Kanoni

Kanoni is one of two tiny islands off Corfu, about an hour’s walk south of Corfu Town, and one of the most photographed spots on Corfu.

The island of Kanoni near Corfu Town in GreeceThe Island of Kanoni near Corfu Town

More photos have probably been shot at Kanóni than any other place on the island. Although this long-standing beauty spot is now surrounded by development, there is something timeless and compelling about its two tiny islets, one of which is crowned with a picturesque white church. 

The islands lie at the southern tip of the Kanóni Peninsula, 5 kms (3.1 miles) south of Corfu Town. In times past Kanóni was a favourite picnic spot and a destination for British town dwellers on their evening strolls.

Today upmarket suburbs cover much of the peninsula and there are hotels and apartments along the coast. But you can still enjoy a pleasant seaside walk there, which takes about an hour from the centre of town at a leisurely pace.

Kanoni

Kanóni, which means ‘battery’, was named after a gun battery installed here by the French in 1798. A cannon stands in the little square beside the viewing terrace as a reminder of its history, though today the roar comes not from cannon fire but from airplanes overhead.

The main attraction of Kanóni is the picture-postcard views of the islets and the coastal scenery beyond. In the foreground is Vlachérna, almost completely covered by a pristine white convent. A lone cypress tree rising higher than the church’s Venetian bell tower adds a splash of colour. The islet is connected to the mainland by a causeway, with small fishing boats bobbing in the blue water alongside. 

Top Tip

Excursion boats to Kanóni run hourly in summer from the Old Port in Corfu Town, with splendid views of the Old Fortress and town along the way. It’s perfect to take the boat out and then enjoy the walk back to Corfu Town.

Convent on Kanoni

Steps wind down to the causeway, and you can walk over to visit the convent which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Inside the tiny church is an icon of the Virgin and Child, where the faithful leave little votive offerings with their prayers for healing.

The island of Kanoni near Corfu Town in GreeceKanoni near Corfu Town

Top Tip

If you walk to Kanóni from Corfu Town, cool off on the way back with a swim at Mon Repos beach, which is opposite the Mon Repos Palace hotel. 

Pontikonissi

Here too is a harbour, where you can take a short boat ride to the second islet, Pontikoníssi, also known as Mouse Island. Here a cluster of trees hides a tiny Byzantine chapel dating from the 11th or 12th century.

Pontikoníssi is one of three Corfu islets vying for its place in mythology: it is said to be the petrified ship of Odysseus which was turned to stone by Poseidon in Homer’s Odyssey.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

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