Corfu is a large island, but most first-time visitors will sleep in Corfu Town, because the headline sights, the best restaurants and the transport links are there. The choice is mainly between the old town itself, the old port edge and the seafront hotels along Nafsikas Street toward Kanoni. Here is how they compare, with the hotels on this site.
The old town
If you want to step out of the door into the lanes, the old town is the best base. The Spianada, the Liston, the churches and the restaurants are all within a short walk, and you rarely need a taxi. The trade-off is noise on busy streets and difficulty with parking. The Cavalieri Hotel stands beside the Spianada and offers fifty air-conditioned rooms, a free breakfast buffet, a bar and restaurant and a terrace, which makes it a practical mid-range pick for first-timers. Bella Venezia Hotel, on Napoleontos Zambeli Street, is smaller and more characterful, with seven room types, a garden and terrace and a free breakfast buffet. Both suit couples and travellers who want to walk everywhere.
The old port
The area around the Old Port is a little calmer and offers views across the water toward the Old Fortress. It is close enough to walk to the old town in minutes, and it is convenient for ferries. Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel, near the old port, is the service-led choice, with a free breakfast buffet, a garden and terrace, bike rentals and a concierge, and guests rate it very highly. The Konstantinoupolis Hotel on Zavitsianou Street is the budget pick, a simple two-class hotel with sea and city views, an elevator and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast is not confirmed there, so plan to eat at a nearby cafe.
The seafront toward Kanoni
If you prefer space, gardens and parking to lanes and cafes, look along Nafsikas Street. The Divani Corfu Palace is the splurge option, with 163 rooms, a garden with a playground, two restaurants, a gym and free parking including valet. Its pool is seasonal and open from May to October, so it matters more in summer. You will take a taxi or bus into the old town, but Kanoni and Mon Repos are close, which suits families and those with a hire car.
Choosing by budget
For the lowest cost, the Konstantinoupolis offers the best value and location. For mid-range comfort with breakfast included, the Cavalieri, Bella Venezia and Siora Vittoria each earn their place. For a full-service stay with parking and gardens, choose the Divani Corfu Palace.
Winter notes
In November, old town hotels are the most practical choice because you can walk to restaurants and sights, and the weather matters less. Resort-style facilities such as pools are seasonal, so check what is open on your dates before choosing a seafront hotel. Confirm check-in hours too: the Siora Vittoria, for example, has check-in from 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Getting around from your hotel
From the old town hotels, walk to the Old Fortress, the Liston and the churches. From the old port, the same sights are a few minutes on foot. From Nafsikas Street, take a taxi or bus to the centre and walk to Kanoni and Mon Repos. For Paleokastritsa and the north, a hire car or a taxi is simplest, and many hotels can arrange both.
