Corfu is one of the Greek islands closest to mainland Europe, which means reaching it by ferry is considerably simpler and in some cases even more economical than flying to Corfu.
The main advantage of arriving in Corfu by ferry is that you can bring your own car, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace and stop wherever takes your fancy. Bear in mind that, as with many other Greek islands, Corfu’s most beautiful beaches are not accessible by public transport.
Another benefit of reaching Corfu by ferry rather than by air is the comfort factor: travelling by ship is considerably less stressful than flying. You can stretch your legs with walks on deck, sunbathe in the open air, sleep in a comfortable cabin and arrive refreshed. Some ferries are almost like mini-cruises, complete with restaurants, swimming pools and cinemas, so you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained.
Finally, there’s the matter of cost and journey duration: it’s often assumed that ferry travel is more expensive and takes longer than flying, but you need to do your sums carefully because flights aren’t always the most economical option. As for timescale, it’s true that ships are slower, but if you’ve brought your own car, once you disembark you can drive straight to your hotel or apartment without wasting time at car rental agencies or waiting for buses.
If these advantages appeal to you, there’s good news: the choice of ferries to Corfu from mainland Europe is extensive, with up to twenty weekly sailings departing from various ports across the region.
The sea crossing from mainland Europe to Corfu can take between 7 and 26 hours.
For reference, here are the shortest possible sailing times for each route to Corfu:
Bear in mind that these times can vary depending on the ferry operator and weather conditions on your departure date.
A much shorter journey is the hydrofoil from Otranto, which operates only during the summer months (from late June to early September). You can reach Corfu in less than 3 hours, though it’s not possible to bring a car.
The ferry arrival port is situated in Corfu Town, the island’s capital, just a few kilometres from the historic centre.
If you haven’t brought a car, you can easily reach Corfu Town centre and the island’s main beach resorts from the port using buses operated by the local transport company Corfu City Bus. If you’re staying in town, you can even walk!
There are also tourist buses departing from the port offering full island tours: these are ideal if you’re passing through on your way to other islands and want an overview of Corfu’s attractions.
All ferries to Corfu from mainland Europe continue to Patras or Igoumenitsa, two ports which, alongside Piraeus in Athens, represent the main maritime transport hubs on mainland Greece. From here you can take ferries to all of Greece’s principal islands.
However, there are few direct connections from Corfu to other islands. Ferries to Paxos operate regularly, reaching it in an hour and a half, as do boats to smaller islands in the surrounding area.
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