Information
Landmark: Kanoni and Mouse IslandCity: Corfu
Country: Greece
Continent: Europe
Kanoni and Mouse Island, Corfu, Greece, Europe
Overview
Kanoni and Mouse Island-locals call it Pontikonisi-are two of Corfu’s most beloved spots, with sweeping sea views and a quiet sense of history in every stone.Just outside the city of Corfu, these spots draw crowds with their lush hillsides and centuries-old stone arches.Kanoni sits on a small peninsula just south of Corfu city, where the sea laps quietly against the rocky shore.Kanoni is known for its sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and tiny Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, a green speck in the blue water.Just a short trip from Corfu Town, it’s an easy and popular stop for travelers chasing postcard-perfect scenery.From its lookout, you can see both Mouse Island and the whitewashed Vlacherna Monastery, set apart across the glittering channel.Many visitors pause here to snap the famous shot of the small chapel perched on Mouse Island, an image you’ll find on countless Corfu postcards.The Vlacherna Monastery itself, a Greek Orthodox retreat, sits at the very tip of the Kanoni peninsula.The 17th‑century monastery is both a cherished landmark and a favorite subject for photographers, its stone walls glowing in the late afternoon sun.You can reach it by walking the narrow causeway that stretches out from the mainland.The small, plain monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary sits quietly between thick green trees and the blue shimmer of the sea, its calm broken only by gulls overhead.Kanoni is also known for its deep ties to aviation history.Kanoni sits just minutes from Corfu International Airport, so it’s not unusual to see planes gliding low overhead, their engines humming as they skim above the sea and the rooftops of Corfu Town-a sight that thrills aviation fans.It’s perfect for a slow wander, with open-air cafés and restaurants framing postcard views of Mouse Island, the whitewashed Vlacherna Monastery, and the glittering coastline.Mouse Island, or Pontikonisi, is a tiny green jewel just offshore, named for its mouse-like shape, and home to the 16th‑century Chapel of Panagia Vlacherna.At the heart of the island stands its main draw-a centuries-old chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, framed in summer by bright blooms swaying in the breeze.It’s a peaceful, picture-perfect spot, and the island itself has long been tied to pilgrimages and festive religious gatherings.Though it’s small, the island has a calm, almost magical feel that draws crowds-soft waves lap at its edge.You can reach it by boat from Kanoni, with trips running regularly all day.The boat ride lasts just a few minutes, so getting there’s easy.You can hop over to the island to wander through the quiet chapel and soak in the stillness, or stay in Kanoni and take in the view from afar.Mouse Island itself is cloaked in dense green foliage, its landscape left almost entirely untouched.As you wander Mouse Island’s quiet paths, the soft rush of the sea and the sweep of green hills create a rare calm, and its small size makes it perfect for a quick escape from busier shores; legend even ties it to the journey of Odysseus.According to some tellings, the gods punished Odysseus by turning his ship to stone, creating the island; over the centuries, it’s sheltered religious communities and now holds the small whitewashed chapel of Panagia Vlacherna.In Kanoni, one of the best things to do is head to the viewpoint, breathe in the salty air, and snap a photo of Mouse Island framed by the monastery’s bell tower.The deep blue sea, the lush green shore, and the whitewashed chapel create a view you won’t forget.Stroll to Vlacherna Monastery on foot, or cross the narrow bridge that links it to the mainland.From the monastery, you can feel Corfu’s spiritual past in its quiet stone halls, then step outside to see the island and sea spread out in dazzling blue.Hop on a small boat to Mouse Island-it’s a favorite trip for visitors.From Kanoni, you can hop on a short, scenic boat ride that glides past glittering water to the island, where the Chapel of Panagia Vlacherna waits in quiet charm.Afterwards, settle into a café or restaurant nearby, sip something cool, and take in the sweeping views of the sea and the island.It’s the ideal spot to unwind with a cool drink, the view stretching over rolling green hills, and for aviation buffs, Kanoni offers one of Corfu’s best vantage points to watch planes glide in and roar off from the airport.Because the airport sits so close to Kanoni, visitors can watch planes roar past almost within arm’s reach, a thrill for any aviation enthusiast.Kanoni and nearby Mouse Island rank among Corfu’s most striking spots, blending lush scenery, rich history, and a calm, unhurried atmosphere.Whether you’re chasing sweeping ocean views, uncovering centuries of sacred history, or simply wandering with the sun warm on your shoulders, these spots promise a memorable experience for anyone visiting the island.
