Top Attractions
in Corfu (Greece)
Cruise Port (2023)

In addition to being one of the most picturesque towns in Greece, Corfu Town is the capital of Corfu, the largest city of the Ionian Islands with around 30,000 residents and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Besides the Highlights reviewed below, Corfu has very interesting Museums, Landmarks and Religious Sites that cruise travelers interested in Cultural Heritage should not miss. The Paleokastritsa Monastery is a major highlight of the Island to be visited when exploring sites Out of Town.

Attractions in Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town's elegant and unique architecture contains elements of Sicilian, Venetian, French and British design - marking eras when these countries dominated the island.

Corfu Old Town was built between two Venetian fortresses (the New and the Old Fort) both of which are worth a tour. Cruise ship travelers wandering the city's narrow stone streets should not miss the Spianada, one of the most popular and beautiful plazas in the Greece.

The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges on the northern edge of the Spianada is a highlight. One mile south of the Old Town, the Mon Repos Palace is a must see attraction and so is the Achilleion Palace, near the Village of Gastouri - 10 km south of the Old Town.

The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges

This elegant building sits prominently on the northern edge of the Esplanade Square, marked by a long colonnade in Doric style along the front. It was built in Georgian style in 1824 when the English occupied Corfu.

Initially, it housed Sir Thomas Maitland, the first Lord High Commissioner, and later it became the home of the Greek Royal Family. It is also known as City Palace and was designed by Sir George Whitmore. It houses the Museum of Asian Art and the Municipal Gallery.

 

Old Fortress

The Old Fortress stands on a peninsula to the east of the town. It was constructed by the Venetians in the 15th century and is one of the islands' most impressive sites. Access to the fortress is through an arched entrance from the Spianada, in the Old Town, down a pathway known as the Contafossa.

Within the fortress you will find various cultural attractions and spots for walking and taking in the views.

 

The New Fortress

Only three decades after the construction of the Old Fortress, the Venetians built the New Fortress to strengthen the island's defenses. It is also known as the Fortress of St. Mark and is located on the northwest side of the Old Town.

Spend some time here meandering through the maze of tunnels and fortifications before ending up at the center where a British citadel stands. You can also do some shopping at the town's fish and vegetable marketplace, which can be found in the dry moat

 

Achilleion Palace

One of Corfu's most beloved attractions, Achilleion Palace is located in the beautiful village of Gastouri. It was built in 1890 as a summer retreat for Elizabeth, the Empress of Austria, who fell in love with Corfu. The palace's gardens are impeccably landscaped and adorned with statues of Greek gods and goddesses, namely Achilles.

Make sure to bring your camera and attempt to seize the incredible views of the sea and Corfu Old Town. Directly below the palace on the coast, you will see the Kaiser's Bridge, a jetty built for Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany to launch his yacht.

 

Mon Repos Palace

Situated atop Analipsis Hill, this small but beautiful palace was built in 1926 by British Commissioner Frederic Adams. It is believed to be located on the exact site of the ancient civilization of Corfu. It is particularly notable because Prince Phillip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was born here in 1921.

Besides the beauty of the building, the lush grounds and its location, it is a must to visit the display of Ionian art and treasures in the Archaeological Museum housed in the palace.