If you are looking for things to do in Corfu Town, look no further! Our Corfu travel guide will show you the best sights of the city. Whether you are coming to Corfu Town on a day trip or spending three days in Corfu, these are the must-see attractions not to be missed.
We spent three days in Corfu exploring the old town, the beaches, and the historical sites and found that there was just enough time to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. This is a great route to follow to create your memories.
Corfu Town, UNESCO World Heritage site
The entire old town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over the centuries, Corfu has been a strategic point for trade and military routes, with empires vying for control, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans during World Debate II. With its ancient and strong historical and cultural heritage, it is no wonder that the city of Corfu stands out. Although much of the old town was finished during the Second World Debate, enough survived and was rebuilt to retain the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
UNESCO declared that “the whole of the city and the port of Corfu, dominated by its two fortresses of Venetian origin, represents an architectural example of exceptional universal value both in its authenticity and in its integrity.”
The best things to do in the old town of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands and is located right on the Albanian border. It is located in the Adriatic Sea off the northwestern coast of mainland Greece. Famous for its historical and cultural heritage, this city is a must when planning a trip to Greece. Corfu was under Venetian rule for four centuries and will remind you of Venice more than the whitewashed islands of Santorini or Mykonos.
1. Mon Repos Palace Hotel
We settled in the Mon Repos Palace, located in the bay of Garitsa, just one kilometer from the old town of Corfu. It is within walking distance of the old town, after a simple walk along the Promenade. But it’s also far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Corfu town to escape and relax. It is located right in front of the Adriatic Sea and has a beach, a swimming pool, a Restaurant, a Bar and even evening enjoyment.
2. Hop-on Hop-off Buses
The Island of Corfu is a large and very vast island. Even if you visit Corfu Town, you will find that the attractions stretch from the old port to Garitsa Bay and beyond. One of the best ways to see a lot of Cofru in a short time is to board the hop-on hop-off Bus. You can catch it at the port of Corfu, which will take you to many main attractions.
3. Ancient Fortress
The most important tourist attraction of Corfu is undoubtedly the ancient fortress. The ancient fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio, is a Venetian fortress with an eventful history that dates back to Byzantine times. However, its current structure was considerably developed during the Venetian domination from the 14th to the 16th century. The Venetians skillfully recognized the strategic importance of Corfu and fortified the island to protect it from Ottoman invasions.
4. St. George’s Church
This fortress has certainly seen its share of history. Corfu was also under British rule at the beginning of the 19th century, and the old fortress houses the church of St. George, which was built by the British.
The entrance to the fortress is marked by a drawbridge leading to the imposing main gate. This gate sets the tone for the size and historical importance of the site.
The old barracks offer a glimpse of military life during Venetian and British rule. Today they host various exhibitions and cultural events.
Be sure to go to the highest point of the fortress to the lighthouse. This offers a beautiful panoramic view of Corfu town and the Ionian Sea. We found it to be the best view in the capital.
