Top Landmarks
in Corfu (Greece)
Cruise Port Guide (2023)

Corfu's Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site with several landmarks, museums, and buildings that are a delight to enjoy when cruising Greece and calling at this popular port of call.

Contents

1. Liston
2. Spianada
3. Kanoni and Mouse Island
4. Square of the Saint
5. Town Hall Square

The cruise passenger should not miss the Liston on Kapodistriou Street and the garden just in front - the Spianada or Square Esplanade, where locals play cricket. The Square of the Saint (aka Heroes Square) in the middle of Nikiforou Theotoki, the main shopping street in the Old Town, is a place to enjoy a break.

Not far, like all landmarks in the Old Town, the Town Hall Square is another picturesque spot. Just south of Corfu Town, Kanoni offers beautiful views (and photo opportunities) of the Kanoni Peninsula and the Mouse Island.

Besides the Landmarks reviewed below, Corfu has other top Highlights, surprising Museums and extraordinary 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.

The Liston

The Liston is a sight to behold. It is located on the western end of the Esplanade Square (aka Spianada) and features some of the city's most fashionable cafes.

The Liston's elegant architecture dates back to 1807 when the French occupied the city and it is reminiscent of Paris' Rue de Rivoli. There is no off-season at The Liston, which is populated year-round. There is no better place to relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the park view. Where: On the Spianada between Kapodistriou and Eleftherias Streets.

Spianada or Square Esplanade

The Spianada is a beautiful square at the center of Corfu Town. It also holds the title of largest square in the Balkans, not to mention it's the only spot in Greece where Cricket is played.

Lush and green, this park owes its beauty to the French who planted trees here centuries ago. Today it is lined with quaint cafes and is the most popular meeting spot in town. On a stroll through the park, you will encounter several important monuments, including the Rotonda, an Ionic-style structure built in honor Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British Lord High Commissioner. Where: between the Old Fortress and Old Town.

Kanoni Peninsula and Mouse Island

Located on the South side of Corfu Town, Kanoni was the location of Corfu's first city and is therefore home to many archaeological sites including the ancient temple of Artemis.

It is also one of the most picturesque areas of the island, and it offers stunning views of the 17th-century Vlakhérna monastery and of Mouse Island (Pontikonissi in Greek), which can be reached on a 5 minute boat ride. Kanoni is named after a famous cannon brought by the French in 1798 that sits at the top of the hill of Analypsi. Where: south of Corfu Town

Square of the Saint

Also known as the Square of the Heroes of the Cypriot Struggle, the main building in this landmark is the Bank Note Museum.

The area around the square is the site of three important churches: the Church of St. Spiridon, the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Strangers, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. Here you will also find traditional Greek restaurants, shops, and quaint old homes as well as a vibrant art scene during the summer. Where:in the middle of Nikiforou Theotoki Street, a busy shopping street, right of the Liston.

Town Hall Square

One of the most important meeting places during Venetian occupation, the Town Hall Square today is a picturesque and stylish area for having coffee or doing lunch.

The Town Hall itself is a massive marble structure built between 1663 and 1693. It served as a club for noblemen and the first Greek opera house before becoming the Town Hall. Where: At the end of Evgeniou Voulgareos, right of the Liston.