Fall in love with Corfu Old Town: 23 Wonderful Experiences

Corfu Old Town, also known as Kerkyra was one of the highlights of our visit to Corfu Island. We loved the narrow cobbled streets that twist and turn and the colorful Venetian buildings decorated with flowers. And the views from the ancient fortress are just stunning.

It’s one of those places that doesn’t just ask for a quick visit; it demands a day of wandering—maybe even a whole weekend to really soak in its vibe. Whether you’re here for the incredible views from the ancient fortress, charming little cafes, or its fascinating blend of Venetian, French, and British architecture, Corfu Old Town will steal your heart.

Continue reading for everything you need to know to get lost in Corfu Town—in the best possible way.

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Corfu Old Town is the perfect weekend get-away destination throughout the year, especially in the low season.

A Little Backstory on Corfu Old Town

statue located on a square with old colorful buildings with shutters, which are common in corfu old town — The Plakada t’Agiou square, a central point in town

To appreciate Corfu Town is to understand a bit about its layered history. Its streets portray stories of ancient empires and persistent resilience. From the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC to the Byzantine empire and under Venetian rule, old Corfu town is a melting pot of various influences. (source: Unesco)

Its architecture is evidence of its rich past. Picture a beautiful mix match of Venetian buildings under the Greek sunshine, grand British-style palaces, and labyrinthine alleys. Well, that is what Corfu Town is today.

small street in Corfu town with yellow, ochre and light red buildings with a balcony and shutters. In the far distance there is a church tower rising above the rooftops — One of the many enchanting streets in Corfu

Highlights Corfu Old Town

historical buildings of corfu town along the water front, with a boat at the docks — View of Corfu town and its old port when approaching the ferry terminal

A town like Corfu Town doesn’t need a map or a long list of must-see sights. It is one of those towns where no matter where you go, it is a place where every corner or street is beautiful.

And that is what we highly suggest doing.

Still, there might be a thing or two you don’t want to miss. We have listed the best things to see and do right here…

1. Marvel at the Architecture

shops display the products in the narrow streets of corfu — The Campiello is a medieval part and the heart of Corfu Town

Many people say the streets of Corfu’s Old Town feel like Venice. There are no canals here, but those narrow streets and tall buildings sure give off the Venetian vibe.

The Venetians have mostly created the old town we see today. I don’t think they necessarily wanted to copy Venice. However, they already had the experience of tackling the increase in population in a small area.

You see, the old town of Corfu was built within the two ancient fortresses that protected the city from attacks. While the number of inhabitants grew, they were pretty much forced to create these narrow streets and tall buildings within the little space they had.

small narrow streets with a couple sitting at a restaurant

alleyway with a green and ochre red building in corfu town

narrow stairs leading you pass shops and restaurants in corfu town

Unlike Venice, though, you won’t be battling quite as many selfie sticks and crowds, especially if you come in the low season. It’s all about wandering aimlessly, letting curiosity lead you, and marveling at the colored facades, the ancient arches, and the little details.

Today it feels like wandering in an open-air museum. No wonder it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007.

A few tips to make your wandering experience just perfect:

The narrower the alley, the more charming it is. Just trust us on this.
Campiello is where you’ll find the medieval core of the old town—where it’s all cobblestone streets, colorful flowers in window boxes, and laundry hanging across lanes.
Forget the map. It’s impossible to truly get lost here.

2.Visit Spianada Square

a part of the largest square in greece with the old fortress towering in the back — View of the large square with the old Fortress in the back

Spianada is probably the first thing you’ll see when you enter the town. The largest square in Greece and the Balkans, Spianada was once full of buildings until the Venetians cleared it for defensive purposes.

Nowadays, it’s a lush green meeting point, perfect for strolling and people-watching, bordered by French-styled Liston residence complex and the impressive British Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George.

view of a row of historical buildings location along spianada sqaure in corfu old town — Stroll through the gardens of the square while admiring the impressive buildings

Park and Stroll: There’s lots of parking here, especially by the cricket field (yep, cricket, thanks to the British influence).
Grab a Snack: Walk through the Liston, a series of shaded arcades lined with cafes where only the aristocrats used to be allowed—now, it’s open to all.

3. Climb the Old Fortress for Breathtaking Views

marble statue of a man located in a small park with the old fortress of corfu in the background — Statue of Count Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776-1831) facing the old fortress.

The Old Fortress stands on a rocky peninsula, the best place to keep invaders out. It’s a Byzantine structure, later expanded by the Venetians to defend the island from the Ottoman Empire.

It’s an impressive fortress, especially when you realize it was built over 15 centuries.

Today, a stone bridge connects it to the mainland, and you can spend hours walking the grounds, discovering ancient buildings and climbing up for unbeatable views of the Adriatic sea and Corfu Town.

stunning view of Spianada square, historical buildings of old corfu, the new fortress and the mountains of corfu far beyond — View from the Old Venetian Fortress of Corfu Town and the New Fortress

Things you shouldn’t miss inside the fortress:

The Church of St. George: Built in 1840, its tall columns give it the look of a Greek temple.
The View: Especially at sunset—seeing the town glow in golden light from this vantage point is an unforgettable experience.

4. Enjoy a Coffee at Liston

view of the liston buildings in corfu town known for its arches where you can find restaurants — The famous Liston

people enjoying food and drinks at the many restaurants in the liston building corfu — The famous Liston

Liston is probably the most iconic spot in Corfu Old Town. Imagine an elegant arcade that’s bustling with cafes and restaurants. It was built during French rule in the early 19th century and designed to mimic Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Here’s the trick to enjoying Liston like a local:

Morning Cappuccino: Grab a table under the arches in the morning and sip a cappuccino while watching the town slowly wake up.
People Watching: This is the best place to observe the town’s daily life—locals chatting, kids playing, and tourists trying to capture the perfect Instagram shot.

a square located next to the liston with many historical buildings in corfu town — Beautiful square at the end of the Liston

5. See the Historic Corfu Town Hall

Just a stone’s throw from Liston, you’ll find San Giamoco, Corfu Town Hall. Built during the Venetian era, it’s a beautiful sandstone structure that was originally a theatre for nobility. Later, in 1903, it was converted into the Town Hall.

Did You Know? During the Second World War, this building was bombed and had to be extensively renovated to preserve its historical beauty. Today, the building at the Town Hall Square is a wonderful place to sit and admire Corfu’s beauty.

6. Explore the New Fortress

view of the fortress and its heavy walls from the water — The new fortress on the hill of St. Mark is just as impressive as the old

If you think one fortress is enough, Corfu proves you wrong with the New Fortress. This fortress was built by the Venetians between the 16th and 17th centuries to complement the Old Fortress and provide better protection against invaders.

Connected by walls to the Old Fortress, the New Venetian Fortress boasts intricate tunnel systems and vantage points.

one of the many entrances to the new fortress in corfu town — The thick walls of the New Fortress

Tips to Make Your Visit Perfect:

Cultural Events: Check if any events are happening—part of the fortress has been converted into a cultural venue.

Go in the Late Afternoon: The fortress is less crowded, and the late sunlight brings out the warm tones of the stone walls.

7. Saint Michael and Saint George Palace

full side view of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in corfu town — Corfu Museum of Asian Art is now located in this building

You’ll spot this grand neoclassical palace on the north side of Spianada Square. It is obvious it was a grand building, but I felt like it was a bit out of place compared to the rest of the old town.

Understandably considering this palace was built between 1819 and 1924 under British rule. The neoclassical building with the grand Doric columns and stone carvings are typical for the British colonial style.

statue in front of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George

detailed picture of the columns of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in corfu town

Built during British rule, it served as the residence of the British Commissioner. Today, it’s home to the Museum of Asian Art which houses over 10.000 artifacts from China, Japan, India and beyond.

8. Visit the Churches

the striking red panagia antivouniotissa church in corfu town — **Metropolitan** **Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa**

the bell tower with the red tip of saint spyridon — **Metropolitan** **Church of Panagia Antivouniotissa**

two churches that are located next to each other, the yellow our lady of strangers church and the red St. Johns church — Our Lady of Strangers Church is next to the St John’s Church

You can’t wander through Corfu Old Town without noticing the many churches sprinkled throughout. Each one holds its own slice of Corfu’s rich history:

Panagia Antivouniotissa: This Byzantine church now serves as a museum—step inside to see a collection of post-Byzantine religious art.

Saint Spyridon Church: Tallest bell tower in town, visible from almost anywhere. This Greek Orthodox Church was built in 1589, it’s dedicated to Corfu’s patron saint.

Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher: Head here during Easter to see the grand celebrations.

9. Shopping in Corfu Old Town

shops located within the historical buildings and narrow street in corfu town

boutique decorated with colourful red flowers

local products displayed outside such as shampoo and other oils

Love a good shopping spree? Corfu Old Town won’t disappoint. The narrow streets are lined with all sorts of charming little shops selling everything from clothes and jewelry to local delicacies like olive oil and Greek sandals.

Insider Tips for Shopping:

Tacky Souvenirs: Let’s be honest, no trip is complete without at least one tacky souvenir. Whether it’s a fridge magnet or a cute little trinket, there’s plenty of souvenir shops to choose from.

Local Products: Don’t leave without grabbing a bottle of local olive oil.

Highlights Outside Corfu Old Town

The magic isn’t confined within the town walls—there’s more to see just outside Corfu Old Town. To avoid heavy traffic hop on a motor scooter and head over there. Here are a few nearby highlights that are worth adding to your itinerary:

10. Kanoni Monastery & Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)

view of the vlacherna monastry and mouse island near corfu town — Vlacherna Monastery with Ponitknonisi (Mouse Island) in the back

Located on the southern tip of the Kanoni Peninsula, you’ll find the white-washed Vlacherna Monastery. It’s picture-perfect, sitting on a tiny islet connected to land by a thin causeway.

Just behind it, you’ll see Ponitkonisi (Pontikos = Mouse, nisi = Island), a tiny green spot with a Byzantine chapel dating back to the 11th century. Take a boat ride around the small island for a fresh perspective and some amazing views.

11. Airplane Spotting

airplane flying very low over the water while approaching corfu airport — You can almost touch the approaching planes…!

If you’re a thrill-seeker or love aviation, head to Kanoni Peninsula. This is where the planes come in so low over the water that it feels like you could almost reach up and touch them!

It’s an exhilarating experience, and perfect for a unique photo-op.

12. Mon Repos Palace

a big mansion with a balcony, columns and garden now houses a museum near corfu town — Mon Repos Villa

excavations surrounded by walls and vegetation — Mon Repos Villa

Located just south of the town, Mon Repos Palace was built as a retreat for the British Commissioner and later became the summer residence of the Greek royal family. Today, it’s a museum showcasing Corfu’s ancient history, surrounded by a sprawling park with walking trails leading to ancient ruins.

Tip: Stroll through the lush grounds and then end your visit at the nearby Mon Repas beach for a swim—a perfect way to cool off!

13. Anemomylos Windmill

view of anemomylos windmill, it seems it is almost floating on the water

close up of anemomylos windmill on corfu island

Just south of Corfu Town, at Garitsa Bay, stands the Anemomylos Windmill, a reminder of Venetian times. It was used to grind grain however today it is a beautiful historical landmark.

Take a walk here at dusk for beautiful views of both the old fortress and the bay.

14. The Achilleion Palace

large multiple story mansion with several balconies set within a beautiful garden near corfu town — The Austrian Empress Sisi’s mansion

This stunning neoclassical mansion, about an hour’s drive south of Corfu Town, was built in 1890 for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi. She named the palace after the Greek hero Achilles.

It’s surrounded by lush gardens and features a statue of Achilles. Walking around, you can feel the Empress’s love for Greek culture and mythology.

Quick Tip: Plan this trip in the early morning to beat the crowds.

15. Danilia Village

cat sleeping between the plants in corfu island greece — Everybody needs a rest now and then…

Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to visit Danilia Village. But if you love historical villages with traditional architecture set along charming cobblestone streets head to this quaint village just an 18-minute drive from Corfu Town.

Originally built as a replica of a traditional Corfiot village, it feels like a movie set—and it actually was! It’s known for being a filming location for the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only” and the popular TV series “The Durrells.”

Tips for Enjoying Danilia Village:

Visit Early: Avoid the heat and crowds by arriving in the morning.
Photography Heaven: The cobbled streets and quaint buildings make it a perfect place for some great photos.

Corfu Town Beaches

Most of the beaches in Corfu Town are set around the Old Fortress. Honestly, they aren’t the best beaches on the island.

Nevertheless, these beaches are a great option if it is warm and you feel like cooling off after exploring beautiful Corfu Town. So bring your bathing suit just in case you feel like jumping in.

16. Corfu Old Fortress Beach

a small patch of beach is visible just outside the walls of the old fortress in corfu town — The beach is located just along the fortress walls

After exploring the Old Fortress, relax at Corfu Old Fortress Beach. It’s located just along the fortress walls, offering a unique backdrop for a swim.

It may not be the most pristine sandy beach, but it’s a great experience to swim with views of the historical fortress towering above.

17. Marina Beach (south of Old Fortress)

a couple of people lying on the concrete plateau at the edge of the marina where sail boats are docked — The ideal beach for those who don’t like sand between their toes

Marina Beach is another nearby spot, located south of the Old Fortress. It’s perfect if you want a swim but don’t like sand between your toes—this beach is more about the rocky charm, with easy access to the water. It’s quieter compared to other beaches, making it an ideal spot to relax.

18. Faliraki Beach

people sitting on the edge of the water and swimming in the water close to the old fortress in corfu town — The most popular beach in Corfu Town

Probably the most popular beach within Corfu Town, Faliraki Beach is a small stretch of pebbly sand with sun beds. It’s super convenient, just a short walk from the Old Town, and has a couple of lovely tavernas.

19. Beaches Near Corfu Town

Corfu is located quite central making it easy to visit a beach outside town for a day. There are a dozen to choose from and depending on the time of year, you can’t go wrong.

For beaches just outside town, we recommend Dassia Beach or Pyrgi beach. Dassia is well-organized, with sunbeds, cafes, and plenty of activities while Pyrgi is less crowded. Both have lovely clear waters, ideal for swimming.

sunloungers and a sun umbrella at the quiet pebbled beach with calm blue water — It is quiet at the very end of Pirgi Beach

All beaches are also easily accessible by public transport, so during the high season, it can get pretty busy at this strip of the island. But that is pretty much any beach in Corfu.

Tip: for a unique beach experience head to Dafnila Beach. It’s a less developed beach where a sweet water river flows straight into the ocean water.

view of mouse island on the right and kanoni village on the pensinsula on the right — View from Pontikonisi Beach of Kanoni (left) and the island (right)

For something a bit different, head to Pontikonisi Beach. Located near Kanoni, this beach offers a unique experience of seeing Mouse Island and the Vlacherna Monastery from a different angle. It’s also the spot where planes fly closely overhead, so be prepared for a bit of excitement.

Day Trips From Corfu Old Town

20. Full-Day Boat Cruise

white lime gliffs towering over the blue ocean and little boat near paxos corfu island area — Admire the impressive cliffs when heading to Paxos

One of the most popular day trips from Corfu Town is a full-day boat cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos. These little Greek islands boast crystal-clear waters and beautiful cliffs that are perfect for exploring. Along the way, you’ll also stop at the famous Blue Caves. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Tips for Booking a Boat Cruise:

Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, it’s best to secure your tickets early.
Check the Group Size: Some boats carry hundreds of passengers—if you’re after a more intimate experience, look for smaller group tours.

21. Day Trip Meteora Mainland Greece

several monasteries found the the tip of impressive limestone cliffs on mainland greece — Monasteries perched on the tip of the cliffs

If you’re staying in Corfu for a bit longer and want a truly unique experience, consider a day trip to Meteora on the mainland. Famous for its monasteries perched atop giant rock pillars, Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Greece.

Note: This is a pretty crazy yet spectacular day trip – it’s around 14 hours including a ferry ride, but the journey is more than worth it if you’re up for an adventure.

22. Day Trip Albania

historical remains at the butrint national archeological park in albania — Butrint National Park

traditional houses built against the hills in gjirokaster albania — Butrint National Park

Ferries from Corfu and Albania go frequently during the summer months. And if you go by a fast ferry, you will be in Albania in 30 minutes. Many people do this day trip to Albania where they visit

the Butrint National Archeological Park and Ksamil beaches OR
the UNESCO site and the historical Ottoman town Gjirokaster.

We have traveled 11 days along the Albanian coast and honestly can not imagine doing this trip. We would at least spend the night.

The ferry is perhaps just 30 minutes, but this does not include waiting at customs, etc. Plus you will be on the road almost the whole day just for a 2-hour visit.

But that said, the beaches along the western coasts of Albania (not all!) and the mountain landscapes found more inland are amazing. When visiting Gjirokaster or Butrint NP you can experience it too. So if you don’t mind the wait then check out the options.

Tip: Make sure to bring your passport, and check visa requirements beforehand. Also, consider spending the night if you want to take your time and explore more of Albania.

Road trip Corfu

woman driving a motorscooter upill in a green landscape — The best way to see more island of Corfu on a motor scooter

The great thing about Corfu Town is that it is pretty much located in the center of the island. From here you can reach almost any village in an hour.

That said, we do not recommend staying in Corfu Town your whole stay. Instead of driving back and forth in a day, we encourage you to rent a car for a couple of days and stay at least 1 night somewhere on the island.

But if you are set to stay in Corfu Town you entire stay then we suggest:

23. Roadtrip West Coast Corfu

Corfu Old Town – Palaiokastritsa – Porto Timoni Beach – Cape Drastis – Corfu Town

bay surrounded by mountains, boats in the crytal clear water and sun bathers on the beach at paleokastritsa west corfu — Paleokastritsa

view of the famous twin bays with beautiful crystal clear water in corfu — Paleokastritsa

Corfu to Palaiokastritsa (40 minutes drive), known for its stunning sandy beaches with crystal clear blue water. Spend the whole morning exploring the various paths leading to different bays.

Palaiokastritsa to Porto Timoni Beach (55 minutes drive) is considered the most beautiful beach in Corfu. As you can expect, it can get extremely crowded in the summer months. Plus it involves a hike to get there. So make sure you wear comfortable shoes and prepare yourself for some exercise. You will be treated to amazing views and a unique beach.

view of the ocean and white cliffs on the west side of corfu — Stunning views of the Ionian Sea and cliffs at Cape Drastis

Towards the late afternoon head from Porto Timoni to Cape Drastis (34 minutes drive). You need to hike about 20 minutes down a dirt road to get to the beach. Another option is to continue driving and check out the Canal d’ Amour.

From here it’s a 1h drive back to Corfu Town.

Corfu Moter Scooter & Car Rental

scooter and a row of cars parked at a rental company in corfu — Enough places in Corfu to rent a scooter or car

The list of rental car or motor scooter companies in Corfu is pretty long. We started off by looking for rental companies near the airport so we could pick up our scooters straight after landing. We also researched options near the ferry terminal, since we were planning to head to Albania and wanted a convenient drop-off.

But soon, we realized—it doesn’t matter much where you rent your vehicle. Most rental companies in Corfu Town offer a pick-up and drop-off service, whether it’s at the airport, ferry terminal, or your accommodation. Super convenient, right?

This kind of service is pretty standard for cars, but we were pleasantly surprised to find it offered for motor scooters too.

Rent the iconic Italian scooter at Corfu Vespa, near Corfu Ferry Terminal

Now, here’s where it got a little tricky: The type of scooter you can rent depends on your driving license. The first time we rented, we were only allowed a 50cc scooter with a regular driving licence—which we don’t really recommend. They’re usually 2-stroke engines, which make a lot of noise, and getting uphill? Let’s just say it was a bit of a struggle.

On our second attempt, we rented from Best Car Corfu and managed to get a 125cc scooter. Let me tell you, having that extra power made all the difference. We felt a lot safer in traffic, and going uphill was a breeze.

woman standing next to a motorscooter parked next to a mountain road on corfu island — A 125cc motor scooter will take you easily uphill

Why We Recommend Best Car Corfu:

They picked us up at the ferry terminal and dropped us off at the airport. Super seamless.
The prices were reasonable, even during the high season.
Their 125cc scooters were reliable and had no problem taking us up Corfu’s winding roads.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to explore beyond the Old Town, a 125cc scooter will make your journey much more comfortable and fun. Plus, there’s nothing like cruising along Corfu’s scenic coastal roads with breeze in your face.

Places to stay in Corfu Old Town

If you’re looking to truly experience Corfu Old Town, we highly recommend planning to spend at least a full day here. But honestly? The magic happens when you stay longer. Spend a night or two in one of the many wonderful accommodations around the Old Town.

This will give you enough opportunity to still through the beautifully lit town’s cobbled streets at dusk while hearing music coming from the cozy tavernas. Or wake early, grab a coffee, and enjoy the quiet calm before the day-trippers arrive.

Staying overnight means you have the chance to explore not just the highlights, but also the little hidden corners that make Corfu Old Town so special.

beautiful narrow street in corfu old town with coloured houses and doors — It’s a treat to stay in Corfu Town

There are many beautiful accommodations in Corfu Town. Here are just a couple of gems we have found:

Corfu Old Town Accommodation

Stay right in the heart of Corfu Old Town at Artemis Apartment
Sleep around the corner of the famous Liston at Dal Dottore
Stay in a historical building right on the narrow cobbled streets at Semeli Old Town Corfu Retreat
Enjoy stunning views of Albania and the ocean from your accommodation at Lighthouse apartment
Have a cup of coffee in your small garden, away from the crowd at The Hidden Garden
For more suggestions on the best places to stay in Corfu check our tips on where to stay in Corfu.

Final Thoughts On Corfu Old Town

woman on motor scooter driving through the streets of corfu town — The motor scooter makes driving through Corfu Town very easy

Corfu Town can easily fit into our list of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Not only were we drawn to the little streets and beautiful colorful buildings in Corfu town, but its location at the water is wonderful.

The mix of different architecture is very unique and we can guarantee you will not get enough of this historic town.

While Corfu Old Town is often included as a day trip when visiting this Ionian island, you can visit it as a weekend destination alone. Of course, we recommend seeing at least more than just Corfu Town, as the island has incredible beaches and landscapes you don’t want to miss.

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