Should you’re in search of issues to do in Corfu City, look no additional! Our Corfu journey information will present you all the very best points of interest 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 points of interest that you simply can’t miss.
We spent three days in Corfu exploring the Previous City, seashores, and historic websites and located that it was simply sufficient time to benefit from the wealthy cultural heritage of this historical metropolis. It is a nice itinerary that you may comply with to create your personal reminiscences.
Corfu City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site
The whole previous city of Corfu is a delegated UNESCO World Heritage Web site. 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 in the course of the Second World Battle. With its historical and robust historic and cultural heritage, it’s no marvel Corfu City stands out. Though a lot of the Previous City was destroyed in the course of the Second World Battle, 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 dwelling to quite a few architectural marvels, such because the Previous 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.
Prime Issues to Do in The Previous City of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, situated 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 beneath 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 Previous 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 based mostly ourselves at Mon Repos Palace, which is situated on Garitsa Bay, only one km from the previous city of Corfu. It’s inside strolling distance of the Previous City, following a simple 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 situated immediately 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 must go to Corfu City each evening. We discovered this adults-only resort to be the proper resort for our three days in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace Resort can also be near a number of the high Corfu points of interest, together with the Mon Repos Baths, Mon Repos Palace, and lighthouse. However extra on that later. Let’s start with the highest points of interest in Corfu for these of you who’ve solely been to Corfu for someday. We are going to then transfer on to extra Corfu.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Corfu Island is a big island that could be very unfold out. Even once you go to Corfu City, you’ll discover that points of interest are unfold from the Previous Port to Garitsa Bay and past. Among the best methods to see quite a lot of Cofru in a short while is to get on the Hop on Hop off Bus. You may catch it on the Corfu Port, which is able to take you to most of the high points of interest.
It’s good for twenty-four hours, and there are limitless stops.
3. Previous Fortress
The highest vacationer attraction in Corfu is undoubtedly the Previous Fort. The Previous Fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio is a Venetian Fortress has a storied historical past courting again to the Byzantine period. Nonetheless, its present construction was considerably developed throughout Venetian rule from the 14th to sixteenth century. The Venetians cleverly acknowledged Corfu’s strategic significance in order 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 advised getting there very first thing within the morning to not solely keep away from crowds but additionally take pleasure in cooler climate.
4. St. George’s Church
This fortress definitely has seen its share of historical past. Corfu Island was additionally beneath British Rule in the course of the early nineteenth century, and the Previous 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 Previous Barracks provide perception into navy life throughout Venetian and British rule. They now home varied exhibitions and cultural occasions.
Be sure that to stroll to the very best level of the fortress to the Lighthouse. This gives lovely panoramic views of Corfu City and the Ionian Sea. We discovered this to be the very best views of the capital metropolis.
5. The Byzantine Museum
Housed inside the fortress, the Byzantine museum showcases a group of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and different spiritual artifacts, offering a deeper understanding of Corfu’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Earlier than you allow the previous fortress, it’s price 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., often known as the Spianada Sq., is the most important sq. in Greece and one of many largest in Europe. It’s situated simply throughout from the Previous Fortress is the Esplanade Public Sq. and is a good place to seize a Greek espresso or pastry earlier than transferring on to Corfu Previous 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. Maintain 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 once we have been there, nevertheless it 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, situated 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 Previous Fort intimately. There’s additionally a sculpture backyard and a fantastic stroll beneath the shaded bushes to flee the warmth. The porticoes are common for pictures, and there are views of the seaside.
9. Museum of Asian Artwork
Situated inside 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 nations of Asia, together with Japan, India, and Central Asia.
Guests can anticipate 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 beautiful Palace of St. Michael and St. George, constructed in the course of the British Protectorate. The palace’s neoclassical design, with its grand halls and stylish 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, situated simply off the Higher Esplanade. The Museum homes vital artifacts from Corfu’s historical historical past, together with the spectacular Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. with its wealthy and historical 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. In actual fact, it was constructed only a few years after the Previous Fortress between between 1576 and 1588.
We loved the New Fortress greater than the Previous Fortress as fewer folks visited this architectural Mavel. We walked alongside its huge 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 – Previous Metropolis Corridor
Dimarchiou Sq., situated 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 well-liked gathering spot for each locals and vacationers, providing a picturesque setting with its fantastically maintained gardens and historic structure. The sq. is usually the positioning of native occasions and festivals, making it a energetic and important a part of Corfu’s city panorama.
13. Church of St. Spyridon
One factor that you’ll discover from throughout the previous city is the Chruch of St. Spyridon dominating the skyline of the Previous 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 price 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 Previous City’s slender streets are lined with retailers providing the whole lot from native crafts to designer items. Don’t miss the possibility to purchase conventional kumquat liqueur, olive wooden merchandise, and handmade jewellery. Seize an ice cream and get misplaced within the slender streets weaving by way of previous down.
15. Sundown Cruise
When visiting the Ionian Islands of Greece, you will need to get on the water. We took a personal 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 situated only a quick ferry trip from Corfu. These small islands are a visit in their very own proper, and we spent a number of days exploring them.
16. Faliraki Seaside
Faliraki Seaside is situated only a quick stroll from Corfu Previous City, making it very best 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 presents breathtaking views of the Previous Fortress and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The scenic backdrop is ideal for taking memorable images and having fun with the serene fantastic thing about Corfu’s shoreline. It’s also a great place for snorkeling. The light waves make it a secure and satisfying 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
One among our favourite locations to observe sundown in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. The lighthouse is situated near Mon Repos Palace Resort, and we walked out to take pleasure in some of the beautiful sunsets now we have ever seen. That is additionally a well-liked 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 realm. Mon Repos Palace was the summer time residence of the British Excessive Commissioner and was a fantastic mansion. It’s simple to entry through the Hop on Hop off Bus, and the palace is situated inside a stunning park with strolling paths and sculptures.
19. Mo Repos Baths
The Mon Repos Baths are situated close to Mon Repos Palace, and guests can benefit from the seaside, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and food 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 quick 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 Eighties. Individuals make their approach out to the monastery to observe the airplanes land because the airport is situated within the direct path of the island. It’s also some of the common locations in Corfu for sundown.
21. Mouse Island
From Vlacherna Monastery, it’s only a quick boat trip to Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Mouse Island is one in all Corfu’s iconic landmarks. This small island is only a quick boat journey from the mainland, it’s a tranquil spot with a small chapel and plush greenery. It’s notably lovely when considered from above.
22. Kanoni
Leaving Previous 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 once 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 also be situated right here, so you will get your Instagram price pictures as effectively.
There are many inns out on this space and locations to eat Greek meals or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.
23. Historic Metropolis Of Paleopolis
The Historic Metropolis of Paleopolis is without doubt one of the most traditionally vital 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 dwelling to historical ruins and artifacts from varied intervals, together with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. It could possibly simply be reached from Previous City through 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 notice are the ruins of Roman baths, which spotlight the affect of Roman structure and tradition in Paleopolis. The positioning contains well-preserved mosaic flooring and the stays of the hypocaust system, which was used to warmth the baths.
The Agora was the guts of the traditional metropolis, the place commerce and social gatherings occurred. An early Christian basilica dates again to the fifth century AD. The ruins embrace elements of the mosaic ground and the define of the church’s construction, offering perception into the early Christian presence on the island.
Find out how to Get to Corfu
Corfu City is definitely accessible, with the Corfu Worldwide Airport only a quick drive from the previous city and frequent ferry connections to the Greek mainland and different Ionian Islands. As soon as on the town, exploring on foot is simple, or you possibly can take Uber, Taxis, or Hop off the Bus.
Situated off mainland Greece. The most typical approach to attain it’s by air (you possibly can test flight schedules right here), with Corfu Worldwide Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receiving direct flights from main European cities, notably in the course of 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 automobile, making certain a easy begin to your exploration of this enchanting vacation spot.
Is Corfu City Value Visiting?
Completely, Corfu City is certainly price visiting. Corfu City, often known as Kerkyra, boasts a wealthy historical past that spans a number of centuries and civilizations. The structure displays the varied previous of this historical metropolis, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Strolling by way of 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 proper place to chill out and people-watch. The city’s squares, equivalent to 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 presents a variety of eating choices. Don’t miss making an attempt native specialties equivalent to sofrito, pastitsada, and recent seafood.
The place to Keep in Corfu
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace simply outdoors of Previous City Corfu, however there are many fantastic locations to remain in Corfu City. We advise testing each Resort Bella Venezia within the Previous City and the Ariti Grand Resort in Kanoni.
The Island of Corfu
Once you go to Corfu, don’t restrict your self to simply Corfu City; the remainder of the island is gorgeous. We booked a automobile rental from Corfu City and loved one other week exploring the northern facet of the island and its lovely seashores.
And there you might have a complete listing of the very best issues to do in Corfu City from the previous city to its seashores and scenic views. If you’re planning a visit to Greece, make sure that to place Corfu in your listing of locations to go to. It’s really a superb 12 months 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 under.
