The Corfu Blue Bus company has very frequent routes with some villages around Corfu, on the island's urban fabric. It connects the city with 12 destinations…
Read More
Corfu island has holiday resorts for everybody, but there are some places suitable especially for families with kids or couples seeking relaxing destinations…
Read More
Here are the distances in kilometers from Corfu center to the largest villages, beaches and the most important points of interest on the island…
Read More
Corfu climate is generally mild and humid, with plenty of rain and mostly south or southeast winds. Winters are mild with the cooler season the first 20 days in January where temperatures approach zero but...
Read More
Corfu airport is located south of Corfu town west of Garitsa and Kanoni and north of the Mouse island with which is almost in a straight line, inside the Chalikiopoulos lagoon…
Read More
You can get to Corfu in many ways.
Either by plane or by a combination of ship and car or bus, you may come by boat from Patras or Italy, but also directly by seaplane from...
Read More
Most people seem to think that all the visitors to Corfu arrive on charter flights to the island.
And certainly, these do come from all over Europe nowadays- looking at the arrivals board there are flights...
Read More
In the 1970s when Corfu first became widely visited by tourists the season stretched from the end of March until early November.
Of course, the island was not full for all those months, but from May15th-September...
Read More
During the British Protectorate (1815-1864) there were a number of notable residents on Corfu, not least the future prime minister William Gladstone, and the landscape artist and humorist Edward Lear, who has produced wonderful watercolors...
Read More
The resorts of Benitses and Agios Gordios lie opposite each other, where the island is only about 6 kms wide, but even on the main roads, the drive between them takes about half an hour...
Read More
A stroll through the old part of town in the evening once the visitors have departed reveals a completely different place to the thriving metropolis seen on a summer's morning. Leave the Esplanade and walk...
Read More
This is a new Map of Corfu island in Greece, all names in Greek and English language.
All the dense Corfu’s road network with the main, smaller and rural road is on this map, plus all major villages and places and the smaller settlements around the island.
Corfu offers, and always offered, a vivid nightlife, after all it has always been one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece.
There are many lively bars scattered around the town and much more on the tourist areas of the island.
And if you need something really exciting, for instance, to reach the dawn dancing, and meeting people and enjoying yourself, visit one of the many large nightclubs of Corfu.
These clubs can be found in many places as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Dasia, Ipsos, Acharavi, Moraitika, and of course in Kavos, a British-frequented spot at the southern end of Corfu, with the most notorious nightlife in the island.
There are, and used to be since the 60s, some good and huge nightclubs at the north of Corfu Town, just after the port, in the Ethikis Antistaseos Street(National resistance street), this part of town used to be called Emporiko(Commercial center).
If you prefer a more peaceful way out you can start your night out visiting one of the hundreds of traditional restaurants scattered in every corner of the island and especially in all tourist resorts.
There are small with special style restaurants in very idyllic parts of the old town of Corfu too if you prefer the romantic atmosphere of the Venetian style Town.
You should not miss the bars and cafes inside the heart of the old town, at Liston, next to the huge Esplanade square.
The Esplanade or Spianada is the central square of Corfu and a meeting place for residents and visitors, it is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe…
Read More
During the era of the British rule in Corfu, High Commissioner Sir Frederick Adams in 1819 decided to build the Palace of Saint Michael and George…
Read More
Corfu offers, and always offered, a vivid nightlife. If you want a more peaceful night out you can start your night out visiting one of the hundreds of traditional restaurants scattered in every corner of...
Read More
The Town of Corfu is a large urban area that fils the center of the island’s east coast. It is the only city and the capital of Corfu island, and it is named with the same name as the island.
The heart of Corfu town is the old part which lays at the easternmost of the city. Between the new fortress at the west and the old fortress in the East.
A beautiful medieval-style town influenced by the 411 years of Venetian rule. It is the historic center of Corfu with the most sightseeing and monuments.
The modern Corfu town is in continuity and expands to the west and south beyond the new fortress.
Corfu Town Video
What is Corfu Town like?
Corfu town does not look like any other Greek city. Its architecture and most other elements of its cultural identity are not so Greek but influenced by many conquerors who ruled the island through the centuries.
The Venetian character remains unchanged due to the preservation of almost all the Italian architecture buildings scattered all over the place. Corfu is a City with old tall buildings, separated by slopes and narrow streets called Kantounia. It looks like a small replica of Venice but without the canals.
There are important signs and remnants left after the 50 years of British domination. With the palace of St Michael and St George to be the most important. Also monuments from the French occupation too, Liston to be one of them.
Old monuments of Byzantine origin preserved. The old fortress fortified for the first time by the Byzantines. Also, various other conquerors during the island’s turbulent history left their marks.
The whole Old Town part is inside the walls of the two fortresses. The Old Fort on the East and the New fortress in the North and West. Thus it is called Kastropolis (A town within castles) and is the only one of its kind in Greece.
Corfu Town’s wider urban area today is inhabited by some 45,000 inhabitants. While the Venetian style old town part has about 20.000 residents.
The Old Corfu town part
Corfu town from Cavalieri hotel’s roof
A photo from the roof of Cavalieri hotel that shows a magnificent view of the Old town of Corfu. Showing the entire area from Cofineta district at the North up to the sea of north Garitsa bay. You can see the Palace of Saints Michael and George at the far North of the vast Esplanade square, the square with the kiosk in the middle and the majestic Old fortress Eastwards.
The most beautiful part of Corfu is the Old part of the city. With old tall buildings, standing here for centuries, and narrow alleys between.
Buildings here made by stone and wood and traditional roofs with tiles. The whole town declared a UNESCO-listed monument.
It is bounded on the east by the old fortress and at the North by the sea of the old port. On the West by the streets of Akadimias, Gerasimos Aspiotis, Spyros Desyllas, and Spyros Vlaikos. The road under the new fortress.
Districts of Corfu
Old Corfu town has 7 districts.
Porta Remounta is the southern district near the sea of Garitsa.
Pentofanaro is exactly at the Liston area.
Kofineta, west of the Palace of St. Michael and George.
Agioi Pateres is at the center of the town.
Jewish sector almost under the new fortress.
Spilia on the old port.
Kampielo in the Northern part of the city.
Most of the old city streets have now become only pedestrian streets and car traffic is peripheral to the city.
The only roads of the old city used by cars are Agoniston Polytechniou, Arseniou, Donzelot, and Zavitsianou streets.
Map with the Old part of Corfu town
The Modern City of Corfu
The new city expands to the west of the New Fortress and the old town.
It looks completely different from the old part as it is dominated by cement buildings and the roads are larger.
Scaramanga building – The Italian school in Corfu
But even here, Old neoclassic buildings and other monuments are not missing.
Examples are; The building of the 1st Gymnasium that used to be the Scaramanga building that once housed the Italian School.
The Marasleion Mansion on Alexandra Avenue that houses services of the City Hall.
The Villa Rosa, a beautiful but abandoned and almost destroyed house beyond San Rocco square.
Some very old Churches of the many that exist in the town and many more.
Beaches in Corfu Town
Corfu Town is not the best place for swimming.
Although there are a few smaller “city beaches” in the city, they are a bit cramped and not the most kid-friendly.
Faliraki
Corfu – Faliraki from the old fortress
First, there is a public beach below the Palace, at Faliraki promontory. It’s also called Alekos beach.
A road leads down to it from Arseniou street.
There’s a small entrance fee but smaller than that of Mon Repos.
The beach here is small and not as good for swimming, especially when a ship goes by and the waves come crashing in.
Yet, it can be a pleasant spot to sit under an umbrella and look at the Palace, the Old Fortress, and the sea. There is a restaurant with good food here, too.
The facilities of NAOK(Nautical Sports Club of Corfu)
NAOK – The town from the old fortress
NAOK facilities are close to the Southside of Old Fortress. The entrance is free and you can use the dock for a dive, not a beach though.
Mon Repos Beach
Another spot used by the locals for a quick dive is under the Mon Repos Palace. It looks more like a beach but not very nice. Is it called Mon Repos and the entrance is at the south end of Garitsa bay, close to Anemomylos.
Anemomylos
Flying over Anemomylos Garitsa in Corfu
Also, Anemomylos is a place for swimming inside Corfu town. Although you can’t call it exactly a beach, rather than a rocky area with some shingles. The area is a very picturesque place thought.
Buildings and Monuments in Corfu town
Below we give a picture of the most important buildings or monuments that characterize the city. They must be visited by every visitor.
The presentation is following the period that they created.
Medieval and Byzantine Era
Old fortress in Corfu town from Faliraki
Without a doubt, the most important monument is the Old Fortress. It is a rocky cape, a natural fortress on the eastern edge of the Old Town.
The Byzantines used it already since the 5th century CE as a natural fortification for the first small medieval town.
Ancient Corfu, on the Peninsula of Kanoni, destroyed in 562 CE after an invasion by the Visigoths. The few remaining residents found shelter in the old fortress where they built the first medieval city.
The Old Fortress improved much later during the Venetian occupation.
Corfu town of the Venetian Period (1386 – 1797 CE)
Great city features of this very important period are the New Fortress and the vast Esplanade Square.
Corfu new fortress
The new fortress was built between 1576 and 1588 on the hill of Saint Markos in the north of the city.
Its walls then reached the sea up to Garitsa bay at the south, thus defending the whole of Corfu from the west.
The construction of the fortress resulted in the creation of Esplanade. The largest square in the Balkans.
Esplanade created due to the demolition of about 2.500 houses in front of the Old Fortress. This was done to create a defensive zone in front of the old fortress and to find building materials for the construction of the New Fortress.
Leaving Esplanade and Pentofanaro, south of Liston, we follow Evgenios Voulgaris Street. Αt the intersection with M. Theotoki street, we will meet the old building of San Giacomo.
The building was built in 1663 to become the noblest arcade of “loggia Nobili”. Later this beautiful building housed the San Giacomo Theater and today the Corfu Town Hall.
Αt the junction with Vrachlioti Street, almost at the center of the old town, we find Annunziata, in fact, only the bell tower of a church built at the end of the 14th century and dedicated to the Annunciation, remains.
Annunziata is a monument of pan-European importance.
French Influences in Corfu (1807 – 1814 CE)
During the short time that the French remained in Corfu, they left important signs of their presence here.
Corfu Old Town – The center of Liston
The most important and one of the most beautiful buildings in Corfu is with no doubt the Liston.
Built to the west of Esplanade square, it consists of a series of buildings with arched galleries. Today is the most cosmopolitan point of the city.
They were the barracks for the French army back then.
British Sovereignty – The Palaces in Corfu (1814 – 1864)
Corfu Old Town – St Michael and George palace
During the 50 years of English domination of the island, many majestic buildings were built.
Also outside the city is the Mon Repos palace, in Kanoni and in the area of Ancient Corfu.
During the British domination, the Ionian Parliament was built and operated. It is at the junction of Moustoxi and Napoleon Zambelli streets. The building was built in 1855 and is dominated by the 4 Doric style columns on the entrance.
At that time the British cemetery was constructed as well. The first psychiatric hospital on Greek territory too.
But also smaller buildings such as the round peristyle of Thomas Maitland. A round kiosk with 20 Ionian style pillars, it was designed by the engineer George Whitmore. This peristyle was built on top of Sterna (cistern) in the upper square.
Sunday walk at Sterna in upper Esplanade – 1900Sterna at upper Esplanade today
Some British habits have also remained after the British left the island. Cricket for instance, which, on Greek territory, is played only in Corfu.
British rulers brought here the Kum Kouat tree from China, also Gingerbeer. They also built the aqueduct and many other infrastructure projects.
These are a few attractions that the various conquerors left in Corfu town. There are dozens more. All together along with the historical heritage of this city makeup one of the most beautiful and richest cities in Greece.
Corfu is a unique town that today has become a very important UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mon Repos Palace is a neoclassical building at the east of Paleopolis, the Corfu ancient city.
Built at 1830 by the British Commissioner Sir Frederick Adam in the beginning of the peninsula of Kanoni opposite the...
Read More
Another example of the high capacity of Venetians in fortification, and an architectural marvel of art built by the Venetians and with the physical labor of the inhabitants from 1576 until 1645…
Read More
This was originally a natural promontory offering in its rocks protection for the residents of the 5th century AD when the ancient city of Corfu was moved here after the destruction of the ancient city...
Read More
Annunziata, a monument of pan-European significance. At the intersection of Evgeniou Voulgareos and Vrahliotis streets in Corfu, is the Annunziata, a church devoted to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary as well as to Santa...
Read More
If you fancy a journey in your imagination explore the site of the ancient city of Corfu, known as Paleopolis (Old City).
It was discovered after archaeological excavations during the last century. The city was founded in the...
Read More
Due to rich historical and cultural heritage, the museums in Corfu are many and offer a wide variety of exhibits from Neolithic times to the present, there are also cultural museums dedicated to the rich intellectual...
Read More
A stroll through the old part of town in the evening once the visitors have departed reveals a completely different place to the thriving metropolis seen on a summer's morning. Leave the Esplanade and walk...
Read More
Almost everywhere the sea meets the land there is a beach in Corfu.
And 90% of the beaches in the West and North side of the island are sandy, most are also huge with fine golden sand.
What are the Beaches like in Corfu?
Beaches in the West and North side of Corfu are sandy and long, with exceptions for some south of the Paleokastritsa area which are mixed with sand and pebbles, as the famous Rovinia, Paradise, and Stelari that are mostly pebble.
On the Eastside, beaches are smaller with shingles, with exceptions here to be in Messonghi which is a large sandy beach and the southern cape at Alikes of Lefkimi which is sandy but not so favorable among tourists.
Are there Beaches in Corfu Town?
Corfu – Faliraki from the old fortress
There are some beaches in Corfu town, but not so picturesque or organized as in the rest of the island, we can say that there are parts of the coast where you can take a dive.
Under the old city walls and across the Old Fortress is Faliraki, a picturesque small rocky promontory, a beach reachable by steps from the main road above at Mouragia area, the beach is also called Mpania tou Alekou (Baths of Alex).
Also South of Garitsa bay and after Anemomylos dock, just under Mon Repos palace, there is the beach of Mon Repos, it was the former royal baths, it is preferred by locals and pupils for a quick dive.
Both are popular among locals.
Is the Sea warm in Corfu?
Sea in Corfu is very warm indeed, especially at the East coast where the proximity with the Hellenic mainland creates something like a lake with two relatively small openings at North and South end, so it is very warm at summers and not really cold at winters.
On the West side though the sea is a bit cooler especially around Paleokastritsa due to cold steam arriving there from the North Adriatic sea.
Where is Sandy Beaches in Corfu?
There are sandy Beaches almost everywhere on the West and North side of the island, these sandy beaches are separated from each other by small rocky areas.
Glyfada beach in Corfu
Is Corfu hot in October?
October in Corfu is like Summer, so yes it is still hot and can still suitable for swimming too, with exceptions at some years.
Is Corfu warm in September?
In September the weather is very warm and humid, in fact, the sea in September is warmer than in summer.
The only difference from August is that we have the first rainfalls.
How hot is Corfu in July?
Corfu in July is really hot, temperatures are normally around 100°F, but sometimes can reach up to 110°F and is really hard to stand.
What is the Sea temperature in Corfu?
Sea in Corfu in June is warm, the temperature is around 15-20°C (59-68°F), it gets warmer in July and August when it reaches the 25-28°C (77-83°F) spot and even warmer in September when sometimes can be 30°C (86°F).
The coldest month is January, sea temperature then is around 10°C (50°F)
Is Corfu hot in February?
February still a winter month so a very cold month almost the same like January, temperatures vary from year to year with the average to be around 10°C (50°F)
Is Corfu hot in January?
January is the heart of winter, so generally, it is cold, but year by year the difference can be huge, sometimes temperatures stay near zero and other times can reach up to 15°C (59°F) even 20°C (68°F)
Is Corfu hot in March?
The average temp for March in Corfu is around 20°C (68°F), but it can drop a lot or can rise up to 25°C (80°F)
How hot is Corfu in June?
June in Corfu is Hot, it is a summer month.
The weather in Corfu per month?
For the average weather conditions per month basis in Corfu, better read more on the page about the weather.
Which sea is Corfu in?
Corfu lays on the North Ionian sea, on the borders with South Adriatic sea, very close and exactly across the Hellenic(Greek) and Albanian borders.
It is the densest populated Hellenic(Greek) Island.
Corfu town is the only Kastropolis in Hellas(Greece), a city surrounded by the walls of two castles, the whole city is a UNESCO Heritage monument and keeps its multicultural character with Venetian, English, and French influences.
It was the first Hellenic(Greek) island that opened its doors to the first tourists.
In Corfu, there was the first Hellenic University that still operates today, the first bank, the first electricity factory, the first theater in the modern Hellenic territory, Esplanade square, the largest square in the Balkans, some say in Europe, the only cricket team in Hellas and is the place with the largest musical and intellectual tradition by far in Greece.
It is the only place in Hellenic territory never felt the Ottoman oppression.
What Language is Spoken in Corfu?
Hellenic, Greek for those who don’t know what Hellenic is, also almost all locals speak basic English too and many fluent English.
Better not to ask somebody if he or she speaks English, because they most probably do and, seriously it can be taken as an offense! Just talk straight away.
Older people still remember a local linguistic idiom called Corfiot dialect that is not used anymore though, only some words have remained to remind of the language spoked here centuries ago.
What food do they eat in Corfu?
In Corfu, they eat all food of the Greek cuisine, But Corfu has also its local cuisine that is influenced by Venetian cuisine and includes traditional recipes as Pastitsada, Sofrito, Bourdeto, Bianco, and many more.
Where were the Durrells filmed?
The Durrells in Corfu – TV series
Durrells in Corfu was filmed mainly in Danilia village, a replica of an old traditional Corfiot village in Danilia area, also in parts of Corfu town, in Kalami bay where the family lived in the white house for most of its time in Corfu and in other parts of the island.
Is there a Volcano in Corfu?
Benitses – view of Agioi Deka top
There is a long-extinct volcano in the middle of Corfu island, it is the volcano of the mount of Agioi Deka, the crater was at the top of this mountain called Pantokrator, not to be confused though with Pantokrator, top of the other mountain at the north Corfu.
What does Corfu mean?
Corfu’s name means Tops, So the name origin is simple, the Latins took the Greek word Korfes and named the island after it.
The peaks(Korfes in modern Greek and Koryphai in ancient) of mount Pantokrator which has two equally high tops that can be seen clearly as a ship approaches Corfu island.
Is Corfu a real place?
Corfu is a real place, Yes, despite some rumors to the contrary!
Where is Corfu in relation to Greece?
Corfu is the Westernmost tip of Greece, in the borders of the North Ionian and South Adriatic sea, across the Greek borders with Albania, it belongs to Ionian islands cluster.
What size is Corfu?
Corfu is a middle-sized island of 229 mi², it is the Seventh larger Hellenic island and has some satellite island clusters around it, i.e the Diapontia islands at north and Paxos islands in South.
What is the Population of Corfu?
According to the 2011 census, the population of the main Corfu island is 97.000 inhabitants, while along with it’s satellite islands of Diapontia and Paxos the prefecture has almost 104.000 residents.
Why is Kerkyra called Corfu?
Kerkyra is the ancient and the modern Greek name of the island and the city.
Corfu is the name given to the island by the Romans, they took the Hellenic word Korfes (ancient Koryphai) that means Tops and named the island of Corfu.
Romans, later Latins, always used to borrow and change ancient Hellenic words, as they did with ancient religion and Gods, Culture, Arts, Sciences, alphabet, everything!
And they gave other names to everything they borrowed, also they used to replace the Greek letter K with the Latin C.
Is Corfu part of the EU?
Corfu is part of Hellas, therefore is a part of the EU!
Which Hellenic island is closest to the UK?
Closest to the UK is the island of Corfu, as it is the westernmost part of Hellas(Greece).
Where can Families go to Corfu?
Families in Corfu can go almost anywhere, but there are some places more suitable for families with children.
Check here for the Best Resorts for Families
Which is the prettiest Hellenic island?
There are many Beautiful Hellenic islands, the prettiest island is according to everyone’s taste.
Objectively speaking, Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in the country.
Which Hellenic Island has the best beaches?
Choosing the Greek island with the best beaches is absolutely subjective, we don’t know where the best beaches in Greece are, but we definitely know that Corfu has the most and the larger variety of Beaches in Hellas.
Where is the airport in Corfu?
Approaching with airplane the airport of Corfu
Corfu airport is inside the Lake of Halikiopoulos, a lagoon West of Kanoni and South of Corfu town, inside the area that once was the Ancient Port of Corfu.
What is the airport called in Corfu?
The Corfu airport is called Ioannis Kapodistrias in honor of the first governor of the modern Hellenic state Count Ioannis Kapodistrias who was a Corfiot noble.
The Corfu Blue Bus company has very frequent routes with some villages around Corfu, on the island's urban fabric. It connects the city with 12 destinations…
Read More
Corfu island has holiday resorts for everybody, but there are some places suitable especially for families with kids or couples seeking relaxing destinations…
Read More
Here are the distances in kilometers from Corfu center to the largest villages, beaches and the most important points of interest on the island…
Read More
Corfu climate is generally mild and humid, with plenty of rain and mostly south or southeast winds. Winters are mild with the cooler season the first 20 days in January where temperatures approach zero but...
Read More
Corfu airport is located south of Corfu town west of Garitsa and Kanoni and north of the Mouse island with which is almost in a straight line, inside the Chalikiopoulos lagoon…
Read More
You can get to Corfu in many ways.
Either by plane or by a combination of ship and car or bus, you may come by boat from Patras or Italy, but also directly by seaplane from...
Read More
Most people seem to think that all the visitors to Corfu arrive on charter flights to the island.
And certainly, these do come from all over Europe nowadays- looking at the arrivals board there are flights...
Read More
In the 1970s when Corfu first became widely visited by tourists the season stretched from the end of March until early November.
Of course, the island was not full for all those months, but from May15th-September...
Read More
During the British Protectorate (1815-1864) there were a number of notable residents on Corfu, not least the future prime minister William Gladstone, and the landscape artist and humorist Edward Lear, who has produced wonderful watercolors...
Read More
The resorts of Benitses and Agios Gordios lie opposite each other, where the island is only about 6 kms wide, but even on the main roads, the drive between them takes about half an hour...
Read More
A stroll through the old part of town in the evening once the visitors have departed reveals a completely different place to the thriving metropolis seen on a summer's morning. Leave the Esplanade and walk...
Read More
It is well known that Corfu is not only its beaches and coasts, where we usually hang and stay.
But it hides a lot in its interior, from picturesque spots, traditional large villages, Exceptional nature with high mountains and valleys where the vegetation revels, plains, sandy deserts such as Halikounas, even medieval villages that have been abandoned centuries ago such as the mountainous Old Perithia on the slopes of Pantokrator mountain.
Corfu, in spite of all the problems it faces, will always survive as a strong tourist destination because it has many more than other islands.
It has a turbulent and rich history, as a result of which its unique culture, as well as unprecedented unique natural beauties, despite its small size it is a continent in miniature, with so many variations in landscapes that make it look larger.
Watch this 35 minutes video of beautiful beaches, known and familiar destinations, but also many unknown small villages in the island’s interior that look like hidden treasures.
Corfu, without any special effort, will always be the flagship of Greek tourism!
The video was created by Petros Kapsokavadis on behalf of Oasis hotel in Perama, Corfu.
Flying with DJI Inspire 1 from the Anemomylos area, continue over the bay of Garitsa and the Republic Avenue and through the Agoniston polytechnic Street…
Read More
Flying with DJI Inspire 1 from the Anemomylos area, continue over the bay of Garitsa and the Republic Avenue and through the Agoniston polytechnic Street…
Read More
The Corfu land of 1962 as seen with the cameras of British Pathe, a famous film company that has left many documents from that era as well from the era during World War II…
Read More
Between Halikounas at the north, Lake Korission at the back and St George beach in the south, Issos competes with neighboring Chalikouna in beauty and size…
Read More
Our friend Nikos Mezitis flying over Corfu town with his glider, the flight is around the Esplanade square, the Old fortress and the Saint Michael and George palace… Read...
Read More
This site uses cookies to analyze traffic and to give you a better browsing experience. By browsing this site you agree to our use of cookies. More info
