The Real Corfu Old Town: The Slow Traveller’s Guide

My kind of holiday is the one that immerses you in the place – whether that be the culture, the scenery or the wildlife. It’s described by the increasingly popular term “slow travel”. Corfu Old Town is one of those places where you choose – tick off the must-sees on the checklist or slow down, wander and immerse. We will always choose the latter.

Corfu Old Town feels like stepping into a storybook. Narrow cobbled streets, pastel-coloured Venetian houses, bougainvillaea tumbling over balconies – the entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!!!

But beyond the postcard-perfect piazzas and the main tourist paths, there’s a quieter, more authentic Corfu that will slow those brainwaves down to a gentle thrum.

On our recent family trip, we wandered away from the bustle of the Spianada Square and stumbled across some truly special corners of Corfu Old Town. Here are a few of our favourite spots. I’m deliberately not specific here – if I am too specific we all fall into the trap of rushing through a checklist. The point is to go and gently wander.

1. Tiny Backstreet Taverns Everyone flocks to the main squares for dinner, but some of the best meals are tucked away in alleys barely wide enough for two people to pass. You’ll know you’ve found the right spot when you see just a handful of tables scattered outside, locals sipping ouzo, and a handwritten menu. These little tavernas serve authentic Corfiot dishes like pastitsada (slow-cooked beef with pasta) or sofrito (garlic and wine-marinated veal).

2. The Old Jewish Quarter Hidden behind the busier shopping streets is the historic Jewish Quarter, one of the oldest in Greece. It’s a fascinating place to wander, with narrow, winding alleys, shuttered windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. The Corfu Synagogue is still there and open to visitors. It’s quiet, reflective, and full of history.

3. Secret Rooftop Views While the Old Fortress and New Fortress offer sweeping panoramas, some of our most memorable views were from hidden rooftops. A few cafés and bars have tiny terraces where you can sip a drink while watching the sun dip behind the terracotta rooftops. If you stumble upon a place with a spiral staircase leading upwards, go up it!

4. Quiet Squares for Gelato Breaks Corfu Old Town is full of tiny piazzas where children can play while you enjoy a coffee or gelato. One of our favourites was a tucked-away square where orange trees shaded the benches, and the only sounds were laughter and church bells. No crowds, no rush – just people in the moment enjoying a normal day.

Final Thoughts Corfu Old Town isn’t just about the big landmarks, it’s about wandering slowly, following your curiosity, and letting the authentic spots find you. From tiny tavernas to secret squares, it’s a place that rewards those who get a little lost.

Contact me to curate your perfect Corfu itinerary that feeds your soul.

Phone: 01270 917091 Email: sara.dickenson@travelcounsellors.com