Corfu Old Town

Photograph by Anas Morsali, taken during his own trip

Corfu Old Town (Kerkyra) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric urban centres in Greece, a captivating blend of Venetian, French, and British architectural influences layered over Byzantine foundations. The town is flanked by two imposing fortresses — the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), built by the Venetians on a rocky peninsula, and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio), an equally massive structure guarding the town's western approach. Between them lies a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets called kantounia, lined with tall, shuttered buildings in warm ochres, terracottas, and faded pinks, their iron balconies draped with drying laundry and flowering plants. The Liston, an elegant arcaded promenade modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli during the brief French occupation, overlooks the Spianada — one of the largest public squares in Europe — and is the social heart of the town, lined with cafés where locals gather for coffee and conversation. The Church of St. Spyridon, housing the silver-encased relics of the island's patron saint, is the spiritual centre. The town's unique character earned it UNESCO recognition for being 'an outstanding example of a fortified Mediterranean port town of the highest quality.'

Planning the wider trip? The Corfu planning guide covers how to get there, how to move around, where to stay, realistic costs and a day-by-day itinerary that includes Corfu Old Town.