Corfu Sunset Cruise on a Classic Wooden Boat with Snacks

Corfu Old Port and the Old Town

The cruise begins at the old port of Corfu, on the western edge of the old town and below the walls of the New Fortress, built by the Venetians in the late 16th century. Behind it lies the old town itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Venetian, French and British influences mix in narrow lanes, elegant arcades and tall, pastel-coloured houses with green shutters.

Arrive early and take a short stroll through the lanes near the port before boarding at 19:30. As the boat leaves the quay, you see the old town rise above the water, a view that shows how this fortified harbour city grew up facing the sea. How to get to Corfu old port? It is a short walk from most hotels in the old town and a few minutes by taxi from the rest of Corfu town.

The Old Fortress of Corfu

Rounding the northern tip of the old town, the boat sails beneath the Old Fortress, built on a rocky promontory with two peaks and separated from the town by a sea moat that the Venetians dug in the 16th century. For centuries it was the heart of Corfu's defences, and the island was never taken by the Ottomans, thanks in part to these mighty walls.

From the water you appreciate the scale of the bastions, the lighthouse on the higher peak and the neoclassical church in the shape of an ancient temple within the fortress walls. In the evening light the stone glows warm gold, one of the finest photo moments of the cruise. If you wish to walk inside the fortress, plan a separate visit during the day.

Garitsa Bay and the Mon Repos Estate

South of the fortress the boat crosses Garitsa Bay, a wide curve of water lined by the seafront promenade of Corfu town and a restored old windmill at its southern end. The calm bay is a favourite place for evening walks, and from the boat you look back at the old town, the fortress and the mountains of the mainland behind them.

Further along, the wooded shore of Mon Repos comes into view. This estate surrounds a neoclassical villa built around 1830, set in gardens that hide the remains of ancient Corfu, including the foundations of a temple from the archaic period. Seen from the sea, the trees, the small beach and the villa make a peaceful scene as the sun sinks lower.

Pontikonissi, Corfu's Famous Islet

The highlight of the cruise is Pontikonissi, often called Mouse Island, a tiny islet covered in cypress trees with a small Byzantine chapel at its top. It sits at the mouth of the lagoon near the Kanoni peninsula, opposite the white monastery of Vlacherna, which is linked to the shore by a narrow causeway. Together they form one of the most photographed views in Greece.

From the boat you see both up close as the sky turns orange and pink. Planes landing at Corfu's nearby airport pass low over the lagoon, adding a surprising touch to the scene. Is Pontikonissi worth visiting? Seen at sunset from the water, it is one of the most memorable sights in Corfu town.

A Sunset Evening on a Heritage Wooden Boat

The boat is a classic Greek wooden vessel, officially recognised as part of the country's maritime heritage, with polished wood, comfortable seating and plenty of deck space. To keep the atmosphere relaxed, it sails at only half of its total capacity, so you can move around, take photos from different sides and enjoy the breeze.

During the cruise the crew serves a selection of local finger food along with water and juice, and soft music plays in the background. The best time to take this Corfu sunset cruise is from May to October; in midsummer the sun sets late, while in spring and autumn the light changes earlier. After sunset the air can feel cool on the water, so a light jacket is a good idea.