Corfu Old Town Guide
Introduction
We spent 6 days in Corfu Old Town, aka Kerkyra, in October 2025. As first time visitors we learned how to navigate the maze-like streets and see the important sites. We are sharing our experience for you. Follow our lead to enjoy the Corfu Old Town.
Where is Corfu
Cofu is one of the Ionian Islands of Greece. It is an island (7th largest of the Greek Islands) just off the coast of the northwest mainland of Greece in the northern Ionian Sea. Here’s a map of Corfu Greece –
Map of Corfu Old Town
We spent all our time exploring Old Town since there is so much to see – here is a map.
History of Corfu
Corfu has a long history starting from the first settlements by the Corinthians in 734 BCE. They founded the city Corcyra or Kerkyra which is the modern Greek name in use today. In 229 BCE it became part of the Roman Empire and morphed into the Byzantine era that ended in 1453 CE.
It was ruled by many powers, including the Venetians for nearly 400 years, followed by the French and then the British. It became part of Greece in 1864.
During WWII it was occupied by Italy and Germany.
When is the best time to visit Corfu
We chose to visit in October when the weather was sunny and temperatures pleasant. Our taxi driver told us that the summer has most of the tourists, up to 6 million during 3-4 months and is hot. So the spring and fall is the best time to avoid excessive crowds and experience pleasant temperatures.
Is it worth visiting Corfu Old Town
Absolutely! The island has a long, complicated but interesting history dating back to the 8th century BCE. There are visible remains in Old Town Corfu of Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, German and Italian occupations. Food, history, religion and culture all merge here. Not to be missed.
How big is it
The population of the island is just over 100,000. The Town of Corfu is 45,000 including 20,000 in Corfu Old Town. During the summer the population quadruples we are told.
How safe is Corfu Old Town
We found Old Town to be quite safe. We walked around day and night with no issues. However where there are crowds best to keep valuables and money close. I was studying a street side map when a young woman (maybe 15 or so} came up and asked if I needed a guide. She had 2 younger siblings (my assumption). My wife was watching from a distance and reported afterwards. The younger girls eased behind me unnoticed while I was chatting with the ‘guide’. I always carry my wallet in a front pocket when in crowds. Apparently seeing no chance to pickpocket they all quickly left. This can happen anywhere. So Old Town is safe with normal precautions.
Things to know when visiting Old Town
Corfu Old Town is a cruise ship port. While we were there in October there were 2 cruise ships per day. Occasionally there was a super cruise ship with 5,000 passengers. When the cruisers disembark things in Old Town can get quite crowded. We found the prices at most restaurants and bars to be comparable in the historical centre. Further away the non hotel restaurants were cheaper.
Things to do in Corfu Old Town
Tourist Information Centre
Located by the entrance to the Old Fortress. Information was sparse -not even a good map available. Staff was not welcoming. Skip this.
Book Your walking tour here
Free Online Walking Tour Guides
We chose a free online walking tour guide from discovergreece.com. Click here for your free guide.
There are other free guides available but we found this one suited our needs the best.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
This is a good way to get an overview of Corfu Old Town in a couple of hours. There are 2 lines – one focuses on the Old Town with the route extending to the picturesque suburb of Kanoni and access to Mouse Island. There is a legend that Mouse Island was formed when the ship carrying Odysseus was turned to stone by Poseidon. A second bus line is to the Achilleion Palace built in 1889. There are 3 floors with many statues and paintings. The most famous statues are those of Achilles Triumphant and the dying Achilles. Catch either bus along the route or at the beginning of the Cruiseship port. Cost 35 € per adult
The Old Fortress
Definitely a must see. We spent 2 hours wandering through the fort. Some climbing stairs and more if one wants to get to the very top. We passed on the latter. Great views of the sea and the town. There is a restaurant with moderate prices in the fortress itself. The earliest fortification here was in the 6th century CE in the Byzantine Era. The most visible fortifications today were made by the Venetians in the early 15th century CE. Modifications by various groups occurred up to the 19th century CE. Admission 10 € per person.
Contrafossa aka the Canal
This is 15th century Current Era sea channel dug by the Venetians to separate the fortress from the mainland. You will go over the bridge to get to the fort. Look on both sides. It is now a marina.
Church of Saint George
As we strolled through the fort we came upon the main church in the fort – the Church of Saint George built by the British in 1840 primarily for their garrison stationed there. It was originally an Anglican church but became Greek Orthodox in 1865 when Corfu joined Greece.
Church of the Annunziata
The bell tower is all that remains of this church originally built in 1394. It was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and Saint Lucia. The church (except for the bell tower) was destroyed in WWII bombing. We found it provided us with a reference point in Corfu Old Town when wandering its maze of streets.
Book your walking tour here
Old City Hall of Corfu
It was built between 1663 and 1691 as the Loggia Nobilei (Club of the Nobles). Later it became the first modern theatre in Greece and even later the home of the Greek opera theatre. Converted into the Town Hall in 1903, it now houses municipal administrative offices.
Ionian Parliament
This building was the place where the proclamation of the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, with annexation to Greece was voted in 1864. It now is a museum dedicated to the freedom fighters of the Ionian Islands.
St. James Catholic Church
In the Dimarchio square where the Old City Hall is located, we explored St. James Catholic Church.
Built in 16th Century, it was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1970. Definitely worth a look inside.
Venetian Wellhead
Located in Kremasti Square, the Venetian Wellhead, a historic well from the Venetian period, is
characteristic of many squares in the Old Town since cisterns were used for water before the construction of the aqueduct.
Wandering stray cats are a common sight here.
Our Lady of Strangers Church
This church was built by the monk Nikodemo in the 18th century CE. It is considered the parish of foreigners, particularly the Epiro inhabitants of northwestern Greece and southern Albania.
Count Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg
Located on Spianada Square near the entrance to the Old Fortress, von der Schulenberg was a German-born field marshal who led the Venetian defense of Corfu against the massive Ottoman siege in 1716. His successful defense is a pivotal event in the island’s history, and he is considered a great hero in Corfu.
Bas Relief of Gerald Durrell
In 1935, the Durrell family, Lawrence and Louisa and 3 children, Lawrence, Gerald and Margaret moved to the Greek island of Corfu from their birthplace in India. They remained there until the summer of 1939, when the impending outbreak of World War II forced them to return to England. Lawrence and Gerald became well known writers. Gerald was also a world renowned naturalist and conservationist. The bust of Gerald and his brother Lawrence are in the Durrell Gardens near the Old Fortress.
Abstract Art in the Durrell Gardens
The Durrell Gardens are also known as the Boschetto Gardens. This abstract art piece consists of columns of stacked ring-shaped stones and adds to the beauty and mystery of the gardens.
Saint Spiliotissa Church
Situated in front of the old port, this orthodox basilica dates back to 1577 and houses the mortal remains of Saint Teodora of Augusta. She was a Byzantine empress canonized in the 9th Century CE and her relics arrived in Corfu from Costantinople together with those of the patron Saint, Spiridonas.
Have a Swim and Enjoy Seaside Dining
There is a small (lilliputian) sized beach, Faliraki Beach, just past the Gardens walking away from the Old Fortress and through the Gate of Saint Nicholas.
Swim, then enjoy drinks and food at this point into the sea.
Admire the architecture around the Old Town
These apartments with Italian influence are common around town.
St Michael and St George Palace
This palace was built 1819-24. In the beginning, it was the mansion of British Governor Sir T. Maitland. At the same time it was the seat of the Order of Knights of Saint George and Saint Michael, from which the palace takes his name, and also the seat of the Ionian Republic Senate. Then it became the summer residence of the Greek Royal Family.
Today it is the Museum of Asian Art, the municipal council art gallery and the Department of Classical Antiquities of Corfu.
Spianada Square
The Spianada Square is a large green area between Old Town and the old fortress. This is the largest square in Greece. There is also an English cricket field here.
Liston Street
Immediately across the street from Spianada Square is Liston Street. Lots of restaurants and bars and a good place to stroll. The buildings on this street were designed during the French occupation. We enjoyed a brew and late breakfast at one of the Liston restaurants.
Church of Saint Spyridon
Saint Spyridonis, the patron saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands and is visible from many parts of the town. The church contains the relics of the Saint. They are in a silver coffin and container. Many people view the silver containers and say a brief prayer over them.
Spyridonas became the patron saint of the island due to four great miracles: he protected Corfu twice from the plagues of 1554 and 1630, once from the famine, and in 1716 he chased the Turks away!
Serbian Museum
The Serbian Museum is a common stop on many guided walking tours. Our interest was the building on the left where the Durrell family frequented when in town. Tours are available to see where the Durrells lived and frequented on the island.
Book your Durrell tour here
The New Fortress
This is the second fortress of Corfu Old Town. It was built between 1576 and 1645 by the Venetians. Many local buildings were destroyed in order to have enough material to build the New Fortress.
It is located at the other end of Old Town closer to the port. The British made some modifications in the 19th century CE. Admission 5 €.
Central Market
The Corfu Central Market offers a variety of local products, including fresh fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables (some of which are organic), dried herbs, olives and olive products, sweets, honey, and other products from Corfu. It is located just outside the walls of the New Fortress.
Chat with the locals
Many of the local residents speak English and are happy to chat. They are just as interested in you and your country as you are in them. Step forward and introduce yourself! Here Heather met Mary in a residential neighbourhood.
Enjoy Street Musicians
Usually when wandering Old Town Corfu, we came upon local street musicians. It was enjoyable to stop and absorb the vibes.
Book your walking tour here
Conclusion
We enjoyed spending a few days in Corfu Old Town. While wandering around we always discovered something new – whether it be a new bar or restaurant, activity or a new sight. There were more places to see and things to do than time permitted. When in the area make sure to see the Old Town of Corfu. We will have to see more of the island next time!
How to get to Corfu Old Town
Air
There is an airport just outside of town. Direct flights are available from Athens and many cities in Europe (think mostly of the low cost airlines (Ryan Air, Easy Jet, Vueling, Wizzair, etc)
Book your flight here
Ferry
There are a number of ferries serving the Corfu Old Town. We took a ferry from Sarande (aka Saranda) Albania. The crossing was 35 min. There are also ferries from other parts of Greece as well as Italy, Check out Ferryhopper.com for routes and schedules.
Cruise Ship
Many people visit Old Town Corfu in a 1 day stop on a cruise. In fact when we were there in October there were at least 2 cruise ships per day. Several through the period had 5,000 passengers!
Plan Your Trip
Day 1 of 2
arrive 9 am
take Hop Hop Off bus line 1
lunch
visit the Old Fortress
wander the streets
stop for a brew or a gelato
see the sunset at the Cavalieri Hotel Rooftop
dinner – see choices under where to eat
Day 2 of 2
breakfast 8am
9:30 am take Hop On Hop Off bus line 2
lunch
use the online walking guide Old Town for 3 hrs
(omit the Old Fortress)
have a swim at Faliraki Bathing Beach
(just behind the Gate of St Nicholas)
dinner and drinks along the point
(from the beach)
see more choices for meals under where to eat
3, 4 and more days visiting
Rent a car and tour the island, stay overnight at a beach club
Where to eat
There are so many restaurants and bars in Corfu Old Town that it is almost impossible to select some for recommendation. You can search on the internet for those meeting your needs. Here are some restaurants that we tried, enjoyed and can recommend –
Liston Cafe Restaurant
We had a late breakfast of avocado pancakes and beer. Location Liston Street across from Spianada Square.
Oindmaγeipemata “zaxoy” restaurant
Located near the stairs of the New Fortress,this eatery is very out of the way and in a local neighbourhood. We had a lunch with with pastitsio/lasagna combination, potatoes and lamb kebobs. Cost 12 €
Gecko coffee and pastry
Located at 35 Donatou Dimoulitsa – great coffee and tasty pastries in a relaxed cafe.
Daily Spot Quality Street Coffee & Bake
This was close to our Airbnb and was open at 5am. Always busy and friendly staff with great selection of coffees and pastries. Just next door to Gecko coffee.
Other restaurants
These were recommended to us but we didn’t try them.
Breakfast/Brunch – My Habit, Porcelani, and Favela N17.
Bakeries – Soupionis Bakery and Korakianitis Bakery
Lunch & Dinner – Ampakas, Ta Kokoria, and Fishalida, all known for their great food and relaxed atmosphere.
Greek Street Food – Souvlaki Mamma, To Pikantiko, H Pita Tou Pappou, and Pane e Souvlaki
Tradition Mezes (small plates) – Mpriki, To Tsipouradiko, and Tsantsamini.
Cocktails – Naok Azur, Silo, Imabari Corfu, and Vittori All Day
Where to stay in Old Town Corfu
We chose an Airbnb located a 10 min walk from the centre of Old Town. Our Airbnb which we can recommend, particularly for its location and wonderful balcony was Cronos by Holiday Homes
There are many alternatives – Airbnb, guest houses, hotels.
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