Located in the northern part of Greece, Corfu is one of the islands in the Ionian Sea, known as the green island for its lush vegetation and
abundant olive groves. The island’s fortifications were used by the Venetians to successfully prevent Ottoman occupation, and the Venetian influence is evident in its architecture. The island were later ruled by the British Empire until it was unified under modern Greece. The main city, also known as Corfu, was the next stop in our Greek Islands cruise.
We decided to forgo an excursion this time and just visit the Old Town on foot. To get to the entrance of the Old Town from the cruise port you can take a taxi, readily available for €10 each way, catch a public bus for a lot less or walk, keeping the water on your left. It is about a 25 minutes walk on flat terrain, but as soon as we realized how hot it was so early in the morning we grabbed a taxi. Before leaving the cruise terminal stop at the Tourist Information booth and grab an easy to read tourist map of the main city.
The Old Town is bordered on each side by the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. Each are only €6 and €3 respectively per person to visit. In between there are Greek Orthodox Churches to explore, especially the St. Spyridon Church for which Corfu is well known, the Antivountissa Church and Byzantine Museum (€4 pp), and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George and the Museum of Asian Art (€6 pp). Spend some time in Theotoki Square watching the Greek people at work and play.
Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the Old Town to find competitively priced souvenirs or peek into high end boutiques. Take the time to appreciate kumquat gelato, the island’s signature fruit. We also tasted some kumquat liquors and enjoyed it so much we brought a small bottle home with us. There are lots of cafes and delis to grab an early morning coffee and pastry or a fast and delicious lunch. Stroll along the waterfront and envy the beautiful yachts and sailing vessels.
I have no doubt that given the time we would have enjoyed all Corfu had to offer, both inside the main city and out. It is yet another Greek Island that we would gladly add to any Mediterranean cruise.