aventuro
Greece
Things to do in Corfu (city)
95 attractions · Greece
Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0
Ionian Islands, Greece · 39.617, 19.917
About Corfu (city)
Corfu City is a Venetian-influenced capital located on the east coast of Corfu Island, characterized by its unique fusion of Greek, French, and British architectural styles. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, which is framed by the massive Old Fortress and the expansive Spianada Square. Beyond the historic center, the city serves as a gateway to aristocratic heritage sites like The Achilleion Palace. Its urban layout remains defined by narrow 'kantounia' alleys and large maritime hubs like D-Marin Gouvia Marina.
Good to know
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Corfu was the only part of Greece never conquered by the Ottoman Empire, which preserved its distinct western European cultural character.
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The city's local dialect contains numerous loanwords from Venetian Italian, a remnant of four centuries of Venetian rule.
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The iconic 'Liston' arcade in the city center was constructed by the French during their occupation in the early 19th century, modeled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
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Corfu City is famous for its tradition of 'pot throwing' on Holy Saturday, where residents throw clay vessels from their balconies to symbolize renewal.
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The city has served as a strategic maritime bastion for centuries, resulting in its status as one of the most fortified urban centers in the Mediterranean.
Plan your visit to Corfu (city)
Best time to visit
Late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September) offer mild temperatures and significantly smaller crowds than the peak summer months.
How many days
2-3 days, which allows sufficient time to navigate the historic center and visit key architectural sites on the city outskirts.
Getting around
The historic center is strictly pedestrianized and walkable, while local buses and taxis facilitate travel to sites outside the old city walls.
Where to stay
Stay within the Old Town to experience the Venetian atmosphere, or choose the areas near the port for easier access to boat excursions and transit connections.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury options are available, the city offers a wide spectrum of traditional tavernas and boutique guesthouses.
Highlights of Corfu (city)
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
The Achilleion Palace
Tour the neoclassical mansion commissioned by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, famous for its grand staircase and garden statues.
Old Fortress
Walk the massive stone bridges to explore the Byzantine-era defenses that dominate the city's harbor entrance.
Spianada Square
Relax at this expansive urban park which serves as the social heart of the city, flanked by cricket pitches and historic arcades.
New Fortress
Climb the ramparts of this 16th-century sea fort to gain an elevated perspective over the city rooftops and the Ionian Sea.
Museum of Palaiopolis - Mon Repos
Visit this archaeological site to see the ruins of the ancient city of Corfu and the summer palace built for the British High Commissioner.
Casa Parlante Museum
Experience 19th-century aristocratic life through an immersive, historically accurate reconstruction inside a noble mansion.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
Examine a collection of regional artifacts, including the notable Gorgon pediment from the nearby Temple of Artemis.
Faliraki Corfu
Walk the waterfront promenade for views of the Old Fortress and the adjacent historic seaside restaurants.
Top things to do in Corfu (city)
The 95 most popular places in Corfu (city).
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Museums Known locally
Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank
The Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank is one of the few institutions globally dedicated exclusively to the history of b...
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32
Historical places Known locally
Ancient Greek Doric Temple of Kardaki
The Ancient Greek Doric Temple of Kardaki is an unusual peripteral Doric temple located on the grounds of the Mon Repos...
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33
Venues Known locally
Municipal Theatre
The Municipal Theatre of Corfu, located at Mantzapoy 5 in the historic center of the city, serves as the permanent home...
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34
Parks Known locally
Острво Видо
Vido Island, located just offshore from Corfu Town, serves as a significant historical memorial site for the Serbian arm...
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35
Historical places Known locally
Pentophanaro (5 Lamps)
Pentophanaro, or the 5 Lamps, is a historical landmark in Corfu Town marking the intersection of Kapodistriou and Agiou...
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36
Historical places Known locally
Sanctuary of Artemis Gorgon
The Sanctuary of Artemis Gorgon in Corfu is an ancient 6th-century BCE archaic Greek temple site located within the grou...
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37
Parks Known locally
Achilleion Palace Garden
The Achilleion Palace Garden in Corfu is a terraced nineteenth-century neoclassical landscape originally commissioned by...
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38
Natural attractions Known locally
Radar
Radar is an elevated natural vantage point located on the island of Corfu, Greece, situated near the village of Spartyla...
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39
Museums Known locally
Museum of Dionysios Solomos
The Museum of Dionysios Solomos in Corfu is dedicated to the life and legacy of Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of...
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40
Historical places Known locally
Ioannis Kapodistrias Statue
The Ioannis Kapodistrias Statue honors the prominent Corfiot statesman who served as the first head of state of independ...
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41
Historical places Known locally
Old Fortress Lighthouse
The Old Fortress Lighthouse stands atop the highest point of the Venetian Old Fortress in Corfu, Greece. Unlike typical...
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42
Museums Known locally
Municipal Gallery of Corfu
The Municipal Gallery of Corfu is housed within the historic Palace of St. Michael and St. George on the northern edge o...
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43
Venues Known locally
Old Town Hall of Corfu (San Giacomo Theatre)
The Old Town Hall of Corfu, historically known as the San Giacomo Theatre, stands as a prime example of Venetian archite...
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44
Temples Known locally
Ιερά Μονή Αγίας Παρασκευής
The Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi (Ιερά Μονή Αγίας Παρασκευής) is a serene Greek Orthodox monastery located near the...
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45
Parks Known locally
Bosketo Garden
Bosketo Garden is a historic public park located at the edge of the Corfu Old Town, serving as a peaceful transition bet...
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46
Historical places Known locally
Sea Tower
The Sea Tower, locally known as part of the defensive fortification system in Corfu City, sits prominently on the easter...
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47
Museums Known locally
Corfu Byzantine Collection
The Corfu Byzantine Collection is housed within the historic Church of Antivouniotissa, located inside the Old Fortress...
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48
Museums Hidden gem
Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu "Nikolaos Chalikiopoulos Mantzaros"
The Museum of the Philharmonic Society of Corfu is housed within the oldest philharmonic society in Greece, founded in 1...
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49
Historical places Hidden gem
Ionian Parliament
The Ionian Parliament building, also known as the Ionian Senate, is the historic site where the union of the Ionian Isla...
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50
Temples Hidden gem
Jewish Synagogue of Corfu
The Synagogue of Corfu, known as the Scuola Greca, is the only remaining active synagogue of the original four that once...
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51
Museums Hidden gem
Corfu Gallery
Corfu Gallery is a private art space situated in the historic center of Corfu town that showcases the works of contempor...
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52
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
Corfu Old Town Yacht Harbor
Corfu Old Town Yacht Harbor is a historic maritime docking area situated directly beneath the Venetian fortifications of...
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53
Historical places Hidden gem
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower in Corfu, historically associated with the bell tower of the Catholic Cathedral of St. Jacob and St. Chr...
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54
Venues Hidden gem
Kerkyra Stadium
Kerkyra Stadium, also known as the ΕAK Kerkyras (National Athletic Center of Corfu), is a multi-purpose sports facility...
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55
Parks Hidden gem
Dimarchiou Square
Dimarchiou Square, also known as Town Hall Square, is the historic heart of Corfu Old Town, centered around the 17th-cen...
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56
Historical places Hidden gem
Porta Maggiore
Porta Maggiore, also known as the Grand Gate, is the principal historic eastern entrance into the UNESCO-listed Old Town...
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57
Beaches and ponds Hidden gem
Kérkyra
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Places of interest Hidden gem
Municipal Greek-British Cemetery of Corfu
The Municipal Greek-British Cemetery of Corfu is a serene, historic burial ground established in the early 19th century...
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59
Historical places Hidden gem
Plakada t' Agioú Spiridona Square
Plakada t' Agioú Spiridona Square is a historic public square in the heart of Corfu's old town, dominated by the promine...
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60
Temples Hidden gem
Εκκλησία Παναγία Ελεούσα
Ekklisia Panagia Eleousa is a traditional Greek Orthodox church located in the Potamos settlement of Corfu. The church s...
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Corfu (city) on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Corfu (city)?
Aventuro lists 95 curated attractions in and around Corfu (city), sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Corfu (city)?
The Achilleion Palace is the most popular place to visit in Corfu (city) right now.
What kind of attractions does Corfu (city) have?
The largest category is historical places, with 25 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Athens, Triandria, Heraklion.
