Corfu Old Town is right in the middle of Corfu island on the East Coast. The old town is lively, especially at night, with a great atmosphere. There are many things to do in Corfu Old Town.
Be aware that Corfu is an island where cruise liners stop at. This means, in the evening bus loads of tourists arrive to take to the pavements of Corfu Old Town. However, it brings life to the town and if you get there at dusk you can experience a couple of hours of relative peace before the crowds get bigger.
How to get Corfu Greece
There are many budget airlines that fly directly to Corfu from the UK. You can check out options here on Skyscanner. There are no direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi but there are easy options with layovers in Athens, you can check flights here with Skyscanner.
Alternatively, check out Ferry routes from nearby Greek islands, Italy and Albania. Bookaway shows you all the options in one place and is an easy to use platform made by travellers.
How to get to Corfu Old Town
The easiest way to get to Corfu Old Town is to use the local bus. The bus runs the length of the island and is regular. The bus stops right in the centre of Corfu Town but make sure to ask where to get the return bus. The bus station is outside of the old town so is a little more of a walk. You can check all the Corfu buses and timetables here.
Check out Kiwitaxi below for transfers from your accommodation into Corfu Old Town.
Alternatively, hiring a car when you are in Corfu is always a good idea. It will give you the freedom to further explore the beautiful island of Corfu. Discover beautiful beaches and bays and the wonderful Corfu Old Town. We like to use localrent.com for great local rates.
Where to stay in Corfu
Corfu is full of gorgeous resorts around the island. We have included some that we have stayed in and some with great reviews for you to check out.
Luxury Hotel Corfu
Angsana Hotel Corfu is a stunning property on a hilltop with sea views. With an infinity pool winning an award for the best pool in 2022. Angsana Corfu has private pool villas for ultimate luxury. Whilst we haven’t stayed in this resort, we have stayed in the Angsana Laguna Phuket so are confident recommending this brand.
All Inclusive Hotels Corfu
One of the best All-Inclusive hotels on the island is the MarBella Hotel. With 3 pools and a spa, 6 restaurants, bars and incredible sea views. It has fab reviews and won a Conde Nest Travellers Award in 2022. The bus stop is on the main road close to the MarBella which runs into Corfu Old Town.
For a budget friendly all inclusive hotel check out the Louis Ionian Sun. We stayed here in 2022 and loved it! It has a great location with a private beach, we loved the beach bar and lunch-time BBQ. There are 4 swimming pools, 2 of which are kids pools with slides. Check out our review of this hotel here. It is an easy bus ride (20mins) from right outside Louis Ionian Sun into Corfu Old Town.
Corfu Old Town Accommodation
Arcadion Hotel is a modern, luxurious hotel in Corfu Old Town overlooking Spianada Square. Close to restaurants, shops and sights of Corfu Town. Rooftop restaurant with wonderful views over Corfu Old Town. The perfect hotel to stay for a few nights to check out the old town.
For budget-friendly accommodation in Corfu Old Town check out Corfu Old Town Apartment. It is in the heart of the Old Town, walking distance everywhere with stunning views. A simple apartment with a bedroom and a living room with great reviews.
Booking.comSo yes, Corfu old town IS worth visiting during your holiday to Corfu and here are our main reasons why:
1. Admire the beautiful buildings of Corfu Old Town
Corfu Old Town is known for being a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has this accolade because of the stunning Venetian architecture and history. Walking around the streets you can see the Venetian influences and will be awed at the beautiful buildings everywhere.
2. Wander the cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town
The pavements and narrow alleys of Corfu Old Town are not to be missed. Get lost and walk down the back streets. Discover residential streets with washing, flags and people sitting on the street putting the world to rights. As well as cute shops, restaurants, cafes and churches.
3. Visit the Boutique Shops of Corfu Old Town
Gorgeous, independent shops line the streets of Corfu Old Town. It is a perfect place to find unique pieces, expect to see lots of linen and boho vibes. Flowers adorn shop windows with basket bags, sandals and hats a-plenty. As well as clothes shops there are many souvenir shops that are a bit more classy than the usual beach shops. With dream catchers, blue eyes and pretty trinkets to take back home.
4. Look in at the Stunning Churches
There are many churches around the old town open to visitors. Look in and admire the elaborate decorations. In some churches you are able to light a candle and say a prayer if you wish. Even if you are not religious, a look in at one of those grand churches, should be included in your time at Corfu Old Town.
5. Stop to eat and drink in Corfu Old Town
With many cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from you will be spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to rest your legs and have a drink. Corfu Old Town has many perfect places to stop and people watch. We loved Sway Bar for an ice cold prosecco. Continuing round to Dimarchiou Square we stopped at a gorgeous little Greek restaurant called Pane e Souvlaki. The souvlaki and feta cheese was delicious.
There are many high-end restaurants lining the big square facing the fortress but we always love to find smaller places a bit more tucked away. It is also a Trip Adviser Travellers Choice restaurant which we found out afterwards!
6. Listen to the Live Music
From singers to saxophone players, full bands and guitarists you will be continually entertained during your exploration of the old town. Have some spare change handy to pass on to these talented musicians and let their music lift your spirits and help you dodge the crowds!
7. Eat an ice-cream in Corfu Old Town
Make sure you save room after dinner to stop in one of the numerous gelato shops in Corfu Old Town. There are some big shops with many different flavours and colours of ice-cream I have never seen before.
If you have kids make sure you check out Hans & Gretel on Nikiforou Theotoki street. There are many of these shops around the world and it is a child’s dream – sweets galore and the most indulgent ice-creams money can buy. The staff are dressed up and the whole shop is decorated as if you are walking into a fairytale.
8. Take beautiful pictures
If you love photography like me, you will be snapping at every corner. The Vespas, flowers, shop fronts, old buildings, steps and narrow alleys are a photographers dream. Especially as the sun is going down to catch golden hour. Just make sure you get there by around 5/6pm before it gets packed with snap-happy Instagrammers! (kind-of guilty!)
If you are on holiday in Corfu we would definitely recommend making time for an evening in Corfu old town. Plenty to see and do in a beautiful setting.
Corfu Old Town Guide
If you are looking for more information and a guided tour then there are many options in Corfu Old Town.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Check out the hop-on-hop-off red bus. You can pick it up at Corfu New Port, ticket is valid for 12 months from purchase. It is a great way to get around the city and beat the heat. Check out Get Your Guide here for the most competitive prices.
Walking Food Tour
One of our favourite ways to get to know a city is a guided walking food tour. We have done many around the world. This tour will take you around the narrow streets of Corfu Old Town stopping for food tastings and lunch. It is a great way to learn more about the history, culture and food of the Corfu. Check out prices here.
Walking Tour
If you’re interested in a walking tour but not so much the food part then check out this walking tour. Led by a local guide he will explore and explain the history of Corfu when checking out the main sights. A small group walking tour. Best prices can be found here.
*We got a local bus to Corfu Town which was really easy. However make sure you know where the bus station is to get back to your hotel as it’s a bit of a walk compared to where you get dropped off.*
If you have enjoyed reading this post Is Corfu Old Town Worth Visiting? then check out the best family all inclusive hotel in Corfu. Take a boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos whilst in Corfu.
If you are thinking about a holiday to Albania just across the water from Corfu. At only a 30 minute ferry ride – highly recommended. Then read our Albania Guide or 5 reasons to visit Albania. Also check out our 10-day Albania Itinerary.
Or our 5 day guide to driving around Kefalonia if you are looking for other Greek inspiration.
If you are looking for other family travel inspiration, take a look at our Destinations Page.
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