The influences of Venetian, English, and French conquerors of the island are evident throughout your tours in the city of Corfu. The historic center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a true architectural gem. Across the rest of the island, castles, monasteries, luxurious palace-museums, and dozens of other attractions will make every route you choose to take unforgettable.
Spianada Square and Liston
Spianada Square, the largest in the Balkans, is an ideal starting point for exploring the city. On its western side lies the famous Liston promenade, a beloved spot for a walk or coffee.
Built in 1810 by urban planner Mathieu de Lesseps (father of the Suez Canal designer), it was modeled after Paris's Rue de Rivoli. Under its arcades with elegant lanterns, you’ll find numerous cafes and restaurants.
At the southern end of Spianada, you can watch a rare sport in Greece—cricket. Corfu is home to the Greek Cricket Federation, and the field frequently hosts matches, tournaments, and national championships.
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
The British left behind several remarkable buildings, the most iconic being the monumental Palace of St. Michael and St. George.
Built between 1819-1824, it served as the residence of British Commissioner Thomas Maitland and housed the Order of St. Michael and St. George. After Corfu joined Greece,
it became the winter residence of the former royal family until 1969.
Today, you can admire its grand halls with historical artifacts, furniture, and frescoes, as well as the Corfu Municipal Gallery and the impressive Museum of Asian Art.
Surrounding the palace are beautiful gardens and notable monuments, such as the Maitland Rotunda (1816), built to commemorate the British Commissioner's arrival.
Campiello and Its Laundry Lines
Northwest of Liston lies the labyrinthine Campiello, Corfu's old town developed during Venetian rule. Wander its narrow alleys (kantounia),
beneath the laundry lines strung between the balconies of historic homes. Buildings are painted in shades of pink, ochre, terracotta, salmon, and green, built tall to accommodate as many residents as possible in limited space.
Visit Panagia Kremasti Square, featuring a Venetian marble fountain and a church from before the 16th century. Don’t miss the Church of St.
Nicholas of the Elders (14th century, with later additions), with its impressive interior works by renowned iconographers. Another highlight is the Antivouniotissa Church,
now housing the Byzantine Museum, one of the island’s most important religious landmarks. Small squares with charming cafes, bars, and patisseries invite you to take a break in this delightful neighborhood.
The Old Fortress
Built on a peninsula with two peaks, the Byzantine city of Koryfo developed here, a name preserved in foreign maps as Corfu. Between 1386-1797,
the Venetians fortified the area with walls and dug a moat called Contra Fossa, creating an impregnable fortress.
The artificial canal now serves as a picturesque anchorage for fishing boats, and the bridge crossing it is one of the city’s most scenic walks.
Inside the fortress are Venetian towers, barracks, underground tunnels, and gunpowder magazines. The island’s first lighthouse was built here in 1822.
On the southern side, the Church of St. George, built in 1840 by the British in the style of an ancient Doric temple, adds to the fortress's grandeur.
The New Fortress
Located on the hill of St. Mark near the old port, the New Fortress was built by the Venetians between 1576-1645. It’s a masterpiece of fortification,
designed to protect the growing settlement outside the Old Fortress and the port. The structure features two defensive zones,
and its Sette Venti bastions at the highest level provide panoramic views of the city and sea. Walking through its gates, you’ll encounter vaulted passages, battlements, and inscriptions that tell its story.
The Church of St. Spyridon
The Church of St. Spyridon, dedicated to Corfu's patron saint, was built in the 16th century to house his incorrupt relics, brought to the
island in 1456 from Constantinople after its fall to the Ottomans. Its bell tower, dating to 1590, resembles that of St. George of the Greeks in Venice.
The saint’s golden casket is housed in the sanctuary and draws pilgrims year-round. St. Spyridon is believed to have performed miracles, saving the city from famine,
the plague, and the Turkish siege of 1716. A grand procession of his relics is held on Palm Sunday, featuring all Corfu's philharmonic bands—a spectacular and moving tradition.