Explore the principal town of Corfu, which is home to an architecturally impressive Old Town, art galleries, history museums and a lively café culture.
The capital and cultural heart of the Greek island of Corfu is Corfu Town (aka Kerkyra). It’s a town of walkable cobblestone streets that wind around a picturesque headland. Discover a legacy of architectural masterpieces bequeathed by the British, French and Italians. Visit museums showcasing the island’s diverse history. Shop for artisanal jewelry or dine in some of the island’s best cafés and restaurants.
Start your visit in the Old Town, a scenic district of regal mansions, elegant palaces and imposing fortresses. Go to Spianada Square, where British rulers once played games of cricket. Stroll along the impressive Liston Promenade. Its arcaded terraces host some of Corfu’s chicest cafés, which are ideal for having a coffee while watching the variety of people roaming the square. Wander the streets that lead from Liston Promenade to discover gold, jewelry and handicraft shops.
Cross the small sea-moat and visit the Venetian-style Old Fortress. Here you’ll find notable landmarks such as St. George’s Church, a Roman temple and the ruins of a British-built hospital. Climb the battlements to enjoy panoramic views and sightings of mainland Greece and Albania. Visit the fortress during the summer months to enjoy live music events.
Spot a fascinating collection of Asian objects at the Museum of Asian Art, housed in the neoclassical Palace of St. Michael and St. George. At the Byzantine Museum, investigate the displays of religious icons dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. Visit the British Cemetery, which offers a poignant reminder of former British occupancy. Catch a bus to the Kanoni Peninsula and visit the Museum of Paleopolis, where you can walk amid temple ruins.
Located on the eastern coast of Corfu, the town is often the first port of call for visitors to the island. Ferries arrive regularly from the Greek mainland and the town is home to Corfu International Airport. Corfu Town is also a gateway to the island’s idyllic beaches. Catch a local bus to nearby Kontokali Bay or a ferry to the quiet bays of Vido Island.
