While Corfu Town is indeed the capital of the much-loved island of Corfu, the town itself is often referred to as “Greece’s best kept secret” by travel specialists and local guides. They say it is a “secret because some visitors simply forget to stop a while in this exquisite town.” Greeks call it Kerkyra and it is situated on the east coast of the island and three kilometres from Corfu International airport,

The town is extremely beautiful with architecture that reflects periods of occupation under Venetians, French, British and, of course, Greece. The Venetians were here for four centuries from 1386-1797 and today, there are parts of the town which still have a distinct Italian feel. It is quite easy to see the similarity between the old town of Corfu and Venice itself, as both have a spectacular waterfront setting, tall correctly proportioned buildings in distinctive pastel colours, endless piazzas and shady courtyards.

However, one aspect sets them apart: Corfu Town has arguably more gardens and parks, namely Boschetto Garden and the Garden of the People (sometimes called Garden of the Public) so named after it’s opening to the public because from when it was built in 1833, it was reserved solely for the use by the aristocracy. Located next to The Palace of St Michael and St George and an easy walk from the historic, main Spaniada Square. Boschetto (sometimes written Bosketo) has the symmetry of a Renaissance Italian Garden, with two impressive marble pavilions and colonnade. Here, there is a commemorative plaque with the name “Durrell Boschetto” in honour of the two English brothers Lawrence and Gerald Durrell, writers who lived in Corfu Town from 1935-1939 and whose books made the island famous.  At the end of World War II they moved up the coast around 15 kilometres away settling at Kalami Bay. Their White House there is now a restaurant and has operated for over 50 years, run by the same family, open from May until mid October. Diners often arrive by water taxi from Corfu Town, journey time around 30 minutes and a beautiful cruise. 

Those who choose to stay in or visit Corfu Town, usually find the historic core the real draw and it is enchanting. This old town is a UNESCO heritage site (since 2007) with narrow, cobbled alleyways where locals still have homes, alongside boutique artisan shops selling authentic produce including herbs, liqueurs, honey and olive oil. Here also are many restaurants serving everything from local Corfiot traditional dishes including pastitsada, the national dish of Corfu of slow-cooked meat served in rich sauce over pasta to modern Greek cuisine and international dishes. Some restaurants are located in small gardens or patios. Locals always remind visitors to “look up” to appreciate the intricate, wrought-iron balconies and green, wooden shutters for which the old town is famous. The labyrinthine, narrow streets lead to the vast Spianada Square, the largest in Greece and the largest public square in Europe where there is even a cricket pitch. This square Is both grand and local. On one side is The Liston, a beautiful arcade-promenade featuring a long marble pavement which was modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris and on the other is the daily Corfu Central Market where visitors will find fresh ingredients for a picnic, together with more local liqueurs, all at very reasonable prices. 

Lovers of museum might enjoy Casa Parlante, a unique place, a recreation of a noble family’s home from the 19^th century. History is authentically brought to life by the telling of stories through animated, robotic technology. The reproduction decor creates sensations of a bygone era including cooking smells from the kitchen and the sound of children laughing.

The Corfu Museum of Asian Art is housed in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the only one of its kind in Greece solely dedicated to Asian art and antiquities. Today there are some 15,000 exhibits. On a more sombre note, the Serbian Museum of Corfu is small yet impressive and includes uniforms worn by Serbian soldiers who took shelter on the island during World War I and there are excellent storyboards and photo walls. 

Mon Repos is one of the most famous places in Corfu Town and is now considered a museum. Originally built as a summer residence for a British High Commissioner, later becoming the summer residence of the Greek Royal Family, it is better known as the birthplace in 1921 of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Today, the main appeal for visitors is the vast, shady park, which covers more than 250 acres and contains the ruins of ancient temples. There are pleasant shaded areas for a picnic, while paths lead down through the trees to a small beach where you can cool off with a swim or relax in the sun. A little pier reaching out into the clear water is another inviting spot to sit and take in the view.

One of the best guided walking tours in the old town is “Taste Corfu” where tradition and foods are enjoyed over a couple of hours.  For wandering visitors, we like these restaurants: The Venetian Well, away from crowds and tucked away in a small romantic square and next to a medieval well, expect gourmet and Mediterranean food. Bougainvillea Restaurant under a canopy of the red and purple flowers, this place really feels like a little secret garden with distant sea views, serving Corfiot dishes and creative Greek cuisine. 

Spaniada Meats and Greens, as the name suggests, serves superb grilled food and a wide choice of gourmet vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Corfu Town is easily manageable with a population of just 24,000 in the centre and, on foot, much can be covered in around two-three hours. Alternatively, the old Wooden Train is a hop on-hop off, little road train that covers a good section of the town passing the entrance to Mon Repos and continuing to the small Anemomylos beach on Garitsa Bay.

 The town has a few surprises for visitors: the first university in Greece opened here in 1824 and the very first tennis club in the country opened in 1896. Right next to the historic centre, sea swimmers can enjoy the crystal-clear Ionian Sea from Faliraki platform beach which is also the location of the popular Imabari Restaurant and Bar enjoying a striking seaside location right below the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. A windmill on the sea? Yes, another surprise, this rather famous windmill, is right by the water at Anemomylos and was built during the Venetian period. 

The old town is flanked by the iconic twin fortresses, two massive Venetian strongholds, Old and New Fortress both built in the early 15^th century. The best way to see these is from the sea, perhaps on a day trip to Albania for a completely different experience, and easy from Corfu Town ferry terminal. The Greek company Ionian Seaways has many departures by traditional ferry and catamaran as does the Albanian company Finikas with traditional ferries and hydrofoils.  Either way, the journey takes under an hour providing a full day at Sarande which has developed at a fast pace since 1991 and the onset of Albania’s Democratic Era. There’s a buzzing atmosphere, with beach clubs and casual restaurants lining the waterfront, while a dedicated sea-swimming lane stretches out across the bay—an unusual and impressive feature that allows swimmers to enjoy the open water away from boats.

The UNESCO listed archaeological site at Butrint is 30 minutes away by taxi. Featuring ruins spanning over 2,500 years including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influences this should not be missed by lovers of archaeological sites; allow two-three hours for the entire walk through and finish having coffee by the water on the Vivari Channel that links Lake Butrint to the Ionian Sea.   

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