Corfu Town (the capital)

Welcome to Corfu Town, also called Kerkira, an agglomeration of "kantounia", a term with which the Greeks indicate the characteristic narrow and winding alleys. The peculiarity of these streets is the presence of numerous restaurants, nice traditional bars and adorable little squares. In addition to knowing the places that are part of the daily reality of every Greek you will also meet the ancient reality, or the ancient district, here you can take a step back into the past, going back centuries and centuries back ...

What can I see in Corfu Town?

One of the first attractions that we advise you not to miss in Corfu Town is Spianada. This is the former parade ground, enriched with beautiful trees during the Napoleonic colonization and rearranged by adding flower beds and tree-lined avenues during the British protectorate. Clearly, the charm does not end here, its green avenues present busts and statues of famous people who in one way or another have left a mark on the history of this enchanting city.

From the Spianada, looking upwards, we can admire the Royal Palace (Paleá Anáktora).
The construction of this building took place at the hands of George Whitmore in 1816, to house the English commissioner. In 1864 instead it turned into what we now call the Royal Palace and until 1913 it was used by the king as a summer residence. Its classical architecture is recognized by the long Doric portico with two arches on the sides on which the seven Ionian islands can be seen in relief. To date, inside you can admire the Museum of Asian Art, with over 10 thousand beauties of the Far East, and the Civic Art Gallery.

Moving towards the sea and then towards the main defense site of the city we find the Old Venetian Fortress. This majestic buttress was separated from the mainland through the construction in the 16th century of a "controfossa", or an artificial canal. To guarantee the surveillance of the access bridge, in 1587 two bastions were erected, the purpose of which was precisely to defend the fortress.

But there is also another fortress and we are talking about the New Fortress, located west of the city of Corfu and built between 1576 and 1589. Also in Venetian style and modified by the British in the nineteenth century. At its entrance you will be intimidated by the Lion of the Serenissima, while inside you will fall in love with the Ceramics Museum.

Another fascinating construction is the Cathedral of Corfu. Inside there is the body of the basilissa of the East, which administered the Byzantine empire established in the city of Corfu for about 13 years (from 842 to 855). Armenian Theodora was then canonized and became the saint of this splendid Orthodox church.

Continuing your visit of the city you will find yourself in front of the incredible Old Town (Paleá Póli), in the opinion of many one of the most beautiful attractions of the capital of the island of Corfu. On its main street you can admire three churches of some historical importance: Panagía ton Xenón, Ágios Ioánis Pródromos and Agíi Vassílios. In addition to these interesting buildings, you can get to know the place where the nobles once met, namely the Venetian Loggia. Next to this you will admire another building in classical style, the Catholic Cathedral of St. James (the Katholikí Mitrópoli). Finally you will find yourself in front of the church of Ágios Spiridónas, built in honor of the Cypriot bishop Spiridione, an important figure of the 4th century.

In the northern part of the Old Town you will get to know Campiello, a typical Venetian style neighborhood characterized by narrow alleys and small squares. This neighborhood houses another very fascinating 16th century Orthodox cathedral; Mitrópolis.

The must-see museums in Corfu Town

The two museums that you cannot absolutely miss in Corfu Town are: the Archaeological Museum, hosting the pediment of the temple of Artemis and the statuary traces of splendid archaic art. And the Byzantine Museum, also called "Andivouniotissa", another magical place that collects Byzantine paintings and icons that you will surely fall in love with!

The nightlife of Corfu Town

As many already know, Corfu is one of the Greek islands that hosts the most beautiful and loved nightlife by young people from all over the world. In Corfu Town in particular, the youngest and leisure lovers can have fun in one of the many lounge bars and cafes located in the Old Town and open until around midnight. In fact, in the areas of Piazza Liston and Esplanade you can find many other nightlife lovers looking for the perfect bar to "relax" enjoying a drink and listening to good music, the latter clearly varies according to the type of pub. In particular, in the Esplanade area, concerts are organized, often free and of various kinds, highly appreciated by visitors.

If, on the other hand, you are on the island with your company or with your classmates to celebrate your diploma together and want to party all night long; near the port there are many discos and bars open even after midnight. One thing is certain ... IN CORFU YOU WILL NEVER BE BORED.

In case you are on holiday with your partner and want to give him a romantic evening, there is nothing better than a fascinating night cruise! Every summer evening you will have the opportunity to surprise your partner with a short trip that in addition to making your partner fall in love with you even more, will make you appreciate even more the beautiful city of Corfu!