Corfu Town

Corfu town – or Kerkira as the locals call it – spreads out around the Spianada, a sprawling esplanade nestled between the historic centre and the old quarter. This is the island’s vibrant capital.

The city is a wonderful maze of narrow, winding cobbled alleyways known as kantounia – καντούνια in Greek – which conceal charming little squares and delightful traditional cafés, along with countless small tavernas.

The old quarter is absolutely worth exploring: its character will captivate you with its rich architectural heritage, and the imposing sixteenth-century fortress will transport you back through the centuries.

Tiny chapels, historic buildings and numerous artisan shops line your path – those specialising in exquisite gold jewellery are particularly fine and excellent value – alongside market stalls and boutiques selling local delicacies such as wild honey and traditional sweets.

The waterfront promenade towards Garitsa Bay is equally enchanting.

Must-sees in Corfu Town

• The Royal Palace
  Built dramatically above the sea in the early 1800s by English governors, it now houses the Civic Art Gallery and the Museum of Asian Art, home to over 10,000 pieces collected from the Far East.
• The Old Town
  The enchanting streets owe their charm to a distinctly Venetian architectural style, particularly in the Spianada district, where you’ll find Greece’s most beautiful square. Traces of other occupiers remain too – the Liston Palace and its arcades show French influence, whilst the churches are characteristically Byzantine. The evening stroll along the kantounia and beneath the Spianada arcades is utterly atmospheric.
• Archaeological Museum
  Houses the western pediment of the Temple of Artemis and numerous artefacts from Archaic sculpture.
• Byzantine Museum or Andivouniotissa
  Housed in a fifteenth-century church, it displays Byzantine icons and paintings.
• The Old Fortress
  Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, this fortress was built by the Venetians to guard the harbour. In summer, it hosts numerous cultural events and performances.
• The New Fortress
  Slightly more recent than the Old Fortress, also dating from the Venetian period. A Lion of St Mark dominates the entrance, whilst inside you’ll find a ceramics museum.
• Municipal Square or San Giacomo
  The square features the Catholic cathedral Agios Iakovos (St James) and the former loggia of Venetian nobility, now the City Hall.
• Church of Agios Spiridonas
  The city’s most important church, dedicated to the patron saint Spiridon. Look out for the frescoed ceiling and the silver sarcophagus of the saint.

Worth Seeing Nearby

• Achilleion
  Ten kilometres south of the city stands this grand Italian-style villa, built for Princess Sissi. Beyond an exhibition of the princess’s photographs, you can admire magnificent views over the city and a stunning garden dotted with striking statues, including one of Achilles.
• Church of Agii Iason and Sosipatros
  This Byzantine church sits south of Garitsa Bay, surrounded by an enchanting eleventh-century garden.
• Kanoni
  Four kilometres south of the city, you’ll discover the famous white bell tower of the Vlachernes Monastery, impressively situated on a small island connected by a bridge.

Recommended hotels in Corfu Town