Corfu Old Town: Food & Culture Walking Tour with Lunch

Summary

Corfu food tour through hidden alleys, flavors, and old stories

You’ll wander Corfu’s Old Town with a local guide who shares stories as you sample warm pies straight from the oven, taste olive oil in tiny shops, meet welcoming vendors, and end with a proper Corfiot lunch. Expect laughter over ginger beer, quiet moments in historic alleys, and flavors that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Maria was waiting by the statue at the Old Fortress, waving her hand like she already knew us. She started talking about the place before we’d even left the shade—something about Venetian walls and how cricket is still played on Spianada (which I honestly didn’t expect in Greece). The square itself felt bigger than it looks in photos. Kids were chasing pigeons while old men sipped coffee under those arcades. Our first food stop was just off the main street—a tiny bakery where the owner handed me a spinach pie so warm it nearly burned my fingers. I tried to say thank you in Greek; he grinned and corrected me gently.

The walk through Corfu’s old town felt like stepping into someone’s family album. Narrow alleys, laundry flapping overhead, that faint smell of baking bread mixed with something herbal—maybe oregano? Maria pointed out the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George but got sidetracked telling us about her grandmother’s favorite café near Liston. We ducked into a spice shop for olive oil tasting (the vendor poured a little onto my palm, said it was “liquid gold”—I nodded but mostly just wanted to lick my hand clean). There was ginger beer too, which surprised me—apparently it’s a Corfiot thing from British times.

I liked how we weren’t rushed. At one point we wandered into the Jewish quarter—Evraiki, Maria called it—and she paused to show us faded house fronts and talk about what used to be here before WWII. It got quiet for a second. Then someone from our group asked about pastitsada, so Maria promised we’d try it soon. True enough, lunch was at this tucked-away restaurant where they brought out big plates: pastitsada (beef stew with pasta), Greek salad that actually tasted like summer tomatoes, ouzo if you wanted it. I’m not usually an ouzo fan but after all that walking… well, why not?

I still think about that bakery window and the way the shop owner winked when he handed over a cheese pie “for later.” Maybe he saw how much I loved that first bite. The whole day felt less like a tour and more like wandering around with someone who knows every shortcut and story—even if I couldn’t remember half the street names by evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Corfu Old Town food and culture tour

• Meet guide at Old Fortress statue
• Learn about Old Fortress exterior
• Walk through historical center
• Pass by Spianada central square
• See Liston cafes and restaurants
• Pass by Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George
• Visit Saint Spyridon church
• Walk through narrow streets
• Visit Town Hall Square and admire building
• Pass by Jewish quarter Evraiki

Top questions

Where does the Corfu food tour start?

The tour starts at the statue of Schulemburg in front of the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) in Corfu Town.

Is lunch included on this Corfu food tour?

Yes, a seated lunch with local dishes like pastitsada and Greek salad is included at the end of the tour.

What foods will I try on this Corfu walking food tour?

You’ll taste Greek brunch items such as spinach pies, cheese pies, yoghurt, ginger beer, plus olive oil and local spices during stops.

Is this Corfu food & culture tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Will we visit any historical sites on this tour?

Yes—the itinerary includes Spianada Square, Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), Palace of Saint Michael & Saint George, St Spyridon Church, Town Hall Square, and Jewish quarter.

Are public transportation options nearby for this Corfu tour?

Yes—public transportation options are available close to the starting point in central Corfu Town.

Is there an olive oil tasting on this small-group food tour?

Yes—the tour includes an olive oil tasting led by a local vendor who also explains local spices and history of olives.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified guide at the Old Fortress statue for a guided walk through Corfu’s historic center with stops for Greek brunch (spinach pies, cheese pies), ginger beer sampling, an olive oil tasting with spice introduction by a local vendor, visits to landmarks like Spianada Square and St Spyridon Church—and ends with a relaxed seated lunch featuring pastitsada and ouzo before heading off on your own again.