The nightlife in Corfu

Corfu is famous for its rich and lively night-life. The capital offers a wide variety of bars and cafes proposing various kind of music, suitable for every taste.

Corfu town definitely has a nightlife scene, though many people are content to linger over dinner and then, after a promenade, repair to one of the cafes at the Liston, such as the Capri, Liston, Europa, or Aegli--all of which have a similar selection of light refreshments and drinks. Others are drawn to the cafes at the north end of the Esplanade, just outside the Liston--Cafe Bar 92, the Magnet, or Cool Down. For a special treat, ascend to the rooftop cafe/bar at the Cavalieri Hotel. Another change of scene is the Lindos Cafe, overlooking the beach and facilities of the Nautical Club of Corfu; it is approached by a flight of steps leading off Leoforos Demokratias, just south and outside the Esplanade. And one of the best-kept secrets of Corfu town is the little Art Cafe, to the right and behind the Palace that now houses the Museum of Asian Art; its garden provides a wonderful cool and quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the town.


If you enjoy a bit more action, there are several nightspots along the coast to the north, between Corfu town and the beach resort of Gouvia; they include Ekati, a typical Greek nightclub; Esperides, featuring Greek music; and Corfu by Night, definitely touristy. Be prepared to drop some money at these places.

As for the younger crowd, there are any number of places that go in and out of favour (and business) from year to year. Among the more enduring up around the Esplanade are the relatively sedate Aktaion, just to the right of the Old Fort, and the Cafe Classico, in an old mansion at Odos Kapodistriou 10, featuring the latest music. Young people seeking more excitement go down past the New Port to a strip of flashy discos--Apokalypsis, Hippodrome, and DNA.

In summer, there are frequent concerts by the town's orchestras and bands, mostly free, on the Esplanade. Corfu town boasts the oldest band in Greece. The Sound-and-Light performances are described in the listing for the Old Fort. September brings the Corfu Festival, with concerts, ballet, opera, and theatre performances by a mix of Greek and international companies. Carnival is celebrated on the last Sunday before Lent with a parade and a burning of an effigy representing the spirit of Carnival.


For those who like to gamble, there's a well-known casino at the Corfu Holiday Palace a few miles outside of town. Open nightly, it may not have the glamour of Monte Carlo, but it attracts quite an international set during the high season.

Do you want to go partying in Corfu? Go to www.medestino.com and book your hotel.