Top 24 Must-See Attractions in Corfu Town, Greece for 2025

If you’re looking for things to do in Corfu Town, look no further! Our Corfu travel guide will show you all the best attractions in the city. Whether you are visiting Corfu Town during a day trip on a cruise or spending three days in Corfu, these are the must-see attractions that you cannot miss.

We spent three days in Corfu exploring the Old Town, beaches, and historic sites and found that it was just enough time to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this ancient city. This is a great itinerary that you can follow to create your own memories.

Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The entire old town of Corfu is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the ages, Corfu has been a strategic point for trade and military routes, with empires vying for control, from the Ottoman Empire to the Germans during the Second World War. With its ancient and strong historical and cultural heritage, it’s no wonder Corfu Town stands out. Although much of the Old Town was destroyed during the Second World War, enough survived and was rebuilt to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status.

UNESCO stated that “the urban and port ensemble of Corfu, dominated by its two fortresses of Venetian origin, constitutes an architectural example of outstanding universal value in both its authenticity and its integrity.”

The town is home to numerous architectural marvels, such as the Old Fortress, the New Fortress, and the Palace of St. George and St. Michael. Museums like the Museum of Asian Art and the Archaeological Museum provide deep insights into the island’s history and art.

Top Things to Do in The Old Town of Corfu

Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, located right on the Albanian border. It is in the Adriatic Sea, off the northwest coast of the Greek mainland. This town is famous for its historical and cultural heritage and is a must-visit when planning a trip to Greece. Corfu was under Venetian Rule for four centuries and will remind you more of Venice than the whitewashed islands of Santorini or Mykonos.

Part of the charm of visiting Corfu Town is getting lost in the narrow streets of Old Town Corfu, enjoying the cool waters of the Mediterranean, and learning about its Venetian and British history.

1. Mon Repos Palace Hotel

We based ourselves at Mon Repos Palace, which is located on Garitsa Bay, just one km from the old town of Corfu. It is within walking distance of the Old Town, following an easy stroll along the promenade. However, it is also far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Corfu City to escape and relax. It offers beautiful views across the Adriatic Sea, complemented by a beach, swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and even nightly entertainment.

In this area, there are also plenty of waterfront restaurants to choose from, so you don’t need to visit Corfu Town every night. We found this adults-only resort to be the perfect hotel for our three days in Corfu.

Mon Repos Palace Hotel is also close to some of the top Corfu attractions, including the Mon Repos Baths, Mon Repos Palace, and the lighthouse. Let’s begin with the top attractions in Corfu for those who are visiting for just one day.

2. Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Corfu Island is quite large and attractions are spread from the Old Port to Garitsa Bay and beyond. One of the best ways to see a lot of Corfu in a short time is to utilize the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. You can catch it at the Corfu Port, which will take you to many of the top attractions. It is valid for 24 hours, with unlimited stops.

3. Old Fortress

The top tourist attraction in Corfu is undoubtedly the Old Fort. The Old Fortress of Corfu, or Palaio Frourio, is a Venetian Fortress with a storied history dating back to the Byzantine era. Significantly developed during Venetian rule from the 14th to 16th century, the Venetians cleverly recognized Corfu’s strategic importance and fortified the island to protect it from Ottoman invasions.

This should be the first place you go in the morning before the tour buses and crowds arrive. We suggest walking from Mon Repos Palace to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler morning weather.

4. St. George’s Church

This fortress has seen a lot of history. Corfu Island was also under British Rule during the early 19th century, and the Old Fortress houses St. George’s Church, which was built by the British.

The entrance to the fortress is marked by a drawbridge leading to the imposing main gate, setting the tone for the grandeur and historical significance of the site.

The Old Barracks provide insights into military life during Venetian and British rule, now housing various exhibitions and cultural events.

Make sure to walk to the highest point of the fortress to visit the Lighthouse, which offers stunning panoramic views of Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea. We found this to be the best vantage point of the capital city.

5. The Byzantine Museum

Housed within the fortress, the Byzantine museum showcases a collection of Byzantine icons, frescoes, and religious artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of Corfu’s cultural and religious heritage. Before you leave the Old Fortress, it’s worth visiting to see the collection and cool off from the heat.

6. Spianada Square – Esplanade Public Square

The Upper Esplanade Public Square, also known as Spianada Square, is the largest square in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Located just across from the Old Fortress, it is a great place to grab a Greek coffee or pastry before moving on to Corfu Old Town.

Once you’ve enjoyed your coffee, take a stroll along the Liston Promenade built by the French in the early 19th century, lined with restaurants and shops along elegant arcades and lanterns.

7. Maitland Monument

Being one of the largest squares in Europe, Spianada Square has several things to explore. Keep an eye out for the Maitland Monument, a neoclassical rotunda dedicated to Sir Thomas Maitland, a British Lord High Commissioner. There are beautiful gardens, a cricket ground, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly paths.

8. St. Michael and St. George Palace

Located at the northern end of the Esplanade, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is an impressive neoclassical building that now houses the Museum of Asian Art. The palace itself is a work of art, featuring beautiful gardens and a grand interior.

You can see the Old Fort in detail from here. There is also a sculpture garden and a lovely walking path under shaded trees to escape the heat. The porticoes are popular for photography, with views of the beach.

9. Museum of Asian Art

Located within the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, this museum is one of the most popular in Corfu Town. Established in 1928, it is the only museum in Greece dedicated exclusively to the art and antiquities of Asia. Visitors can expect to see exquisite porcelain, ceramics, jade carvings, and bronze artifacts from various Asian cultures.

10. Archaeological Museum of Corfu

As you continue walking, you’ll come across the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, housing important artifacts from the island’s ancient history, including the impressive Gorgon pediment from the Temple of Artemis. The museum showcases items dating back to the Paleolithic Era, offering insight into Corfu’s rich and ancient history.

11. New Fortress

The New Fortress (Neo Frourio) isn’t all that new. In fact, it was built just a few years after the Old Fortress, between 1576 and 1588.

We enjoyed the New Fortress more as it attracted fewer visitors. Exploring its massive walls, bastions, and underground passages showcases the advanced engineering techniques of the period. The design includes multiple levels and interconnected tunnels, creating a formidable defense system along with beautiful views of Corfu Town.

12. Dimarchiou – Old City Hall

Dimarchiou Square, located in the heart of Corfu Town, is a vibrant hub of activity and a significant cultural landmark. This lively area is surrounded by elegant Venetian buildings, charming cafes, and boutique shops, serving as a gathering spot for both locals and tourists.

13. Church of St. Spyridon

One structure that dominates the skyline of the Old Town is the Church of St. Spyridon, dedicated to the patron saint of Corfu. Its bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes and the silver sarcophagus of St. Spyridon, believed to protect the island.

14. Shopping in Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town’s narrow streets are lined with shops offering everything from local crafts to designer goods. Don’t miss the chance to buy traditional kumquat liqueur, olive wood products, and handmade jewelry. Grab an ice cream and get lost in the charming streets.

15. Sunset Cruise

When visiting the Ionian Islands of Greece, experiencing the water is a must. There are plenty of day tours and cruises that can take you to see the views of Corfu.

16. Faliraki Beach

Faliraki Beach is located just a short walk from Corfu Old Town, making it ideal for a quick beach getaway. After exploring the town’s historical and cultural sights, visitors can relax and unwind by the sea.

The beach provides breathtaking views of the Old Fortress and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, perfect for taking memorable photos. It is also suitable for snorkeling, making it a safe spot for swimmers of all ages.

17. Windmill Lighthouse

One of our favorite sunset viewing spots in Corfu is the Windmill Lighthouse. This location, near Mon Repos Palace Hotel, offers stunning sunsets that you won’t want to miss.

18. Mon Repos Palace and Park

Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical villa set in beautiful gardens. It was the birthplace of Prince Philip and now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis, showcasing archaeological finds from the area. This palace is easy to access via the Hop-on Hop-off Bus and nestled within a lovely park.

19. Mon Repos Baths

The Mon Repos Baths, near Mon Repos Palace, provide beach access, lounging options, and food and drink service. These historical baths are perfect for a refreshing swim in clear waters, just a short walk from the main hotel and the lighthouse.

20. Vlacherna Monastery

Vlacherna Monastery, connected to the mainland by a pedestrian walkway, is one of the most photographed places in Corfu. Dating back to the 17th century, it served as a nunnery, and it is a popular spot to watch airplanes land due to its proximity to the airport.

21. Mouse Island

From Vlacherna Monastery, it is just a short boat ride to Mouse Island, which is a tranquil spot with a small chapel and lush surroundings. This island is particularly beautiful when viewed from above.

22. Kanoni

Leaving Old Town, Kanoni is considered the new part of Corfu Town and is popular for sunset viewing and airplane landings. The area offers multiple dining options and is great for capturing Instagram-worthy shots.

23. Ancient City Of Paleopolis

The Ancient City of Paleopolis is one of the most historically significant sites on the island, dating back to the 8th century BC when it was the vibrant capital of Corfu. Featuring ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras, it’s easily reachable from Old Town via the Hop-on Hop-off Bus.

How to Get to Corfu

Corfu Town is easily accessible from the Corfu International Airport, just a short drive away, as well as through frequent ferry connections to the Greek mainland and other Ionian Islands. Once in town, exploring on foot is convenient, or you can take taxis or public transport.

Is Corfu Town Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Corfu Town is worth the visit. Known also as Kerkyra, it showcases a rich history, breadth of architecture, and various cultural influences from the Venetians, French, and British. Strolling through the narrow, cobblestone streets reveals beautifully preserved buildings, historic churches, and grand palaces.

Where to Stay in Corfu

Numerous accommodation options exist in Corfu Town, including Mon Repos Palace and other delightful hotels like Hotel Bella Venezia.

The Island of Corfu

When you visit Corfu, make sure to explore the beautiful surroundings beyond Corfu Town. Rent a vehicle and discover other parts of the island, including its picturesque beaches and landscapes.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, consider visiting Corfu, a year-round destination worth adding to your itinerary.