Corfu Kanoni and Mouse Island

Location: Town

Kanoni, the church of Panagia Vlacherna and the Mouse Island in Corfu: The location of Kanoni with the church of Panagia Vlacherna below and the Mouse Island (Pontikonissi) are the most famous and photographed spots of Corfu. Kanoni is actually a quarter of Corfu Town, just a couple of km from the city center. It took its name from an old cannon that stands on top of the hill. This hill is lush green and has many luxurious hotels and local residences.

Some steps go down the hill from Kanoni and you reach the small church of Panagia Vlacherna. A narrow 300m passageway connects the island with the church. Constructed in the 17th century, this lovely chapel has an impressive wooden-carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside. The roof has red tiles and above the gate entrance, there is a tall bell tower.

Fishing boats depart frequently from the church and go to the legendary Mouse Island, just 5 min boat ride. This lush green island took this name due to its tiny size. According to mythology, this rocky island is the ship of Ulysses that was stoned by god Poseidon. In the center of the Mouse Island, there is the 13th-century church of Pantokrator. This church celebrates on August 6th with a large religious panigiri for Corfu.

On top of the hill in Kanoni, there are two cafeterias with amazing view to the church of Vlacherna, the sea, and the Mouse Island. It is also very frequent that you see an airplane landing and taking off from this spot, as the airport of Corfu is right next to the church. Another longer passageway connects the church of Vlacherna with the opposite location of Perama.

How to get there

The Kanoni and Mouse Island is located in Corfu Town.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Corfu transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 26610 39911, 0030 694 5452 338, 0030 697 3372 289 or book your taxi online.

Car rental: Τhere’s the option of renting a car in Corfu with as little as 12 euros per day and pick it up directly from the airport, port or your hotel. Using a car rental allows visitors to discover Kanoni and Mouse Island and many other places of interest in Corfu at their own pace.

By Public transfers: The central bus station of the island is located at Corfu Town. There are several buses from Corfu Town to Kanoni during the day. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. Check the official timetables here. 
Tip: Since buses don’t always stop in every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination, so that he makes a stop there.

By Boat: From Kanoni, there are boats that take visitors to Mouse Island. Otherwise, you can reach Mouse Island with a private yacht or a rented one.