An evening stroll through Corfu's Old Town (Paglia Poli) begins and ends in Liston, home to dozens of cafes and restaurants tucked into arcades lined with beautiful pointed arches, known locally as "voltes," meaning "promenades." These promenades, located in the western part of Spianadas Square, are a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.
Construction of the Liston complex began during the Second French Occupation of the island between 1807 and 1814, based on the designs of the French engineer Mathieu de Lesseps—the father of the builder of the Suez Canal—in collaboration with the Greek engineer Ioannis Parmesan. It's worth noting that Liston is modeled after the famous Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
During the presence of the British High Commission (1815-1864), the British widened the arches, gradually adding floors that today house offices and residential space.
According to one theory, the name "Liston" derives from the Italian word (in Venetian dialect) "lista," meaning "straight line." Another theory holds that the district was named so because, at that time, only aristocrats listed on the "Lista" (Lista List) were allowed to stroll along the Liston galleries.
The Liston galleries have been a characteristic feature of Corfu's urban life for decades. Crowds gather here, hosting social, cultural, and political events. The Liston architectural complex, combined with Spianadas Square located directly in front of it, is perhaps the most impressive, crowded, and lively public space in all of Greece.
Liston is, in essence, the cosmopolitan center of Corfu. Here you can arrange a date, or even unexpectedly bump into acquaintances or friends from across the country, or even the world.
On Saturday afternoons, you can watch cricket matches in Liston, while numerous city philharmonics and the Litany of Ai Spyridon parade through the square. On sunny Sundays, you can enjoy a morning coffee in one of the many cafes. And even on non-Sundays, every day in Liston is a "voltes" through the Old Town, the aroma of delicious coffee, a crowd of interesting people from all over the world, and the unique atmosphere of Corfu Island!
Liston Promenade
More attractions in Corfu
Perched atop a verdant hill near the village of Gastouri, just 10 kilometers south of Corfu Town, Achilleion Palace stands as one of the most iconic and elegant landmarks on the island.
Perched on a lush green hill just a few kilometers south of Corfu Town, Kanoni offers one of the most iconic and photographed views in all of Greece.
Rising dramatically from the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, Angelokastro — or the Castle of the Angel — is one of Corfu’s most awe-inspiring landmarks.
Best hotels in Corfu
Founded in 1971, Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa has a fairly long history on Corfu, and is one of the most highly-rated, iconic, and best-known on the island
Kerkyra Blue Hotel and Spa is conveniently located about 3km west of Kerkyra Town on the coast, on the island of Kerkyra, or, as it is more commonly known, Corfu
You’ll find the newly-built 5-star Olivar Suites Hotel in the village of Messonghi, close to the mid-point of Corfu’s beautiful east coast, about 20km south of Corfu Town
