CorfuOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Ancient Colony to Byzantine Outpost

Corfu's location at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea shaped its history. Eretrians first colonized the island around 775-750 BC, followed by Corinthians in 750 BC, who founded Paleopolis. Corfu became a commercial and naval center, clashing with Corinth in a naval battle in 665 BC. During the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), Corfu allied with Athens. The island was occupied by Spartans, Syracusans, and Illyrians before Roman rule began in 229 BC. Christianity arrived in the 1st century AD, brought by Saint Paul's disciples, Jason and Sosipatros.

With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 337 AD, Corfu became part of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. For centuries, Corfu served as a western outpost of Byzantium, facing pirate attacks and territorial ambitions. The Byzantine period, lasting until 1204 AD, established the Orthodox tradition and led to the construction of churches and monasteries.

Venetian Rule and Modern Greece

After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Corfu passed through various hands, including the Despotate of Epirus and the House of Anjou. The most defining period began in 1386 when the island became a Venetian possession. Venetian rule lasted over four centuries, until 1797, influencing the island's administration, economy, social structure, culture, and architecture. The Venetians fortified Corfu, making it a bastion against the Ottoman Empire. Many of these fortifications, like the Old Fortress, remain today. In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice, and Corfu briefly became part of the French state. After periods under Russian, Ottoman, and a second French occupation, Corfu came under British rule in November 1815. In 1864, under the Treaty of London, the British ceded the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, to modern Greece.

• —Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) — This Venetian fortress, dating back to the 15th century, stands on a rocky promontory. Visitors can climb to the top for views of Corfu Town and the sea, and see the old British barracks and the church of Saint George, built in the Doric style.
• —Spianada (Esplanade) — This large, open square is one of the largest in Greece. It is used for promenades, concerts, and cricket matches, a legacy of British rule.
• —Liston Promenade — This arcaded walkway borders the western side of Spianada. It is lined with cafes.
• —Saint Spyridon Church — This 16th-century church is recognizable by its tall bell tower. It houses the relics of Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu. The interior is decorated with frescoes and silver offerings.
• —Dimarcheiou Square (Town Hall Square) — This square holds the Venetian Loggia, which served as the meeting place for the noble Council of Corfu, and the San Giacomo Theatre, which became the Town Hall in 1903.
• —Achilleion Palace — In Gastouri village, this neoclassical palace was built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Visitors can see its facade, explore its upper gardens with statues of Greek mythological figures, and find the Reading Pavilion in the park.
• —Agios Iasonas kai Sosipatros Church — This Byzantine church, dedicated to the two disciples who brought Christianity to Corfu, dates back to the 11th century. It features brickwork and frescoes.

The best times to visit Corfu are late spring (May to mid-June) or early autumn (September to early October). During these periods, the weather is warm, with average temperatures from 24°C to 29°C in May and June, and 24°C to 28°C in September. The sea is suitable for swimming, and the island has visitors but is not overcrowded. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while autumn provides clear light. Easter is a special time with local traditions.

Avoid July and August for fewer crowds and milder temperatures, as these are the hottest months, with averages around 32°C. Winters (December to March) are mild but can be rainy, with average temperatures around 10-14°C, and many tourist businesses may be closed.

Corfu International Airport (CFU) is 2 kilometers from Corfu Town. From the airport, reach the city center by taxi or local blue city buses.

Within Corfu Town, walking is the primary way to explore, as the Old Town is largely pedestrianized with narrow streets called kantounia. For longer distances or exploring outside the city, green intercity buses (KTEL) connect Corfu Town to most villages and beaches. Blue city buses cover routes within and immediately surrounding Corfu Town. Car rental is an option for exploring the island, but roads can be narrow. Parking in Corfu Town can be difficult during peak season.

Ride-sharing apps like Uber connect users with licensed taxis in Corfu.