Corfu Spianada Square

Location: Town

Corfu Town, the capital of Corfu Island, is one of the most appealing cities in Greece due to the extensive influence of the Venetians, however, British, French and Roman elements are also apparent across it. The town's Spianada Square is the largest square in Greece and the Balkans and among the largest in the world.

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The name Spianada is derived from the Italian word spianare which is translated to "to level". The reason is that, when the square was created (around the 16th century), the Venetians decided to tear down all structures around the Old Fortress for the locals to have increased visibility and a larger field of fire in the case of an invasion. Others believe that it is a paraphrase of the English word "esplanade".

Spianada became a square much later, though. It was the construction of the majestic Liston complex of residencies (built by the French) and the Palace of Michael and George (built by the English) that turned Spianada into the most significant area and the most cosmopolitan meeting point of Corfu.

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Top Tours and activities

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  Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

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  This Corfu sightseeing tour offers the perfect way to take in the top attractions. Ride a double-decker bus and hop off and back on at any of the stops on the route. With your headphones you’ll hear about Corfu’s history and the city’s landmarks.

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More info about Spianada Square

The pedestrian street of Liston used to be accessible only to aristocrats and nobles. Those who were allowed to walk the street were part of a list (hence the name). Nowadays, Liston is a public pedestrian street that houses several cafeterias and restaurants, while the processions and philharmonic bands parade it down during feast days and other major events.

Str. Viktoros Dousmani Avenue divides the square into two separate, smaller squares - the Upper (Union) Square and the Lower Square (Square of Georgios the First). The latter hosts the cricket pitch of Corfu and visitors are very likely to witness a match or training somewhere across the square.

Fun fact: Cricket is a well-preferred sport that locals adopted from the British after their rule.

How to get there

The Spianada Square is located in Corfu Town just a 10-minute walk away from the central bus station and a 12-minute walk away from a parking lot.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 26610 39911, 0030 693 484 3704, or 0030 694 726 6811, or booking your taxi online.

Car rental: Τhere’s the option of renting a car and picking it up directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Using a rental car allows visitors to discover Spianada Square and many other points of interest in Corfu at their own pace.

Public transport: The central bus station of the island is located at Corfu Town. There are bus connections between this bus station and most areas of the island. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. Check the official timetables here.
Tip: Since buses don’t always stop at every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination, so that he makes a stop there.