Discover the Charm of Corfu’s Old Town, a Maze-like UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece!

Located in Southeastern Europe, Greece is full of fascinating tourist destinations such as Athens, the capital and largest city, Santorini Island with its dazzling white landscapes, and Mykonos Island, famous for its windmills in Katolimi. With so many attractions, it draws countless tourists from around the world. Greece is also blessed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites where visitors can enjoy history, culture, and nature. Out of the many, this time we’ll take a closer look at Corfu’s Old Town!

What is Corfu Old Town?

Corfu is the Italian and English name for Kerkyra, a city on the Ionian Islands in northwestern Greece. It is the main city of Corfu Island and the prefectural capital. Today, Corfu is one of Greece’s most famous tourist destinations. During the Venetian Republic era, it held an important position and became known as Kastropolis, a fortified city with many castles.
The maze-like streets that developed alongside its fortifications characterize Corfu’s Old Town, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Its paved narrow alleys intertwine into colorful, winding streets called Kantounia. The oldest are so narrow that cars cannot pass through them, and their irregular layouts make them especially intriguing.

Access to Corfu Old Town

There are several ways to access Corfu. For public transportation, buses to Corfu Old Town run from Athens, Corinth, Patras, Agrinio, Thessaloniki, and other cities, with plenty of local city buses available once you arrive.
During summer, ferries depart from Igoumenitsa, Greece, every 15 minutes, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. For those short on time, Corfu International Airport offers a faster option. From the airport, a bus takes about 20 minutes to reach Corfu City, and taxis are also available.

2 Recommended Highlights of Corfu Old Town

St. Spyridon Cathedral

St. Spyridon Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox cathedral dedicated to St. Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu. Located close to souvenir shops and popular tourist streets, it is one of Greece’s well-known attractions, drawing visitors from around the globe.
The cathedral houses the saint’s sacred relics anointed with oil, golden and silver reliquaries, and ancient icons depicting Jesus Christ and historical church events. Its historical architecture, beautiful chandeliers, and ceiling paintings make it a must-see. At night, you can admire the beautifully illuminated tower of St. Spyridon.

Citadels

Corfu Old Town features citadels fortified by the Byzantine Empire and the Venetian Republic. The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) was originally built around the 8th century, with surviving structures dating from the 16th century. It is also known for St. George’s Church. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Corfu Old Town and the deep blue Garitsa Bay.
The New Fortress (Neo Frourio), built between 1577 and 1588, stands on the western side of the Old Town. In contrast to the Old Fortress, its gray exterior is striking. Visitors can explore Venetian-era passages and rooms, some dark and narrow, but the summit rewards them with breathtaking views. Be sure to see both the Old and New Fortresses to appreciate their contrasting features.

◎Summary

Corfu’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with charming old shops, restaurants, and photogenic alleyways, making every corner picturesque. Strolling through its cobblestone streets is a delightful way to experience its history. When visiting Corfu Old Town, don’t forget to bring your camera. Take your time wandering its maze-like alleys and fully enjoy the beauty of this Greek World Heritage site!

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Discover the Charm of Corfu’s Old Town, a Maze-like UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece!