Old Fortress of Corfu — Attraction in Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands

The Old Fortress of Corfu Town is one of those places that captures everything special about the island — history, beauty, and atmosphere all in one. Standing proudly at the eastern edge of Corfu Town, it’s impossible to miss the sight of this massive Venetian stronghold rising above the harbor. I visited on a warm afternoon, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my trip.

The entrance fee is €10, and it’s worth every cent. Once you step through the gates and cross the bridge over the old moat, it feels like you’ve entered another world. The combination of sea breeze, ancient stone walls, and the faint echo of history creates an incredible sense of place. The fortress was originally built by the Byzantines and later expanded by the Venetians, and you can see traces of both influences in the architecture — arched gateways, tunnels, old bastions, and lookout points that have stood for centuries.

Exploring the site is both relaxing and fascinating. You can take your time wandering up and around the walls, through narrow paths and open courtyards, each turn offering a new angle or hidden detail. The climb to the top of the fortress is gentle but steady, and when you reach the summit, the reward is breathtaking: a 360-degree panoramic view of Corfu Town, the blue Ionian Sea, and even the Albanian coastline in the distance. It’s one of the best viewpoints on the island — perfect for photos or simply standing still and soaking it all in.

Inside the complex, you’ll also find a few restored buildings and exhibitions that give insight into Corfu’s past, including its military history and Venetian heritage. There’s a small café near the top, where you can sit down with a cold drink and enjoy the view in peace. The atmosphere up there is wonderfully calm — despite being in the heart of the capital, it feels like a step back in time.

If you visit in the morning, it’s quieter and less hot, but sunset is magical too, with the warm light hitting the stone walls and the town below glowing in golden tones.

Overall, the Old Fortress is a must-see for anyone visiting Corfu. Whether you love history, architecture, photography, or just a good view, it delivers on all fronts. Ten euros for a walk through centuries of history and some of the best vistas in Greece is a bargain — and an experience you’ll remember long...

Old fortress is a must see objective if you visit Corfu.

If you go by car, there is a parking just in front of the entrance of the fortress but usually it is very crowded so you have to wait about 30 minutes - if you have 10 cars in front of you - to pass the barrier. Don't forget to keep the ticket and to pay before you leave the parking.

First thing to consider is to avoid morning hours, until 14.00 hours, at least, because in the morning hours the fortress is taken with assault by flock of tourists hungry to enrich their visual memory with tons of ruins. In that period of day is almost impossible to take you a selfie without get intruders in your picture.

The second thing is to avoid sunny days. Because of the hight of the walls of the fortress the breeze is like inexistent making your body a valley of rivers, not even your socks having of chance to escape dry from your adventure.

At the entrance there are 2 small museums, in one of them the articles exposed could be bought by visitors. Unfortunately the prices are almost as high as the hill where the light house is.

There is a small problem, logistically, because there are not marks and indicators to follow for the points of interest within the fortress. But no problem, just follow the hoard of tourists and they will bring you where you should go.

The main attraction is the top of the top, where is the cross and the light house. There are a lot of steps to there and the path is very step. You have 2 pit stops with benches and shade, very strategic placed for the people who brought with them, in vacation, all the fat of their body :)))

On top, the view is wonderful, deserving every drop of sweat and every KJ (kilojoules) of energy wasted. When you came down, take the way through the tunnel and don't miss the cannons exhibition and of course the church.

There is a coffee shop and a restaurant to "recharge" your "batteries", if the quantity of the sugar from your blood is going below a certain level.

It is smart to wear very light clothes, extremely comfortable shoes, a hat is mandatory and to have with you at least a small bottle full of water.

And finally don't forget to make a picture at the cross with your hand in a position "like flying", a picture near light house in a position like "looking somewhere very far" and at least 3 pictures riding the canons.

Have...

Old Fortress of Corfu – A Majestic Fortress with Timeless Views 🏰🌊

Perched on a rocky peninsula guarding Corfu Town since Byzantine times, the Old Fortress (Fortezza Vecchia) is a stunning blend of history, architecture, and panoramic beauty. Its Venetian walls, built between the 14th and 16th centuries and fortified with a dramatic sea-moat, stood strong against Ottoman sieges in 1537, 1571, and 1716—earning its reputation for resilience and grandeur .

Upon crossing the 60 m iron bridge, you enter a labyrinth of vaulted halls, old prisons, British barracks, and the atmospheric Church of St. George—built in 1840 in classic Doric style . Wander the open terraces and secret arches, spotting Venetian coats of arms and cannons that echo centuries of history ().

🌅 Panoramic Perfection: Climb to the Land or Sea Towers and soak in sweeping 360° views—Corfu’s Old Town, the glittering Ionian Sea, and even mainland Greece or Albania on clear days .

Today, the fortress is a vibrant cultural hub, housing the Byzantine museum, public library, music department of Ionian University, archives, and a café — with seasonal concerts and exhibitions in its serene courtyards .

Need-to-Know Tips: • Entry is around €6 (free evenings/months vary); kiosks sell drinks and snacks inside . • Most areas are accessible, but reaching the towers requires climbing uneven paths—wear comfy shoes . • Best visited early morning or sunset for ideal lighting and fewer crowds .

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Overall Rating: 4.5/5 A powerful journey through Corfu’s past awaits at the Old Fortress—from epic sieges and Venetian artistry to breathtaking sea views and cultural spaces. It’s a must-see for history buffs, photographers, and anyone wanting a deeper sense of Corfu’s layered allure. Just come prepared for a bit of climbing, and stay for the magic of the view. #CorfuFortress #HistoricHero...