Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town

Corfu is a beautiful Ionian Greek Island rich with diverse beauty. From its rolling hills full of ancient olive trees, azure beaches, and stunning seaside rock formations, to its ancient historic landmarks, there’s many things to see and do in Corfu. Plus, it’s one of the few Ionian islands not leveled by the 1953 earthquake, so its beautiful historic buildings still stand in the center of the old town.

Old Town Corfu is close to the airport and a popular stop on cruises, so you will likely be here for at least a day or two while visiting the island. Whether you’re here for one day or several, I’ve listed the best things to do in Corfu Old Town for your visit.

Explore The Old Venetian Fortress

If you only have one day in the old town of Corfu, the Old Venetian Fortress is the top place to visit, both for the stellar, panoramic views from its peak and its history. It, along with the New Fortress and the Old City of Corfu itself, are UNESCO World Heritage listed sites.

It’s such an integral part of the town that Corfu Town, as well as Corfu Island, got its name from the twin peaks of this fortress as “Coryphe” means crests, or peaks, in Greek. Designed by some of Venice’s top architects and engineers, it has withstood several Ottoman invasions.

As Corfu is located between Europe, Africa, and Asia, the port here was often a source of attacks as it was very desirable for trade and naval control. And although the current fortress was built by the Venetians a fortress has stood here since the 6th century. At this time the town citizens lived within it for protection.

The entrance to the fortress is about a 25-minute walk or short taxi ride from the ferry port or the Green Bus Terminal. After you pass the ticket booth, you’ll walk across the bridge that replaced the drawbridge over the moat, or Contrafossa. The entrance fee is 6€ (as of 2023).

The fortress sits on the eastern edge of the town on a promontory with stunning views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s best to visit in the evening, when the sun casts a golden glow on everything. This is also when the temperatures are a little cooler. Hiking to its peak is definitely a highlight.

You’ll walk through a tunnel as you climb up and around.

Then you’ll see the top of the fortress.

Eventually arriving at the top with an amazing view.

I’ve noted several other buildings below to check out while you’re there.

Old Clock And Bell Tower

The old clock tower, built by the English, is visible from the bridge as you approach the entrance. It’s also one of the first things you’ll see inside the fortress.

Saint George’s Church

Saint George’s Church is a Greek Orthodox Church located on the southeast side of the Old Venetian Fortress, just above the sea. It’s to the right of the steps leading up to the top of the fortress and good to visit before heading up. It was built as a place of worship for English soldiers stationed here in the 19th century, when the Ionian Islands were under English Protection.

It’s very beautiful inside, so I recommend a quick stop here. Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside.

Old Venetian Prison

The remains of the prison is also still standing. You will find the two story structure on the back side of the fortress, just above the marina.

Byzantine Collection

There’s also a room with a collection of Byzantine relics including mosaics from an early Christian basilica, detached fragments of frescoes, and sculptural architectural elements from Byzantine monuments. I made a quick stop here on my way out as it’s near the central gate.

The Old Marina And Sailing Club Restaurant

On the left side of the fortress, you’ll see an area where you can descend and take steps down to the sea where there’s a small beach, Mandraki Beach, for swimming and the marina, Mandraki Marina. It’s a beautiful area to walk around and the Corfu Sailing Club’s Restaurant and Bar is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner by the sea. You also get a very different perspective o fthe old Venetian Fortress from the water.

I actually stayed on one of the sailboats here for a few nights, which I really enjoyed. This also meant that I had to walk through the fortress daily to get to my room (and had the fortress to myself at night). I’ll be posting more details on this soon.

Spianada Square And Liston Street

Visiting the Spianada area is another one of the top things to do in Corfu old town. Corfu Town is one of the prettiest cities in Greece due to its Venetian, French, and British influences. It sits in front of the entrance to the Venetian Fortress.

The architecture of Liston Street, built during French occupation, is some of its finest. Its grand buildings were influenced by the famous arcaded facades of “Rue de Rivoli” which runs alongside the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens in Paris.

Today it’s lined with cafes where you can sit and enjoy the historical ambiance. Stop here for a Corfiot sweet and coffee and do some people watching.

Saint Michael and Saint George Palace

The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, which sits on the west end of the Spianada, offers more great architecture. It served as the High Commissioner’s residence, but was also the home of the Ionian Senate and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. This high ranking British order, was named in honor of the military saints, Michael and George.

A portion of the Palace now houses the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. The museum was closed for restoration when I was here, so just viewed the palace from the outside.

Church Of Saint Spyridion

One more highlight in Corfu old town is the Church of Saint Spyridion. This 16th century Greek Orthodox Church is the most important church in Corfu as it contains the relics of Saint Spyridon, a saint known for several historical miracles.

It’s nestled within the winding pedestrian walkways behind Liston Street. Its steeple is easy to see from many places in town. You can even see it on the left side of the photo above.

As many churches here, it’s much more beautiful inside than out, so worth a stop. When I stopped in on a Monday evening, there was a service going on, so I did not take any photos, but it really is pretty. Especially when a service is being conducted with music. Make sure to notice the intricately painted ceiling when you’re there.

The Backstreets Of Corfu Town

If you have more time, wander the winding pedestrian streets of Corfu old town.

The pastel painted buildings are lovely and you’ll find locals going about their day, like this girl riding here bicycle in the square, as well as tourists.

It’s also full of many, many, many restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore.

New Venetian Fortress

There’s also a new Venetian Fortress in Old Town Corfu. I honestly did not get a chance to visit it, but it’s conveniently located between the old fortress and the main port.

It was originally built by the Venetians, but the current buildings standing are from British rule. Its gate still has the relief of the Lion of Saint Mark on it, the emblem of Venice.

Entrance is free, but you can only visit for the view as none of the buildings are open to the public.

If you only have time for one fortress, I suggest visiting the old fortress as it has more charm, buildings that you can visit, as well as some historical information posted. The new fortress is really just about the view, unless you’re a devout history lover.

Pirate Cruise

This 75-minute cruise starts at the main port and cruises around the coastline of Corfu Town. I really wanted to do this, but ran out of time. I could see it going by while I was in the sailboat in the morning and it really looked like fun.

It would be great to see the sites of the old town from the sea. It’s called Corfu Town: Pirate Ship Coastal Cruise.

Day Trip To Achilleion Palace

If you have more time in Corfu old town, take a day trip to Achilleion Palace. It’s located about 7 miles (11 km) south of Corfu old town in Gastouri, which is about a 15-20 minute drive or bus ride away.

It was built for Empress Elizabeth of Austria as a summer retreat in 1890. Its neoclassical facade and location on the hills above the Ionian Sea is stunning.

The palace is open daily. The entrance fee with the palace closed is 5€. I think it’s normally 8€ for the palace and the grounds, but I’m not sure if that will change when the palace reopens later in 2023 or early 2024.

To get to Achilleion Palace by bus, take the number 10 bus from the Green Bus Terminal in Corfu town. It’s located just up and across the street from the last stop.

Note the times for return trips before planning your visit as sometimes you have an hour and sometimes it’s more than two. I only needed 30-45 minutes to walk the grounds, but did so leisurely as I knew I had the time. You will need more when the palace is opened back up, but not much more than an hour or an hour and a half (unless you’re a huge devotee).

If you have excess time to wait for the return bus, I recommend La Nova Bella Vista next door. You can have a beverage or eat lunch with a stunning view of the sea. The photo below was taken from my table.

Best Time To Visit Corfu Town

The best time to visit Corfu is May through September when days are sunny and warm. Deep summer, however, can be a little on the hot side, and quite humid. Winter will have fewer tourists, but brings frequent rain.

If you want to see a festival, visit during Corfu Carnival, which has Venetian roots, like much of old town Corfu. It’s usually held late February or early March, there will be lavish, brightly colored costumes and a parade on Liston Street and Spianada Square. The parade ends with burning of the King Carnival. In 2024, it Corfu Carnival be held February 4 to 13.

Want More Of Greece?

Greece is definitely one of my favorite countries! The people are so friendly, the landscape and history is simply stunning, and the food is delicious. I’ve created this section as a list to make it easier to navigate places I’ve visited and posts I’ve created.

Mainland Greece

• Top 20 Things To Do In Amazing Athens | A Complete Guide
• Visiting The Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora
• Teaching Yoga At A Refugee Camp In Serres Greece

• Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town
• Things To Do In Sidari: Must-See Canal d’ Amour and More
• Enchanting Cape Drastis, How To Get There And What To Expect
• Top Things To Do In Pretty Paleokastrista
• Top 12 Things To Do In Captivating Corfu

Crete Island

• Top Things To Do In Crete
• Balos Bay Beach And Gramvousa Island, Crete
• Day Trip To Elafonisi Island, Crete
• Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete

Ios Island

• Top 15 Things To Do On Ios Island 

Kefalonia

• Exploring Enchanting Myrtos Beach & It’s Stunning Viewpoints
• Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo
• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
• Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay
• The Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli
• Best Things To Do In Argostoli | Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia

Milos Island

• What To Do On The Cool Island Of Milos

Naxos Island

Top 20 Things To Do In Naxos  

Paros Island

• 15 Fun Things To Do On Enchanting Paros 

Santorini Island

• Hiking From Fira To Oia On Santorini

Zakynthos

• How To Get To Stunning Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
• Myzithres Viewpoint & Beach | Hidden Gem of Zakynthos
• Visiting Zakynthos | What To Do & Where To Stay

Other

• Philotimo, The Highest Greek Virtue
• Gorgeous Old Doors Of Greece

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.

Safe Travels!

Julie

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