The main city of the island of Corfu is also called Corfu. So people call it Corfu Town to make the distinction between the island and the city. The architecture reveals a very strong Venitian influence with a bit of French and British touch. This strange mix creates a very charming atmosphere. It is indeed pleasant to spend a few hours or even a whole day in Corfu Town on your arrival or before leaving the island. Here are my favorite things to do there.
Walk around the Venetian streets of Corfu Town
Just park your car on Spinada square, on the waterfront, and enter into the old city of Corfu. Get lost in the small streets full of colorful, and sometimes decrepit, buildings and just stop here or there to get a coffee, a drink or a gyros pita.
Take a drink under the arcades of Liston and watch the animation
Easter in Corfu is an amazing experience. The festivities last one week with some great events everywhere on the island. But the biggest entertainment is in Corfu Town. One of the big events is a competition of all the brass bands of the island. The parade starts on the Liston, towards the Museum of Asian Arts, runs along the sea side and then returns through the narrow streets of Corfu Town.
There are also religious processions and you may be surprised to see soldiers marching with Orthodox priests ! And then the strange tradition called “botides”. People throw from the balconies of the top floor of their building large clay jugs filled with water !
But even if it is not Easter time it is nice to sit at a cafe on the Liston and watch the bustle of the street. You may even see a match of cricket because Spinada square used to be a cricket ground !
Visit the old fortress and the Museum of Asian Art
The new fortress is impressive from the outside but is not really worth a visit. But it is nice to walk along the sea side, from the old fortress till the new fortress. You will pass by the Museum of Asian Art. Or even pay a visit to the museum if you have some extra time. Walking inside the new fortress is a nice way to spend the end of the afternoon when the sun is not too hot.
Have Lunch at Nautilus and swim at Corfu Town Beach
Usually if I land in the morning or if my plane leaves in the afternoon I manage to grab a coffee or something to eat at Nautilus. It is a small bar and restaurant, close to a windmill, at the extremity of the small eastern bay of Corfu town. It is very close to the airport, only a 5 minutes drive, but it is much better to wait there than inside the airport !
If you have time you can even take a last dip in the sea before flying back home ! There is no sand but you can access easily from the jetty to a crystal clear water.
