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Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Corfu Town

History, Culture & the Heart of the Island

ABOUT

Corfu Town is the island's capital and its most important centre for history, culture, shopping, dining and transport. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is characterised by narrow streets, Venetian-influenced architecture, squares and fortifications.

Major sights include the Old Fortress, New Fortress, Liston and Spianada, while museums, churches, cafés and restaurants make the town worth more than a brief visit. It is also the island's main transport hub, making it especially practical for visitors without a car.

Give the historic centre time

Corfu Town offers enough for several distinct outings rather than a single hurried checklist. Choose a part of the Old Town to explore, then add one fortress or museum with its current opening arrangements checked. Leave room for a meal, shopping or a waterfront pause; the lanes and urban detail are part of the experience.

Choosing a stay and arriving with luggage

An atmospheric old-centre address can have a different arrival route from a hotel with road access. Ask about stairs, the nearest vehicle drop-off and where luggage must be carried. City Bus services use different departure points, including San Rocco and Mitropolitou Methodiou, so confirm the hub for your route. For swimming, choose a specific waterfront bathing spot or a separate beach outing rather than expecting the historic city to function like a broad sandy resort.

Getting around, beaches and evenings

City Bus hubs at San Rocco and Mitropolitou Methodiou; check the departure point for your route.

City waterfront bathing spots, including Faliraki and the Mon Repos area; access and facilities vary.

Lively bars and evening entertainment.

Explore with our local guides

Beach guides: Faliraki Beach; Agia Ekaterini Beach.

Ideas for your visit: Metropolitan Cathedral of Panagia Spilaiotissa; Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank. Check the individual guide for the route and visiting details.

Planning links: Current City Bus routes and timetables.

At a Glance

BEST FOR
History & Culture, Sightseeing, Food & Drink, Shopping, Nightlife
ATMOSPHERE
Lively and sociable.
BEACH
City waterfront bathing spots, including Faliraki and the Mon Repos area; access and facilities vary.
NIGHTLIFE
Lively bars and evening entertainment.
GETTING AROUND
City Bus hubs at San Rocco and Mitropolitou Methodiou; check the departure point for your route.
CAR
Not essential locally; useful for exploring.
AIRPORT
Approx. 5 km
LOCATION TYPE
Town / City

BEACHES

Faliraki Beach

A historic urban swimming spot below Corfu Town's old fortifications, combining sea access with views across the Old Fortress and bay.

Agia Ekaterini Beach

A municipally managed Corfu bathing beach listed in the official 2026 Blue Flag awards.

Things To Do

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Vido Island and Serbian Memorial

Take the short boat ride from Corfu Town to wooded Vido Island for walks, small beaches and important Serbian First World War memorials.

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Metropolitan Cathedral of Corfu

Visit Corfu Town’s metropolitan cathedral, an important part of the island’s Orthodox religious heritage.

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Palace of St Michael and St George

Admire one of Corfu Town’s finest British-period neoclassical buildings and its grand position at the northern end of Spianada.

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Catholic Cathedral of Saint James and Saint Christopher

Visit Corfu Town’s Catholic cathedral in the historic centre and discover another layer of the island’s multicultural past.

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Ionian Academy

See the site associated with the first university of the modern Greek world and Corfu’s remarkable intellectual history.

Corfu Old Town and Old Fortress in Central Corfu

Corfu Old Town UNESCO Walking Route

Spend several hours exploring the UNESCO-listed historic centre, linking fortresses, churches, squares, arcades and hidden lanes.

Food & Drink

Scheria Restaurant

A dining option in Corfu Town, useful for visitors looking for somewhere local to eat while exploring this part of Corfu.

Restaurant / Taverna

A Mano Pizzeria

A dining option in Corfu Town, useful for visitors looking for somewhere local to eat while exploring this part of Corfu.

Restaurant / Taverna

Brisk Restaurant

Contemporary Greek and Corfiot cooking in Corfu Old Town, combining the relaxed character of a neighbourhood taverna with modern restaurant techniques.

Restaurant / Taverna

La Tavola Calda

A dining option in Corfu Town, useful for visitors looking for somewhere local to eat while exploring this part of Corfu.

Restaurant / Taverna

Porta Otturata Corfu

A dining option in Corfu Town, useful for visitors looking for somewhere local to eat while exploring this part of Corfu.

Restaurant / Taverna

Lampadina Traditional Cuisine

A dining option in Corfu Town, useful for visitors looking for somewhere local to eat while exploring this part of Corfu.

Restaurant / Taverna

Where to Stay

The 10k Stones Villa

A four-bedroom villa in a historic building with a pool, hot tub and gardens.

Villas and Holiday Homes

Nicol's House & Suite in Corfu town by Konnect

A city-view apartment and suite with kitchens near the New Fortress.

Apartments and Studios

Fontana Di Corfu 4

A quiet-street one-bedroom apartment with a fitted kitchen near Saint Spyridon Church.

Apartments and Studios

Katrin's Penthouse & Katrin's Apartment-Alepou Corfu

Spacious apartments with balconies, kitchenettes and free parking in Alepou.

Apartments and Studios

Villa Maxim in Corfu Town

Rooms and suites with terraces, a garden and private parking near Mon Repos.

Rooms and Suites

Corfu Espianada apartment

A one-bedroom apartment with a fitted kitchen close to Spianada and the Old Fortress.

Apartments and Studios

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