The top things to do in Corfu Town – Our travel guide
Welcome to our complete guide to Corfu Town, the bustling heart of Corfu Island. If you’re planning a visit to Corfu, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can exploring what the old town has to offer. With an old and new fortress, several museums, cobbled Venetian-style streets and lots of coffee shops and restaurants, it’s a place you can spend a full day in and still not see everything.
Read our Corfu Town travel guide for a list of best things to do in Corfu town, as well as dining options and places to stay. Learn everything you need to know about exploring the bustling centre of the island.
Why should I visit Corfu town?
Corfu town is the island’s main residential and commercial district. It’s the hub for locals who work on the island but is also a tourist centre that’s rich in history. Whilst it’s a small town in comparison to other European cities, it still has plenty of things to see and do. Corfu Town is also a great place to stay if you’re looking for a city break-style holiday. No matter the day you visit, Corfu’s Town’s streets are bustling and full of atmosphere.
There are many places to have a coffee, grab a bite to eat for lunch, or indulge in a romantic dinner. It has some of the best Greek restaurants on the island! Corfu town has something for everyone, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the town at least 3 times during our visit. It’s very different to the rest of the island, which is mainly countryside, small beach towns and rural villages.
When should I visit Corfu town?
Corfu town is a great place to visit no matter what time of year, but the warmer months of the year are the most enjoyable. The months of April – November offer the best temperatures for sightseeing. Corfu Town reaches its peak crowd levels during the months of July and August. This is also the hottest time of the year to visit. The best months to visit are May – June and September – October.
When it comes to visiting Corfu Town on specific days, it’s worth noting that some shops are closed on Mondays. These include brand stores such as Marks & Spencer, Sephora and Under Armour. Many shops are also closed on Sundays, or they’re open in the morning and close early afternoon. Wednesday is also a day where some local shops tend to close early. It’s worth keeping these days in mind if you’re looking to do some shopping.
If you want to visit Corfu town when its busy and all the shops are open, we recommend going on a Friday or Saturday. If you fancy doing lots of sightseeing and aren’t going for the shopping, Sunday or Monday are great days to visit.
The top things to do in Corfu Town
The beauty of Corfu town is that it’s not overly large and spread out, meaning you can see most of its attractions on foot. Continue reading for a list of the top things to see and do in Corfu Town.
Old Fortress of Corfu
The Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. It’s a venetian fortress with a lot of history and plenty of places to explore. Pay the entrance fee of 6 euros per person and you’ll get to wander around at your leisure. Walk the raised wall fortifications, stop by the museum, or climb up the winding staircase to the lighthouse. The views of Corfu Town from the top are the best in the city!
New Fortress of Corfu
Another Fortress that’s worth visiting is the New Fortress of Corfu. Located right in the heart of the Old Town, it’s a Venetian Fortress that was built on the hill of St Mark. The buildings and fortifications that make up the fortress are from different periods of history and have been added to over the years. Many of the current fortifications were built by the British during their rule of the island. The New Fortress of Corfu may not be as big or impressive as the Old Fortress, but it’s free to enter, so it’s well worth a visit. It provides some excellent views of town from the fortified walls.
Corfu Museum of Asian Art
One of the most stunning buildings in Corfu town is the Museum of Asian Art. Its grand central building and garden area features the same Venetian architecture you’ll find all over town, but on a more extravagant level. Walk through the gardens and enjoy the views of the Ionian Sea from above.
You can also pay 6 euros to go inside. The museum is full of Asian artefacts, statues and artwork; it’s a very good collection! If you’re visiting outside of peak times (from 1st November – 31st March) ticket prices are only 3 euros. It’s one of the best things to do in Corfu Town if you want to explore a museum.
The Liston
Situated next to the Museum of Asian Art, the Liston is considered to be the most famous place in Corfu Town. It’s a long promenade of cafes and restaurants, nestled right next to a leafy green park. Admire its breath-taking architecture, which combines Venetian, French and British design. You can also grab a coffee or dine at one of the restaurants. The outdoor seating and bustling atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy lunch.
Browse the local shops
One of the top things to do in Corfu Town is shopping. It’s the shopping hub of the island for locals and tourists, and you’ll find everything from independent craft stores or chain fashion brands. Find handmade jewellery, magnets, olive oil, homeware, food and drink and any other wares you’d expect to find in a popular tourist town. There are also several international high street fashion brands, including Under Armour and M&S.
Top tip: if you’re looking to buy a bottle of olive oil, head to a supermarket. Supermarkets sell the same local products some gift shops, but at a cheaper price.
Spianada square
One of the first things you’ll see when visiting Corfu Old Town is Spianada Square. It’s the largest square in the Balkans and is one of the most beautiful areas of Corfu Town to explore. You’ll find fountains, a variety of different flowers and plants, and kiosks selling drinks and snacks. A lot of locals come here with their friends at the weekend. Have a picnic or grab a takeout gyro and sit under a tree.
Corfu Town marina
You’ll find marinas all over Corfu, some more majestic than others. Whilst in Corfu Town, be sure to stop by the marina to the north of the city walls. It’s the perfect place to sit down on a park bench and admire the luxury yachts in port. The marina is one of the quietest areas of the city so it’s a welcome break from the hustle and bustle.
Explore the narrow streets of Corfu Old Town
One of the best things to do in Corfu Town is to simply meander through the narrow, cobbled streets. Getting lost in Corfu old town is fun, and it’s a great way to see the impressive Venetian architecture of the town. Old churches, classical hotels and cafes covered in flowers can all be found within a short walk.
Faliraki Beach
If you want a break from all the sightseeing, stop by the rocky beach cove known as Faliraki Beach. Locals like to take a dip on this beach during the weekend, but it’s also enjoyed by tourists too. The beach itself is a small, pebbled beach, so we recommend bringing a pair of water shoes. There’s a beach club that overlooks the beach, which is a great place to rent a sun lounger and grab a drink. Faliraki Beach’s close proximity to the town centre and the beautiful coastal views make one of the best things to do in Corfu Town for those that want a short break from the sightseeing.
Anemomilos Windmill and Mon Repsos Beach
Another attraction to see in Corfu Town is Anemomylis Windmill. It’s located to the south of the main town centre and there isn’t a great deal to see here. However, the beautiful coastal scenery and unique perspective of the windmill sets the scene for some nice photos. Take a seat and watch boats sail by in this quiet area of Corfu Town. Add this attraction to your list if you have spare time.
Right next to the windmill is a small sandy beach, Mon Repsos Beach. It’s the only sandy beach in the area, and whilst not as pretty as Corfu’s other sandy beaches, it’s a very convenient place to relax. Hire a sun lounger and catch some rays.
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna
If you have the time and fancy venturing out further from the main area of Corfu Town, we recommend visiting the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, which is a short drive south of the city. Built in the 17th century, this stunning monastery is located on a tiny man-made island next to a harbour area. Its unique location and quaint, whitewashed façade makes it one of the most beautiful monasteries in Corfu.
Mouse island
Whilst visiting the The Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna, be sure to take the small boat ride from the jetty to Mouse Island. This tiny island is just across the bay from the monastery. It’s home to a small chapel and a scenic nature area where you can sit down and admire the view. Most of all, it’s a great spot for plane spotting! Mouse Island is right over the flight path of Corfu Airport so you’ll get to see huge airliners as they land.
Plane spotting at Corfu Airport
On the topic of plane spotting, you don’t have to Mouse Island to get a great view of plane landing. Right next to the monastery and island, there’s a pedestrian bridge that you can use to cross the bay. The walkway sits right beneath the flight path, giving you spectacular views of planes landing and taking off. It’s one of the best things to do in Corfu Town if you fancy something completely different.
Top tip: depending on the time of year, planes might not be running as frequently, so it’s best to check online to see when the next flight is due to land. You won’t want to miss a landing and then have to wait an hour or so for the next one!
The best hotels in Corfu Old Town
Looking for a great place to stay in Corfu Town? We recommend the following Corfu Town hotels. Each accommodation option has excellent Tripadvisor and Google reviews.
Moderately-priced: Arcadion Hotel
View on Booking.com | Tripadvisor rating 4.5/5
Arcadion Hotel is a central hotel that perfectly blends in with the rows of Venetian buildings in Corfu Town. From the outside it appears classic and traditional. Inside, it’s a mix of old furnishings with modern amenities. Rooms are well equipped and many of them have beautiful balconies with a view of town.
Moderately-priced: Locandiera Hotel
View on Booking.com | Tripadvisor rating 5/5
Nestled in a side street in the heart of the old town, Locandiera Hotel is a bohemian-style boutique hotel with beautifully artistic rooms and a cosy breakfast area. It’s a very small hotel and a stay here feels welcoming and homely. You also have the many bars, cafes and restaurants of Corfu Town on your doorstep.
Budget-friendly: Puppet Hotel
View on Booking.com | Tripadvisor rating 5/5
Puppet Hotel is a basic but authentic experience of staying in the heart of Corfu Town. Its interior and exterior is reminiscent of many of the town’s buildings, featuring traditional décor that has been combined with quirky artwork. It’s an affordable place to stay whilst visiting Corfu Town. As a bonus, they have an excellent bar and restaurant to enjoy.
The best Corfu Town Restaurants
A Mano Pizzeria
View on map | Google review rating: 4.8/5
Located in the heart of Corfu Old Town, A Mano Pizzeria is one of the best Italian restaurants on the island. With an array of your typical Italian dishes such as pastas and pizzas, they cook everything to perfection. The restaurant is nestled on one of Corfu’s many narrow streets. Visit on an evening and you you’ll find a mellow ambiance and romantic setting. It’s a great place to dine in the evening with a loved one. Expect to pay around 15 euros per person for a main course.
To Tsipouradiko
View on map | Google review rating: 4.7/5
It’s not only the Spanish that do tapas well! To Tsipouradiko is an exquisite Greek tapas restaurant in the centre of town. As it’s a tapas restaurant, portion sizes are small, so you’ll need to order several plates to fill up. It’s a great place to dine if you like to share dishes with friends or family. Prices vary depending on the plates you choose, but expect to pay around 15 – 20 euros per person.
Restaurant Anthos
View on map | Google review rating: 4.7/5
We have another Italian restaurant on our list of the best restaurants in Corfu Town, but with a Greek twist! Restaurant Anthos is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. It’s slightly pricier, so expect to pay around 35 – 40 euros per person here. The menu is diverse, with plenty of fusion Italian-Greek dishes. The swordfish and seabass are popular choices.
Or…if you fancy a quick bite for lunch…
If you fancy a takeaway lunch that’s affordable and convenient, we highly recommend heading to Disanto Italian Street Food. View on map
If we told you that you’ll have the best sandwich of your life here, you probably wouldn’t believe us. Neither did we until we took our first bite of one of their delicious sandwiches! Disanto make the tastiest Italian sandwiches, all made in front of you with high quality fresh ingredients. We went for the prosciutto sandwich with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and pesto. Sandwiches aren’t cheap at around 9-10 euros per person, but the potions are huge and it will fill you up all day long.
The best bars in Corfu old town
Iznogood
View on map
If you enjoy a cold glass of craft beer, Iznogood is the place to go. Tucked away down a side street in Corfu Town, Iznogood offers a range of craft beers, IPA’s and cocktails for you to enjoy. The bar has a relaxing and chilled atmosphere that gradually gets more upbeat as the night progresses. Iznogood opens from 9pm, but check on Google Maps, as opening times may differ throughout the year.
Save Rock Bar
View on map
Save Rock Bar is the place to go for all your rock n roll needs. It’s a lively music bar that has really nailed the rock theme and has a moody, dimly lit atmosphere that matches perfectly with the old town streets. Expect classic rock music every night of the week. It’s a great place to grab a drink and spend a few hours, though it may not be a choice for those looking for a relaxing drink and a chat.
Arthaus Cafe Wine Bar
View on map
Right in the heart of Corfu old town, away from the busy streets, is the hidden gem of a bar known as Arthaus Café Wine Bar. As the name suggests, the bar depicts an art museum. It’s decorated with beautiful paintings, setting the scene for a great place to enjoy a drink. Arthaus Café Wine Bar also serve foods, so you can either dine and enjoy a glass of wine, or simply come here after dinner for a high quality glass of wine.
Our top tips for visiting Corfu Town
- Visit first thing in the morning. This is particularly important if you’re visiting during peak times of the year (July-August). Skip the crowds and tour buses and by arriving before 10am.
- If you’re driving to Corfu Town, we recommend arriving before 11am. There’s plenty of on-street parking on the way into town, but we suggest parking at this car park near the main square. It’s only 3 euros for the day and its location is super convenient due.
- Plan your day well so you visit as many attractions as possible before it gets too hot. Outdoor attractions such as the fortresses can be tough to explore in the midday sun. There isn’t a lot of shade.
- Head away from the main tourist areas and browse the shop that are just away from the centre. They aren’t as touristy and are generally cheaper the further you venture from the tourist centre.
- Explore Corfu Town by foot. It’s a small area that can easily be seen within a few hours. You’ll see a few open top sightseeing buses, but they’re really not necessary due to the size of the town.
- Check online to see when cruise ships are in port. You can view the port schedule here *https://cruisedig.com/ports/corfu-greece* Head into Corfu Town on days when cruise ships aren’t in port for less crowds.
- If you’re planning on dining at one of the restaurants in the town, be sure to check online at reviews. Quite a few restaurants don’t have the best reviews in the main tourist area, so plan ahead and decide ahead of visiting where you want to eat.
We’ve come to the end of our Corfu Town guide. We hope we inspired you with plenty of things to see do, try and taste in the island’s bustling main town. Corfu Town is a great place to visit for at least half a day, but ideally, you’d visit for a whole day to see as many of its attractions as you can. If you have any questions or have recently visited, we’d love to hear about it! Leave us a comment down below. 😊
BY SUSIE
Author bio:I’m a passionate traveller that loves a sunny beach holiday, but also appreciate the cultural side to a trip and checking out undiscovered destinations. I’m the go-to Toucan Traveller for great holiday stories, cool photos and foodie recommendations.