One Day in Corfu Town: The Ultimate Itinerary

Wondering about how to maximise your time with just one day in Corfu Town? This itinerary will help you experience the highlights of this charming city.

As the capital of Corfu, one of Greece’s most beloved tourist destinations, Corfu Town is renowned for its Venetian architecture, charming cobbled streets and numerous historic sites.

The city boasts an authentic historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance. I’ve spent days exploring the city and can attest that it’s a great day trip destination for those staying in Corfu’s beach resort areas.

This one-day itinerary covers the city’s highlights, along with my favourite dining options and activities that showcase the different aspects of local life.

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One Day in Corfu Town Itinerary: Morning

9.00AM – Breakfast at Locale

Goat cheese, fresh figs and salad at Locale — Ksenia’s meal at Locale: goat’s cheese, figs and salad

Start your day right with a Greek breakfast at Locale. This all-day eatery and wine bar located slightly off the tourist trail, aims to source the best local ingredients, allowing visitors to experience authentic Corfiot and Greek flavours.

Although 9am might be too early for wine, their breakfast, and other foods on offer, are simply excellent. Also, the friendly owner is a great source of local knowledge, so don’t be afraid to ask her about local foodie spots and must-try cheeses.

Address: Sotiros 9, Kerkira 491 00

9.45AM – Stroll Around Old Town

Now that you have fuel in your tank, time to explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town.

Head east from Locale towards the next attraction – the Old Fortress. However, since the Old Town is compact, you can easily check out a few quaint streets on your way there.

As you stroll along, you can admire the elegant Venetian-style architecture, spot cool patisseries and delis and take note of any interesting souvenir shops you may want to check out later.

I recommend visiting the Agiou Spiridonos street as that’s where you’ll find the historic Saint Spyridon Church. Its tower is visible from pretty much anywhere in the city centre.

The Church of Saint Spyridon houses the relic of Saint Spyridon, Corfu’s patron saint and is an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. You can go in to have a look but be sure to dress modestly and cover your legs and shoulders as this is still an active place of worship.

Just a stone’s throw from the church you’ll find the elegant Liston, a pedestrianised street with Paris-inspired architecture, the Corfu Cricket Pitch from the time when the island was a British protectorate, and Spianada Square with its immaculate lawns and elegant Music Pavillion.

From there you can walk towards the next stop on this itinerary, the Old Fortress.

10.30AM – Old Fortress

The imposing fortifications of the Old Fortress

The Old Fortress is one of Corfu’s most significant historic sites. The site that the fortress occupies has seen some form of fortifications from the 6^th century onwards.

However, many of the current fortifications were constructed by the Venetians in the 15^th century. The fortress continued to evolve as Corfu changed hands and many new buildings were built by the British.

Today, visitors can admire the impressive fortifications, check out some small historic exhibitions and walk up to the top of the fortress to enjoy spectacular views over the city and the Ionian Sea.

The Old Fortress is also home to the Corfu Sailing Club, the Archives of Corfu, Corfu Public Library and a Music School. Moreover, is a popular venue for outdoor music events.

The entrance fee is €6 (US $6.40) per person. There is a café on-site where you can get some refreshments and snacks.

Alternative: Walking Tour

If you would like to find out more about Corfu Town’s history, you can replace the proposed morning itinerary with a guided tour.

This History and Culture Walking Tour starts off at 10.00am with a visit to the Old Fortress. Afterwards, you will get to explore the alleyways and sites of the Old Town.

12.00PM – Lunch

Chances are, at this point you are ready for a re-fuel. After a visit to the Old Fortress, the easiest option is to enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of the many cafes at the Liston. Cafe Kohlias and Josephine are both decent options.

However, the eateries in the Liston area are all geared towards tourists and can be expensive. For something slightly off the beaten trail, and budget friendly, I recommend heading south from the Liston to Starenio Bakery.

Starenio offers traditional Corfiot pies with various fillings, as well as a selection of sweets and cakes. The outdoor seating is limited, but you can simply take your food elsewhere if necessary.

Address: Starenio Bakery, Gkilford 61, Kerkira 491 00

One Day in Corfu Town Itinerary: Afternoon

1.00PM – Museum of Asian Art/Corfu Art Gallery

The elegant exterior of the Museum of Asian Art

In the afternoon, the heat can get quite intense. This is the perfect time to visit some of Corfu’s excellent museums.

Just a stone’s throw from the Old Fortress and the Liston you will find the Corfu Museum of Asian Art. Housed in the elegant Palace of St. Michael and St. George, it is the only museum in Greece specialising in the art from various parts of Asia.

From Japanese silk and Chinese porcelain to Central Asian nomad clothing to religious sculpture from Southeast Asia, the museum boasts many fascinating artefacts. There are also temporary exhibitions that cover both Asian art and local stories.

The museum shares the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George with the Municipal Gallery of Corfu. It’s a relatively small museum that showcases Corfiot art through the centuries.

You can visit both museums in one afternoon if you would like or choose the one that aligns better with your interests.

Entry fee to the Museum of Asian Art is €6 (US $6.40) per person. Tickets to the Municipal Gallery are €4 (US $4.30) per person.

3.00PM – Garden of the People and Faliraki Beach

Faliraki Bathing Beach in Corfu Town from above — Faliraki Bathing Beach

After immersing yourself in local history and culture, head to the Garden of the People, located right next to the Museum of Asian Art and the Municipal Gallery.

This small, but perfectly formed garden offers ample shade thanks to its trees, picture-perfect views of the Old Fortress and a general sense of serenity. It’s just a great place to relax and enjoy a beautiful setting.

From the gardens, you will also spot the Faliraki Bathing Beach. It’s small and occupies a paved area next to the water, but both locals and tourists go there for swimming in the crystal-clear water.

This one day in Corfu itinerary doesn’t include much time at the beach. However, if it’s something that you’d like to do, feel free to drop the museums and enjoy an afternoon relaxing there.

4.00PM – Olive Oil Tasting at Olive House by the Governor

The next stop on the itinerary is the Olive House by the Governor, located at the Nikiforou Theotoki street in the heart of Old Town. It will take you about 5-10 minutes to get there from the Garden of the People.

Corfu has an abundance of olive groves and there are several premium olive oil producers on the island. It is possible to visit some of them, as they run tours and museums.

However, if that’s not option during your trip, you can taste this Greek staple right in the heart of Corfu Town. The Governor, one of the local award-winning olive oil producers, has set up a stylish tasting venue where you can learn what high quality virgin olive oil is about.

My husband and I went for an olive oil tasting there and ended up buying their products as souvenirs from our trip. The Governor’s olive oil just doesn’t compare to the regular stuff you get at your local supermarket.

You can book your spot on the official Olive House website. The tasting costs €10 (US $10.70) per person.

5.00PM – Aperitivo

After a long day of exploring, it’s time to enjoy Corfu Town’s lively evening vibes. After the olive oil tasting, you can either go back to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner or find a bar for a drink.

There are many bars offering outdoor seating in the historic cite centre, which are perfect for enjoying the gentler evening sun and people-watching.

Located near the Corfu Town Hall, The Bristol Cafe is a popular destination for drinks including craft cocktails and wine. Alternatively, you can try the smart Chàvez Cafeteria Drinkeria that offers a range of signature cocktails and spritzes, perfect for the aperitivo.

Address: The Bristol Cafe, Evgeniou Voulgareos 49, Kerkira 491 00; Chàvez Cafeteria Drinkeria, Evgeniou Voulgareos 52, Kerkira 491 00

7.00PM – Dinner – Taverna Ninos or the Venetian Well

The entrance to Ninos Taverna at night-time — Taverna Ninos

Finish your day with a delicious meal at the historic Taverna Ninos that serves up traditional Corfiot dishes such as sofrito and pastistada, and Greek staples such as gyros and souvlaki.

When my husband and I went, the service was basic, but the food and value for money was excellent. We especially enjoyed the gyros. Add a Greek salad and some wine, and you’ve got a complete meal.

If you are after a more refined dining experience, consider booking a table at the Venitian Well. The menu showcases the best of local ingredients complemented with an extensive wine list. The restaurant also boasts a romantic feel perfect for a special occasion.

Address: Taverna Ninos, Sevastianou 44, Kerkira 491 00; Venetian Well, L. Dessyla 1 – Kremastri Square

9.00PM – Dessert: Ice Cream

For dessert, I recommend trying out one of Corfu’s many ice cream shops. One of my personal favourites is Ice Cream Bochoti that has an extensive selection of ice cream flavours and other treats.

For a truly unique local speciality, go for the kumquat ice cream flavour. Kumquat is a small citrus fruit that was imported to Corfu from the Far East many years ago. It grows in abundance on the island, so you will find it featured in many products including marmalades, liquors, sweets and more.

We loved Bochoti ice cream so much, we visited several times during our stay in Corfu Town.

Address: Nikiforou Theotoki 25, Kerkira 491 00

When is the Best Time to Visit Corfu Town

The best time to visit Corfu Town is during the shoulder seasons of May and September. I visited the city in late September and enjoyed my time there. The weather remains pleasant, with afternoon heat being relatively mild and comfortable for sightseeing.

Moreover, the crowds are noticeably thinner compared to the peak season of July and August. Nonetheless, being a popular tourist destination and a stop on many European cruises, Corfu Town maintains a steady flow of visitors, so completely avoiding the crowds might be impossible.

How to Get to Corfu Town

Corfu Town is home to the island’s international airport which connects Corfu with many European cities. Most visitors start their adventure there.

From the airport, you can either catch bus number 15 (€1.20 per ticket) or get a taxi to get into town. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer to your accommodation to reduce the hassle on arrival.

If you are travelling from another part of Corfu to the city, check if the Green Bus network covers your location. This is the most affordable way to travel around the island. The other option is catching a taxi or hiring a car.

Some coastal areas of Corfu may also offer water taxis to the city. This is arguably the most scenic way to get to Corfu Town.

How to Get Around Corfu Town

Corfu Old Town is highly walkable and has many pedestrianised areas. You won’t need to use public transport for this one-day itinerary in Corfu Town.

If you do need to travel further, you can take advantage of the local bus network, called the Blue buses. You can find more information about routes and ticket prices on the official network website.

Budget for a Day in Corfu Town

Budgets, of course, depend on your personal preferences. However, if you are following this itinerary, I would allow for about €80- €85 (US $85 – $91) per person. If you decide to have a meal at the Venetian Well, add another €50 per person.

This budget doesn’t include accommodation. Hotel prices depend on the season, but budget at least €100 (US $107) per night.

Top Tips for Visiting Corfu Town

Here are a few suggestions to make your trip to Corfu Town even better:

Although Corfu is safe, you should still be aware of your surroundings of all times and keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing and theft are rare, but they can still happen.
Be sure to stay hydrated and know your limits when it comes to heat. Summer afternoons in the city can be notoriously hot, and sometimes it’s best to simply avoid being in the sun to feel comfortable.
Wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the UV rays.
Cards are widely accepted around the city but have some cash on you just in case.

Where to Stay in Corfu Town

Whether you are following this itinerary or coming up with your own, it is best to stay in Corfu Old Town itself for easy access to attractions and dining options.

The historic centre boasts a great selection of self-catering accommodation and boutique hotels, from cheap and cheerful to luxurious.

My husband and I stayed at the Filarmonia Suite Annunziata apartment. We loved its location in a quiet corner of the city, just a short walk away from all the action. It is also situated in one of the historic Venetian-style buildings adding charm to our stay.

If you are after a luxurious experience, check out the Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel. It is packed with traditional charm and just a stone’s throw from everything that Corfu Old Town has to offer.

Final Thoughts

I hope that this one day in Corfu Town itinerary will help you plan your own unforgettable adventure. For more practical travel information, take a look at these guides to Corfu travel costs and transportation options.

These Corfu itinerary suggestions will help you decide on how many days you need on the island, while this guide to Corfu without a car gives the lowdown on exploring it without your own private vehicle.

If you are wondering where else to visit in Corfu, I highly recommend adding the coastal village of Paleokastritsa to your itinerary. It’s easy to get there from the city to enjoy its natural beauty and scenic beaches.

Moreover, Paleokastritsa boasts a good selection of traditional Greek tavernas and proximity to popular historic sites such as Angelokastro.

FAQs: One Day in Corfu Town

Is Corfu Town worth visiting?

Yes, Corfu Town is absolutely worth visiting. Its Old Town, the heart of the city, preserves its historic charm, offering visitors a trip back in time. Wander along its quaint, cobbled streets, explore museums and ancient fortresses, and indulge in local delicacies at the many excellent eateries. Additionally, it’s perfect for simply discovering a cosy bar with outdoor seating, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine accompanied by mezze while soaking in the atmosphere.

How long to spend in Corfu Town?

Although one day in Corfu Town is enough to see the top central attractions, I recommend spending two days in the city. That way you can cover more ground, including points of interest outside of the city centre such as Mon Repos, and have time to relax and try a few more interesting eateries.

Is Corfu Old Town lively?

Yes, Corfu Old Town is lively, especially at night time. Many bars and restaurants have outdoor seating which helps to create a buzz. Shops, ice cream parlours and eateries stay open late into the night, inviting visitors to wander the Old Town after dark. Also, Corfu Old Town is a popular destination for tourists, so in reality it’s pretty much always busy with people.

How far is the beach from Corfu Town?

There is a bathing beach right in Corfu Old Town called Faliraki Beach. It’s not a beach in a traditional sense, as it’s basically just a paved area with direct sea access. You can go for a swim there or hang out at the local beach club. For a more traditional beach experience, you can catch a bus to the nearby resort villages such as Dassia, Benitses and Gouvia.

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One Day in Corfu Town: The Ultimate Itinerary