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| Corfu | ||
| region | Ionian islands | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 24.838 (2011) | |
| height | 10 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Corfu town is a city on Corfu.
background
Corfu Town is the only town on the island of Corfu and it is also the capital. It is located on the east coast of the island. The center is the historic old town. However, it has expanded further around the old town and is characterized by newer, modern buildings. It now has around 34,000 inhabitants and is the center of the whole island. The old town lies on a headland that extends into the Ionian Sea. It is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The old town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
getting there
By plane
Corfu Town has its own Corfu airport
(IATA: CFU) which is south of the city, Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport or Kerkyra International Airport. In the summer, the airport in Central Europe is served by numerous charter airlines. In winter you usually have to switch to line connections via Athens. Here, for example, Olympic flies to the island every day.
The airport is very well known for its runway and the associated spectacular take-off and landing maneuvers. On the peninsula Kanoni Therefore, there are always plane spotters to photograph these approaches. The runway is almost completely surrounded by water that when you land you think that the machine is touching down in the water. Nothing for weak nerves.
The airport has only one terminal, which is divided into an arrival and a departure area. The southern part is the arrival area and the northern part is the departure area. The aircraft are parked on the apron in such a way that they can drive back to the runway on their own, so you are brought to the terminal or back to the aircraft by bus.
When arriving or departing from the airport during busy periods, the staff is often overburdened. On arrival you have to be prepared for long waiting times, on departure there are queues in front of the 22 check-in counters right out of the terminal because the area between the counters is simply too small. This is especially true for the main season. If you have booked a package tour and the tour guide says you should be patient, you should do so and sit in the café in front of the hall. When checking in, you should always make sure that you line up at the correct counter. Often the counters suddenly change from one airline to another. The main monitor is the crucial one.
After check-in you have to bring your suitcase to the baggage control yourself. Here you have to have your boarding pass and ID ready. Only then can you go to the waiting room. The aviation security check meets European standards and is professional. If, in addition to the flights to the Schengen signatory states, there is also a flight outside of these states, passport control will also take place at the entrance to the waiting room, because there is only one waiting room that cannot be divided. But that's easy. The waiting area is also much too small when there are high numbers of flights. You have to be prepared for the fact that you won't get a seat and that you have to stand until departure.
Everything is available in the waiting room, what you would expect. There is a snack bar, duty free shop, souvenir and jewelry shops. Unfortunately, the toilets are also too small that you often have to queue to get out of the toilet rooms.
Boarding is handled via five gates. But you should always keep an eye on the monitors, because the gates often change because the planned gate is still in operation.
Another difficulty is that although the staff mostly speaks English, they rarely speak any other language. There are often delays because of the communication difficulties because communication is impossible. Then there is the general hectic pace, it can happen that you need steel nerves. So you should be at the airport very early when you take off, unless you know that there will be little traffic at that time.
There are various car rental companies at the airport through which you can rent a car from home. There are also a few small hotels near the airport where you can spend the night. There are also enough parking spaces. If you have booked a transfer to the hotel, the buses are right in front of the terminal. You are expected by the tour guide before you leave and everything is explained. Taxis are also waiting in front of the airport, the prices are comparatively moderate.
By bus
Both major Corfiot bus routes have their starting point in Corfu Town. From here almost every place on Corfu can be reached by bus and almost always without changing trains. Tours from a place in the north to a place in the south also always lead via Corfu Town. The bus rides are all very cheap and often represent an alternative to rental cars, especially since it is very difficult to get a parking space in Corfu Town. You can buy tickets for the green bus routes from the driver, for the blue bus routes there are tickets at kiosks and machines. The bus system is reliable and well organized.
The blue bus network is actually limited to the area of Corfu Town and the surrounding villages and is therefore not so interesting for travelers. The main bus station is on San Rocco Square, which is very central. There is also a ticket machine here.
The green bus network is the more important one for travelers because it connects the places further away from Corfu Town with the city. The buses are always in a hurry. Even if you are standing at a stop, you should always give the driver a hand signal that you want to ride. Sometimes that also works on the open road. The new main bus station of the green buses is located halfway between the city center and the airport and is less easily accessible on foot, but the city bus number 15 runs. There is a small supermarket and a café.
In the street
If possible, you should avoid driving to Corfu Town, if only because the number of parking spaces is very limited and they also cost money. But you can easily reach Corfu town from all directions. However, the roads are in poor condition, and traffic should also be viewed with caution. The scooter, which can be rented in all holiday resorts, is better on the move. With it you can also better find a place to park.
By boat
The main ferry port in Corfu is in Corfu Town. Ferries lay out in the new port Venice, Brindisi and Bari out Italy and from Patras and Igoumenitsa out Greece at. There are also smaller ferries, for example after Albania to lead. But these are not that regular and are more about day trips. The timetables differ from season to season. They drive mainly in the summer months. You have to do your research and most ferries can also be booked over the Internet, which makes things easier.
mobility
The best way to get around Corfu Town is on foot. It is generally very crowded and the alleys are narrow. You can't get through with the car, but even with a scooter you can quickly reach your limits.
By bus
The blue buses are operated by Corfu City Bus (information tel. 26610 31595 and 35063, e-mail: [email protected]). Most buses depart from San Rocco Square on the edge of the old town.
- Line 2a leads from San Rocco Square via Main Square to Kanoni. Departure from Corfu Town Mon to Fri 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every 20 minutes, Sat 7 a.m. to 2.40 p.m. every 20 minutes, 3.20 p.m. to 10 p.m. every 40 minutes, Sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every 40 minutes. Journey time 15 minutes
- Line 2b leads from San Rocco Square via the new port to Kefalomandouko. Journey time approx. 15 minutes.
- Line 4 leads from San Rocco Square via Potamos to Evropuli.
- Line 5 leads from San Rocco Square / Mitropolitou Methodiou via Kinopiastes to Kouramades.
- Line 6 leads from San Rocco Square / Mitropolitou Methodiou to Benitses. Mon to Fri 6.30 a.m., 7.45 a.m., 8.15 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 10.45 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 2.15 p.m., 3.15 p.m., 5.00 p.m., 7.00 p.m., 9.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m., Sat 6.45 a.m., 8.15 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 10.45 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 2.15 p.m., 4.30 a.m., 3.45 p.m., 5.00 p.m., 7.00 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. , Sun 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4.30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Journey time: 30 minutes. The former fishing village of Benitses is now a lively village with beautiful beaches and a modern marina.
- Line 7 runs from San Rocco Square to Dassia, Mon to Fri from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every 20 minutes, from 3.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. every 30 minutes, Sat from 6.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every 20 minutes, additionally at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 10.30 p.m., Sun every hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Journey time 30 minutes
- Line 8 leads from San Rocco Square to Agios Ioannis and Aqualand. Mon to Fri 7.10, 8.00, 9.00, 9.30, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 12.30, 13.15, 14.15, 15.15, 17.00, 19.00. 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, Sat 7.10 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm, 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm, Sun 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm, journey time: 25 minutes. Aqualand is one of the largest water parks in Europe.
- Line 10 leads from San RoccoSquare / Mitropolitou Methodiou to the Achillion. Mon to Fri 7 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sat 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2.15 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., travel time. 20 minutes. An interesting round trip takes line 10 to the Achilleion. On the way back you can get off above the mouse island, walk over the embankment at the airport to Kanoni and from there take bus 15 back to the city.
- Line 11 leads from San Rocco Square to Pelekas. Mon to Fri 7:00 am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:15 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am, 10:00 am. 12.00, 14.15. 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sun 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., journey time 30 minutes. Pelekas is a traditional village on one of the most beautiful hills on the island, with an excellent view, which the German Kaiser Wilhelm enjoyed from the imperial throne.
- Line 14 leads from Corfu town via Kanalia to Kombitsi.
- Line 15 leads from San Rocco Square to the airport.
- Line 16 connects the new port with the old port. From there it is approx. 5 minutes 'walk to Liston Square and approx. 7 minutes' walk to San Rocco Square.
Tourist Attractions
Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples
- St. Spyridon Church. The church is the main church of Corfu Town. It is located in the center of the old town north of Iroon Square. You can visit it, but it is forbidden to take photos inside the church. You get an interesting insight into the traditions of the Orthodox Church. The church tower is the tallest building in the old town.
- Panagia Mandriakiou Church. The church can be found in front of the old fortress on this side of the canal a little to the north.
- Roman Catholic Cathedral Agiu lakóvu ke Christophóru. The cathedral is the former Catholic bishop's palace and is located on Rathausplatz, exactly opposite the town hall. The church was built in 1553 but is no longer original. In addition to renovations, it was destroyed in World War II and only reopened in 1970. The church is mostly open during the day and can be visited.
- Church of Jason and Sosipatres. The church is one of the few Byzantine churches that can be found in the Ionian Islands. It is located on the southern outskirts of the city Kanoni, but is not that easy to find because it is not on the main road. It is usually open and can be visited. The time of construction cannot be precisely determined. It is estimated that it was built around the year 1000. The church is dedicated to the eponymous missionaries who spread Christianity in Corfu.
- Mitropoli Panagias Church. The church is an Orthodox basilica in the Kabielo district. You can reach them through the district or from the quayside.
Castles, chateaus and palaces
- The old fortress, to the east of the eslanade. The structure was built in the Venetian period in the 16th century to protect the city from the attacks of the Turks. The whole area was separated from the island by a canal in order to have even better protection. The fortress can be visited. Among other things, you can admire an orthodox church in the Doric style, the only one of its kind. You have a beautiful view in all directions. There is a small port below the old fortress.
- The new fortress, west of the old town. The fortress was also completed by the Venetians in 1665. It is said that the New Fortress is connected to the old one by underground passages. During the war, all the residents of Corfu Town withdrew to the New Fortress and were thus able to withstand an attack by 65,000 Turks. Corfu never became part of the Turkish Empire. The new fortress can also be visited. From here you also have beautiful views of the old town, Kabielo, the old and the new port.
- Palace of St. Michael and St. George, north of the esplanade. According to legends, the palace was built by the governor of Corfu during the British occupation for his wife. Of course the palace was the seat of government. Along with the Ionian Parliament, it is one of the two neoclassical buildings on the island. Today the building houses the Museum of Asian Art, the City Archives and the City Library.
- Ionian Parliament, on the southwestern edge of Corfu Town. It is built in the neoclassical style and, as the name suggests, was used as the parliament building for the United Ionian Islands. Built in 1852 it was the seat of parliament, but was used as an Anglican church from 1869. After the reconstruction (the building was destroyed during the Second World War) it is now used as the seat of the municipality of Corfu Town.
View from the sea to the old fortress
The canal between the old fortress and Corfu town
The new fortress in Corfu Town
The Palace of St. Michael and St. George
Buildings
- Maitland's Rotonda. Maitland's Rotonda is located in the southern part of the Esplanade, which is laid out like a park. The Rotonda is a building based on Ionic round temples in honor of Sir Thomas Maitland, who was the first Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. The round temple stands on top of the cistern that Sir Thomas Maitland built, which significantly improved the city's water supply.
Monuments
- Monument to Marshall Johann Matthias Reichsgraf von der Schulenburg, to the west of the esplanade opposite the old fortress. It was built in honor of the eponymous marshal who managed to defend Corfu City against an army of 65,000 Turkish soldiers and finally to drive them from the island.
- Monument to the Union of the Ionian Islands, also in the southern area of the esplanade. As the name suggests, it is supposed to be a reminder of the unification of the Ionian Islands into one state. Around the monolith in the center of the monument are seven stone tablets, each of which stands for one of the Ionian islands. At the foot of the monolith a ship of the Phäak is shown. The Phaeacians are the legendary founders of the city.
- Monument to Ioannis Kapodistrias. The monument stands at the Ionian Academy, which is connected to the esplanade in the south. The famous politician looks at the old fortress. He was an important politician who made a special contribution to Greece's independence.
- Monument to Georgios Theotokis, on the Iroon square. Georgios Theotokis was Mayor of Corfu (1879), then moved to the Greek Parliament as Minister of the Navy (1886) and later became Prime Minister of Greece (1899). So he carried out extensive reforms, especially of the army. During the Balkan Wars he was also very active in foreign policy.
Museums
- Asian Art Museum, in the palace of St. Michael and St. George. It has countless exhibits from many areas of Asia. All exhibits are donations. Therefore the collection is not very uniform, but still very interesting.
- Archaeological Museum, south of the city. Pieces are exhibited here, all of which were found during excavations in Corfu. The collection is very interesting. You can take pictures.
- Banknote Museum. The museum is located in the Ionian Bank building on Iroon Square. It's a small privately run museum with a nice flair. In addition to banknotes, coins, stamps, documents and other objects that have to do with banknotes are also shown. The museum can be found on the first floor.
- Byzantine Museum. The museum is located in the Church of the Blessed Virgin of Antivouniotissa. The church can be found in Kampielo. Here exhibits from the Byzantine period of the island are shown. These are icons by various artists.
Streets and squares
- The esplanade, between the old fortress and the old town. It is a very large square made up of meadows, parks and parking lots. It used to be used by soldiers as a parade ground. Today it is used more for relaxation and on Sundays mainly for playing cricket. The street to the west of the Esplanade is a boulevard that was built at the time of the French occupation. They are called Liston. It is characterized by an arcade gallery that houses numerous cafés, bars and restaurants. Across the street they have set up their tables with the characteristic small armchairs. Not only do visitors to the city meet here, but also the city's residents. It is particularly crowded here in the evenings. But it has an infinite charm to sit here and chat and enjoy the charm of the Esplanade. However, it is not cheap here. While the northern part of the esplanade consists of a large meadow, the French have also created a beautiful park in the southern part.
- The town hall square, in the southern part of the old town. The town hall dates from the time of the Venetian occupation and served as a meeting place. The beautifully landscaped square is definitely worth a visit. You can enjoy life in a nice café and enjoy the view.
- The Iroon place, in the middle of the old town. Nikiforou Theotoki Street, which is the main shopping street and divides the old town in half, runs south of the square. To the north is the Church of St. Spyridon. Here you can find the Ionian Bank and the Church of Panagia ton Xenon.
- The San Rocco square, west of the old town. So you've already left the old town. Here is the "blue line" bus station. The modern Corfu town begins. San Rocco Square used to be the gateway to Corfu Town.
- Nikiforou Theotoki Street. The street divides the old town into a northern and a southern part. It is the main shopping street and it is wider than the many alleys that otherwise characterize the old town. You can find your way around this road quite well, because somehow you keep coming back to it. The many arcades where the shops are located are beautiful. The road starts at Liston and ends near the new fortress. It is the fastest way from the esplanade to the new port.
- Kapodistriou street. The street separates the esplanade from the old town. it runs from the Faliraki lido in the north past the Liston to the Ionian Academy in the south.
Esplanade
Liston
Iroon place
Town Hall Square
Parks
- The British cemetery, south of Corfu Town. It is a spacious park with lots of nice corners and shady spots. Access is not easy to find, but is right on the road. Here, too, it is very difficult to find a parking space.
various
- The old town. Is mentioned again here. You should actually move out of the overcrowded areas once. Here you can breathe in the life of the Corfiots. The narrow streets and the old houses. A little off the beaten track, if that's still possible. By the way, it is not that easy to find your way around the old town. You keep noticing that you have run in circles. Even a city map is only of limited help. You just have to memorize concise passages, then you will find your way around after a while. And somehow you always end up on the esplanade.
- Kabielo, in the north of the old town. The district was built by the Venetians and has a completely different flair than the old town. It's like coming to another city. Kabielo extends to the quayside. The city wall used to be here, but it had to give way to the street.
activities
A trip to the island in front of the city is very nice Vido. The island can be reached within 10 minutes from the old port. The crossing costs 2 euros there and back (as of 2011). The island is uninhabited. There is only a tavern where you can fortify yourself and a kind of youth hostel. You can walk beautifully on the wooded island and enjoy the view of the city.
Regular events
- On the three Sundays before Shrove Monday, parades take place in the city.
- On Good Friday, countless people line the streets, each parish walks the boundaries of the parish with its epitaph. These parades start at noon and continue into the evening.
- The magnificent procession in honor of St. Spiridon takes place on Easter Saturday. On the Esplanada the tables in the street cafes fill up until 8 a.m., nobody wants to miss the procession.
- After the procession, it goes on in the old town, at 11 o'clock the next spectacle comes. At the "first resurrection" the jugs fall. Earthen jugs filled with water are thrown from the balconies and windows onto the street. The jugs burst loudly on the floor and the water splashes.
- At the height of Easter, people meet in the roundabout on the upper Platia for the resurrection ceremony. Thousands take part in the fair. Shortly after midnight, the liberating thing comes Christos anesti - Christ is risen. All of a sudden the mood changes, fireworks enchant the night sky, everyone wishes for luck, shouts the Easter greeting to each other, the music becomes more cheerful and then the party continues until the early hours of the morning.
- On the Tuesday after Easter, the "re-embedding of the island's saint" is celebrated in the St.Spiridon Church
- The Lake Night Festival is celebrated in Garitsa Bay on August 10th
- The procession in honor of the island's saint is on August 11th
shop
In the old town of Corfu Town you can shop to your heart's content. In every alley there are shops selling local products, there are souvenirs from beautiful to kitsch, there are shops for clothes and shoes - pretty much everything that the word shopping means. And the atmosphere is very nice, you are not as intrusive as in other tourist magnets. You can take your time to look and you won't be pressured.
In the mornings, the weekly market takes place at the new port every day (except Sundays). Products for the local population are offered here, but it has already become a tourist magnet. But that shouldn't put you off. It is very loud, the traders are shouting and trying to get their goods to the woman and the man. It is also very crowded, but very nice. Every product is extensively tested by customers and only bought when it is really fresh and good. You can orientate yourself on these people. If you cook yourself on vacation, the market is a great place to go shopping.
If you drive a little into the suburbs, you will also find the supermarkets that you also know from German-speaking countries. Here you can shop cheaply. The range is tailored to the Greek customer, so you don't have to worry about buying the same thing there as you would at home. The supermarkets are usually clearly visible on the main streets.
kitchen
In addition to the typical Greek taverns, some of which also offer Corfiot cuisine, there are also international fast food chains. But they are very cautious and are even only located on the outskirts of the city. And the performance there is also quite unspectacular. In Corfu Town you can find a lot of taverns that differ from each other. It makes sense to go a little off the beaten track to the outskirts of the city. Here you can find very nice taverns, which also have something different on the menu than the typical dishes. If you like city life, sit on the esplanade and have a good time. However, this is quite expensive because you pay for the ambience.
Some restaurants near the port seem to increase their prices as soon as a larger cruise ship docks in the port.
nightlife
Those who like the "quiet" night life are in good hands on the Esplanade. The ambience is excellent, it is not overly expensive and if you don't mind that the Greeks are discussing loudly around you (that's the way it is here, or in all of Greece, you yell at each other about the type of salt you use to salt pasta). Some quieter taverns are still open in the old town.
If you want to have a party, go to the new port. There is a mile of nightclubs here that has been discussed many times. But it is very remote and, even if it is loud here, it does not really bother anyone. There are a number of discos here, and there should be something for everyone. Here you can party until the sun rises. The mile doesn't open until 10:00 p.m. Then the party continues until the morning.
accommodation
In Corfu Town there are numerous hotels where you can spend a night in all possible classes. If you want to spend a longer holiday in Corfu Town, you will find a holiday area in the north of the city from which you can easily reach the city. Here you can easily combine a beach holiday with an extensive visit to the city.
security
Occasionally, small earthquakes can occur, but they are not devastating. At most, a couple of glasses break.
health
Practical advice
You should get a map of Corfu Town. You can always come back to the Esplanade wherever you go, but it makes finding your way much easier. A simple city map, which you can actually get quickly for free, is sufficient. You should take a look at this map beforehand just to see how the city is built. You can also do that via the Internet, that's actually enough. There are a few fixed points that you have to memorize. And then you can't actually get lost anymore.
Cell phone connection is available from Corfu Town to all networks. Payphones are rare and difficult to find here. Mailboxes are also hard to find. For this they are emptied daily.
trips
- Not far away from Corfu Town is that Achilleion, the so-called Sisi Castle. It can be reached within a few minutes with the blue bus line.
- If you are already in Corfu town, you can also take the "blue bus" to get there Kanoni Peninsula drive. There is a lot to see and discover here. For example, you come to the city's new landmark, the Mouse Island.
