Corfu Town is the capital of the island and is often considered the most beautiful of Greek towns. A day trip to Corfu Town from Rebecca’s Village is very worthwhile and there is plenty to see and do.
Although it is the most densely
populated town in the Ionian Islands and the location for Corfu’s
major port, the architecture is truly unique, reflecting the
island’s rich history. Over the centuries, the island was dominated
from forces from Sicily, Venice, France and England and each left a
distinctive architectural mark.
The Old Town is home to the central
square known as the Esplanade or Spinada. Surrounded by sumptuous
buildings and a Venetian fortress, the square is home to a cricket
competition during the summer – a leftover from the English
occupation. One of the most beautiful buildings is the Liston
building with its arched terrace. Here you will find up market cafes
and restaurants, the perfect place to sit and take a cold drink.
For shoppers, the Old Town does not
disappoint. There is a labyrinth of narrow streets paved with
cobblestones, sometimes difficult to walk on but colourful and
clean. These streets are known as "kantounia” and offer great
souvenir shopping.
The most photographed area of Corfu Town is Mouse Island, a tiny inland in the bay off Corfu Town. It is home to a small convent but visitors come because of its legendary history when the ship carrying Odysseus back from the Trojan wars was said to have been turned to stone by Poseidon, the god of the sea.
The new Fortress was built in the 16th century
is a huge complex and is now open to the public who can tour the
maze of corridors, tunnels and fortifications. Part of the Fort is a
base for the Greek Naval Authorities.
The old Fortress, built on an artificial islet and dating back to the 6th century, played a major role in the resistance of the Turkish invasion. Today it is often used for cultural events such as concerts and Sound and Light Productions and provides a great view of the capital. It is also the place where Prince Phillip was baptised.