Corfu’s charming old town and lush landscapes make it a fantastic destination for city tours. Unlike many destinations where you’re limited to touristy spots, Corfu offers authentic experiences that reveal its real character. Whether it’s wandering narrow cobblestone streets or riding a double-decker bus around scenic landmarks, each tour provides a different way to see this island’s rich mix of Venetian, British, and Greek influences. Personally, I love the small-group walking tours for their intimate atmosphere and deep local insights—like the Corfu: Small Group City Walking Tour, which has a perfect 5/5 rating based on 47 reviews. These tours reveal quiet neighborhoods and hidden corners that cruise ships rarely visit.
Corfu is especially well-suited for urban exploration, thanks to its UNESCO-listed Old Town, historic Venetian architecture, and vibrant squares. The choice depends on how much time you have, your budget, and whether you crave deep history or a quick scenery fix. Below, I’ve rounded up five top options—each with its own strengths—to help you pick the right tour for your style.
1. Corfu: Small Group City Walking Tour
At number one is the Corfu: Small Group City Walking Tour, which has earned a perfect 5/5 rating from 47 reviews. This tour is ideal if you want a personal, detailed look at the Old Town with a local guide. It lasts around 2 hours, during which your guide will share stories about Corfu’s architecture, historic figures, and secret spots that cruise excursions often overlook. The small group size guarantees personalized attention and plenty of time for questions.
What makes this tour stand out is the guide’s local knowledge and friendly approach—Efi, the guide, is praised as “very pleasant, punctual, and knowledgeable.” Guests love that she not only explains the architecture and history but also offers dining and sightseeing tips for the rest of their stay. The route covers iconic sights like the Esplanade Square and the fortress, along with quieter neighborhoods. It’s perfect for travelers who want to get their bearings and understand Corfu’s layered history in a relaxed setting. The price of $79 is fair considering the depth of insight and the small-group intimacy.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personalized, in-depth walk with a local expert, this is your best choice. It’s especially suited for history buffs and those who want a meaningful introduction to Corfu’s hidden corners.
2. Small Group Corfu Walking City Tour
At number two, the Small Group Corfu Walking City Tour offers a similarly intimate experience with a focus on the city’s most charming streets. At roughly 2 hours, it’s an excellent way to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Corfu’s Old Town, with stops at major landmarks like Liston square, Venetian mansions, and the Old Fortress. This tour is praised for a knowledgeable guide (likely Efi as well), who makes the history come alive and shares personal tips.
The route emphasizes walking through cobbled streets and quaint squares, giving you a real feel for daily life here. The meet-up point at the Old Fortress Gate is central, making it easy to find. Reviewers appreciate how the tour is neither rushed nor slow—”packed everything in two hours” with time for questions and photos. It’s a great pick for travelers who want a quick, thorough overview and the chance to explore at their own pace afterward.
For $67.92, you get an experience that’s both rich in storytelling and tailored to small groups. Guests describe the tour as “an excellent way to understand Corfu’s history and culture,” making it an ideal introduction for first-timers.
Bottom line: If you want a concise yet thorough exploration of Corfu’s historic core with personalized attention, this tour delivers.
3. Corfu: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Number three on our list is the Corfu: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, which offers a flexible way to see the top attractions at your own pace. For $24.84, you buy a 1-day ticket allowing you to hop on and off at multiple stops, including the Palace of St. George and St. Michael, Pontikonisi Island, and the Achilleion Palace. This option is perfect if you want to cover a lot of ground without exhausting yourself walking.
The route is designed with travelers’ convenience in mind, and the recorded commentary in multiple languages provides a good overview of Corfu’s landmarks. Some reviews mention the flexibility—“got to explore a lot and plan for the right return time to our ship”—making it an excellent choice for cruise visitors or those with limited time. However, a few note that some stops, like the palace, have restricted access or require separate entrance fees, so plan accordingly.
The open-top bus allows for good photo opportunities, especially during the panoramic parts of the route. It’s best suited for travelers who want a broad overview and the ability to customize their day without committing to a full walking tour.
Bottom line: This is a cost-effective, flexible way to see Corfu’s main sights, especially for those pressed for time or traveling with family.
4. Corfu Old Town Guide Tour with Dog or City with 4 Paws
Number four offers a fun and heartwarming twist: the Corfu Old Town Guide Tour with Dog or City with 4 Paws. Lasting about 45 minutes, this tour combines traditional sightseeing with the companionship of friendly dogs that live in the city. As you walk through the streets like the People’s Gardens or Bosketo Park, your guide—who is a licensed professional—shares the city’s highlights, but with a feline and canine twist.
What makes this tour truly unique is the inclusion of the city’s stray dogs, trained and cared for by local organizations. You’ll learn about Corfu’s animal rescue efforts, meet “the talking cat,” and even get a chance to cuddle puppies. It’s a lovely way to see the city with a compassionate perspective while supporting local nonprofits. Reviewers highlight how the puppies and the guide’s passion make it an enjoyable experience, especially for animal lovers and families.
A major advantage is the support this tour lends to stray animal organizations, making it a feel-good choice beyond sightseeing. The tour’s short duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a lighthearted experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for animal lovers, families, or those wanting a more personal and compassionate way to see Corfu.
5. City Sightseeing Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Finally, the City Sightseeing Corfu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (note the slightly different URL but similar name) offers another 1.5-hour route that covers major sights. With a rating of 2.5/5 from 162 reviews, it’s the least favored option but still useful for quick overviews. It includes stops at the New Port, Mon Repos Palace, and Pontikonisi, with a commentary in eight languages.
Reviewers mention that signs aren’t always clear and that some attractions, like the palace, may be closed or under renovation. It’s a decent choice for travelers who want a snapshot of the city without much walking, but it lacks the depth and personal touch of other tours. The $31 price makes it quite affordable, but it’s better suited as a supplement rather than a main event.
If you’re in a hurry or on a tight budget, this hop-on-hop-off provides quick access to key sights, but don’t expect detailed storytelling or personalized service.
Bottom line: For a quick, inexpensive overview, it works well; but for deeper experience, consider the other options.
$31
How to Choose Your Perfect Corfu City Tour
When selecting the best tour, consider what matters most to you. If you’re after an intimate, detailed experience and love learning about local architecture and stories, the Small Group City Walking Tours are hard to beat—especially if you want personalized insights. For a flexible sightseeing day, the Hop-On Hop-Off bus offers ease and speed, ideal for cruise ship visitors or busy schedules. Those interested in supporting local animal welfare and enjoying a lighthearted stroll should check out the Old Town Guide Tour with Dogs.
Budget-wise, the hop-on-hop-off options are more economical, but if quality and depth are your priorities, the $79 walking tour provides great value. Keep in mind that some tours are better suited for specific interests—history buffs, animal lovers, or those who prefer quick overviews.
Book early during peak season and check availability, especially for small group and guided tours, to secure your spot. Corfu’s diverse options mean you can tailor your experience to match your style, time constraints, and curiosity.
Final Thoughts
Corfu offers a fantastic range of city tours that cater to different interests and schedules. Whether you prefer walking with an expert, riding a sightseeing bus, or enjoying a heartwarming animal-themed adventure, there’s something for all. The Corfu: Small Group City Walking Tour is perfect if you want an in-depth, personal exploration, while the Hop-On Hop-Off provides a quick overview for those on a tight schedule.
For animal lovers or families, the Tour with Dogs offers a memorable and meaningful experience that supports local charities. No matter what you choose, booking early and researching your options will ensure you make the most of your time on this beautiful Greek island. Corfu’s charm is waiting—get your plans in place and enjoy your discovery of one of Greece’s most captivating destinations.