facility is located just south of the Juno Dunes Natural Recreation Area between US 1 and A1A and is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of all sea turtles.

Kids are especially attracted to the exhibits and the live turtle pens but there’s something here to appeal to everyone. The Center includes a medical facility dedicated to helping sea turtles, a number of holding ponds for rescued turtles, an aquarium display room, a playground and an interesting gift shop, all situated in the middle of a nice park area. The center is also working on a huge expansion project that still needs some contributions to complete.

The Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida is a major rescue and rehabilitation center for sea turtles and is open to the public. A great experience!

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