Corfu - Achilleion and Old Town

Day 4 – Monday, September 21, 2026

Today, our destination is Corfu Town. After breakfast, we set off for our booked excursion "A Visit to Sissi and Corfu's Old Town." Our bus is number 13, and we leave promptly at 8:55 AM.

After about a 20 to 30-minute drive, we arrive at the Achilleion around 9:25 AM, the famous palace of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, better known as Sisi. The location of the palace is already impressive. The garden, with its sculptures and views over the landscape to the sea, is particularly beautiful. We explore the outdoor area and enjoy the special atmosphere of this place where Sisi loved spending time.

At around 10:35 AM, we continue our journey toward Corfu Town. The drive takes us through the typical Greek landscape, and our city tour finally begins at 11:20 AM.

Our first impression of the Old Town is stunning. The narrow alleys, old houses, and many small shops give Corfu a unique charm. Over all lies a typical Mediterranean flair.

We see the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), one of the city's landmarks. From here, the special location of Corfu between the fortress, Old Town, and the sea is clearly visible.

We continue to Durell Park and the Orthodox Church of Panagia Mandrakina. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George is also among the stops on our tour. This imposing building is a reminder of the island's British past.

Along the way, we also discover the statue of Frederick North, who is associated with the founding of the Ionian Academy. We repeatedly stop to take in the historical buildings and squares around us.

Another beautiful stop is the bell tower of the St. Spyridon Church. The church is dedicated to St. Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu. The distinctive bell tower can be seen from afar and is one of the typical images of the Old Town.

Next, our tour leads us over the historic square in front of the Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank. Here, one can particularly feel the island's tumultuous history and the various cultural influences that have shaped Corfu.

Of course, a little stroll through the shopping streets is also a must. Between the old house facades, we discover lovely shops, souvenirs, and typical Greek products. Unfortunately, time passes all too quickly.

At 12:45 PM, it's already time to say goodbye. We take the bus back to the cruise terminal and reach the ship around 1:00 PM.

Right at the cruise terminal, there is also an interesting shopping opportunity. Here, you can buy cigarettes, perfumes, and other goods at very low prices – a little shopping detour to conclude our day in Corfu.

My Conclusion

Corfu has captivated us today in many different ways: first, the beautiful garden of the Achilleion with its memories of Sisi, followed by the historic Old Town with its fortresses, churches, squares, and narrow streets. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between history, Mediterranean living, and the view of the sea.

A wonderfully varied morning that gave us a great first impression of Corfu and its fascinating history.

One more tip: Anyone who wants to explore Corfu on their own can also use the hop-on-hop-off bus. Interestingly, there is a second line that also goes to the Achilleion – Sisi's palace.