If you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu Town, look no additional! Our Corfu journey information will present you all the most effective points of interest in town. Whether you might be popping into Corfu Town throughout a day journey on a cruise or spending three days in Corfu, these are the must-see points of interest that you just can not miss.
We spent three days in Corfu exploring the Old Town, seashores, and historic websites and located that it was simply sufficient time to benefit from the wealthy cultural heritage of this historical metropolis. This is a superb itinerary which you could comply with to create your individual recollections.
Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The total outdated city of Corfu is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the ages, Corfu has been a strategic level for commerce and navy routes, with empires vying for management, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans throughout the Second World War. With its historical and robust historic and cultural heritage, it’s no marvel Corfu Town stands out. Although a lot of the Old Town was destroyed throughout the Second World War, sufficient survived and was rebuilt to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.
UNESCO said that “the urban and port ensemble of Corfu, dominated by its two fortresses of Venetian origin, constitutes an architectural example of outstanding universal value in both its authenticity and its integrity.”
The city is house to quite a few architectural marvels, such because the Old Fortress, the New Fortress, and the Palace of St. George and St. Michael. Museums just like the Museum of Asian Art and the Archaeological Museum present deep insights into the island’s historical past and artwork.
Top Things to Do in The Old Town of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, situated proper on the Albanian border. It is in the Adriatic Sea, off the northwest coast of the Greek mainland. This city is known for its historic and cultural heritage and is a must-visit when planning a visit to Greece. Corfu was underneath Venetian Rule for 4 centuries and can remind you extra of Venice than the whitewashed islands of Santorini or Mykonos.
Part of the appeal of visiting Corfu Town is getting misplaced in the slim streets of Old Town Corfu, having fun with the cool waters of the Mediterranean, and studying about its Venetian and British historical past.
1. Mon Repos Palace Hotel
We primarily based ourselves at Mon Repos Palace, which is situated on Garitsa Bay, only one km from the outdated city of Corfu. It is inside strolling distance of the Old Town, following a straightforward stroll alongside the promenade. But, it is usually far sufficient away from the hustle and bustle of Corfu City to escape and calm down. It is situated straight throughout from the Adriatic Sea, with a seaside, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and even nightly leisure.
In this space, there are additionally loads of eating places on the waterfront to select from, so that you don’t want to go to Corfu Town each night time. We discovered this adults-only resort to be the proper resort for our three days in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace Hotel can also be shut to among the prime Corfu points of interest, together with the Mon Repos Baths, Mon Repos Palace, and lighthouse. But extra on that later. Let’s start with the highest points of interest in Corfu for these of you who’ve solely been to Corfu for sooner or later. We will then transfer on to extra Corfu.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Corfu Island is a big island that may be very unfold out. Even whenever you go to Corfu Town, you’ll discover that points of interest are unfold from the Old Port to Garitsa Bay and past. One of the most effective methods to see numerous Cofru in a short while is to get on the Hop on Hop off Bus. You can catch it on the Corfu Port, which is able to take you to lots of the prime points of interest.
It is nice for 24 hours, and there are limitless stops.
3. Old Fortress
The prime vacationer attraction in Corfu is undoubtedly the Old Fort. The Old Fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio is a Venetian Fortress has a storied historical past courting again to the Byzantine period. However, its present construction was considerably developed throughout Venetian rule from the 14th to sixteenth century. The Venetians cleverly acknowledged Corfu’s strategic significance so that they fortified the island to shield it from Ottoman invasions.
This ought to be the primary place you go in the morning earlier than the tour buses and crowds arrive. We walked from Mon Repos Palace and recommended getting there very first thing in the morning to not solely keep away from crowds but additionally take pleasure in cooler climate.
4. St. George’s Church
This fortress actually has seen its share of historical past. Corfu Island was additionally underneath British Rule throughout the early nineteenth century, and the Old Fortress homes St. George’s Church, which was constructed by the British.
The entrance to the fortress is marked by a drawbridge main to the imposing important gate. This gate units the tone for the grandeur and historic significance of the location.
The Old Barracks supply perception into navy life throughout Venetian and British rule. They now home numerous exhibitions and cultural occasions.
Make certain to stroll to the very best level of the fortress to the Lighthouse. This gives lovely panoramic views of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea. We discovered this to be the most effective views of the capital metropolis.
5. The Byzantine Museum
Housed inside the fortress, the Byzantine museum showcases a set of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and different spiritual artifacts, offering a deeper understanding of Corfu’s cultural and non secular heritage. Before you permit the outdated fortress, it’s value popping in to not solely see the gathering however cool off from the warmth.
6. Spianada Square – Esplanade Public Square
The Upper Esplanade Public Square, also called the Spianada Square, is the most important sq. in Greece and one of many largest in Europe. It is situated simply throughout from the Old Fortress is the Esplanade Public Square and is a superb place to seize a Greek espresso or pastry earlier than shifting on to Corfu Old Town.
Once you’ve loved your espresso, take a stroll alongside the Liston Promenade that was constructed by the French in the early nineteenth century, it’s lined with eating places and outlets alongside elegant arcades and lanterns.
7. Maitland Monument
Being one of many largest squares in Europe, Spianada Square has a number of issues to discover. Keep a watch out for the Maitland Monument, a neoclassical rotunda devoted to Sir Thomas Maitland, a British Lord High Commissioner. We had no concept what it was once we had been there, nevertheless it actually does stand out. There are lovely gardens, a cricket floor, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly paths.
8. St. Michael and St. George Palace
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George, situated on the northern finish of the Esplanade, is a formidable neoclassical constructing that now homes the Museum of Asian Art. The palace itself is a murals, with lovely gardens and a grand inside.
From right here, you’ll be able to see the Old Fort in element. There can also be a sculpture backyard and a gorgeous stroll underneath the shaded bushes to escape the warmth. The porticoes are in style for pictures, and there are views of the seaside.
9. Museum of Asian Art
Located inside the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is without doubt one of the hottest museums in Corfu Town. Established in 1928, it’s the solely museum in Greece devoted completely to the artwork and antiquities of Asia. The museums function artwork from China and different international locations of Asia, together with Japan, India, and Central Asia.
Visitors can anticipate to see beautiful porcelain, ceramics, jade carvings, and bronze artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Japanese artwork is well-represented, with a set that features samurai armor, swords, ceramics, and woodblock prints. And Indian and Southeast Asian Art options sculptures, textiles, and non secular artifacts.
The museum is housed in the gorgeous Palace of St. Michael and St. George, constructed throughout the British Protectorate. The palace’s neoclassical design, with its grand halls and stylish rooms, provides to the general expertise of visiting the museum.
10. Archaeological Museum of Corfu
As you proceed strolling, you’ll come throughout the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, situated simply off the Upper Esplanade. The Museum homes essential artifacts from Corfu’s historical historical past, together with the spectacular Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. with its wealthy and historical historical past, you’ll be able to see artifacts courting again to the Paleolithic Era.
11. New Fortress
Also of Venetian origin, the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) isn’t all that new. In truth, it was constructed just some years after the Old Fortress between between 1576 and 1588.
We loved the New Fortress greater than the Old Fortress as fewer folks visited this architectural Mavel. We walked alongside its huge partitions, bastions, and underground passages showcasing superior engineering strategies of the time. The design consists of a number of ranges and interconnected tunnels, making a formidable protection system. It additionally has lovely views of Corfu Town, the place you’ll be able to actually see its Venetian affect.
12. Dimarchiou – Old City Hall
Dimarchiou Square, situated in the guts of Corfu Town, is a bustling hub of exercise and a major cultural landmark. Named after the Town Hall (Dimarchiou) that overlooks the sq., this vibrant space is surrounded by elegant Venetian buildings, charming cafes, and boutique outlets.
It serves as a preferred gathering spot for each locals and vacationers, providing a picturesque setting with its fantastically maintained gardens and historic structure. The sq. is usually the location of native occasions and festivals, making it a energetic and important a part of Corfu’s city panorama.
13. Church of St. Spyridon
One factor that you’ll discover from throughout the outdated city is the Chruch of St. Spyridon dominating the skyline of the Old Town. The Church of St. Spyridon is devoted to the patron saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands. Inside, you’ll discover lovely frescoes and the silver sarcophagus of St. Spyridon, believed to shield the island. No images are allowed inside, and monks guard the tomb of St. Spyridon, however it’s undoubtedly value going inside to see.
Other church buildings to see in Corfu are the Byzantine church of St. Jason and the oldest church in Corfu, St. Sosipater and the Church of Panagia Spiliotissa, or Spiliotiss Church, is one other architectural gem.
Corfu Old Town’s slim streets are lined with outlets providing every thing from native crafts to designer items. Don’t miss the possibility to purchase conventional kumquat liqueur, olive wooden merchandise, and handmade jewellery. Grab an ice cream and get misplaced in the slim streets weaving by way of outdated down.
15. Sunset Cruise
When visiting the Ionian Islands of Greece, you have to get on the water. We took a personal yacht to the neighboring smaller islands, however there are many day excursions and cruises that may take you to see views of Corru.
Day Trip to Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands situated only a brief ferry trip from Corfu. These small islands are a visit in their very own proper, and we spent a number of days exploring them.
16. Faliraki Beach
Faliraki Beach is situated only a brief stroll from Corfu Old Town, making it excellent for a fast seaside getaway with out having to journey far. After exploring the city’s historic and cultural sights, guests can simply calm down and unwind by the ocean.
The seaside presents breathtaking views of the Old Fortress and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The scenic backdrop is ideal for taking memorable images and having fun with the serene fantastic thing about Corfu’s shoreline. It can also be a great place for snorkeling. The mild waves make it a secure and fulfilling spot for swimmers of all ages, together with households with kids. There is a seaside bar serving Greek delicacies and refreshing drinks.
17. Windmill Lighthouse
One of our favourite locations to watch sundown in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. The lighthouse is situated shut to Mon Repos Palace Hotel, and we walked out to take pleasure in probably the most gorgeous sunsets we have now ever seen. This can also be a preferred spot for locals to swim.
18. Mon Repos Palace and Park
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical villa set in lovely gardens. It was the birthplace of Prince Philip and now homes the Museum of Palaiopolis, which showcases archaeological finds from the world. Mon Repos Palace was the summer season residence of the British High Commissioner and was a gorgeous mansion. It is simple to entry through the Hop on Hop off Bus, and the palace is situated inside a beautiful park with strolling paths and sculptures.
19. Mo Repos Baths
The Mon Repos Baths are situated close to Mon Repos Palace, and guests can benefit from the seaside, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and foods and drinks service. These historic baths are a part of the Mon Repos Estate and are perfect for a soothing swim in the clear waters. The baths are only a brief stroll from Mon Repos Palace Hotel, The Lighthouse, and Mon Repos Palace.
20. Vlacherna Monastery
Vlacherna Monastery is linked to the mainland by a pedestrian walkway and is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Corfu. Dating again to the seventeenth century, it served as a nunnery till the Nineteen Eighties. People make their approach out to the monastery to watch the airplanes land because the airport is situated in the direct path of the island. It can also be probably the most in style locations in Corfu for sundown.
21. Mouse Island
From Vlacherna Monastery, it’s only a brief boat trip to Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Mouse Island is one in all Corfu’s iconic landmarks. This small island is only a brief boat journey from the mainland, it’s a tranquil spot with a small chapel and luxurious greenery. It’s significantly lovely when considered from above.
22. Kanoni
Leaving Old Town, Kanoni is taken into account the brand new a part of Corfu Town. The space of Kanoni is a well-liked place to watch the sundown and airplanes land whenever you go to Corfu Town. Take the hop-on, hop-off bus out to Kanoni, the place you’ll be able to see the planes touchdown proper beside the Ariti Grand Hotel and Kanoni cafe. The Corfu signal can also be situated right here, so you may get your Instagram value pictures as properly.
There are loads of lodges out in this space and locations to eat Greek meals or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.
23. Ancient City Of Paleopolis
The Ancient City of Paleopolis is without doubt one of the most traditionally vital websites on the island. It dates again to the eighth century BC and was as soon as the thriving capital metropolis of Corfu. Located close to the Mon Repos property, Paleopolis is house to historical ruins and artifacts from numerous intervals, together with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. It can simply be reached from Old Town through the Hop on Hop off Bus.
The Temple of Artemis dates again to round 580 BC and as soon as housed the well-known Gorgon Medusa pediment, now displayed in the Archaeological Museum.
Other issues you will notice are the ruins of Roman baths, which spotlight the affect of Roman structure and tradition in Paleopolis. The web site consists of well-preserved mosaic flooring and the stays of the hypocaust system, which was used to warmth the baths.
The Agora was the guts of the traditional metropolis, the place commerce and social gatherings passed off. An early Christian basilica dates again to the fifth century AD. The ruins embody components of the mosaic ground and the define of the church’s construction, offering perception into the early Christian presence on the island.
How to Get to Corfu
Corfu Town is well accessible, with the Corfu International Airport only a brief drive from the outdated city and frequent ferry connections to the Greek mainland and different Ionian Islands. Once in city, exploring on foot is simple, or you’ll be able to take Uber, Taxis, or Hop off the Bus.
Located off mainland Greece. The most typical approach to attain it’s by air (you’ll be able to test flight schedules right here), with Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receiving direct flights from main European cities, significantly throughout the vacationer season.
For these touring from inside Greece, there are common home flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and different main cities. There are ferry companies that join Corfu to a number of ports on the mainland, together with Igoumenitsa and Patras, in addition to worldwide locations like Italy and Albania.
Ferries additionally run between Corfu and different Ionian Islands, making island hopping a handy possibility. Once on the island, Corfu Town is well accessible by taxi, bus, or rental automobile, guaranteeing a clean begin to your exploration of this enchanting vacation spot.
Is Corfu Town Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Corfu Town is unquestionably value visiting. Corfu Town, also called Kerkyra, boasts a wealthy historical past that spans a number of centuries and civilizations. The structure displays the various previous of this historical metropolis, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Walking by way of its slim, cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter fantastically preserved buildings, historic church buildings, and grand palaces.
The Liston Promenade, lined with cafes and eating places, is the proper place to calm down and people-watch. The city’s squares, akin to Spianada and Dimarchiou Square, are bustling with exercise and infrequently host native occasions and festivals.
Corfu Town is a haven for meals lovers. From conventional Greek tavernas to upscale eating places, the city presents a variety of eating choices. Don’t miss attempting native specialties akin to sofrito, pastitsada, and contemporary seafood.
Where to Stay in Corfu
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace simply exterior of Old Town Corfu, however there are many great locations to keep in Corfu Town. We recommend trying out each Hotel Bella Venezia in the Old Town and the Ariti Grand Hotel in Kanoni.
The Island of Corfu
When you go to Corfu, don’t restrict your self to simply Corfu Town; the remainder of the island is gorgeous. We booked a automobile rental from Corfu Town and loved one other week exploring the northern facet of the island and its lovely seashores.
And there you’ve gotten a whole checklist of the most effective issues to do in Corfu Town from the outdated city to its seashores and scenic views. If you might be planning a visit to Greece, be sure to put Corfu in your checklist of locations to go to. It is actually a wonderful yr spherical vacation spot that’s good to add to your go to to the northern a part of Greece. Have you been to Corfu? What did we miss, tell us in the feedback beneath.