Corfu Old Town: A Journey Through Time

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Ya sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• 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 plirosi, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε για γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ya giatro]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agorasoo...]
• 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 meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία η ώρα
  [Ine mia i ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyema]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• 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 (για το...);
  [Ena isitirio (ya to...)?]

Corfu Old Town's history begins in antiquity, with the island of Corfu being settled by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. The ancient city of Corcyra became a significant trading hub due to its strategic location in the Ionian Sea. Archaeological remains, such as temples and fortifications, highlight the town's importance in ancient Greek culture and commerce.

After falling under Roman control in the 2nd century BC, Corfu Old Town continued to flourish. The Romans valued the island for its strategic position and its natural harbor. Following the division of the Roman Empire, the town became part of the Byzantine Empire, where it served as a vital outpost against invasions from the north and continued to develop its rich cultural life.

In the late 14th century, Corfu fell under Venetian rule, which lasted for over four centuries. The Venetians fortified Corfu Old Town, constructing impressive fortresses that still stand today, including the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. This era transformed the town into a center of trade and culture, blending Venetian, Greek, and Italian influences, evident in its architecture and urban layout.

Following the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Corfu Old Town experienced a brief period under French control, which introduced new administrative reforms and educational advancements. However, by 1815, the British seized control, leading to significant infrastructural improvements, including the establishment of the British High Commissioner's residence and the introduction of the first modern sewage system.

During World War II, Corfu Old Town suffered occupation by Axis forces, which led to considerable damage. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on restoring the town's historical sites and enhancing its cultural heritage, contributing to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, recognizing its architectural significance and historical importance.

In recent decades, Corfu Old Town has seen a renaissance in cultural activities and tourism. The preservation of its historical sites, along with the revival of traditional festivals and local crafts, has reinvigorated community life and attracted visitors from around the globe. The town's vibrant atmosphere, characterized by its narrow alleys, bustling squares, and rich culinary traditions, reflects its diverse historical influences.

Corfu Old Town is easily accessible from other parts of the island. If you are coming from Corfu International Airport, you can take a taxi, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, local buses operate regularly from the airport to the Old Town. If you are staying in other neighborhoods, such as Kanoni or Dassia, local buses also connect these areas to the Old Town. The journey from Kanoni takes around 20 minutes, while from Dassia, it can take approximately 30-40 minutes.

Corfu Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. However, if you prefer to use public transport, local buses are available to take you to nearby attractions outside the Old Town. Bicycles can also be rented from various shops, offering a pleasant way to explore the coastal areas. Note that parking can be limited, so it's advisable to use public transport or walk whenever possible.

Corfu Old Town is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially during peak tourist season. It is advisable to keep your belongings secure and remain vigilant in busy markets or public transport. Areas to be cautious about at night include darker, less populated streets off the main tourist paths.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital is located just outside the Old Town, and there are several pharmacies throughout the area for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches. Avoid beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs; it’s customary to greet locals with a smile. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like pastitsada and kumquat liqueur. Don’t engage in loud or disruptive behavior in restaurants or cafes.

To experience Corfu Old Town like a local, visit the vibrant local markets, especially the Old Market (Kapodistrias Square) for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with shop owners; they often have fascinating stories to share. Consider exploring the less touristy side streets, where you can find charming cafes and artisan shops. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a sunset at the Old Fortress, offering stunning views over the sea and the town.