Corfù Town Kerkyra

Corfu city is located on the east coast of the island. And it is one of the places that, without a doubt, deserves an in-depth visit. Its blend of Byzantine and Venetian styles, narrow streets, craft shops and nearby sea views make it perhaps one of the most beautiful attractions in non-classical Greece.

Much of the charm of Corfu Town, or Kerkyra as it is called in Greek, is contained in its historical centre, the old town. It is here that the ancient city buildings, made of stone and with a wooden roof, wind their way harmoniously, accompanying the journey of this open-air museum. You get around trampling the cobblestones of the narrow streets that connect the old quarter, known as Kantounia. Another distinctive element of the historic center of Corfu Town. And in particular of the most characteristic and fascinating of its districts, Campiello, located in the northern part of the historic centre.

To the south is the Spilia district. In the middle of these two neighborhoods, a little curiosity. At number 18 of via Filellinon is what is said to be the oldest building in the city, dating back to 1497.

But the two guardians of the city are the masters in his magnificent context. The Old Fortress or Venetian Fortress, located on the peninsula east of the city. And the New Fortress, built further inside.

Once a circle of walls enclosed both fortresses. Of these walls today remain Port Spilia and Port St. Nicolas, two of the original four. The New Fortress was also connected to the old one and to other places in the city through tunnels, which are no longer practicable today. Of the two, the Venetian Fortress is the more interesting and better preserved. Inside, you can visit old barracks and prisons. And from the height where it is located, you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the bay and the city.

The Fortezza Nuova, largely destroyed during the Second World War, is an imposing and massive construction. Even from here you can enjoy a fascinating view of the city. While inside there are exhibitions and displays.

Separating the Venetian Fortress from the rest of Kerkyra is a huge square known as the Spianada. This is precisely because, as the name suggests, the Venetians decided to have a vast area free from buildings that would allow them to deploy long-range firearms, for further defense of the fortress. Today, with no military purposes, this large open space is reserved for events and demonstrations of various kinds.

The last two interesting curiosities not to be missed are the Royal Palace and the Church of Agios Spiridonas. The first is a building built by the English governors in the 19th century, just above the Spianada facing the sea. Today it is the Civic Museum of Asian Art, where wonderful objects from the Far East are kept.

The second is the most important church in the city, which impresses with its fascinating frescoed ceiling.

Kerkyra, apart from its artistic and scenic beauty, is also an ideal city for young people. Thanks to its cosmopolitan and carefree nature, spending very pleasant evenings in the nightlife is perhaps an attraction within the attraction. From choosing which restaurant to go to for dinner, among the many in the historic centre, to enjoying a drink in Liston plaza and a walk to the Spianada. Up to have fun throughout the night of Corfu in the various nightclubs that the city offers. Between pubs for those who prefer something quiet, or the various discos. Certainly there is no shortage of fun. This is why it is chosen every summer by thousands of young people in search of beauty and fun.

If one day that you are in Corfu City you want to take some time to cool off, it is also possible to enjoy a bit of the sea while staying directly in the city. Even if the choice is actually limited. For an unforgettable day at the beach, the island offers far more fascinating destinations. However, in Kerkyra you can relax at Faliraki beach, just above the Royal Palace. You will not be lying on the sand, but on paved ground. However the water is splendid, as is the view of the Fortress just beyond.

A second alternative is Spilia beach. A small strip of land more appreciated by locals than by tourists, as it is very private and hidden. It is located just below a road near the old port of Corfu. Within walking distance, the city center. A real convenience.