Liston Tours

The elegant Liston stretching along the edge of Corfu’s central square, the Esplanade, is Corfu's most popular promenade and the heart of Corfiot life and culture. The tasteful arcades of Liston which house numerous cafés and restaurants nowadays, were built by the French in 1807 based on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. The wide paved area running in front of the Liston, is a favourite place for an evening or weekend promenade for locals but also for visitors who are drawn to this stylish, lively central location.

Part of the charm of the area, stems from its history and the blending of its cultures. Going back to the era of Venetian rule, access to the Liston was restricted to the nobility – only those whose family names were written in the Libro d’Oro (Golden Book). The name ''Liston'' derives from the Venetian dialect, where liston means a place in which to promenade. The building we see today is a legacy of the period of French control over the island, while the large grassy area just in front is still used to play cricket – a sport brought here by the British.

Many of Corfu’s most important annual events take place in the Liston, including religious processions in honour of Saint Spyridon, the island’s patron saint, parades featuring Corfu’s traditional marching bands (called philharmonics), or the Easter Saturday custom of throwing ceramic pots from the windows and balconies. The huge crowds drawn to these celebrations confirm the Liston’s place at the heart of Corfiot life and culture.

Visitors to Corfu Town can enjoy a romantic walk along Liston or enjoy a refreshing gingerbeer in one of the many welcoming cafés and restaurants, sheltered under its arcades while watching the world go by. Discover Liston with one of our Corfu Private Tours or Corfu Shore Excursions, such as our Corfu Town Food Walking Tour, our Private Tour to Paleokastritsa & Corfu Town or our Best of Corfu: Full Day Private Island Tour.