Corfu Old Town: The Ultimate Walking Guide
Corfu's Old Town (Kerkyra) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric historic centres in Greece – a living maze shaped by four centuries of Venetian rule and later British and French influence. The best way to experience it is on foot, getting pleasantly lost in the narrow kantounia and then finding your way back to the grand squares and fortresses. This Corfu Old Town walking guide lays out a route that links all the highlights in a single day. For more on the town's heritage, see our companion piece on the UNESCO Old Town.
Start: Spianada Square & the Liston
Begin at the Spianada, the vast green esplanade between the Old Town and the Old Fortress – one of the largest squares in Europe, complete with a cricket pitch (a British legacy) and a Victorian bandstand. Along its western edge runs the Liston, an elegant arcade of cafés modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and built under French rule. Take a coffee under the arches before you set off – it's the social heart of the town.
The Old Fortress
From the Spianada, cross the moat (the Contrafossa) to the Old Fortress, the Venetian sea-fort on the eastern promontory. Climb past the chapels and barracks to the lighthouse at the summit for the best panorama in town – back over the rooftops and out to the mountains of the mainland.
Into the Campiello
Head back into the Old Town and dive into the Campiello, the oldest and most picturesque quarter: tall Venetian houses, laundry strung between balconies, tiny squares and stairways. There's no "right" way through – wandering is the point. Look up for the bocce (coats of arms) and the layered shutters in faded ochre and rose.
Agios Spyridon Church
You'll soon spot the tallest bell tower in the city, marking the Church of Agios Spyridon. Inside, behind a richly decorated interior, lies the silver casket holding the relics of Corfu's patron saint, paraded through town in four processions each year. Entry is free; dress respectfully.
The Palace of St Michael & St George
At the northern end of the Spianada stands the grand, colonnaded Palace of St Michael and St George, built for the British Lord High Commissioner. It now houses the Museum of Asian Art, the only one of its kind in Greece – a surprising, world-class collection well worth an hour.
Casa Parlante & the museums
For a vivid sense of 19th-century aristocratic life, visit Casa Parlante, a "living history" museum with animated figures in a period mansion. The town also has the Banknote Museum, the Byzantine Museum (in the Antivouniotissa church) and the Serbian Museum, if you want to dig deeper.
The Jewish quarter & synagogue
In the southern Old Town lies the historic Evraiki (Jewish quarter), home to the Scuola Greca synagogue – a moving reminder of Corfu's once-thriving Jewish community. Quiet and atmospheric, it's an important part of the town's layered story.
The New Fortress
Finish at the New Fortress above the old port – built later by the Venetians, with atmospheric tunnels, ramparts and far fewer visitors. The views over the harbour and the Old Town are superb, especially in the late-afternoon light.
Add-on: Kanoni & Mouse Island
If you have extra time, take a short trip south to Kanoni for the classic view of the Vlacherna Monastery on its causeway and Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) offshore – the most photographed scene in Corfu.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes – the streets are cobbled, uneven and often stepped.
- Get lost on purpose. The Old Town is small and safe; the best moments are unplanned.
- Mind your bag in the busiest lanes, especially on cruise-ship days when the centre is crowded.
- Go early or late. Midday in summer is hot and busy; mornings and evenings are magical.
Where to eat & how to dig deeper
The Old Town is full of kantounia tavernas and wine bars serving Corfiot specialities – try pastitsada or sofrito (see our traditional Corfu food guide), and browse the dining & food directory to book a table. To go deeper into the history with a local, book a guided walking tour. Pair this walk with the Achilleion Palace for a perfect culture day, and slot it into our 3, 5 and 7-day Corfu itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corfu Old Town worth visiting?
Very much so – it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved historic centres in Greece, blending Venetian, French and British architecture. The fortresses, the Liston, Agios Spyridon and the Campiello lanes make it a must on any Corfu trip.
How long do you need in Corfu Old Town?
A focused walking tour of the highlights takes about half a day, but the Old Town rewards a full day if you add the museums, both fortresses and a long lunch. Many visitors return in the evening for the atmosphere.
What are the must-see sights in Corfu Town?
The Spianada and Liston, the Old Fortress and New Fortress, the Church of Agios Spyridon, the Palace of St Michael and St George (Museum of Asian Art), the Campiello quarter and the historic Jewish quarter are the essentials.
Is Corfu Old Town walkable?
Yes – it's compact and pedestrian-friendly, though the streets are cobbled, stepped and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes. Cars are restricted in the historic core, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot.
Why is Corfu Old Town a UNESCO site?
It was inscribed for its remarkably well-preserved Venetian fortifications and urban ensemble, an outstanding example of a fortified Mediterranean port town that retains its historic character across centuries of Venetian, French and British rule.
