Exploring Old Town Corfu
Crystalline coastline, lush interior, hidden coves, historic Old Town Corfu, Venetian architecture, and beautiful beaches, what is not to love about the Greek island of Corfu.
At last, our long-awaited summer holiday to the gorgeous Greek island of Corfu! Time for delicious Greek food, culture, and family time on the Ionian Sea.
Having heard wonderful things about Corfu, we booked this trip using BA Avios points as our summer trip. We spent the first three nights in an AirBnB in the heart of Old Town Corfu. By day, we visited different beaches on the east and west coast. By night with cooler temperatures, we explored Old Town Corfuand nearby attractions.
Historic Old Town Corfu
Corfu has a fascinating history dating back to the 8th century. Strategically located on the Adriatic Sea, Corfu was under the occupation of the Romans, Normans, Venetians, French and British. Under Venetian rule for over four centuries (1401-1797), the architecture style in Old Town Corfu is distinctly Italian. When Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice in 1797, Corfu became part of France, and later a British protectorate following the Battle of Waterloo. Corfu officially became part of Greece in 1864 with the Treaty of London.
Things to do in Old Town Corfu
Pedestrianised Old Town Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a beautiful location overlooking the Ionian Sea. With beautiful Italianate architecture, Old Town Corfu is full of charm with its labyrinthine of narrow streets, souvenir shops, and cafes. The Old Town is fairly compacted with major tourist attractions within a short walking distance of each other.
Historical Forts & Buildings
Old Fortress: This Venetian fortress was built on a rocky peninsula separated by a canal. Entrance is via a bridge, linking the Spinada to the fortress. Inside the fortress, there is a prison, chapel, barracks, a church, and the Corfu Sailing Restaurant. The views over the Ionian Sea and the Corfu harbour are simply stunning. Be sure to visit the Old Fortress in the morning or in the early evening during the summer. Otherwise, the heat is unbearable and there is little shade on the rocky outpost. Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm, €6 adults and children are free.
Museum of Asian Art & Corfu Public Garden: Previously the residence of the Lord High Commission, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is now the Museum of Asian Arts. It is a gorgeous building and well photographed by Instagrammers. In front of the building, there is a statue of General Sir Frederic Adam who was the Lord High Commission from 1781 – 1853. Wrapping around the Museum of Asian Art is Corfu Public Garden, a lovely landscaped garden with steps down to Faliraki Beach.
New Venetian Fort: Another fortress built during the Venetian period overlooks the Old Port of Corfu. You can’t miss this imposing fortress if you are walking towards the ferry terminal. Opening hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm daily except Tuesdays.
Parks, Gardens and Public Beaches
Liston & Spianada (Esplanade): In front of the Old Fortress is a large grassy park known as the Spianada, home to the Corfu Cricket Pitch. Many locals gather for events and concerts. Flanking the Spianada is the gorgeous arcaded promenade called Liston. It is a perfect spot for morning coffee or sunset drinks.
Boschetto Garden: A beautiful garden with several statues dedicated to Lawrence Durrell (British novelist), Count Von Der Schulenburg (Great General of Serenissima Republic of Venice), and Konstantinos Theotokis (Greek novelist). There is a lovely playground overlooking the Old Fortress and the Holy Church of Virgin Mary Mandrakina for kids to burn off some energy.
Faliraki Beach and Beach Bars: Faliraki Beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. Whilst there is only a small beach, there is a large platform for swimming and sunbathing. Nearby are beach bars to enjoy cold drinks and views of the Old Fortress and the calm Ionian Sea.
Churches
St. James Catholic Church: Sits on Dimarchio Square next to the town hall. An elegant church built in the 16th century with a gothic tower. Dimarchio Square is great for people-watching and many restaurants flank this beautiful square.
Church of St. Spyridon: There are numerous Greek Orthodox churches dotted around Old Town Corfu. Perhaps the most iconic one is the Church of St. Spyridon on Agios Spiridon. With its elegant red-domed bell tower, you cannot miss this church dedicated to Corfu’s patron saint, St. Spyridon.
Metropolitan Church of Our Lady Spelaiotissa: Another Instagram-worthy church near the Old Port Square is the Metropolitan Church of Our Lady Spelaiotissa. Rising over Mitropolis Square, this church has a distinctive dusty rose colour.
Holy Church of Virgin Mary Mandrakina: A beautiful church next to Boschetto Garden and Corfu Public Garden with a view of the Old Fortress. It has an ornate orange-red bell tower which stands out amongst the clear blue skies.
It was lovely to spend the evenings strolling around Old Town Corfu, soaking up the charm, culture, and food. Yiamas!
