Corfu: Venetian Old Town, Fortresses & Beaches
The Greek island of Corfu is a beautiful blend of natural scenery, rich history, and Mediterranean charm—where turquoise waters meet Venetian fortresses and the winding alleys of its lively old town.
Embark on a captivating journey with Haswell Travelled's Corfu YouTube video, where we enjoy the best of this perfect Greek island on a fine sunny day.
Mitropolis Square in the historic Campiello District of Corfu Town
Corfu is located in the north-western part of Greece, just 2 km off the Albanian coast. Often called the emerald jewel of the Ionian Sea, it’s one of Greece’s greenest islands—blanketed in olive groves, cypress trees, and lush hillsides. It has some of Greece’s finest beaches, with long sandy shores and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The northwest coast is more rugged and dramatic, such as the area of Paleokastritsa with six stunning turquoise bays, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush green hills, with scenic seaside walks and hiking trails. One of the island’s most unique spots is the Canal d’Amour (dah-MOOR), meaning "Channel of Love". Here we find striking sandstone cliffs, sculpted by the sea, create narrow coves, natural tunnels, and crystal-clear sea canals.
Our visit to Corfu was a port stop on a cruise, and we begin with an early morning coffee at the Kanoni Viewpoint. This area of Kanoni was the site of the original ancient city of Corfu, and below were two harbours. In the 5th century BC, it was a major naval power alongside Athens and Corinth. At the viewpoint, a set of stairs lead down the hill to a monastery, perched at the end of a narrow causeway. From there, small boats depart regularly to the legendary Pontikonisi Island. According to mythology, as Odysseus sailed home, the god Poseidon turned his ship to stone— which is this island.
Corfu’s Old Fortress is an imposing landmark that dominates the eastern edge of Corfu Town. Its towering stone walls and panoramic views and are a testament to the island’s strategic importance and history. Although Corfu once belonged to the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the fortress as we see it today was built by the Republic of Venice, who ruled the island for nearly 400 years from 1386 to 1797 and left a profound mark on the island’s identity and architecture. The fortress was constructed in the 16th century to defend against repeated Ottoman sieges. While the fortress itself never fell, the neighbouring Corfu Town suffered heavy damage and took a toll on its people. So the Venetians constructed a second, newer fortress on the opposite side of town to strengthen defenses. Although the Ottoman Empire ruled a majority of Greece, they never conquered Corfu. Today, this Old Fortress stands as a monument to Corfu’s turbulent past and is a peaceful place to explore.
Strolling through Corfu’s Old Fortress
A visit to Corfu is not complete without a walk through its old town. We explore the charming Campiello district, the oldest part of Corfu Town. Its set on a rocky hill where the city first expanded beyond the Old Fortress in the 13th century. Campiello is the most atmospheric and distinctly Venetian quarter, with narrow, winding alleyways, steep stone steps, and arched passageways. So, while the layout and some building foundations go back to medieval times, most above-ground structures were modified or rebuilt in the 17th & 18th centuries during the Venetian period, with some restoration since then. As we wander through pastel-colored buildings, we spot laundry lines strung between balconies and stumble upon hidden courtyards. I love the look of weathered stone walls, partial restorations, and crumbling corners. It shows where time has left its mark and revealed glimpses of the past beneath the surface. Campiello is a beautiful living maze—a blend of everyday life and timeless charm, where each turn reveals scenes that feel straight out of old Venice or southern Italy.
Immerse yourself in the captivating episode of Corfu on the Haswell Travelled YouTube channel. The video is also easily accessible via the website’s Greece web page, allowing viewers to explore this enchanting content alongside other fabulous destinations.
