Enter
Why Kerkyra is a must-visit when you come to Corfu
When you arrive in Corfu, make sure to visit the city called Kerkyra. It is worth noting right away that Kerkyra is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is also one important detail to keep in mind so you don’t get confused: quite often Kerkyra is called the same as the island it is on – Corfu.
Kerkyra is a port city, and on both sides of it stand Venetian fortresses. It is one of the most interesting and distinctive cities in Greece. Here you will find many squares and narrow streets, as well as alleys arranged in the Venetian style, with old stone fountains set along the way.
In the city of Kerkyra there are several museums you should definitely visit. For example, the archaeological museum and the museum that displays Byzantine paintings. In addition, you will surely find the Museum of Asian Art interesting, as well as the Museum of the first President of Greece.
The city of Kerkyra is unique and original because its architecture blends many different styles. The buildings themselves are very interesting and attract tourists, and you will certainly enjoy walking through the city’s squares and streets, admiring the structures you see.
Tourists are usually advised to visit Kerkyra during Orthodox Easter, so they can take part in the festive Ta Karnivalia carnival. Another excellent time to come to Kerkyra is autumn – especially September – because this is the month when the music and arts festival takes place.
While in Kerkyra, also visit the forts Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio. You may also be interested in the church of Agios Spyridon, built in the 16th century – this is the cathedral erected in honor of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the patron saint of Corfu.
Visit the British Cemetery as well, and spend some time in the quiet cafés you can find behind the building of the Museum of Asian Art.
You can get to the city of Kerkyra by ferry from mainland Greece and from some islands. More detailed information about excursions to Kerkyra, as well as when and how you can book a tour to Corfu, can be obtained from our managers.
Kerkyra at a glance
UNESCO status and an iconic old-town vibe (often called by the island name: Corfu).
Port city framed by Venetian fortresses, plus squares and narrow lanes made for walking.
Museums: Archaeological, Byzantine paintings, Asian Art, and the Museum of Greece’s first President.
Best timing: Orthodox Easter (Ta Karnivalia) and September (music & arts festival).
Must-see: Paleo Frourio, Neo Frourio, and Agios Spyridon Cathedral (16th century).
Kerkyra, section by section: streets, museums, fortresses
A UNESCO city with a “double” name
When you arrive in Corfu, make sure to visit the city called Kerkyra. It is worth noting right away that Kerkyra is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is also one important detail to keep in mind so you don’t get confused: quite often Kerkyra is called the same as the island it is on – Corfu.
Venetian texture: the port, squares, and fountains
Kerkyra is a port city, and on both sides of it stand Venetian fortresses. It is one of the most interesting and distinctive cities in Greece. Here you will find many squares and narrow streets, as well as alleys arranged in the Venetian style, with old stone fountains set along the way.
Museums worth stepping into
In the city of Kerkyra there are several museums you should definitely visit. For example, the archaeological museum and the museum that displays Byzantine paintings.
In addition, you will surely find the Museum of Asian Art interesting, as well as the Museum of the first President of Greece.
Architecture: many styles, one great walk
The city of Kerkyra is unique and original because its architecture blends many different styles. The buildings themselves are very interesting and attract tourists, and you will certainly enjoy walking through the city’s squares and streets, admiring the structures you see.
When to go: holidays and festivals
Tourists are usually advised to visit Kerkyra during Orthodox Easter, so they can take part in the festive Ta Karnivalia carnival. Another excellent time to come to Kerkyra is autumn – especially September – because this is the month when the music and arts festival takes place.
Fortresses, a cathedral, and quiet corners
While in Kerkyra, also visit the forts Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio.
You may also be interested in the church of Agios Spyridon, built in the 16th century – this is the cathedral erected in honor of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the patron saint of Corfu.
Visit the British Cemetery as well, and spend some time in the quiet cafés you can find behind the building of the Museum of Asian Art.
What to do in Kerkyra
Walk through squares and narrow streets, look for Venetian-style alleys and old stone fountains, step into a few museums (Archaeological, Byzantine paintings, Asian Art, the Museum of Greece’s first President), then set time aside for Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio and the Agios Spyridon Cathedral. For a quieter break, try the tucked-away cafés behind the Museum of Asian Art building and a calm stroll to the British Cemetery.
1-day itinerary in Kerkyra
Start with the old town: stroll through squares and narrow lanes, notice Venetian details and stone fountains. Then choose one museum (for example, the Archaeological Museum or the museum with Byzantine paintings). After that, head to Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio, and in the late afternoon visit Agios Spyridon Cathedral. End your day in a quiet café behind the Museum of Asian Art building or with a peaceful walk to the British Cemetery.
2-day itinerary in Kerkyra
Day 1: old town walk, squares and Venetian-style narrow streets, old stone fountains. Then — the Archaeological Museum or the museum with Byzantine paintings. Finish with the quieter cafés behind the Museum of Asian Art building.
Day 2: Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio, then — Agios Spyridon Cathedral (16th century), dedicated to Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the patron saint of Corfu. Wrap up with a stroll to the British Cemetery and extra time to enjoy the city’s architecture, where many styles blend together.
How to get to Kerkyra
You can reach the city of Kerkyra by ferry from mainland Greece and from some islands. More detailed information about excursions to Kerkyra, as well as when and how you can book a tour to Corfu, can be obtained from our managers.
FAQ: Kerkyra (Corfu)
Are Kerkyra and Corfu the same thing?
Kerkyra is the city, while Corfu is the island. However, the city is often called by the island name: Corfu.
Why is Kerkyra linked to UNESCO?
Kerkyra is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, highlighting the value of its historic character.
What’s the best first impression spot?
The port area, with Venetian fortresses standing on both sides, immediately sets the tone for the city.
Which museums should I visit in Kerkyra?
The Archaeological Museum, the museum with Byzantine paintings, the Museum of Asian Art, and the Museum of Greece’s first President.
What’s Kerkyra best for: museums or walks?
Both: the city is made for strolling through squares and narrow lanes, and it also has several museums worth visiting.
Where can I find quieter cafés?
Look behind the building of the Museum of Asian Art, where you can find more secluded cafés.
When is the best time to visit Kerkyra?
Orthodox Easter is a popular recommendation, and autumn—especially September—is also great due to the music and arts festival.
What happens during Orthodox Easter?
You can take part in the festive Ta Karnivalia carnival held around the Orthodox Easter period.
Which forts should I include?
Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio are the recommended fort sites to visit while in the city.
What cathedral is a key landmark in Kerkyra?
Agios Spyridon Cathedral, built in the 16th century, dedicated to Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, the patron saint of Corfu.
Any calm, less touristy places to see?
Yes: the British Cemetery and the more secluded café spots behind the Museum of Asian Art building.
Why do people love the architecture here?
Because many different styles are blended together, making the city’s buildings especially interesting to explore.
Is Kerkyra good for slow travel?
Yes: the city naturally invites slow walks, museum stops, and relaxed breaks in quieter cafés.
How do I get to Kerkyra?
You can get there by ferry from mainland Greece and from some islands.
Where can I ask about tours and booking?
For detailed information about excursions to Kerkyra and how to book a Corfu tour, you can contact our managers.
