CME Cruises Visiting Corfu, Greece

Corfu distinguishes itself from its Cycladic cousins with a lush, green landscape and a cultural identity deeply colored by centuries of Venetian, French, and British influence. This is immediately apparent upon entering its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a captivating labyrinth of narrow, cobbled lanes (kantounia) that open onto elegant squares. The town is anchored by two formidable fortresses: the Old Fortress, perched on a rocky promontory, offers panoramic views and a tangible sense of history, while the New Fortress looms over the old port. The heart of social life is the Liston, a graceful arcade of cafés modeled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli, facing the vast Spianada square—one of the largest in Europe. It’s the perfect place to pause for a coffee or a local ginger beer (tsitsibira) and observe the rhythm of the city. For a deeper cultural dive, the Church of Saint Spyridon, with its striking bell tower, houses the relics of the island's patron saint. While the Old Town can easily fill a day, those seeking coastal beauty can venture to Paleokastritsa (a 30-40 minute drive), renowned for its dramatic cliffs and emerald coves. Alternatively, the Achilleion Palace, built for an Austrian empress, provides a glimpse into 19th-century royal life amid beautiful gardens. Corfu offers a rich, layered experience, blending grand European architecture with the warm hospitality and stunning scenery of the Ionian Sea.