The 14 Most Incredible Things to Do in Corfu Town, Greece

Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Oliver

When we spent over a month traveling around Albania, we couldn’t help but notice how close Corfu was. And honestly, once we realized how easy it was to hop on a ferry, there was no way we weren’t going to check it out—especially since neither of us had been to Greece before. All we really knew about Corfu was that it’s a popular family vacation spot and that Prince Philip was born here.

After spending quite a bit of time on the island, we can confidently say—it’s so worth it. Corfu was everything we wanted from a Greek island, and if you’ve only got a weekend (or even just a day), Corfu Town is the perfect place to explore. Since it’s where the ferry from Albania drops you off, it’s an easy stop, and the Old Town is ridiculously charming, packed with history, and full of cool things to see and do.

So, after our pretty extensive stay, here’s our take on the absolute best things to do in Corfu Town—whether you’re here for a quick visit or a longer stay.

What Are Our Personal Top Things to Do in Corfu Town?

Corfu Town is such a gorgeous little Greek town with so much history and charm. And look, we’re not here to talk down on Albania at all—but stepping off the ferry from Albania and seeing Corfu Town just felt like a whole different world. The architecture is stunning, the streets are lively, and the food is absolutely delicious.

One of our favorite things to do was hitting up the little coffee shops and cafés for breakfast, then grabbing some Greek drinks and meze for lunch or dinner. Food is such a great way to get to know a country, and Corfu definitely delivers.

Of course, the sightseeing here is just as good. Exploring the Old Fortress and the New Venetian Fortress is so cool—not just for history buffs but for anyone—and if you need a break from all the walking, there are even a few beaches and beach clubs that are perfect for relaxing and taking a break from exploring all day.

The Best Things to Do in Corfu Town

1.Explore Corfu Old Town

Corfu’s Old Town is the kind of place where you can wander for hours and never get bored. It feels like there’s a little secret waiting behind every corner or down every alleyway—and by secret, I mean a cozy café or a charming local boutique. The mix of Venetian, French, and British influences gives it such a unique character, with pastel-colored buildings, narrow streets, and hidden squares that make it feel straight out of a movie. Since it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you know there’s plenty of history packed into these streets too.

We loved just walking around with no real plan, popping into small boutiques, and grabbing a coffee at one of the cozy cafés tucked into old stone buildings. The Town Hall is worth a quick stop—it used to be a Venetian club—and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George is pretty impressive too. Even if you only have a day in Corfu, exploring Old Town is a must. It’s the perfect place to just take it all in and enjoy the island’s vibe.

2.Visit the Old Fortress of Corfu

The Old Fort is one of the most impressive sights in Corfu Town, and you really can’t miss it—literally, it towers over the city. Built by the Venetians in the 15th century, it was designed to protect Corfu from invasions, and you can still see the old walls, tunnels, and bastions that once made it nearly impenetrable.

Climbing up to the top is definitely worth it. The views over Corfu Town, the Ionian Sea, and even the Albanian coastline on a clear day are incredible. There’s also a small museum inside with historical exhibits, but honestly, just walking around the fortress and taking in the scale of it is the best part. It’s an easy walk from Old Town, and if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll avoid the worst of the heat.

Tickets for the Old Fortress are very affordable—they’re only 3 euros for a single entry.

3.Check out Some of Our Favorite Cafes or Coffee Shops

When you visit Corfu Town, you’ll see it is full of cute cafés, restaurants, and coffee shops—honestly, it’s hard to resist trying a new one every morning. And we took full advantage of that, hopping from spot to spot, especially since there are so many charming little alleyways and sun-drenched terraces that are perfect for breakfast.

We definitely have some opinions after trying a bunch of cafés and brunch spots. Our absolute favorites are Gabao and Favela No17—both super local and serving up amazing breakfasts and coffee in cozy, laid-back settings. These places have that authentic feel where you can tell the locals hang out too.

On the other hand, there are a couple of places that look great online but didn’t quite live up to the hype. Sunday Coffee and My Habit are prime examples. They both look gorgeous, and the food is beautifully presented, but honestly, the taste just didn’t match the look. Plus, they’re often overcrowded, so we wouldn’t recommend them if you’re looking for a relaxing breakfast.

4.New Venetian Fortress

If you’re into history and stunning views, the New Venetian Fortress is definitely worth a visit. It’s located on the eastern side of Corfu Town, and while the Old Fortress tends to get all the attention, this one is just as impressive. Built in the 16th century to protect the island from Ottoman attacks, the fortress is a bit less crowded, so you can enjoy a more peaceful experience.

The walk up to the fortress itself is a bit of a climb, but once you’re at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the town, the sea, and the surrounding coastline. Inside, you can explore the old battlements, which are surprisingly well-preserved.

5.Holy Church of Saint Spyridon

The Holy Church of Saint Spyridon is one of Corfu’s most important landmarks, both historically and spiritually. This beautiful church, with its striking red-and-white bell tower, stands in the heart of Old Town and is dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Saint Spyridon. The church is famous for housing his remains, which are said to work miracles, and locals often visit to pay their respects.

If you’re exploring Old Town, it’s definitely worth a quick stop. While the church might not look particularly impressive from the outside or be the largest, it’s still worth stepping inside for a brief visit—that’s exactly what we did.

6.Corfu Museum of Asian Art

One of our favorite surprises was visiting the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. Yeah, we get it—it sounds a bit random since we’re on a Greek island, but trust us, it’s worth checking out.

The museum itself is already pretty beautiful, especially since it’s housed in an old palace built in the 1880s for the British governor. The building alone is worth a stroll around. Inside, the exhibits feature artifacts from China, Japan, and other Asian regions, including cool samurai weapons and armor.

It’s not exactly a must-see if you’re short on time, but if you’ve got a little extra time to spare, it’s definitely worth a visit—plus, tickets are only 6 euros. Just a heads-up, there’s no parking directly at the museum, so it’s easier to simply walk there along the main street if you’re already in Corfu Town.

7.Join an Olive Oil Tasting

One of the coolest experiences we had in Corfu was joining an olive oil tasting at The Olive House by the Governor. This place is actually a branch of a much larger olive oil farm on the island, which we also had the chance to visit. If you’re into food and local products, this is definitely something you should check out.

The Olive House in Corfu Town gives you a chance to learn all about the island’s olive oil production, taste some seriously delicious oils, and get an inside look into how it’s made. We were amazed by how much we learned about the different types of olive oil, from mild to robust, and how it’s used in local cooking. Plus, you can pick up some high-quality bottles to take home.

8.Check Out The Best Bars in Corfu Town & Visit our Favorite Corfu Old Town Restaurants

When you’re in Corfu Town, you’ve got to try the local food, and trust me, there are some fantastic spots to do just that. I’m a big fan of Greek food, and Corfu definitely doesn’t disappoint.

One place we loved was Limoncella. It’s a tiny, charming restaurant that serves both Italian and Greek dishes. The vibe here is perfect for a romantic dinner—cozy and intimate. If you’re looking for a spot with that classic European dinner feel, this is the place.

One of the coolest things to do in Corfu Town at night is heading to Bristol Cafe. It’s a cute cocktail bar in the Old Town, perfect for an Aperol Spritz in the afternoon or a cocktail later in the evening. The atmosphere feels really authentic, and the live music adds a nice touch.

The only downside here is the price. It’s definitely a bit more expensive compared to other local spots, probably because it’s so popular with tourists. I’ve heard a few stories about overcharging too, so just keep an eye on the bill.

We were also recommended Naok Azur, a bar/restaurant with a lovely location offering views over the old port and marina. While the setting is beautiful, I found it to be a bit overpriced for what it offered. The food was just okay, but it’s still worth a stop for a drink to enjoy the view.

9.Go Shopping in Corfu Town and it’s Markets

The markets in Corfu Town are perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and soaking in the local vibe. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll find stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to local olive oil and spices.

One of our favorite spots was the Touristic Market of Corfu Old Town, where we picked up a beautiful handmade olive wood bowl.

Our tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit! It’s part of the fun, and you might score a better deal. For us, it usually worked well to offer paying in cash instead of using a card—this can often get you a 10–20% discount if you’re lucky.

Even if you’re not shopping, the market’s lively atmosphere makes it a fun place to explore.

10.Take a Boat Trip to Mouse Island

We took a boat trip to Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), and while it’s a cute little spot, we don’t think it’s worth the trip if you’re just going there to see the island itself. It’s a tiny island, with only a small chapel to check out. Unless you’re really keen on visiting the chapel, it’s over pretty quickly.

However, if you’re set on a boat trip, we highly recommend doing a sunset cruise. Not only will it take you to Mouse Island at the end, but you’ll also get to cruise around Corfu, taking in the stunning views of the coastline. You’ll get cocktails and snacks along the way, so it’s more of an all-around boat trip experience rather than just a trip to Mouse Island.

11.Relax at the Beach

If you’re looking to relax at the beach in Corfu Town, Faliraki Bathing Beach is the spot to check out. It’s got a great vibe with a small pier where you can dive into the crystal-clear water. Right next to it is Imabari Corfu, a beach bar with sunbeds and a restaurant. The minimum spend for a sunbed is 35 euros, which I think is pretty reasonable—just grab some lunch and a few drinks, and you’re good to go.

This beach is definitely one of our favorites, but be prepared to spend a bit, especially on food and drinks. It’s a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth it for the atmosphere and easy access to the beach. If you’re hoping for even more stunning beaches, you’ll need to rent a car and explore outside of the town—Corfu has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, but you’ll have to drive there as they’re not in town.

12.Visit the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna is one of those places you’ll want to visit while in Corfu for the cultural heritage. It’s a small but stunning church set right on the water, and it feels pretty special. We recommend getting there early, though, especially if you want to take some photos. Before 9 am is your best bet to avoid the crowds—you’ll be able to take it all in without too much noise or fuss.

From here, you can also catch a boat to Mouse Island, which is another great spot to add to your itinerary. If you plan to visit both, this is a great way to combine the two into one little trip. It’s definitely worth it for the quiet charm and the incredible views.

13.Go Plane Spotting

Plane spotting in Corfu is one of those random but fun things to do, mostly because the airport is so close to town. There are a few rooftops around where you can hang out and watch planes fly in really low—it’s actually pretty cool.

Our favorite spot for it is Sky View. It’s a laid-back bar with great drinks and a good atmosphere, and the views of the planes coming in make it a bit more interesting. Even if you’re not into planes, it’s still a good place to chill for a bit.

14.Take a Trip to Albania

Taking a quick trip to Albania from Corfu is one of those things that’s totally doable and a bit of an adventure. It’s just a short ferry ride across the Ionian Sea, and once you land, you’re in a completely different world.

We went from Corfu Town to Saranda and then to Ksamil, and it’s honestly a fun little day trip. You can easily explore, check out some local sites, and even enjoy a meal in one of the seaside restaurants. It’s an easy way to cross off two countries in one trip. Just keep in mind that ferry schedules can vary, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

FAQs About the Top Things to do in Corfu Town

What to See in Corfu Town in one Day?

Wander the Old Town, visit the New Fortress, visit the Byzantine Church, and check out the markets. Grab lunch at a local taverna, then relax at Faliraki Beach or take a sunset boat trip to Mouse Island.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Corfu Town with Kids?

Explore the Old Fortress, see samurai armor at the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, take a boat ride to Mouse Island, and jump off the pier at Faliraki Beach.

What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Corfu Town?

Stroll the Old Town, visit the Holy Church of Saint Spyridon, and walk along the Esplanade. Watch the sunset at Vlacherna Monastery or relax at Faliraki Beach.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Corfu Town

Corfu Island is easily one of my favorite spots in Greece, and after seeing more of the country, I can say that with confidence. While places like Mykonos and Santorini are packed with tourists and ridiculously expensive, Corfu is still affordable and way less crowded—unless a cruise ship rolls in. Corfu Town is definitely worth a visit, with plenty to see, amazing hotels, great food, and some solid shopping. And if you have more time, exploring the rest of the island is a must.

Hope this guide on the best things to do in Corfu helps you plan your trip—happy travels!

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