For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu The town, glance no additional! Our Corfu trip information will display you the entire perfect points of interest within the town. Whether or not you’re popping into Corfu The town all through an afternoon go back and forth on a cruise or spending 3 days in Corfu, those are the must-see points of interest that you can not leave out.
We spent 3 days in Corfu exploring the Previous The town, seashores, and ancient websites and located that it was once simply sufficient time to benefit from the wealthy cultural heritage of this historic town. This can be a nice itinerary that you’ll be able to observe to create your personal reminiscences.
Corfu The town, a UNESCO International Heritage Website online
All of the outdated the town of Corfu is a chosen UNESCO International Heritage Website online. All over the ages, Corfu has been a strategic level for business and army routes, with empires vying for regulate, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans all through the 2nd International Warfare. With its historic and robust ancient and cultural heritage, it’s no surprise Corfu The town sticks out. Even supposing a lot of the Previous The town was once destroyed all through the 2nd International Warfare, sufficient survived and was once rebuilt to be awarded UNESCO International Heritage Standing.
UNESCO said that “the city and port ensemble of Corfu, ruled via its two fortresses of Venetian starting place, constitutes an architectural instance of exceptional common worth in each its authenticity and its integrity.”
Town is house to a large number of architectural marvels, such because the Previous Citadel, the New Citadel, and the Palace of St. George and St. Michael. Museums just like the Museum of Asian Artwork and the Archaeological Museum supply deep insights into the island’s historical past and artwork.
Most sensible Issues to Do in The Previous The town of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, positioned proper at the Albanian border. It’s within the Adriatic Sea, off the northwest coast of the Greek mainland. This the town is legendary for its ancient and cultural heritage and is a must-visit when making plans a go back and forth to Greece. Corfu was once 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 The town is getting misplaced within the slender streets of Previous The town Corfu, playing the cool waters of the Mediterranean, and studying about its Venetian and British historical past. All through International Warfare II, Corfu was once
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 the town of Corfu. It’s inside of strolling distance of the Previous The town, following a very simple walk alongside the prom. However, additionally it is a ways sufficient clear of the hustle and bustle of Corfu Town to flee and loosen up. It’s positioned at once throughout from the Adriatic Sea, with a seaside, swimming pool, eating place, bar, or even nightly leisure.
On this space, there also are a lot of eating places at the waterfront to choose between, so that you don’t wish to pass to Corfu The town each night time. We discovered this adults-only hotel to be the easiest lodge for our 3 days in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace Resort could also be on the subject of one of the vital best 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 the ones of you who’ve solely been to Corfu for at some point. We can then transfer directly to extra Corfu.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Corfu Island is a huge island this is very unfold out. Even while you go to Corfu The town, you’re going to realize that points of interest are unfold from the Previous Port to Garitsa Bay and past. One of the vital perfect techniques to peer numerous Cofru in a short while is to get at the Hop on Hop off Bus. You’ll be able to catch it on the Corfu Port, which can take you to most of the best points of interest.
It’s excellent for twenty-four hours, and there are limitless stops.
3. Previous Citadel
The highest vacationer appeal in Corfu is certainly the Previous Fortress. The Previous Citadel of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio is a Venetian Citadel has a storied historical past courting again to the Byzantine generation. Then again, its present construction was once considerably evolved all through Venetian rule from the 14th to sixteenth century. The Venetians cleverly identified Corfu’s strategic significance so that they fortified the island to give protection to it from Ottoman invasions.
This must be the primary position you pass within the morning prior to the excursion buses and crowds arrive. We walked from Mon Repos Palace and urged getting there very first thing within the morning not to solely steer clear of crowds but in addition revel in cooler climate.
4. St. George’s Church
This fort unquestionably has observed its proportion of historical past. Corfu Island was once additionally underneath British Rule all through the early nineteenth century, and the Previous Citadel homes St. George’s Church, which was once constructed via the British.
The doorway to the fort is marked via a drawbridge resulting in the implementing primary gate. This gate units the tone for the grandeur and ancient importance of the web page.
The Previous Barracks be offering perception into army existence all through Venetian and British rule. They now area more than a few exhibitions and cultural occasions.
Remember to stroll to the easiest level of the fort to the Lighthouse. This gives stunning panoramic perspectives of Corfu The town and the Ionian Sea. We discovered this to be the most efficient perspectives of the capital town.
5. The Byzantine Museum
Housed inside the fort, the Byzantine museum showcases a choice of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and different non secular artifacts, offering a deeper figuring out of Corfu’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Ahead of you permit the outdated fort, it’s price popping in not to solely see the gathering however cool off from the warmth.
6. Spianada Sq. – Esplanade Public Sq.
The Higher Esplanade Public Sq., sometimes called the Spianada Sq., is the most important sq. in Greece and one of the crucial biggest in Europe. It’s positioned simply throughout from the Previous Citadel is the Esplanade Public Sq. and is a smart position to seize a Greek espresso or pastry prior to transferring directly to Corfu Previous The town.
When you’ve loved your espresso, take a walk alongside the Liston Prom that was once constructed via the French within the early nineteenth century, it’s covered with eating places and retail outlets alongside sublime arcades and lanterns.
7. Maitland Monument
Being one of the crucial biggest squares in Europe, Spianada Sq. has a number of issues to discover. Stay an eye fixed out for the Maitland Monument, a neoclassical rotunda devoted to Sir Thomas Maitland, a British Lord Prime Commissioner. We had no thought what it was once after we have been there, however it in reality does stand out. There are stunning gardens, a cricket flooring, 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 an excellent neoclassical construction that now homes the Museum of Asian Artwork. The palace itself is a murals, with stunning gardens and a grand internal.
From right here, you’ll be able to see the Previous Fortress intimately. There could also be a sculpture lawn and a lovely stroll underneath the shaded bushes to flee the warmth. The porticoes are fashionable for pictures, and there are perspectives of the seaside.
9. Museum of Asian Artwork
Positioned inside the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is among the hottest museums in Corfu The town. Established in 1928, it’s the solely museum in Greece devoted completely 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 be expecting to peer beautiful porcelain, ceramics, jade carvings, and bronze artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Eastern artwork is well-represented, with a set that comes with 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 surprising Palace of St. Michael and St. George, constructed all through the British Protectorate. The palace’s neoclassical design, with its grand halls and sublime rooms, provides to the whole enjoy of visiting the museum.
10. Archaeological Museum of Corfu
As you proceed strolling, you’ll come around the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, positioned simply off the Higher Esplanade. The Museum homes essential 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’ll be able to see artifacts courting again to the Paleolithic Technology.
11. New Citadel
Additionally of Venetian starting place, the New Citadel (Neo Frourio) isn’t all that new. In reality it was once constructed only some years after the Previous Citadel between between 1576 and 1588.
We loved the New Citadel greater than the Previous Citadel as much less humans visited this architectural Mavel. We walked alongside its huge partitions, bastions, and underground passages showcasing complicated engineering ways of the time. The design contains more than one ranges and interconnected tunnels, growing a powerful protection gadget. It additionally has stunning perspectives of Corfu The town the place you’ll be able to in point of fact see its Venetian affect
12. Dimarchiou – Previous Town Corridor
Dimarchiou Sq., positioned within the middle of Corfu The town, is a bustling hub of task and an important cultural landmark. Named after the The town Corridor (Dimarchiou) that overlooks the sq., this colourful space is surrounded via sublime Venetian structures, fascinating cafes, and boutique retail outlets.
It serves as a well-liked collecting spot for each locals and vacationers, providing a picturesque atmosphere with its fantastically maintained gardens and ancient structure. The sq. is regularly the web page of native occasions and fairs, making it a full of life and very important a part of Corfu’s city panorama.
13. Church of St. Spyridon
Something that you’re going to realize from everywhere in the outdated the town is the Chruch of St. Spyridon dominating the skyline of the Previous The town. The Church of St. Spyridon is devoted to the shopper saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest within the Ionian Islands. Within, you’ll to find stunning frescoes and the silver sarcophagus of St. Spyridon, believed to give protection to the island. No pictures are allowed within and clergymen guard the tomb of St. Spyridon, however it’s indubitably price going within to peer.
Different church buildings to peer 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 every other architectural gem.
Corfu Previous The town’s slender streets are covered with retail outlets providing the entirety from native crafts to fashion designer items. Don’t leave out the danger to shop for conventional kumquat liqueur, olive picket merchandise, and hand-crafted jewellery. Snatch 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 should get at 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 peer perspectives of Corru.
Day Travel to Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands positioned only a quick ferry trip from Corfu. Those small islands are with a go back and forth in their very own proper and we spent a number of days exploring them However if you happen to solely have ea little while, you’ll be able to go to
16. Faliraki Seashore
Faliraki Seashore is positioned only a quick stroll from Corfu Previous The town, making it preferrred for a fast seaside getaway with no need to trip a ways. After exploring the city’s ancient and cultural attractions, guests can simply loosen up and unwind via the ocean.
The seaside provides breathtaking perspectives of the Previous Citadel and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The scenic backdrop is highest for taking memorable pictures and playing the serene wonderful thing about Corfu’s sea coast. It’s also a great place for snorkeling. The delicate waves make it a secure and relaxing spot for swimmers of every age, together with households with kids. There’s a seaside bar serving Greek delicacies and refreshing beverages.
17. Windmill Lighthouse
One in all our favourite puts to look at sundown in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. The lighthouse is positioned on the subject of Mon Repos Palace Resort, and we walked out to revel in some of the surprising sunsets now we have ever observed. This could also be a well-liked spot for locals to swim.
18. Mon Repos Palace and Park
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical villa set in stunning gardens. It was once the birthplace of Prince Philip and now homes the Museum of Palaiopolis, which showcases archaeological unearths from the world. Mon Repos Palace was once the summer season place of dwelling of the British prime Commissioner and was once a lovely mansion. It’s simple to get admission to by means of the Hop on Hop off Bus and the palace is positioned inside of an attractive 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, living room chairs and umbrellas, and food and drinks carrier. Those ancient baths are a part of the Mon Repos Property and are perfect for a calming swim within the transparent 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 hooked up to the mainland via a pedestrian walkway and is among the maximum photographed puts in Corfu. Courting again to the seventeenth century, it served as a nunnery till the Eighties. Other people make their means out to the monastery to look at the airplanes land because the airport is positioned within the direct trail of the island. It’s also some of the fashionable position in Corfu for sundown.
21. Mouse Island
From Vlacherna Monastery, it’s only a brief boat trip to Mouse Island, or Pontikonisi. Mouse Island is certainly one of Corfu’s iconic landmarks. This small island is only a quick boat go back and forth from the mainland, it’s a tranquil spot with a small chapel and plush greenery. It’s in particular stunning when considered from above.
22. Kanoni
Leaving Previous The town, Kanoni is regarded as the brand new a part of Corfu The town. The world of Kanoni is a well-liked position to look at the sundown and airplanes land while you go to Corfu The town. Take the hop-on, hop-off bus out to Kanoni, the place you’ll be able to see the planes touchdown proper beside the Ariti Grand Resort and Kanoni cafe. The Corfu signal could also be positioned right here, so you’ll be able to get your Instagram price pictures as properly.
There are many lodges out on this space and puts to consume Greek meals or to revel in an Aperol Spritz.
23. Historical Town Of Paleopolis
The Historical Town of Paleopolis is among the maximum traditionally vital websites at the island. It dates again to the eighth century BC and was once as soon as the thriving capital town of Corfu. Positioned close to the Mon Repos property, Paleopolis is house to historic ruins and artifacts from more than a few classes, together with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. It may possibly simply be reached from Previous The town by means 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’re going to see are the ruins of Roman baths which spotlight the affect of Roman structure and tradition in Paleopolis. The web page contains well-preserved mosaic flooring and the stays of the hypocaust gadget, which was once used to warmth the baths.
The Agora was once the guts of the traditional town, the place business and social gatherings happened. And an early Christian basilica dates again to the fifth century AD. The ruins come with portions of the mosaic ground and the description of the church’s construction, offering perception into the early Christian presence at the island.
Get to Corfu
Corfu The town is definitely obtainable, with the Corfu World Airport only a quick force from outdated the town and widespread ferry connections to the Greek mainland and different Ionian Islands. As soon as on the town, exploring on foot is straightforward, or you’ll be able to take Uber, Taxis, or the Hop on Hop off Bus.
Positioned off mainland Greece. The commonest means to succeed in it’s via air, with Corfu World Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receiving direct flights from primary Eu towns, in particular all through the vacationer season.
For the ones touring from inside of Greece, there are common home flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and different primary towns. There are ferry products and services that attach Corfu to a number of ports at the mainland, together with Igoumenitsa and Patras, in addition to world locations like Italy and Albania.
Ferries additionally run between Corfu and different Ionian Islands, making island hopping a handy possibility. As soon as at the island, Corfu The town is definitely obtainable via taxi, bus, or condo automotive, making sure a clean begin to your exploration of this mesmerizing vacation spot.
Is Corfu The town Value Visiting?
Completely, Corfu The town is indubitably price visiting. Corfu The town, sometimes called Kerkyra, boasts a wealthy historical past that spans a number of centuries and civilizations. The structure displays the various previous of this historic town, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Strolling via its slender, cobblestone streets, you’ll stumble upon fantastically preserved structures, ancient church buildings, and grand palaces.
The Liston Prom, covered with cafes and eating places, is the easiest position to loosen up and people-watch. Town’s squares, corresponding to Spianada and Dimarchiou Sq., are bustling with task and regularly host native occasions and fairs.
Corfu The town is a haven for meals fanatics. From conventional Greek tavernas to upscale eating places, the city provides a variety of eating choices. Don’t leave out attempting native specialties corresponding to sofrito, pastitsada, and contemporary seafood.
The place to Keep in Corfu
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace simply outdoor of Previous The town Corfu however there are many superb position to stick in Corfu The town.
Resort Bella Venezia is a boutique lodge
Ariti Grand Resort
The Island of Corfu
While you go to Corfu, don’t restrict your self to simply Corfu The town; the remainder of the island is lovely. We booked a automotive condo from Corfu The town and loved every other week exploring the northern facet of the island and its stunning seashores. Take a look at our different article in regards to the Absolute best Issues to do at the Island of Corfu.
And there you could have a complete checklist of the most efficient issues to do in Corfu The town from the outdated the town to its seashores and scenic perspectives. If you’re making plans a go back and forth to Greece, you should definitely put Corfu to your checklist of puts to go to. It’s in reality a very good yr spherical vacation spot this is highest so as to add on your go to to the northern a part of Greece. Have you ever been to Corfu? What did we leave out, tell us within the feedback beneath.