Exploring Corfu Old Town to find the best things to do amid the many gems the town hides was a difficult challenge.
Corfu, the mythical land of Homer’s Phaeacians, is a beautiful island located where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. However, beyond its natural beauty, the beautiful countryside, and the diverse beaches, the real jewel at the top of Corfu’s crown is the Old Town.
The city has played an important historical role since ancient times. It was founded by the Corinthians in the 8th century BC. in the area of the Kanoni Peninsula. It continued to be inhabited throughout all historical periods, a fact that significantly contributed to its unique character.
The Old Town as we see it today began to take shape in the Byzantium years but was formed mainly during the period of Venetian rule that lasted until 1797. Then the French and the English put their own stamp on the city’s formation.
Since 2007, it has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Although it may be considered reminiscent of an Italian city, it has a special character. The design of the houses and streets reflects a strong Mediterranean and Greek influence, setting it apart from other places in Europe.
The Old Town of Corfu is a beautiful, colourful labyrinth that hides surprises in every corner. You should definitely discover it and create unique travel memories.
During our tour, we highlighted ten things that you must do to discover the true beauty of this unique town.
Explore Campiello, the mediaeval heart of the town
Campiello lies at the centre of the Old Town of Corfu. It is the city’s mediaeval district. Initially, people of Jewish heritage lived at the Campiello, which was established during the 13th and 14th centuries. The massive, multi-story Venetian-era structures and apartments were constructed over the course of the following centuries to house the town’s upper-class residents. Even though a significant portion was destroyed during WWII, its splendour and unparalleled architecture were preserved.
Campiello, whose boundaries are hard to define, is an intricate web of winding streets (the so-called cantounia) that end in little squares and ornate staircases. The characteristic laundry ropes dangle between the buildings, while the houses themselves have vivid colours and coloured windows. There’s no schedule to adhere to. Simply let go of the city’s sounds and scents and trust your instincts in this entertaining maze. Every walk is unique and provides little but delightful surprises. Even though the region is now a bustling tourist destination, there is always a cute cafe, shop, or restaurant that pops up unexpectedly out of nowhere.
Visit Saint Spyridon, the most sacred place of Corfu
The church of Saint Spyridon (Agios Spyridon) is a Greek Orthodox church built in the 1580s in the centre of Campiello. It houses the relics of the patron saint of the island. It is a single-aisled basilica, and its 40-metre-high bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands. The story begins in 1489, after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. The remains of Saint Spyridon and Saint Theodora were brought to Corfu from Constantinople by the Greek monk Georgios Kalochairetis. For many years, they belonged to the noble family of Voulgaris until 1580, when they were placed in the new church in Campiello. The relics of the saint lie in a crypt in a double sarcophagus.
The church’s interior is adorned with magnificent Christian dedications dating back to the Venetian era. The imperial coat of arms of the House of Romanov is prominently displayed above the western door of the narthex, serving as a reminder that the church was nominally protected by Russia from 1807 until 1917. For the island’s residents, it is without a doubt the most sacred location. Orthodox Christians travel here from all over Greece to visit the church. The town celebrates the saint on December 12, and the festivities during that time are impressive.
Discover the Jewish Quarter
An unknown neighbourhood of the Old Town that most visitors don’t know exists but is worth discovering is the Jewish Quarter. The original, mediaeval Jewish settlement was in Campiello, which at the time was called “Jewish Hill.” In the 16th century, during the Venetian occupation, the Jewish quarter was moved to its current location between Velissariou, Agia Sofias, and Palaiologou streets. It is characterised by very narrow streets and an almost complete absence of open spaces.
The district was almost completely destroyed during the German bombings of WWII. It was a fact that made it possible to design the new plan for the Old Town, with provisions for wider streets and several squares. The district, however, generally retains its local characteristics, while several old Christian churches are also located there. The houses here are lower and less impressive, with the result that the neighbourhood exuded a different atmosphere compared to Campiello. Finally, in the centre of the district on Velissariou Street, the Synagogue has been operating since the 19th century, and it is the living testimony of the active presence of the Jewish community.
Admire the Town Hall Square
The most scenic and historically significant square in the Old Town is the Town Hall Square (Plateia Dimarcheiou). It was the most significant social plaza throughout the Venetian era. The Old Town Hall building was constructed between 1663 and 1693. Originally, it was the Loggia of the Nobles (Loggia Nobilei). It housed the aristocrats’ and officials’ chambers and was converted into a theatre in 1720 and, with the addition of a storey, into a town hall in 1903. In the 17th century, both the Catholic Metropolis (Church of Saints Jacob and Christopher) and the Residence of the Latin Archbishop were also built on the square.
These days, the square is the perfect spot to eat or have coffee at any time of day. The ideal time, though, is in the evening when the buildings are stunningly lit up and you can dine at some of the best and most renowned restaurants in the town. The atmosphere of the square is genuinely magical and reminiscent of bygone ages.
Relax at Spianada, the town’s living room
Greece’s largest square is Spianada Square along the Old Town of Corfu. The Venetians originally created this flat area for defensive purposes. Then the French, who also constructed the magnificent Liston complex of residences on the western side, finalised its current form. Liston is one of the most recognisable images of Corfu, with its wide colonade that houses many cafes, restaurants, and shops and was for many centuries the meeting place of the aristocracy of the island.
The Upper Square and the Lower Square are the two divisions of the Spianada. Architectural treasures such as the Music Pavilion, the Maitland Monument, and the Venetian Fountain adorn the Upper Square. The Palace of Michael and George (Museum of Asian Art), which currently houses the greatest collection of Asian art in Greece, dominates the Lower Square. The area has always been a hub of activity in the city and a well-liked spot for locals to unwind.
Try rise pudding at the Dairy Shop of Alexis
A staple of each trip to the Old Town is the Dairy Shop of Alexis, located on Agios Vasileiou Street close to Vrachliotis Square. Its origins date back to the 1950s, when the grocery shop owned by the Alexis family was converted into a dairy. Legends and stories abound about its well-known clientele, which includes King Charles of England and Aristotle Onassis. But locals also frequent it because they love the galaktoboureko, cream, yoghurt, and rice pudding that it serves. And of course, people come here to purchase top-notch Corfu butter, whose delectability is well-known outside of Greece. Therefore, make sure to try the dairy’s distinctive products before leaving Corfu.
Eat ice cream at Papagiorgis Patisserie
It’s easy to spot the queue that normally accumulates outside the Papagiorgis Patisserie on Theotoki Street in the heart of the Old Town. There’s a little sign outside stating that it’s one of the 100 most iconic ice creams worldwide, according to Taste Atlas (the distinction is with the dark chocolate flavour). Its history started in 1924, and it has been passed down from generation to generation ever since. They make classic Corfu delicacies like mandolato, mantoles, and kumquat using the same old recipes. At the same time, they produce distinctive handcrafted ice cream using Corfu milk in an array of flavours, the most notable of which is kumquat and the seasonal wild strawberry.
Enjoy coffee at Porcelani
The excellently designed Cafe Porcelani is one of the most special places to get coffee in the Old Town. The cafe is located in the exquisitely redesigned stable of a historic city mansion. Here, customers are treated to a unique experience because everything is served in porcelain. In addition to coffee and pastries, you may have great local wines and tasty antipasti in the evening at one of the few tables outdoors in the charming alley or in its atmospheric interior. (Maniarizi Arlioti 7)
Visit Di Santo for a genuine Italian experience
For a truly genuine Italian experience in Corfu, you must visit Di Santo Premium Sandwiches. In a place reminiscent of an Italian delicatessen, you will try amazing sandwiches made with fresh, handmade, warm sourdough focaccia. The rest of the products, whose quality is excellent, are authentic Italian, except for the various creams and sauces, which are fresh and handmade with extra pure Lefkimmi olive oil. Among the sandwiches, the Tartufo with 16-month Parma Prosciutto, black truffle cream, Pecorino Romano, and baby wild rocket leaves is the perfect accompaniment to a stroll through the streets of the town. (Evgeniou Voulgareos 3)
Indulge in local and Italian cuisine
With roots in the Byzantine era and strong Western influences, mainly Italian due to the long-term Venetian rule, Corfu cuisine is a special case on the Greek culinary map. It utilises the seasonal goods of Corfu nature, such as the abundant natural herbs, vegetables, onions, garlic, fish, and, to a lesser extent, meat, wine, oil, and vinegar. It also has some signature dishes that can only be found here, the most famous being pastitsada, sofrito, and burdeto.
There are many restaurants in the Old Town, and most of them are good value. But some of them really stand out. If you want to try the local traditional dishes at a beautiful restaurant in a picturesque, narrow street of the city, you must visit Lampadina (Voileiti Gerasimou Prifti 19). The food here is prepared with care and quality ingredients, and according to the owner, here you will taste the best sofrito in Corfu. But in addition to the local cuisine in the Old Town, you can also try special Italian cuisine. Besides, the influences of Italy on the culinary tradition of the island, as we said, are important. So, in Town Hall Square, at the restaurant Rosmarino (Gkilford 69), you will try excellent pizzas and pasta from the hands of the Italian owners.
Before leaving the Old Town
Once you’ve finished the walk through the Old Town and your recollections are full of memorable moments and distinct flavours, there are two things you shouldn’t overlook. The first is to purchase distinctive regional goods, such as limoncello or the delicious kumquat. You should specifically search for goods made by the local firm, Lazaris. The second is to stroll to Campiello at night. At this hour, the city takes on a new dimension, making everything even more enchanted and possibly a touch enigmatic.
After you leave Corfu Old Town, there will be one thing on your mind, and that is when you return. It is one of the most breathtaking towns in the Mediterranean and an outstanding place. And without a doubt, the above ten things will make your visit a fascinating travel experience.
If you want to discover Corfu beyond the unforgettable Old Town, the best way is to rent a car. Find the best offers for car rentals in Corfu on discovercars.com
Also, the best way to travel to Corfu is by plane, and you can find the best offers for flights on the most reliable website: skyscanner.com
