Woke up crazy early yesterday, threw my camera gear and water bottle into a backpack. Seriously underestimated how long it takes to actually get out to Corfu island from town. First mistake. Grabbed a local bus – cost a couple euros, way cheaper than a taxi for sure. Spent the ride squished next to some chatty tourists. Fun times.
The Sunrise Struggle & Finding the Place
Got off the bus near the general area around 6:45 AM. Felt like an idiot because my GPS was acting weird. Wandered down this dusty path, past some houses with barking dogs, wondering if I'd completely missed it. Then BAM, there it was. Way smaller than you think, honestly. Just those iconic front columns poking up. But wow, catching it with that pink sunrise hitting the stones? Magic. Not another soul around. Totally worth dragging myself out of bed.
Snapped a ton of pictures. Seriously, filled the memory card. Then reality hit.
Entry Fee? More Like "Fee for Breathing" Later
Okay, here’s the big thing nobody tells you clearly: You absolutely NEED tickets, but they don't sell them right there! I saw folks rocking up later looking confused. Found the small sign pointing to the Archaeological Museum back in Corfu town where you gotta buy them. Almost missed it.
- Ticket Price: Paid €6. Bit steep for ruins you basically just walk around, but hey, it's history.
- Combo Ticket Hack: If you're planning to hit the main Corfu Museum too, ask for the combined ticket. Saves you like €3.
- Best Time IS Dawn: By 8:30 AM, three big tour groups descended like locusts. Ruined the vibe completely. That peaceful sunrise moment? Gone. People shoving selfie sticks everywhere. Go EARLY. Seriously. Or go super late afternoon, maybe.
Wrapping it Up & Getting Back
Hung around after the crowds arrived just to compare. Big mistake. Got hot. The nearby "facilities" are, um, rustic. Think port-a-potty vibes. Bottled water ran out fast.
Waited almost 40 minutes for the bus back into Corfu town. Standing under the punishing sun, covered in dust, questioning all my life choices. Should've packed more snacks and another water bottle. Or maybe paid for that taxi back just to avoid the bus station crush!
Final hot take? The sunrise view alone was incredible, peak atmosphere. But the ticket runaround and the inevitable crowds? Classic Greek ruins experience. You kinda sign up for that chaos.
