The port of Corfu, the second largest Greek island in the Ionian Sea, is set to record a sharp rise in cruise ship calls in 2026 and attract more visitors throughout the year.

The Corfu Port Authority (OLKE SA) presented the cruise schedule for 2026, according to which a total of 562 cruise ship calls are scheduled for 2026. This represents a 20.3% increase compared with the previous year, further reinforcing Corfu’s role within the international cruise network.

Based on current planning, passenger arrivals are expected to reach 998,244, with available data indicating the total could exceed that figure as demand for Corfu strengthens both during the peak season and in the so-called shoulder and off-peak periods, the port authority said.

Officials said the expansion supports efforts to extend the island’s tourism season and enhance its attractiveness beyond the summer months.

During the peak tourism months from May through September, Corfu port is expected to handle more than 70 cruise ship calls per month, underscoring its role as a key gateway to Greece from Central Europe and as a strategic hub for the Adriatic Sea and the eastern Mediterranean.

Particular importance is also attached to the October–December 2026 period, where planning shows a steady upward trend compared with last year. A total of 119 cruise ship calls are scheduled during those three months, reinforcing efforts to extend the tourism season, spread visitor flows more evenly throughout the year and support the sustainable development of the destination, the port authority said.

Officials noted that the growing off-season traffic highlights Corfu’s increasing appeal beyond the traditional summer peak and aligns with broader strategies to promote year-round tourism on the island.