History · Corfu · Greece
8 historic sites to see in Corfu
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Dr.K., CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Start with Corfu Old Town, Spianada and the Liston and Achilleion Palace. Together the 8 picks below take roughly 12–13 hours across 2 areas; 4 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 8
- Free entry
- 4
- Time to see them all
- 12–13 hours
- Areas
- Corfu Town and Gastouri
Historic sites in Corfu
Neighbourhood · Corfu Town
1.Corfu Old Town
The Campiello quarter, the oldest part, is quietest in the early morning.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Shopping
- Photo spot
Landmark · Corfu Town
2.Spianada and the Liston
Along its western side, the Liston is an arcaded promenade built under French rule and modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli, now lined with cafés.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- After dark
- Food
Palace · Gastouri
3.Achilleion Palace
Its terraced gardens hold statues including the dying Achilles and a giant Achilles Triumphant, with views over the east coast.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Views
Castle · Corfu Town
4.Old Fortress
Inside are the neoclassical Church of St George, built by the British, and paths to the lighthouse at the top for views over town and the sea.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
- Photo spot
- Kids
Religious site · Corfu Town
5.Church of Saint Spyridon
Its red-domed bell tower is the tallest on the island, and the dark interior is filled with silver lamps and a painted ceiling.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Park · Corfu Town
6.Mon Repos
The villa houses a museum of the island's history, and the park leads to the ruins of ancient Palaiopolis, including a Doric temple.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Outdoors
- Nature
Museum · Corfu Town
7.Archaeological Museum of Corfu
It also displays finds from ancient Korkyra's cemeteries and sanctuaries.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Rainy day
Museum · Corfu Town
8.Museum of Asian Art
Housed in the Palace of St Michael and St George, built in the 1820s for the British High Commissioner, the museum holds a large collection of Chinese, Japanese and Indian art, including ceramics, bronzes and screens.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Corfu Town | Corfu Old Town, Spianada and the Liston, Old Fortress, Church of Saint Spyridon, Mon Repos, Archaeological Museum of Corfu and Museum of Asian Art | Half a day + 1 hour + 1.5 hours + 30 minutes + 2 hours + 1 hour + 1–1.5 hours |
| Gastouri | Achilleion Palace | 1.5 hours |
Booking and timing
Of these 8, 4 free, 3 low cost, 1 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is Corfu Old Town; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 3 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (Corfu Town): Corfu Old Town → Spianada and the Liston, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 2 (Corfu Town): Old Fortress → Church of Saint Spyridon → Mon Repos, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 3 (Corfu Town and Gastouri): Archaeological Museum of Corfu → Museum of Asian Art → Achilleion Palace, at least 4 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- March: highs of 17°C (63°F), about 9 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Spring wildflowers start to cover the olive groves; still quiet with some showers.
- February: highs of 15°C (59°F), about 10 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Cool and changeable with almond blossom; Carnival brings parades to Corfu Town in some years.
- January: highs of 14°C (57°F), about 11 rainy days, very quiet crowds. Mild but wet and quiet; most resort hotels and beach tavernas are closed, while Corfu Town stays open.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- Corfu Town — UNESCO old town of Venetian lanes, fortresses and the Liston arcade
More of Corfu
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Corfu?
Corfu Old Town. The UNESCO-listed old town grew within Venetian fortifications from the 15th to the 18th century, and its narrow kantounia lanes, tall shuttered houses, small squares and Catholic and Orthodox churches still follow that plan.
+Which of these are free in Corfu?
Corfu Old Town, Spianada and the Liston, Church of Saint Spyridon and Mon Repos.