This trip is the perfect way to visit Corfu Town for shopping, sightseeing, an aperitif or even a dinner in the evening. We sets off from Kassiopi, arriving at Corfu Town about an hour later. There are 2 cruises available, one in the morning and one in the evening. The boat moors at the Old Port, which is the ideal spot to walk into the Old Town and esplanade, an elegant promenade that features bars, cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
Historically, Corfu town roots go back to the 8th century BC and to the Byzantine period. It has thus been subject to various influences and a mix of different peoples. From the 15th century, Corfu was under Venetian rule for some four centuries, then passing to French, British and Greek governments.
The Old and New Fortresses
Fascinating not only for their historical relevance but also for their stunning views over the town, the sea, the Greek mainland and much of Corfu Island.
Please note that the New Fortress, despite its name, dates back to 1578!
The Palace of St Michael and St George
Built by the British in 1815 as a residence for the High Commissioner and seat of the senate, this impressive palace now houses an excellent Museum of Asian Art, brimming with Japanese prints, Indian sculptures and many other oriental treasures.
The Campiello
The mediaeval heart of Corfu Town. Just wander, get lost, look up and around you and stop occasionally for refreshments!
The churches
There are nearly 40 Greek Orthodox churches in Corfu Town and we recommend you visit a few, including the Church of St. Spyridon (resting place of the island’s venerated patron saint – built 1596), the Orthodox Cathedral (1577) and the Byzantine Church of St. Jason and St. Sosipatros (filled with sublime icons and time-faded frescoes – built in the 11th century).
The Spianada
The large park between the Old Fortress and the Liston in the east of town, which you will probably cross at some time during your visit. The British used to play cricket here and the Victorian bandstand at the center harks back to another era completely!
The Liston
Bordering the Spianada, the Liston is the chicest part of town, an elegant piazza-cum-promenade whose arcade is lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Although it dates back to Venetian times, it was the French, during their brief sojourn on the island, who gave it its Parisian feel.
Museums
Both the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum are worth a visit. The former’s star exhibit is a 17m-long bas relief of Medusa’s grizzly end dating back to the 6th century BC, while the latter, housed in a 15th-century church, features some exceptional examples of icon art dating between the 13th and 17th centuries.