Corfu Town, or Kerkyra in Greek, is the capital and cultural hub of the beautiful island of Corfu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a rich history and architecture influenced by Venetian, French, British and Greek styles. But Corfu Town is not only a place to admire the past, it is also a lively and vibrant destination where you can enjoy the present. In this blog post, we will show you how to taste the local cuisine and nightlife of Corfu Town and try the famous kumquat liqueur or ginger beer, two drinks that are unique to this island.
Local Cuisine of Corfu Town
The local cuisine of Corfu Town reflects the island’s multicultural heritage and its proximity to Italy. You will find dishes that are influenced by Venetian, Greek, French and Ottoman cuisines, as well as some specialties that are unique to Corfu. Here are some of the dishes you should not miss:
- Pastitsada: This is one of the most famous dishes of Corfu, a hearty stew of beef or rooster cooked in a tomato sauce with spices, garlic, onion and red wine. It is served with thick pasta or rice and grated cheese.
- Sofrito: This is another typical dish of Corfu, consisting of thin slices of veal fried in olive oil and then simmered in a white wine sauce with garlic, parsley and vinegar. It is usually accompanied by mashed potatoes or fries.
- Bourdeto: This is a spicy fish stew made with scorpion fish, red mullet or cod, cooked in a tomato sauce with onion, garlic, hot peppers and paprika. It is seasoned with salted fish roe (avgotaraho) and served with bread.
- Bianco: This is a delicate fish soup made with hake, potatoes, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. It is garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper and eaten with bread.
- Sikomaida: This is a traditional dessert of Corfu, made with dried figs, walnuts, almonds, ouzo, cinnamon and cloves. It is shaped into round balls or bars and wrapped in fig leaves.
You can find these dishes and more at some of the best restaurants in Corfu Town, such as Rex Restaurant (Kapodistriou 66), Avli (Xenofontos 3), La Cucina (Nikiforou Theotoki 13) and Taverna Tripa (Kinopiastes).
Nightlife of Corfu Town
Corfu Town has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. You can find bars, pubs, clubs, live music venues and cultural events that will keep you entertained until the early hours. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife of Corfu Town:
- Liston: This is the most famous and elegant area of Corfu Town, where you can find many cafes, bars and restaurants along the arcaded buildings that date back to the French occupation. It is a great place to enjoy a coffee or a drink while watching people stroll by.
- Old Fortress: This is the imposing Venetian fortress that dominates the eastern side of Corfu Town. It hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals and exhibitions. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the town and the sea from its walls.
- Campiello: This is the oldest part of Corfu Town, where you can find narrow alleys, colorful houses and charming squares. It is full of traditional taverns, ouzerias and wine bars where you can taste local delicacies and drinks.
- Gouvia Marina: This is the largest marina in Greece, located about 7 km north of Corfu Town. It is a popular spot for yachting enthusiasts and tourists who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere with many bars, clubs and restaurants.
- Corfu Palace Casino: This is the only casino on the island, located inside the luxurious Corfu Palace Hotel (Leoforos Dimokratias 2). It offers various games such as roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines. It also has a restaurant and a bar where you can relax and have fun.
Kumquat Liqueur and Ginger Beer
Corfu is famous for two drinks that are not found anywhere else in Greece: kumquat liqueur and ginger beer. These drinks have a long history and a distinctive taste that you should definitely try when visiting the island.
Kumquat liqueur is made from the small orange fruit of the kumquat plant, which was imported from Asia in 1846 and thrived in the climate and soil of Corfu. The kumquats are peeled, macerated in alcohol and sugar, and then filtered and bottled. The liqueur has a sweet and citrusy flavor, similar to a fine triple sec or Cointreau, but milder. You can drink it straight, on ice, or use it in cocktails and desserts. You can also find kumquat jam, marmalade, candy and other products made from the fruit.
Ginger beer is a soft drink made from water, lemon, sugar and ginger. It was introduced by the British army during their occupation of Corfu in the 19th century. It is a refreshing and spicy drink that is especially popular in the summer. You can find it at street kiosks or cafes, or buy it from the only ginger beer producer in Greece, Cheimarios Ginger Beer Producer ([email protected]).
You can taste these drinks and buy them as souvenirs at various places in Corfu Town, such as the Vassilakis Distillery (Achilleion Palace), the Agricultural Cooperative of Nymfes (Nymfes), or the Corfu Shop (Kapodistriou 18).
Conclusion
Corfu Town is a wonderful destination that offers a lot to see and do, as well as to taste and drink. By following this guide, you will be able to experience the local cuisine and nightlife of Corfu Town and try the famous kumquat liqueur or ginger beer, two drinks that are unique to this island. Have fun and enjoy!
