Things to Do in Corfu
The sights that matter, with the hours and prices to plan around.
Achilleion Palace — the one everyone photographs
Plan around Achilleion (€7 gardens), the Old Fortress (€10) and free Spianada — all ticket prices verified Aug 2026 from official sites linked below.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria built Achilleion above Gastouri in 1890. Today only the imperial gardens and outdoor sculpture are open while the palace interior undergoes restoration — general admission €7, reduced €5, daily April–October 08:00–20:00 (achillion-corfu.gr, checked Aug 2026). Allow 45–60 minutes for the terraces and Achilles statue; combine with a Zone B blue bus (€1.80) or taxi from town.
Dedicated Achilleion page covers tickets, last entry and how to pair the visit with Benitses or Kanoni the same day.
The essential circuit
A logical day on foot: cross the iron bridge into the Old Fortress (€10 full, €5 reduced; summer 08:00–20:00, Ministry of Culture odysseus.culture.gr, checked Aug 2026) → descend to Spianada and walk the Liston arcades → cut through Campiello lanes to Saint Spyridon church → finish at the New Fortress lookout if legs allow.
Outside town, Paleokastritsa monastery sits above the northwest coves — free entry, donations welcome; reach it on green bus A9 (€2.50). Pontikonisi is the postcard islet seen from Kanoni; boats leave from the jetty — confirm price at the kiosk before boarding.
Museums worth the entry fee
Museum of Asian Art in the Palace of St Michael and St George on Spianada houses the island's largest curated collection — separate ticket from the Old Fortress since combined passes ended (odysseus.culture.gr). Archaeological Museum of Corfu on Vraila Armeni street covers ancient Corcyra. Mon Repos palace in the park south of Garitsa interprets British-era royal use of the estate — check current hours locally before walking out.
Museum opening days vary; state sites often stay closed 25–26 December, 1 January and 25 March. Free admission days follow Ministry of Culture rules — see odysseus.culture.gr for the current calendar.
Where to watch the sun go down
Old Fortress lighthouse platform — best overview of town and port; included with fortress ticket. Kanoni — sunset behind Pontikonisi and the runway approach path. Pelekas — hill village west of town; Kaiser’s Throne viewpoint, blue bus Zone B €1.80 (Astiko KTEL, checked Aug 2026). Angelokastro — dramatic north-west fortress; needs car or organised tour — check road access locally.
Everything you can see for nothing
Spianada, Liston, Campiello alleyways and the exterior of Saint Spyridon cost nothing. Mon Repos park paths and Garitsa seafront are free to walk; swimming at Faliraki depends on facility rules — check on site. Many churches welcome visitors outside service times; dress modestly and avoid flash during liturgy.
Easter week processions and philharmonic bands fill the Old Town streets at no charge — dates follow Orthodox Holy Week (visitgreece.gr lists the Botides custom on Holy Saturday at 11:00).
Sightseeing questions
What are the must-see attractions in Corfu?
Old Fortress, Spianada and Liston, Achilleion gardens, Kanoni with Pontikonisi, and a Paleokastritsa half-day by green bus. Allow separate tickets for fortress (€10) and Achilleion (€7) — sources odysseus.culture.gr and achillion-corfu.gr, checked Aug 2026.
Is Corfu walkable for sightseeing?
The UNESCO Old Town and both fortresses are walkable from Spianada. Achilleion, beaches and north-coast villages need buses or a car. Cobbles and steps make the centre tiring with heavy luggage — pack light for walking days.
How many days do you need to see Corfu?
Two full days cover the town fortresses, Liston and Kanoni. Add a third for Achilleion plus Mon Repos, and a fourth for Paleokastritsa or Paxos. Easter week deserves extra time for processions listed on visitgreece.gr.