| Corfu
town definitely has a nightlife scene, though many people are content to
linger over dinner and then, after a promenade, repair to one of the cafes
at the Liston, such as the Capri, Liston, Europa, or Aegli--all of which
have a similar selection of light refreshments and drinks. Others are drawn
to the cafes at the north end of the Esplanade, just outside the Liston--Cafe
Bar 92, the Magnet, or Cool Down. For a special treat, ascend to the rooftop
cafe/bar at the Cavalieri Hotel. Another change of scene is the Lindos
Cafe, overlooking the beach and facilities of the Nautical Club of Corfu;
it is approached by a flight of steps leading off Leoforos Demokratias,
just south and outside the Esplanade. And one of the best-kept secrets
of Corfu town is the little Art Cafe, to the right and behind the Palace
that now houses the Museum of Asian Art; its garden provides a wonderful
cool and quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the town.
If
you enjoy a bit more action, there are several nightspots along the coast
to the north, between Corfu town and the beach resort of Gouvia; they include
Ekati, a typical Greek nightclub; Esperides, featuring Greek music; and
Corfu by Night, definitely touristy. Be prepared to drop some money at
these places.
As
for the younger crowd, there are any number of places that go in and out
of favor (and business) from year to year. Among the more enduring up around
the Esplanade are the relatively sedate Aktaion, just to the right of the
Old Fort, and the Cafe Classico, in an old mansion at Odos Kapodistriou
10, featuring the latest music. Young people seeking more excitement go
down past the New Port to a strip of flashy discos--Apokalypsis, Hippodrome,
and DNA.
In
summer, there are frequent concerts by the town's orchestras and bands,
mostly free, on the Esplanade. Corfu town boasts the oldest band in Greece.
The Sound-and-Light performances are described in the listing for the Old
Fort (see "What to See & Do," above). September brings the Corfu Festival,
with concerts, ballet, opera, and theater performances by a mix of Greek
and international companies. Carnival is celebrated on the last Sunday
before Lent with a parade and a burning of an effigy representing the spirit
of Carnival.
For
those who like to gamble, there's a well-known casino at the Corfu Holiday
Palace a few miles outside of town. Open nightly, it may not have
the glamour of Monte Carlo, but it attracts quite an international set
during the high season. |
