Corfu is a cruise travelers’ paradise, offering a rich combination of stunning beaches, historic sites, and scenic villages all within easy reach of the port. Because the island’s attractions are so varied, it’s no surprise that so many visitors opt for organized shore excursions—they let you experience Corfu’s highlights without the stress of planning logistics or navigating busy roads. We particularly like private tours for their flexibility and personalized touches, like the Private Shore Excursion: Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, which combines two top beaches in a half-day, hassle-free experience.
Whether you’re after relaxing on golden sands, exploring charming villages, or discovering UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Corfu’s tour options won’t disappoint. To help you decide, we’ve ranked the best shore excursions based on itinerary, reviews, and value for money.
1. Private Shore Excursion: Corfu Beaches Paleokastritsa and Glyfada
This private, half-day tour offers a luxurious way to see two of Corfu’s most beautiful beaches. Meet your driver directly at the cruise port, hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, and head straight to Paleokastritsa Beach. Known for its emerald waters and dramatic cliffs, it’s perfect for swimming or visiting the iconic monastery nearby. Upgrades include a boat trip, which many find a highlight, especially for exploring sea caves or just relaxing on the water.
Afterward, you’ll visit Glyfada Beach, famous for its long stretch of soft sand and lively beach bars. This tour’s private nature means plenty of flexibility—whether you want to stay longer in one spot or explore other nearby landmarks. With 130 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, it’s a trusted choice for travelers seeking a personalized experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a tailored, stress-free day with time to relax and explore both beaches at their own pace. Price is $174.43 per person, making it a worthwhile splurge for comfort and exclusivity.
2. Majestic Corfu: Half Day Shore Excursion for First Time Cruisers
If this is your first visit to Corfu, this well-structured four to five-hour tour is a great introduction. It begins directly at the cruise port, ensuring no wasted time, and includes stops at Paleokastritsa village, featuring its stunning beach and monastery. You’ll also enjoy a boat trip to the Paleokastritsa caves, which is highly recommended for its scenic views and fun experience.
A highlight for many travelers is Mouse Island, a tiny island just off the coast, visible from Corfu Town, and perfect for memorable photos. The tour also includes a stroll through Corfu Town’s charming streets, offering a glimpse of its UNESCO-listed architecture. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 29 reviews and a price of just $57.84, this tour offers good value for first-timers eager to see the essentials without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a rundown of Corfu’s top sights in a comfortable, organized package. Suitable for those new to the island or with limited time.
3. Corfu: Mount Pantokrator Shore Excursion
For a full-day adventure, this 7-hour tour takes you across northern Corfu, focusing on the imposing Mount Pantokrator. Starting with a scenic drive, you’ll visit traditional villages like Old Perithia, a restored mountain village full of history and character. The tour features off-road jeep rides, which allow you to access remote viewpoints and scenic drives that showcase the island’s rugged beauty.
The highlight is the Pantokrator Monastery, perched at 910 meters, offering panoramic views of the entire island. The tour also includes stops at Kassopi Village and a traditional Greek lunch, making it ideal for those seeking a more in-depth experience. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the off-road adventure, with reviews mentioning how the tour combines stunning scenery and local culture. At $124 per person, it’s a longer, more comprehensive option for active travelers.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a full day exploring Corfu’s northern highlands, with scenic views, quaint villages, and cultural insights.
4. Comprehensive Corfu Shore Excursion from Cruise Port
This half-day tour is designed for first-time visitors eager to get a taste of Corfu’s highlights. It starts with a visit to the picturesque Paleokastritsa, including a boat ride to explore its famous caves (extra cost), along with visits to the monastery and Mouse Island. Then, you’ll take a scenic drive into Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with time to stroll, shop, and sample local cuisine.
The tour balances natural beauty with history and culture, giving a well-rounded introduction to the island. Many reviewers commend how smoothly it runs—timed perfectly with cruise schedules—and how informative the guides are. At $63.05 per person, this tour offers excellent value for those wanting a thorough yet manageable experience.
Bottom line: A dependable choice for first-timers who want a classic, diverse tour that hits the highlights without overextending.
5. Paleokastritsa, Corfu Town & Beach Break
This four to five-hour tour combines the best of both worlds: relaxing Paleokastritsa and the lively streets of Corfu Town. The journey begins at Paleokastritsa village, famous for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful beaches, with an option to take a boat tour of the caves. Then, you’ll visit Corfu Town’s Old Fortress and Liston Square, perfect for shopping and sampling local food.
With a 4.5-star rating from 59 reviews and a price of $79.52, it’s suitable for those wanting a balanced mix of beach time and cultural exploration. Travelers appreciate the carefully timed schedule, though some mention feeling rushed at the town. Overall, it’s a good balanced experience that suits those with a moderate amount of time.
Bottom line: Good for travelers wanting variety—beach relaxation and historic sightseeing—in a single tour.
6. Private Shore Excursion Visit in Corfu with private driver
This private, four-hour tour offers a fully customizable experience. Start your day in Pelekas, known for panoramic views from Kaiser’s Throne, and continue to Kanoni with its stunning views of Mouse Island and Vlacherna Monastery. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to tailor their day, choosing top sights or discovering hidden spots with the flexibility of a private driver.
Guests rave about the professional and friendly guides—the tour is praised for its personal touch and the beautiful scenery. The $167.68 per person price reflects the exclusivity and tailored approach. It’s ideal for those wanting a bespoke experience with full control over the itinerary.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a flexible, private day focused on their specific interests.
7. Corfu Shore Excursion with Beach Retreat or Boat Cave Exploration
This 4.5-hour tour combines a scenic trip to Paleokastritsa with an optional boat ride through the caves, or a relaxing beach retreat. It’s great for first-time visitors who want a mix of natural exploration and leisure. The boat trip is a highlight, especially for exploring sea caves, while the beach option caters to sunbathers.
Guests praise the friendly driver and the breathtaking views, with many appreciating the flexibility to choose between adventure or relaxation. At $72.93 per person, it offers good value for those wanting a flexible, scenic experience with optional activities.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want a mix of boat adventure and beach downtime, with the option to tailor their day.
8. Private Shore Excursion Visit in Corfu with private driver
This private, four-hour tour takes you to Pelekas, with its panoramic views from Kaiser’s Throne, and Kanoni to see Mouse Island and Vlacherna Monastery. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and flexibility, perfect for travelers who want to focus on specific sights or revisit favorites.
Rated highly for its professional guides and stunning scenery, this tour costs $167.68 per person, reflecting its exclusivity. It’s particularly suited for those with limited time but a desire for a private, customized experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a private, flexible day with a focus on iconic viewpoints and personal preferences.
9. Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion: Paleokastritsa & Corfu Town
This 4.5-hour tour pairs Paleokastritsa Beach—with its stunning scenery and monastery—and the UNESCO-listed Corfu Old Town. It begins with a boat ride to the caves, then moves into town for sightseeing and shopping. The guide’s engaging commentary makes it enjoyable, and the mix of natural beauty and cultural sites appeals to many.
Rated 5/5 by four reviews and priced at $173.64, it offers a quality, well-paced experience for first-time visitors. It’s ideal if you want the highlights and prefer a small group or private guide.
Bottom line: A smart choice for those wanting a balanced view of Corfu’s natural and cultural treasures in a shorter timeframe.
10. Shore Excursion: Customized Private Half-Day Tour of Corfu
This private, four-hour tour allows you to design your own itinerary. Whether you’re interested in beaches, monasteries, or scenic viewpoints, your guide will tailor the day to your preferences. Popular stops include Old Town Corfu, Paleokastritsa Monastery, and the Achilleion Palace.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and personal attention, with reviews highlighting the ease of customizing the day. At $111.02 per person, it’s a good option for travelers with specific interests or those wanting to focus on particular sites.
Bottom line: Best for independent-minded travelers who want control over their sightseeing and a private, personalized experience.
11. Deluxe Corfu Shore Excursion with Paleokastritsa and Old Town
This five-hour tour combines Paleokastritsa’s natural beauty with a detailed visit to Corfu Old Town. The day includes a boat trip to the caves and a leisurely walk through the historic streets, with time for shopping and dining. Reviewers value the comfortable vehicle and the insightful guide.
Priced at $65.22, it balances affordability with a comprehensive experience. It’s a good fit for travelers wanting a guided tour with enough time to explore at their own pace.
Bottom line: Suitable for those seeking a slightly longer, more relaxed day with a mix of scenery and culture.
12. Corfu Shore Excursion to Greece’s Picturesque Paradise
Starting right at the cruise port, this four to five-hour tour offers a scenic trip to Paleokastritsa, including a boat ride to its caves and views of Mouse Island. Then, it continues into Corfu Town for sightseeing and shopping. The itinerary is designed to maximize your limited time on the island.
Rated 4 stars by 27 reviews, travelers love the well-organized approach and beautiful scenery. For $69.14 per person, it’s a good option for first-timers looking for variety.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a broad overview with enough time for shopping and photos.
13. Corfu Shore Excursion with Relaxing Beach Break or Cave Boat Trip
This four to five-hour experience combines Paleokastritsa’s beach with a Scenic boat trip to the caves. It offers both options—relaxing on the beach or exploring sea caves by boat—allowing you to choose what suits your mood. Many reviews mention the friendly driver and breathtaking views, making it perfect for those wanting a flexible, scenic day.
At $83.69, it’s a bit more expensive but offers the opportunity for adventure or relaxation, depending on your preference.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a customizable experience that blends natural beauty with optional sea cave exploration.
14. Private Island Tour Including Achillion Palace
This full 5-hour private tour showcases Corfu’s key attractions, including Achilleion Palace, the 13th-century Monastery of the Virgin Mary, and Corfu Town. The focus is on personalized attention and flexibility, ensuring you see what interests you most. You’ll also pass through charming villages and learn about the island’s stories along the way.
Rated 4.5/5, reviews highlight the expert guidance and comprehensive itinerary. The price, at $748.59 per person, reflects its exclusivity—best for those seeking a private, in-depth experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, customizable tour that packs in multiple highlights efficiently.
15. Private Shore Excursion: Paleokastritsa and Corfu Old Town
This four-hour private tour offers a flexible way to see Paleokastritsa’s monastery and beaches plus Corfu Old Town’s streets and sights. The itinerary can be tailored to your interests, with the option to add a boat trip or extra sightseeing.
Rated 4.0/5, reviews mention the personalized service and ease of logistics. Priced at $438.43 for up to 11 people, it’s best suited for groups wanting a relaxed, private day.
Bottom line: Excellent for groups or families wanting a custom, private experience with the option to control the pace.
How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion in Corfu
If you’re trying to pick between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For example, if you want a private, tailored day, the Private Shore Excursion: Paleokastritsa and Glyfada is hard to beat. Prefer a relaxed overview with cultural highlights? The Corfu Highlights Shore Excursion offers a reliable, small-group experience. For active travelers eager to explore mountain villages and off-road trails, the Mount Pantokrator tour is perfect.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and tour. Keep in mind that some tours include optional extras like boat rides or cave explorations that can enhance your experience.
In summary, Corfu offers a wide array of shore excursions—from private, leisurely beach days to full-day mountain adventures. For those craving personalized service, private tours like the Visit in Corfu with private driver provide unmatched flexibility. Budget-minded travelers will appreciate the value-packed Corfu Shore Excursion. And if you’re new to the island, the Half Day Shore Excursion for First Time Cruisers offers a solid introduction. Whatever your style, Corfu’s tours promise memorable moments—so book yours early and prepare for a trip to remember.