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Corfu
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Corfu combines UNESCO-listed old-town architecture, Venetian fortresses, Ionian scenery, distinctive Greek cuisine and cultural history for island sightseeing.

A Venetian Island Capital

Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, occupies the eastern coast of its namesake island in the Ionian Sea. Its old town is a remarkably layered place, shaped by Venetian rule, French influence, British administration and the enduring traditions of a Greek island community. Tall ochre buildings, arcaded streets and polished stone lanes gather around the vast Spianada, one of the largest urban squares in southeastern Europe, while the Liston’s elegant arcades lend the waterfront a distinctly European character.
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Forts, Churches and Seafront Life

The Old Fortress rises beside the sea, guarding the eastern edge of the historic centre, while the New Fortress anchors the north-western approach. Between them, the Church of Saint Spyridon shelters the relics of Corfu’s patron saint and remains an important place of devotion. The Palace of St Michael and St George, once the residence of British governors, now houses the Museum of Asian Art. Beyond the old town, the suburb of Kanoni offers views towards Mouse Island and the Vlacherna monastery, a familiar Corfiot scene framed by water and cypress-covered hills.

Island Flavours and Everyday Culture

Corfu’s cuisine reflects its position between Greece and the Adriatic, with dishes such as sofrito, pastitsada and bourdeto carrying strong local identities. Kumquat products, produced from the island’s characteristic citrus fruit, are a prominent speciality. Cafés around the Liston and Spianada fill with conversation throughout the day, while the market near the New Fortress reveals the practical rhythms of island life. Corfu is at once a historic port, a working administrative centre and a gateway to beaches, villages and mountainous landscapes across the wider island.

When is the best time to visit Corfu?

Best: May–June, October · 24–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January15120
February16110
March18100
April2070
May (best)2440
June (best)2920
July3220
August3320
September2940
October (best)2470
November19100
December16120

Getting to and around Corfu

How to get there

Corfu is served by Corfu International Airport, also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, close to the city centre. Seasonal international flights connect the island with many European cities, while year-round links commonly connect it with Athens and other Greek destinations, though schedules vary. Ferries and fast passenger services link Corfu with mainland ports including Igoumenitsa, and international services connect with Italy at certain times of year. The main port lies north of the historic centre and is connected by local transport and taxis. Long-distance buses also link Corfu with other parts of the island; visitors travelling by road normally use a ferry because Corfu has no road connection to mainland Greece.

Transportation

Corfu’s historic centre is best explored on foot: the Spianada, Liston, old town lanes and principal churches lie within a compact area, although some streets are uneven and hilly. Blue urban buses serve the city and nearby suburbs, while Green Buses depart from a separate terminal for many island destinations. Taxis are available, and car hire is useful for beaches and villages beyond the city but less convenient in the old town, where narrow streets and restricted access make parking difficult. Local buses and taxis connect the airport and port with the centre, but routes and timetables should be checked locally, particularly outside the summer season.

Best attractions in Corfu

Corfu’s principal attractions are concentrated in and around its UNESCO-listed Old Town, where the Spianada opens into the arcaded Liston and a network of narrow kantounia. The Old Fortress combines sea views with defensive walls, underground passages and remnants of successive military occupations, while the New Fortress gives a different perspective over the port and rooftops. Inside the old town, the Church of Saint Spyridon introduces visitors to the island’s Orthodox traditions, and the Palace of St Michael and St George houses the Museum of Asian Art. The Archaeological Museum presents finds from ancient Corfu, including material associated with the Temple of Artemis. Beyond the centre, Kanoni overlooks Mouse Island and the Vlacherna monastery, while the Mon Repos estate offers shaded gardens and an archaeological setting linked to the city’s wider history.

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Best landmarks in Corfu

The Old Fortress is Corfu’s defining defensive landmark, occupying a rocky peninsula east of the historic centre and showing how Venetian engineers adapted the site to protect the harbour. Across the old town, the New Fortress represents a later phase of Venetian military architecture and guards the northern approach. The Church of Saint Spyridon, with its prominent bell tower, is the spiritual focal point of the city and honours Corfu’s patron saint. The Liston’s arcades and the broad Spianada express the city’s French and British-era urban inheritance, while the Palace of St Michael and St George recalls the period of British administration. Together, these structures explain Corfu’s unusual architectural mixture of Venetian fortification, Orthodox worship, neoclassical civic design and Mediterranean urban life.

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Explore Corfu on the map

Plan your Corfu trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Corfu

Best restaurants in Corfu

Corfu’s cuisine reflects centuries of Venetian, Adriatic and Greek connections rather than following the mainland Greek pattern alone. Sofrito combines thinly sliced meat with garlic, vinegar and parsley; pastitsada pairs pasta with richly spiced meat; and bourdeto uses fish in a peppery tomato sauce. Local menus also feature fresh seafood, olive oil, village cheeses and seasonal vegetables, while kumquat liqueur, preserves and sweets draw on the citrus fruit introduced to the island in the nineteenth century. Around the old town, tavernas, cafés and bakeries occupy the kantounia and streets near the Liston, with further choices in neighbourhoods beyond the historic centre. The food market near the New Fortress reflects everyday island shopping, while contemporary restaurants reinterpret Corfiot ingredients without abandoning traditional flavours.

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Best bars in Corfu

Corfu Town’s evening life is centred on the Liston, Spianada and the lanes of the old town, where cafés, wine bars and cocktail venues occupy historic buildings and arcades. Early evenings tend to be relaxed, with residents meeting for coffee, aperitifs or conversation before dinner, while later hours bring a livelier seasonal atmosphere to bars near the central squares. The city also has venues for live music and cultural performances, particularly during festival periods, alongside traditional cafés that remain more important than large clubs within the historic centre. Nightlife is considerably more concentrated and club-oriented in resort areas elsewhere on Corfu, not in the city itself. Visitors should respect residential streets and remember that many venues operate with strongly seasonal schedules.

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Best nightclubs in Corfu

Corfu Town’s evening life is centred on the Liston, Spianada and the lanes of the old town, where cafés, wine bars and cocktail venues occupy historic buildings and arcades. Early evenings tend to be relaxed, with residents meeting for coffee, aperitifs or conversation before dinner, while later hours bring a livelier seasonal atmosphere to bars near the central squares. The city also has venues for live music and cultural performances, particularly during festival periods, alongside traditional cafés that remain more important than large clubs within the historic centre. Nightlife is considerably more concentrated and club-oriented in resort areas elsewhere on Corfu, not in the city itself. Visitors should respect residential streets and remember that many venues operate with strongly seasonal schedules.

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Best shops in Corfu

Shopping in Corfu Town ranges from practical island produce to small galleries and souvenir shops in the old town’s narrow streets. The neighbourhood around the New Fortress includes the municipal market, where fish, fruit and other provisions reveal a more everyday side of the city than the main tourism lanes. Specialist shops sell kumquat liqueur, preserves and sweets, as well as locally produced olive oil, honey, herbs and wines. Visitors will also find ceramics, leather goods, jewellery and small craft items, though quality and provenance vary, so asking about the maker is worthwhile. The Liston and the kantounia contain boutiques and gift shops in historic settings, while streets beyond the central squares offer a less concentrated retail atmosphere and locally used services.

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Corfu essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (€), with the international code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, supermarkets, restaurants and established tourist businesses, although smaller cafés, taxis, market stalls and family-run establishments may still prefer cash. ATMs are available in the city centre and around the port, but visitors should consider carrying modest euro notes and coins for buses, kiosks and small purchases. International cards may incur fees from the card issuer or ATM provider, so checking bank conditions before travelling is sensible. Receipts and menus should be reviewed carefully, particularly in busy seasonal areas.
Safety
Corfu is generally approached with ordinary urban and travel precautions. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in crowded lanes, at transport points and on busy beaches, and avoid leaving valuables visible in a parked vehicle. Uneven paving, polished stone and steep paths around the fortresses require sensible footwear, while summer sun and dehydration can become significant concerns during sightseeing. Roads outside the centre may be narrow and busy with scooters, hire cars and coaches, so take care when walking or cycling. At night, remain aware in quiet streets and around transport hubs, using licensed taxis or established transport when returning from less central areas.
Emergency Situations
In Greece, call 112 for the pan-European emergency number, which can coordinate police, fire and medical assistance. Police can also be reached on 100, the fire service on 199 and the ambulance service on 166. Operators may be able to assist in English, but having the accommodation address and a clear landmark ready will help, especially in the old town’s winding streets. For non-life-threatening medical needs, pharmacies and local clinics can offer initial guidance, while European visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card where applicable and all travellers should have suitable insurance. Ask accommodation staff or local authorities for the nearest appropriate healthcare facility.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering Orthodox churches, covering shoulders and avoiding beachwear; many churches remain active places of worship rather than sightseeing displays. Ask before photographing people, religious ceremonies or private interiors, and follow instructions around fortifications and archaeological remains. Tipping is not governed by a fixed rule, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. In restaurants, meals may be leisurely, so rushing staff is unlikely to improve service. Keep voices and behaviour considerate near churches and residential lanes, and never remove stones or objects from historic sites. Greek greetings and a simple efcharistó, meaning thank you, are appreciated.
Local Tips
The old town is easiest to understand by relating the two fortresses to the Spianada: the Old Fortress marks the eastern edge, while the New Fortress protects the north-western entrance. The Municipal Market near the New Fortress provides a glimpse of everyday food shopping, while the Boschetto garden and the waterfront offer quieter pauses away from the busiest lanes. Kanoni is a useful short outing for views towards Mouse Island and the Vlacherna monastery, but it is outside the compact historic core. For island excursions, confirm which bus terminal serves the destination, as city and regional routes operate separately.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloΓεια σας[Ya sas]
GoodbyeΑντίο[Andio]
YesΝαι[Ne]
NoΌχι[Ohi]
Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ[Parakalo]
Thank youΕυχαριστώ[Efharisto]
Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη[Signomi]
How are you?Πώς είστε;[Pos iste?]
Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;[Kala. Esis?]
Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;[Milate Agglika?]
I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω[Den katalaveno]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ[Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας[Den troo kreas]
Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ![Yia]
I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ[Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Βοήθεια![Voithia!]
Go away!Φύγε![Fiye!]
Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία![Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
Call a doctor!Καλέστε έναν γιατρό![Kaleste enan giatro!]
I'm lostΈχω χαθεί[Eho hathi]
I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος[Ime arrostos]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...[Tha ithela na agoraso...]
I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω[Apla kito]
How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;[Poso kostizi?]
That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό[Afto ine poli akribo]
Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;[Borite na miisete tin timi?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;[Ti ora ine?]
It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα[Ine mia ora]
Half past (10)Μισή (10)[Misi (deka)]
MorningΠρωί[Proi]
AfternoonΑπόγευμα[Apoyevma]
EveningΒράδυ[Vradi]
YesterdayΧθες[Hthes]
TodayΣήμερα[Simera]
TomorrowΑύριο[Avrio]
1Ένα[Ena]
2Δύο[Dio]
3Τρία[Tria]
4Τέσσερα[Tessera]
5Πέντε[Pente]
6Έξι[Exi]
7Εφτά[Efta]
8Οχτώ[Ohto]
9Εννέα[Ennea]
10Δέκα[Deka]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;[Pou ine ena/to...?]
What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;[Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);[Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);[Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (προς το ....)[Ena isitirio (pros to ....)]

History of Corfu

Ancient Kerkyra and Corinthian Beginnings

Corfu was known in antiquity as Kerkyra, and its strategic position between Greece and the Adriatic made it important to maritime powers. The ancient city stood on the peninsula now occupied by the Old Fortress. Corinthian colonists established a settlement there in the eighth century BC, and conflict between Corinth and Kerkyra contributed to the tensions that helped trigger the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC. The island later came under Macedonian and Roman influence. Archaeological remains, including the Temple of Artemis from the sixth century BC, testify to the city’s early religious and artistic significance, although much of the ancient urban fabric was transformed by later fortification and development.

Roman and Byzantine Rule

Corfu entered the Roman sphere in the second century BC and benefited from its location on routes linking the Adriatic with the eastern Mediterranean. After the division of the Roman Empire, the island belonged to the Byzantine world, though its position also exposed it to raids and shifting regional power. The medieval settlement developed around fortified heights and the sea, while Christianity became central to civic identity. Corfu passed through periods of influence involving the Despotate of Epirus, the Angevins of Naples and other powers before Venetian control was established. This succession left the island with a complex cultural inheritance rather than a single uninterrupted political tradition.

Four Centuries under Venice

The Republic of Venice took control of Corfu in 1386, beginning a period that lasted until the fall of the Venetian state in 1797. Venice developed Corfu as a major defensive and naval outpost against Ottoman expansion, repeatedly strengthening the fortifications and reshaping the settlement between the Old and New Fortresses. The city’s architecture, administrative traditions and social structure were profoundly influenced by Venetian rule. Corfiot elites adopted Italianate cultural practices, while the Greek Orthodox Church remained central to local life. The island resisted several Ottoman attacks, including major sieges in the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, helping secure its importance in the Ionian Sea.

French and British Administration

After Venice fell in 1797, Corfu passed briefly to revolutionary France, then to a Russo-Ottoman administration, before returning to French rule in 1807. The Napoleonic period introduced new political ideas and urban changes, including the development of the broad Esplanade. In 1815, Corfu became the capital of the United States of the Ionian Islands under British protection. The British built roads, public works and institutions, and constructed the Palace of St Michael and St George. Their administration also left its mark on education and civic organisation. The Ionian Islands were united with the Greek state in 1864, bringing Corfu into the modern history of Greece.

War, Occupation and Reconstruction

Corfu’s strategic position continued to shape its modern history. During the First World War, the island provided refuge for the Serbian army and government after their retreat through the Balkans. In the Second World War, Corfu experienced Italian and then German occupation, with severe disruption and the destruction of much of the historic Jewish quarter during the 1944 deportations. Post-war reconstruction altered parts of the city, while the Corfiot Jewish community was greatly diminished. The old town nevertheless retained its distinctive urban character, and its fortresses, churches, palaces and arcaded streets preserved evidence of the island’s layered past.

A Heritage City in Modern Greece

During the twentieth century, Corfu developed as an administrative centre and an increasingly important destination for international tourism. Its cultural identity remained closely tied to music, Orthodox religious celebrations, Venetian architecture and the island’s maritime connections. The Old Town of Corfu and its fortifications were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007, recognising the settlement’s historical and architectural significance. Today the city combines a working port, university life, public institutions and a tourism economy. Contemporary Corfu is therefore not a preserved museum quarter but a lived-in urban landscape in which historic buildings, local commerce and seasonal visitors occupy the same compact centre.

Corfu in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Corfu, Greece

Discover the best of Corfu with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Planning a trip to Corfu? Look no further than Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app that puts the best of Corfu at your fingertips. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, Evendo has you covered.

  • Comprehensive history of Corfu and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions and services
  • Curated local tips to experience Corfu like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Global coverage of 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the stunning island of Corfu, Greece. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip by providing detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Corfu Town, exploring the ancient Old Fortress, or relaxing at the beautiful Paleokastritsa Beach—all with expert local tips and rich descriptions at your fingertips. Evendo isn't just about sightseeing; it's about experiencing Corfu like a local. Discover top-rated restaurants like Etrusco and The Venetian Well, or uncover hidden gems off the beaten path. With features like easy navigation, a 'Near Me' option, and seamless booking for hotels, tours, and tickets, you can effortlessly plan your itinerary without the hassle of multiple searches. Plus, Evendo's extensive coverage isn't limited to Corfu; it spans over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it the only travel app you'll ever need. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and start your Corfu adventure!

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