Best things to do in Corfu Town

Taking up a large part of a rocky peninsula renowned for its ocean views, Old Fortress Corfu is linked to the rest of the city by a fixed iron bridge. Visit the impressive site, which sits on the spot once occupied by a Byzantine structure that was largely replaced by the Venetians during the 18th century. Although the fortress rebutted three consecutive Ottoman sieges, it eventually fell under the French rule and joined the Greek territories in 1864. Before you enter, admire the marble statue in front of German general Von Schulenburg, who successfully defended the city from the last siege in 1716.

The Museum of Asian Art of Corfu is a museum in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu, Greece. The only museum in Greece dedicated to the art of Asia, it has collections of Chinese art, Japanese art, Indian art and others.

Enjoy a relaxing walk around maintained gardens, fountains, bridges, sculptures, and monuments at Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece. Situated in front of the Old Fortress, the square is the first thing you see as you approach the historic part of the town. Have your camera ready, for photo opportunities abound--a Neoclassical rotunda at the end of the square makes a good backdrop. Once done with strolling, sit in one of the many cafes and restaurants lining Liston, the town's famous promenade. This is also the only place in the country where cricket matches are played.

Take a step back in time at Corfu Old Town, a World Heritage Site. Sitting between two massive Venetian forts, the old city of Corfu boasts Neoclassical architecture and many historic monuments, including churches and museums. Allow yourself to wander away from the few crowded streets and get lost within picturesque hidden squares and narrow alleys, where washing lines stretch between balconies just like in the old times.

Casa Parlante allows you to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the island's 19th-century upper class. This small, interactive museum occupies a classical mansion on the edge of the old town. You'll see inside the cramped servants' quarters and learn about all the messy work they had to do to keep their masters comfortable in the era before sewage and electricity. Perfect replicas of period furnishing and animated life-size figures of house residents bring history to life.

Commissioned by Austrian Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria as a summer holiday home, Achilleion Museum was also home to Kaiser Wilhelm II. After her son died, Elisabeth decided to design a palace in Corfu, a favorite holiday destination. In 1890, the palace was built with a focus on the mythical hero, Achilles. Enter through the manicured gardens, which are dotted with statues representing Zeus and Hera. Inside the palace, you're greeted by a portrait of the tormented empress. You can explore her room, which is filled with its original artwork. The kaiser, who bought the home after the empress’s death, is represented in a room featuring his personal items, including his portrait and other paintings.

View the relics of a 1st-century saint at Church of Saint Spiridon, an unassuming Greek Orthodox church built in the 16th century. Though easily overlooked from the outside, the church boasts an elaborate interior, including a marble iconostasis, a double sarcophagus for the remains of St. Spyridon, and other Baroque elements. The relics were moved here in 1949 following the fall of the Byzantine Empire. Note the intricately painted ceilings with gold trim recounting the saint's life, as well as the incense burners hanging from the ceiling. Visitors are expected to be quiet, respectful, and dressed modestly.

Wander through tunnels, underground galleries, and vaulted passages of New Fortress of Corfu and you'll feel like you've been transported to the Venetian age of nobles and knights. Perched on the hill, it affords panoramic views of the old port and the city of Corfu. Venetians built this fortress in two levels between 1576 and 1645 using stone from nearly 2,000 houses and churches. Notice the winged Lion of St. Mark on the Royal Gate and its two bastions, remarkable examples of defensive architecture. A stone building from the British rule houses a museum of ceramic art as well as a small cafe.

Enjoy calm turquoise water ideal for swimming and views across to Albania at Dassia Beach. As with all beaches on this side of the island, the shore is covered with white pebbles instead of sand. You can rent umbrellas, lounge chairs, and equipment for various water sports on site. Head to one of the four-star hotels or bars lining the beach for a bite to eat and refreshments.