Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra) guards the entrance to the Adriatic and is one of the best-preserved Venetian-era towns in the Mediterranean, with three fortresses, a maze of narrow lanes, and neoclassical and Venetian houses that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007. As the only major Greek town never taken by the Ottomans, it blends Italian, French and British influences into a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. In 2026 cruise tourism is again heavy, so midday can be very crowded in high summer; the town rewards a slow walk in the early morning or late afternoon.
Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio): a Venetian citadel on the eastern promontory with sweeping views of the town and sea from its ramparts
New Fortress (Neo Frourio): built 1576-1645 and one of the best-preserved fortress complexes in Greece, with excellent viewpoints
The Liston and Spianada: an elegant French-style arcaded promenade beside the largest square in Greece
Church of Saint Spyridon: home to the relics of Corfu's patron saint, its red-domed bell tower a city landmark
Museum of Asian Art in the Palace of St Michael and St George: the only museum in Greece devoted to Asian art
Good to know
SeasonJuly and August are hot (often above 30°C) and busiest as cruise groups arrive. Shade is limited, so bring a hat, water and sunscreen; May-June and September-October are more comfortable for unhurried sightseeing.
MannersChurches such as Saint Spyridon are active places of worship. Cover shoulders and knees, men should remove hats, and avoid flash photography or filming inside.
CautionCafés along the Liston and Spianada charge premium prices for their setting, so a single coffee can be expensive. Check menu prices before ordering, or grab a takeaway from a backstreet bakery for a fraction of the cost.
SafetyOn cruise-ship days, pickpocketing can occur in the crowded Old Town lanes and around Spianada Square. Wear a zipped cross-body bag at the front and keep your phone and wallet out of back pockets.
RulesThere are no trains on Corfu, and fortress and museum hours vary by season and shorten significantly in winter, so always confirm current opening times before visiting. A 3-day combined ticket covering the Old Fortress and several museums is better value than separate entries.
SafetyThe town is explored on foot, but marble and cobbled surfaces get slippery and there are many steps and slopes. Wear low, non-slip shoes and take care near the low parapets along the fortress walls.
Practical info
Corfu has no railway, so reach the town from the airport (CFU, about 3 km south-west) by city bus route 15 (around €1.70) or taxi (about €20); the Old Town itself is largely pedestrian and best seen on foot. The Old Fortress costs roughly €6 for adults and generally opens from morning to evening in summer, but hours and prices differ by season and site, so always check the latest opening times and fares.
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