09:00

Walk on the Spianada

Start from the Spianada, the large green square between the historic center and the Old Fortress. Walk it at a leisurely pace and take in the Cricket Ground and the arcaded buildings: in the morning, it’s a good time to photograph the square when it’s less crowded. The walk is free and takes about 30–40 minutes.

Bring water: in summer the square offers little shade during the hottest hours.

09:45

Visit to the Old Fortress

Reach the entrance of the Old Fortress on foot, connected to the city by a bridge over the esplanade. Set aside about 90 minutes for the Venetian bastions, the walkways, and the panoramic viewpoints over the harbor and the Ionian Sea; access to some areas may depend on the day’s opening hours. Allow roughly 8–15 € for admission, checking updated prices and times.

Comfortable shoes recommended: the route includes slopes and uneven surfaces.

11:45

Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George

Return toward the northern edge of the Spianada to visit the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, an elegant neoclassical building built during the British period. If open, the museum rooms offer a deeper look into the history and Asian art collections; allow about an hour. Budget roughly 6–10 € for admission, with possible variations depending on exhibitions and current rates.

Check the schedule in advance: opening hours and access to the rooms may change.

13:00

Lunch in the old town

Stop at a taverna between the square and the inner streets to try Corfiot specialties such as pastitsada, sofrito, or bourdeto. A simple lunch with a main course and a drink usually costs about 15–25 € per person; for a quicker break, bakeries and small eateries offer cheaper options. Allow about 75 minutes.

Ask whether the dish of the day is freshly prepared, and keep in mind that pastitsada may take longer to be served.

14:30

Coffee and a stroll under the arcades of the Liston

Head to The Liston, the colonnade overlooking the Spianada, and walk along it, taking in the facades and historic cafés. It’s a pleasant stop for a Greek coffee or a local sweet and for watching the rhythm of the city; a drink costs about 3–8 €. Allow 45 minutes, including a short walk across the square.

The tables with a view of the Spianada are especially popular at peak times.

15:30

Church of Saint Spyridon

Step inside the Church of Saint Spyridon, dedicated to Corfu’s patron saint and recognizable by the bell tower rising above the rooftops of the center. Inside, admire the iconostasis and votive furnishings, and behave respectfully if religious services are taking place. Entry is generally free; a quiet visit takes about 20–30 minutes.

It is an active place of worship: check on site for any restrictions during ceremonies.

16:15

Exploring the alleys of the old town

Spend the afternoon on an unhurried walk through the kantounia, the narrow alleys of the historic center, passing workshops, small squares, and pastel-colored facades. The route is free: allow 60–90 minutes, leaving time for a stop to buy local products or taste a kumquat, the island’s specialty. The streets are partly paved and may be slippery.

Note a landmark for the return trip: in the alleys, the phone map may not be very clear.

18:00

Aperitif and end of the day

End with an aperitivo or an early dinner in the center, choosing a terrace or a tavern away from the busiest spots. For an aperitivo, budget around 6–12 € per person; a simple dinner can cost about 20–35 €. If you plan to continue on to the Diapontia Islands on another day, take a few minutes to check updated routes and schedules with the operators or at the port: don’t assume there’s a daily departure.

To visit Othonoi, Erikousa, or Mathraki, plan a separate day and check in advance the frequency, duration, and conditions of the connections.