For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Corfu City, look no additional! Our Corfu journey information will present you all the most effective sights within the metropolis. Whether or not you might be popping into Corfu City throughout a day journey on a cruise or spending three days in Corfu, these are the must-see sights that you just can not miss.
We spent three days in Corfu exploring the Previous City, seashores, and historic websites and located that it was simply sufficient time to benefit from the wealthy cultural heritage of this historical metropolis. It is a nice itinerary that you would be able to comply with to create your individual reminiscences.
Corfu City, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site
The whole outdated city of Corfu is a chosen UNESCO World Heritage Web site. All through the ages, Corfu has been a strategic level for commerce and army routes, with empires vying for management, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans through the Second World Battle. With its historical and powerful historic and cultural heritage, it’s no surprise Corfu City stands out. Though a lot of the Previous City was destroyed through the Second World Battle, sufficient survived and was rebuilt to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Standing.
UNESCO acknowledged that “the city and port ensemble of Corfu, dominated by its two fortresses of Venetian origin, constitutes an architectural instance of excellent common worth in each its authenticity and its integrity.”
The city is residence to quite a few architectural marvels, such because the Previous Fortress, the New Fortress, and the Palace of St. George and St. Michael. Museums just like the Museum of Asian Artwork and the Archaeological Museum present deep insights into the island’s historical past and artwork.
High Issues to Do in The Previous City of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, positioned proper on the Albanian border. It’s within the Adriatic Sea, off the northwest coast of the Greek mainland. This city is legendary for its historic and cultural heritage and is a must-visit when planning a visit to Greece. Corfu was beneath 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 City is getting misplaced within the slim streets of Previous City Corfu, having fun with the cool waters of the Mediterranean, and studying about its Venetian and British historical past.
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 city of Corfu. It’s inside strolling distance of the Previous City, following a simple stroll alongside the promenade. However, it is usually far sufficient away from the hustle and bustle of Corfu Metropolis to flee and calm down. It’s positioned straight throughout from the Adriatic Sea, with a seaside, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and even nightly leisure.
On this space, there are additionally loads of eating places on the waterfront to select from, so that you don’t must go to Corfu City each night time. We discovered this adults-only resort to be the right lodge for our three days in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace Resort can be near a number of the high Corfu sights, together with the Mon Repos Baths, Mon Repos Palace, and lighthouse. However extra on that later. Let’s start with the highest sights in Corfu for these of you who’ve solely been to Corfu for at some point. We’ll then transfer on to extra Corfu.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
Corfu Island is a big island that could be very unfold out. Even if you go to Corfu City, you’ll discover that sights are unfold from the Previous Port to Garitsa Bay and past. The most effective methods to see numerous Cofru in a short while is to get on 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 high sights.
It’s good for twenty-four hours, and there are limitless stops.
3. Previous Fortress
The highest vacationer attraction in Corfu is undoubtedly the Previous Fort. The Previous Fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio is a Venetian Fortress has a storied historical past relationship again to the Byzantine period. Nonetheless, its present construction was considerably developed throughout Venetian rule from the 14th to sixteenth century. The Venetians cleverly acknowledged Corfu’s strategic significance in order that they fortified the island to guard it from Ottoman invasions.
This must be the primary place you go within the morning earlier than the tour buses and crowds arrive. We walked from Mon Repos Palace and instructed getting there very first thing within the morning to not solely keep away from crowds but in addition take pleasure in cooler climate.
4. St. George’s Church
This fortress definitely has seen its share of historical past. Corfu Island was additionally beneath British Rule through the early nineteenth century, and the Previous Fortress homes St. George’s Church, which was constructed by the British.
The doorway to the fortress is marked by a drawbridge resulting in the imposing foremost gate. This gate units the tone for the grandeur and historic significance of the positioning.
The Previous Barracks provide perception into army life throughout Venetian and British rule. They now home numerous exhibitions and cultural occasions.
Ensure that to stroll to the best level of the fortress to the Lighthouse. This gives lovely panoramic views of Corfu City and the Ionian Sea. We discovered this to be the most effective views of the capital metropolis.
5. The Byzantine Museum
Housed inside the fortress, the Byzantine museum showcases a group of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and different spiritual artifacts, offering a deeper understanding of Corfu’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Earlier than you permit the outdated fortress, it’s value popping in to not solely see the gathering however cool off from the warmth.
6. Spianada Sq. – Esplanade Public Sq.
The Higher Esplanade Public Sq., often known as the Spianada Sq., is the biggest sq. in Greece and one of many largest in Europe. It’s positioned simply throughout from the Previous Fortress is the Esplanade Public Sq. and is a good place to seize a Greek espresso or pastry earlier than transferring on to Corfu Previous City.
When you’ve loved your espresso, take a stroll alongside the Liston Promenade that was constructed by the French within the early nineteenth century, it’s lined with eating places and outlets alongside elegant arcades and lanterns.
7. Maitland Monument
Being one of many largest squares in Europe, Spianada Sq. has a number of issues to discover. Hold a watch out for the Maitland Monument, a neoclassical rotunda devoted to Sir Thomas Maitland, a British Lord Excessive Commissioner. We had no thought what it was once we have been there, however it actually does stand out. There are lovely gardens, a cricket floor, 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 a formidable neoclassical constructing that now homes the Museum of Asian Artwork. The palace itself is a murals, with lovely gardens and a grand inside.
From right here, you’ll be able to see the Previous Fort intimately. There may be additionally a sculpture backyard and a gorgeous stroll beneath the shaded timber to flee the warmth. The porticoes are common for pictures, and there are views of the seaside.
9. Museum of Asian Artwork
Positioned inside the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is likely one of the hottest museums in Corfu City. Established in 1928, it’s the solely museum in Greece devoted solely to the artwork and antiquities of Asia. The museums function artwork from China and different nations of Asia, together with Japan, India, and Central Asia.
Guests can count on to see beautiful porcelain, ceramics, jade carvings, and bronze artifacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Japanese artwork is well-represented, with a group that features 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 gorgeous Palace of St. Michael and St. George, constructed through the British Protectorate. The palace’s neoclassical design, with its grand halls and stylish rooms, provides to the general expertise of visiting the museum.
10. Archaeological Museum of Corfu
As you proceed strolling, you’ll come throughout the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, positioned simply off the Higher Esplanade. The Museum homes necessary artifacts from Corfu’s historical historical past, together with the spectacular Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. with its wealthy and historical historical past, you’ll be able to see artifacts relationship again to the Paleolithic Period.
11. New Fortress
Additionally of Venetian origin, the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) isn’t all that new. In actual fact, it was constructed just some years after the Previous Fortress between between 1576 and 1588.
We loved the New Fortress greater than the Previous Fortress as fewer individuals visited this architectural Mavel. We walked alongside its large partitions, bastions, and underground passages showcasing superior engineering methods of the time. The design consists of a number of ranges and interconnected tunnels, making a formidable protection system. It additionally has lovely views of Corfu City, the place you’ll be able to actually see its Venetian affect.
12. Dimarchiou – Previous Metropolis Corridor
Dimarchiou Sq., positioned within the coronary heart of Corfu City, is a bustling hub of exercise and a major cultural landmark. Named after the City Corridor (Dimarchiou) that overlooks the sq., this vibrant space is surrounded by elegant Venetian buildings, charming cafes, and boutique outlets.
It serves as a well-liked gathering spot for each locals and vacationers, providing a picturesque setting with its superbly maintained gardens and historic structure. The sq. is usually the positioning of native occasions and festivals, making it a full of life and important a part of Corfu’s city panorama.
13. Church of St. Spyridon
One factor that you’ll discover from throughout the outdated city is the Chruch of St. Spyridon dominating the skyline of the Previous City. The Church of St. Spyridon is devoted to the patron saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest within the Ionian Islands. Inside, you’ll discover lovely frescoes and the silver sarcophagus of St. Spyridon, believed to guard the island. No photographs are allowed inside, and monks guard the tomb of St. Spyridon, however it’s undoubtedly value going inside to see.
Different church buildings to see 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 one other architectural gem.
Corfu Previous City’s slim streets are lined with outlets providing all the pieces from native crafts to designer items. Don’t miss the prospect to purchase conventional kumquat liqueur, olive wooden merchandise, and handmade jewellery. Seize an ice cream and get misplaced within the slim streets weaving via outdated down.
15. Sundown Cruise
When visiting the Ionian Islands of Greece, you should get on the water. We took a personal yacht to the neighboring smaller islands, however there are many day excursions and cruises that may take you to see views of Corru.
Day Journey to Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands positioned only a quick ferry journey from Corfu. These small islands are a visit in their very own proper, and we spent a number of days exploring them.
16. Faliraki Seashore
Faliraki Seashore is positioned only a quick stroll from Corfu Previous City, making it ideally suited for a fast seaside getaway with out having to journey far. After exploring the city’s historic and cultural sights, guests can simply calm down and unwind by the ocean.
The seaside affords breathtaking views of the Previous Fortress and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The scenic backdrop is ideal for taking memorable photographs and having fun with the serene fantastic thing about Corfu’s shoreline. It is usually a great spot for snorkeling. The light waves make it a secure and gratifying spot for swimmers of all ages, together with households with youngsters. There’s a seaside bar serving Greek delicacies and refreshing drinks.
17. Windmill Lighthouse
Certainly one of our favourite locations to observe sundown in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. The lighthouse is positioned near Mon Repos Palace Resort, and we walked out to take pleasure in one of the gorgeous sunsets we’ve got ever seen. That is additionally a well-liked spot for locals to swim.
18. Mon Repos Palace and Park
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical villa set in lovely gardens. It was the birthplace of Prince Philip and now homes the Museum of Palaiopolis, which showcases archaeological finds from the world. Mon Repos Palace was the summer time residence of the British Excessive Commissioner and was a gorgeous mansion. It’s straightforward to entry through the Hop on Hop off Bus, and the palace is positioned inside a beautiful 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, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and food and drinks service. These historic baths are a part of the Mon Repos Property and are perfect for a calming swim within the clear 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 related to the mainland by a pedestrian walkway and is likely one of the most photographed locations in Corfu. Relationship again to the seventeenth century, it served as a nunnery till the Eighties. Individuals make their approach out to the monastery to observe the airplanes land because the airport is positioned within the direct path of the island. It is usually one of the common locations in Corfu for sundown.
21. Mouse Island
From Vlacherna Monastery, it’s only a quick boat journey to Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Mouse Island is one among Corfu’s iconic landmarks. This small island is only a quick boat journey from the mainland, it’s a tranquil spot with a small chapel and plush greenery. It’s notably lovely when considered from above.
22. Kanoni
Leaving Previous City, Kanoni is taken into account the brand new a part of Corfu City. The realm of Kanoni is a well-liked place to observe the sundown and airplanes land if you go to Corfu City. 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 can be positioned right here, so you may get your Instagram value photographs as properly.
There are many lodges out on this space and locations to eat Greek meals or to take pleasure in an Aperol Spritz.
23. Historic Metropolis Of Paleopolis
The Historic Metropolis of Paleopolis is likely one of the most traditionally important websites on the island. It dates again to the eighth century BC and was as soon as the thriving capital metropolis of Corfu. Positioned close to the Mon Repos property, Paleopolis is residence to historical ruins and artifacts from numerous intervals, together with the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. It may simply be reached from Previous City through 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 will note are the ruins of Roman baths, which spotlight the affect of Roman structure and tradition in Paleopolis. The location consists of well-preserved mosaic flooring and the stays of the hypocaust system, which was used to warmth the baths.
The Agora was the guts of the traditional metropolis, the place commerce and social gatherings occurred. An early Christian basilica dates again to the fifth century AD. The ruins embody elements of the mosaic ground and the define of the church’s construction, offering perception into the early Christian presence on the island.
Find out how to Get to Corfu
Corfu City is well accessible, with the Corfu Worldwide Airport only a quick drive from the outdated city and frequent ferry connections to the Greek mainland and different Ionian Islands. As soon as on the town, exploring on foot is simple, or you’ll be able to take Uber, Taxis, or Hop off the Bus.
Positioned off mainland Greece. The most typical approach to attain it’s by air (you’ll be able to verify flight schedules right here), with Corfu Worldwide Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) receiving direct flights from main European cities, notably through the vacationer season.
For these touring from inside Greece, there are common home flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, and different main cities. There are ferry companies that join Corfu to a number of ports on the mainland, together with Igoumenitsa and Patras, in addition to worldwide locations like Italy and Albania.
Ferries additionally run between Corfu and different Ionian Islands, making island hopping a handy possibility. As soon as on the island, Corfu City is well accessible by taxi, bus, or rental automotive, guaranteeing a easy begin to your exploration of this enchanting vacation spot.
Is Corfu City Price Visiting?
Completely, Corfu City is unquestionably value visiting. Corfu City, often known as Kerkyra, boasts a wealthy historical past that spans a number of centuries and civilizations. The structure displays the various previous of this historical metropolis, with influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Strolling via its slim, cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter superbly preserved buildings, historic church buildings, and grand palaces.
The Liston Promenade, lined with cafes and eating places, is the right place to calm down and people-watch. The city’s squares, equivalent to Spianada and Dimarchiou Sq., are bustling with exercise and infrequently host native occasions and festivals.
Corfu City is a haven for meals lovers. From conventional Greek tavernas to upscale eating places, the city affords a variety of eating choices. Don’t miss attempting native specialties equivalent to sofrito, pastitsada, and contemporary seafood.
The place to Keep in Corfu
We stayed at Mon Repos Palace simply outdoors of Previous City Corfu, however there are many fantastic locations to remain in Corfu City. We propose trying out each Resort Bella Venezia within the Previous City and the Ariti Grand Resort in Kanoni.
The Island of Corfu
While you go to Corfu, don’t restrict your self to only Corfu City; the remainder of the island is gorgeous. We booked a automotive rental from Corfu City and loved one other week exploring the northern aspect of the island and its lovely seashores.
And there you have got a whole checklist of the most effective issues to do in Corfu City from the outdated city to its seashores and scenic views. If you’re planning a visit to Greece, make certain to place Corfu in your checklist of locations to go to. It’s actually a wonderful 12 months spherical vacation spot that’s good so as to add to your go to to the northern a part of Greece. Have you ever been to Corfu? What did we miss, tell us within the feedback under.
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