5Corfu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Corfu Old Town is the island’s cultural heart and one of the most atmospheric historic centers in the Mediterranean. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it feels more like an elegant Italian city than a typical Greek town. Narrow alleys known as kantounia wind between pastel-colored buildings, laundry lines sway overhead, and small squares suddenly open up with cafés and churches.
The Old Town is best explored slowly. Venetian fortifications dominate the skyline, while neoclassical mansions and arcaded streets reveal the island’s European influences. The Liston Promenade, inspired by Paris’s Rue de Rivoli, adds a refined touch and is still the preferred meeting place for locals. More than a collection of monuments, Corfu Old Town is a living cultural space where history unfolds through daily life.
