Corfu with 7

Charlie, Corfu is a very british/german oriented island (as result of its occupation by same in 18th & 19th century) so it attracts those vacationers, particularly with package holidays. Since RS is so US-oriented, few people on this forum are that familar with Corfu. You might check out Trip Advisor which has a devoted group of Corfu-goers ... including people who know how to get away from the crowds. Three thoughts (1) it helps to say what your time-frame will be, i.e., we leave ship at 9 am, must be back by 4 pm .. it gives responders an idea of what's feasible for you. (2) say what you are interested in -- sightseeing or just a nice beach? (3) It also is useful to give the date -- if it's going to be one of the hottest days of the year, both your 4 year old and your retiree should be somewhere where you can nap in a beach chair or cool off in an A/C cafe.

Thanks for the advice, here is some updates to my question. We will be in Corfu on June 28th. The vessel arrives at 11:00 AM and we depart at 8:00 PM. So we have a total of 7 hours in town. We were thinking about going to the west coast of the island to Paleokastritsa to the beaches and bars. Is it worth it to get all of us over there and back? Is there enough time to get there and back and still have a few hours to enjoy? With 7 of us is it better to take the public bus system or hire a mini-van that can fit us all? I am worried about what the van might cost us. Any advice is appreciated.

Good info, emma! Charlie, one of your concerns may be that mini-vans for hire may not be available ... I have almost never seen them on the islands I visit, except for those owned by hotels. Perhaps Corfu is different; you may do well to research this onlline beforehand.

Has any one rented a boat in Corfu? Would renting one in Dassia on the east coast or in Paleo on the west coast. Where is there more to see or do?

Hi Charlie, was in Corfu last year for one day on a cruise. We walked off the ship and had a taxi take us to a beachclub for about $20 fare- he stopped and we bought water and snacks on the way. The Beachclub was very hip and had only space in the sun, so we walked next door to the public beach, which was in front of a nice but moderate hotel. The public beach had palapas and beach chairs for rent. There were little huts to change clothes in and bathrooms, both acceptably clean. The hotel had a bar and outdoor cafe for food and drink. The taxi came back at the agreed upon time, took us to town for a while where we wandered. It was a lovely day. This year we want to see the other side, which is a little further.

This is a fabulous guide- don't know if it is up to the minute but the maps alone are worth printing. http://www.tomsportguides.com/uploads/5/8/5/4/58547429/corfu-03-25-2014.pdf

The water in Corfu was delightful in the summer. I did not feel like I missed too much, may do the forts another time, but to each his own.

In addition to replies here, be sure to check out Cruise Critic. Here's their Greece Ports Forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=594

And since you're taking a cruise, be sure to get RIck Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports. It will have information on many if not all of your ports (including Corfu): https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/mediterranean-cruise-ports

Thanks for the great advice

All great information We are looking forward to the day I think we will take public transport to the west coast a rent a small motor boat and tool around the adriatic looking for small beaches to go for a swim and return to Corfu Town to tour the city before we get back on the ship