When you’re searching for issues to do in Corfu City, look no additional! Our Corfu journey information will present you all the perfect sights within the metropolis. Whether or not you’re popping into Corfu City throughout a day journey on a cruise or spending three days in Corfu, these are the must-see sights that you just can’t miss.
We spent three days in Corfu exploring the Outdated City, seashores, and historic websites and located that it was simply sufficient time to benefit from the wealthy cultural heritage of this historic metropolis. This can be a nice itinerary that you would be able to observe to create your individual reminiscences.
Corfu City, a UNESCO World Heritage Website
The whole outdated city of Corfu is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Website. All through the ages, Corfu has been a strategic level for commerce and navy routes, with empires vying for management, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans through the Second World Conflict. With its historic and robust historic and cultural heritage, it’s no surprise Corfu City stands out. Though a lot of the Outdated City was destroyed through the Second World Conflict, sufficient survived and was rebuilt to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Standing.
UNESCO acknowledged that “the city and port ensemble of Corfu, dominated by its two fortresses of Venetian origin, constitutes an architectural instance of excellent common worth in each its authenticity and its integrity.”
The city is residence to quite a few architectural marvels, such because the Outdated Fortress, the New Fortress, and the Palace of St. George and St. Michael. Museums just like the Museum of Asian Artwork and the Archaeological Museum present deep insights into the island’s historical past and artwork.
High Issues to Do in The Outdated City of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, positioned proper on the Albanian border. It’s within the Adriatic Sea, off the northwest coast of the Greek mainland. This city is known for its historic and cultural heritage and is a must-visit when planning a visit to Greece. Corfu was underneath Venetian Rule for 4 centuries and can remind you extra of Venice than the whitewashed islands of Santorini or Mykonos.
A part of the allure of visiting Corfu City is getting misplaced within the slender streets of Outdated City Corfu, having fun with the cool waters of the Mediterranean, and studying about its Venetian and British historical past.
1. Mon Repos Palace Resort
We primarily based ourselves at Mon Repos Palace, which is positioned on Garitsa Bay, only one km from the outdated city of Corfu. It’s inside strolling distance of the Outdated City, following a straightforward stroll alongside the promenade. However, it is usually far sufficient away from the hustle and bustle of Corfu Metropolis to flee and chill out. It’s positioned instantly throughout from the Adriatic Sea, with a seaside, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and even nightly leisure.
On this space, there are additionally loads of eating places on the waterfront to select from, so that you don’t have to go to Corfu City each night time. We discovered this adults-only resort to be the right resort for our three days in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace Resort can be near a few of the prime Corfu sights, together with the Mon Repos Baths, Mon Repos Palace, and lighthouse. However extra on that later. Let’s start with the highest sights in Corfu for these of you who’ve solely been to Corfu for sooner or later. We’ll then transfer on to extra Corfu.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Corfu Island is a big island that may be very unfold out. Even if you go to Corfu City, you’ll discover that sights are unfold from the Outdated Port to Garitsa Bay and past. Among the best methods to see a whole lot of Cofru in a short while is to get on the Hop on Hop off Bus. You’ll be able to catch it on the Corfu Port, which is able to take you to lots of the prime sights.
It’s good for twenty-four hours, and there are limitless stops.
3. Outdated Fortress
The highest vacationer attraction in Corfu is undoubtedly the Outdated Fort. The Outdated Fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio is a Venetian Fortress has a storied historical past courting again to the Byzantine period. Nevertheless, its present construction was considerably developed throughout Venetian rule from the 14th to sixteenth century. The Venetians cleverly acknowledged Corfu’s strategic significance so that they fortified the island to guard it from Ottoman invasions.
This needs to be the primary place you go within the morning earlier than the tour buses and crowds arrive. We walked from Mon Repos Palace and instructed getting there very first thing within the morning to not solely keep away from crowds but in addition get pleasure from cooler climate.
4. St. George’s Church
This fortress definitely has seen its share of historical past. Corfu Island was additionally underneath British Rule through the early nineteenth century, and the Outdated Fortress homes St. George’s Church, which was constructed by the British.
The doorway to the fortress is marked by a drawbridge resulting in the imposing most important gate. This gate units the tone for the grandeur and historic significance of the positioning.
The Outdated Barracks supply perception into navy life throughout Venetian and British rule. They now home numerous exhibitions and cultural occasions.
Ensure to stroll to the best level of the fortress to the Lighthouse. This offers lovely panoramic views of Corfu City and the Ionian Sea. We discovered this to be the perfect views of the capital metropolis.
5. The Byzantine Museum
Housed throughout the fortress, the Byzantine museum showcases a group of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and different non secular artifacts, offering a deeper understanding of Corfu’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Earlier than you permit the outdated fortress, it’s value popping in to not solely see the gathering however cool off from the warmth.
6. Spianada Sq. – Esplanade Public Sq.
The Higher Esplanade Public Sq., also called the Spianada Sq., is the most important sq. in Greece and one of many largest in Europe. It’s positioned simply throughout from the Outdated Fortress is the Esplanade Public Sq. and is a good place to seize a Greek espresso or pastry earlier than shifting on to Corfu Outdated City.
When you’ve loved your espresso, take a stroll alongside the Liston Promenade that was constructed by the French within the early nineteenth century, it’s lined with eating places and retailers alongside elegant arcades and lanterns.
7. Maitland Monument
Being one of many largest squares in Europe, Spianada Sq. has a number of issues to discover. Preserve a watch out for the Maitland Monument, a neoclassical rotunda devoted to Sir Thomas Maitland, a British Lord Excessive Commissioner. We had no thought what it was after we have been there, but it surely really does stand out. There are lovely gardens, a cricket floor, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly paths.
8. St. Michael and St. George Palace
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George, positioned on the northern finish of the Esplanade, is a formidable neoclassical constructing that now homes the Museum of Asian Artwork. The palace itself is a murals, with lovely gardens and a grand inside.
From right here, you possibly can see the Outdated Fort intimately. There’s additionally a sculpture backyard and an attractive stroll underneath the shaded timber to flee the warmth. The porticoes are standard for pictures, and there are views of the seaside.
9. Museum of Asian Artwork
Situated throughout the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is without doubt one of the hottest museums in Corfu City. Established in 1928, it’s the solely museum in Greece devoted solely to the artwork and antiquities of Asia. The museums characteristic artwork from China and different international locations of Asia, together with Japan, India, and Central Asia.
Guests can count on to see beautiful porcelain, ceramics, jade carvings, and bronze artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Japanese artwork is well-represented, with a group that features samurai armor, swords, ceramics, and woodblock prints. And Indian and Southeast Asian Artwork options sculptures, textiles, and spiritual artifacts.
The museum is housed within the gorgeous Palace of St. Michael and St. George, constructed through the British Protectorate. The palace’s neoclassical design, with its grand halls and chic rooms, provides to the general expertise of visiting the museum.
10. Archaeological Museum of Corfu
As you proceed strolling, you’ll come throughout the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, positioned simply off the Higher Esplanade. The Museum homes vital artifacts from Corfu’s historic historical past, together with the spectacular Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. with its wealthy and historic historical past, you possibly can see artifacts courting again to the Paleolithic Period.
11. New Fortress
Additionally of Venetian origin, the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) isn’t all that new. The truth is, it was constructed only a few years after the Outdated Fortress between between 1576 and 1588.
We loved the New Fortress greater than the Outdated Fortress as fewer individuals visited this architectural Mavel. We walked alongside its large partitions, bastions, and underground passages showcasing superior engineering strategies of the time. The design contains a number of ranges and interconnected tunnels, making a formidable protection system. It additionally has lovely views of Corfu City, the place you possibly can actually see its Venetian affect.
12. Dimarchiou – Outdated Metropolis Corridor
Dimarchiou Sq., positioned within the coronary heart of Corfu City, is a bustling hub of exercise and a major cultural landmark. Named after the City Corridor (Dimarchiou) that overlooks the sq., this vibrant space is surrounded by elegant Venetian buildings, charming cafes, and boutique retailers.
It serves as a preferred gathering spot for each locals and vacationers, providing a picturesque setting with its fantastically maintained gardens and historic structure. The sq. is commonly the positioning of native occasions and festivals, making it a vigorous and important a part of Corfu’s city panorama.
13. Church of St. Spyridon
One factor that you’ll discover from throughout the outdated city is the Chruch of St. Spyridon dominating the skyline of the Outdated City. The Church of St. Spyridon is devoted to the patron saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest within the Ionian Islands. Inside, you’ll discover lovely frescoes and the silver sarcophagus of St. Spyridon, believed to guard the island. No images are allowed inside, and monks guard the tomb of St. Spyridon, however it’s undoubtedly value going inside to see.
Different church buildings to see in Corfu are the Byzantine church of St. Jason and the oldest church in Corfu, St. Sosipater and the Church of Panagia Spiliotissa, or Spiliotiss Church, is one other architectural gem.
Corfu Outdated City’s slender streets are lined with retailers providing every part from native crafts to designer items. Don’t miss the prospect to purchase conventional kumquat liqueur, olive wooden merchandise, and handmade jewellery. Seize an ice cream and get misplaced within the slender streets weaving via outdated down.
15. Sundown Cruise
When visiting the Ionian Islands of Greece, you have to get on the water. We took a non-public yacht to the neighboring smaller islands, however there are many day excursions and cruises that may take you to see views of Corru.
Day Journey to Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands positioned only a brief ferry experience from Corfu. These small islands are a visit in their very own proper, and we spent a number of days exploring them.
16. Faliraki Seashore
Faliraki Seashore is positioned only a brief stroll from Corfu Outdated City, making it excellent for a fast seaside getaway with out having to journey far. After exploring the city’s historic and cultural sights, guests can simply chill out and unwind by the ocean.
The seaside gives breathtaking views of the Outdated Fortress and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The scenic backdrop is ideal for taking memorable images and having fun with the serene great thing about Corfu’s shoreline. Additionally it is a great place for snorkeling. The light waves make it a protected and pleasing spot for swimmers of all ages, together with households with youngsters. There’s a seaside bar serving Greek delicacies and refreshing drinks.
17. Windmill Lighthouse
Certainly one of our favourite locations to observe sundown in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. The lighthouse is positioned near Mon Repos Palace Resort, and we walked out to get pleasure from probably the most gorgeous sunsets we now have ever seen. That is additionally a preferred spot for locals to swim.
18. Mon Repos Palace and Park
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical villa set in lovely gardens. It was the birthplace of Prince Philip and now homes the Museum of Palaiopolis, which showcases archaeological finds from the world. Mon Repos Palace was the summer time residence of the British Excessive Commissioner and was an attractive mansion. It’s straightforward to entry by way of the Hop on Hop off Bus, and the palace is positioned inside a beautiful park with strolling paths and sculptures.
19. Mo Repos Baths
The Mon Repos Baths are positioned close to Mon Repos Palace, and guests can benefit from the seaside, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and foods and drinks service. These historic baths are a part of the Mon Repos Property and are perfect for a soothing swim within the clear waters. The baths are only a brief stroll from Mon Repos Palace Resort, The Lighthouse, and Mon Repos Palace.
20. Vlacherna Monastery
Vlacherna Monastery is linked to the mainland by a pedestrian walkway and is without doubt one of the most photographed locations in Corfu. Relationship again to the seventeenth century, it served as a nunnery till the Nineteen Eighties. Folks make their means out to the monastery to observe the airplanes land because the airport is positioned within the direct path of the island. Additionally it is probably the most standard locations in Corfu for sundown.
21. Mouse Island
From Vlacherna Monastery, it’s only a brief boat experience to Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Mouse Island is one among Corfu’s iconic landmarks. This small island is only a brief boat journey from the mainland, it’s a tranquil spot with a small chapel and luxurious greenery. It’s significantly lovely when seen from above.
22. Kanoni
Leaving Outdated City, Kanoni is taken into account the brand new a part of Corfu City. The realm of Kanoni is a well-liked place to observe the sundown and airplanes land if you go to Corfu City. Take the hop-on, hop-off bus out to Kanoni, the place you possibly can see the planes touchdown proper beside the Ariti Grand Resort and Kanoni cafe. The Corfu signal can be positioned right here, so you may get your Instagram value photographs as effectively.
There are many lodges out on this space and locations to eat Greek meals or to get pleasure from an Aperol Spritz.
23. Historical Metropolis Of Paleopolis
The Historical Metropolis of Paleopolis is without doubt one of the most traditionally important websites on the island. It dates again to the eighth century BC and was as soon as the thriving capital metropolis of Corfu. Situated close to the Mon Repos property, Paleopolis is residence to historic ruins and artifacts from numerous durations, together with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. It may well simply be reached from Outdated City by way of the Hop on Hop off Bus.
The Temple of Artemis dates again to round 580 BC and as soon as housed the well-known Gorgon Medusa pediment, now displayed within the Archaeological Museum.
Different issues you will note are the ruins of Roman baths, which spotlight the affect of Roman structure and tradition in Paleopolis. The location contains well-preserved mosaic flooring and the stays of the hypocaust system, which was used to warmth the baths.
The Agora was the center of the traditional metropolis, the place commerce and social gatherings passed off. An early Christian basilica dates again to the fifth century AD. The ruins embody components of the mosaic ground and the define of the church’s construction, offering perception into the early Christian presence on the island.
The way to Get to Corfu
Corfu City is definitely accessible, with the Corfu Worldwide Airport only a brief drive from the outdated city and frequent ferry connections to the Greek mainland and different Ionian Islands. As soon as on the town, exploring on foot is straightforward, or you possibly can take Uber, Taxis, or Hop off the Bus.
Situated off mainland Greece. The most typical option to attain it’s by air (you possibly can examine flight schedules right here), with Corfu Worldwide Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receiving direct flights from main European cities, significantly through the vacationer season.
For these touring from inside Greece, there are common home flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and different main cities. There are ferry companies that join Corfu to a number of ports on the mainland, together with Igoumenitsa and Patras, in addition to worldwide locations like Italy and Albania.
Ferries additionally run between Corfu and different Ionian Islands, making island hopping a handy choice. As soon as on the island, Corfu City is definitely accessible by taxi, bus, or rental automotive, making certain a clean begin to your exploration of this enchanting vacation spot.
Is Corfu City Value Visiting?
Completely, Corfu City is unquestionably value visiting. Corfu City, also called Kerkyra, boasts a wealthy historical past that spans a number of centuries and civilizations. The structure displays the varied previous of this historic metropolis, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Strolling via its slender, cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter fantastically preserved buildings, historic church buildings, and grand palaces.
The Liston Promenade, lined with cafes and eating places, is the right place to chill out and people-watch. The city’s squares, resembling Spianada and Dimarchiou Sq., are bustling with exercise and sometimes host native occasions and festivals.
Corfu City is a haven for meals lovers. From conventional Greek tavernas to upscale eating places, the city gives a variety of eating choices. Don’t miss attempting native specialties resembling sofrito, pastitsada, and recent seafood.
The place to Keep in Corfu
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace simply outdoors of Outdated City Corfu, however there are many fantastic locations to remain in Corfu City. We recommend testing each Resort Bella Venezia within the Outdated City and the Ariti Grand Resort in Kanoni.
The Island of Corfu
Whenever you go to Corfu, don’t restrict your self to simply Corfu City; the remainder of the island is gorgeous. We booked a automotive rental from Corfu City and loved one other week exploring the northern aspect of the island and its lovely seashores.
And there you might have a complete listing of the perfect issues to do in Corfu City from the outdated city to its seashores and scenic views. If you’re planning a visit to Greece, be certain that to place Corfu in your listing of locations to go to. It’s really a superb yr spherical vacation spot that’s good so as to add to your go to to the northern a part of Greece. Have you ever been to Corfu? What did we miss, tell us within the feedback beneath.
