Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
The photograph everyone takes is not from the islet. It is from the Kanoni viewpoint above it, looking down over the water at two things at once: the islet, and the monastery of Vlacherna on its own tiny spit, joined to the shore by a narrow causeway.
What you actually do there
Three separate things, often confused:
- The viewpoint at Kanoni, which is the view. Cafes and a terrace look straight down at both islets.
- The walk out to Vlacherna monastery along the causeway, which takes minutes and is free to walk.
- The boat to Pontikonisi itself, a short seasonal hop from the causeway. The islet is tiny; the chapel is usually only open on limited occasions.
Most visitors do the first two and skip the third, which is a reasonable division of a morning.
The aircraft
Corfu’s airport runway ends beside the lagoon here, so aircraft land low over the water in full view of the terrace. Plane-spotters come deliberately, and everyone else is startled the first time.
It is part of the character of the place rather than a nuisance, but it is worth knowing if you are hoping for silence with your view.
Getting there
Kanoni is a short drive or a local bus ride south of Corfu Town, and it is walkable from the southern edge of town if you are willing. Parking is limited at the viewpoint.
It pairs naturally with the Achilleion palace a little further south, and both fit into a half day from town. Things to do in Corfu sets out the order.
Practical notes
- Late afternoon light favours the view; midday flattens it.
- The causeway is narrow and gets congested when a tour group arrives.
- Boat trips to the islet are seasonal and weather-dependent.
Last checked August 2026. Boats, hours and access change - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
What is Mouse Island in Corfu?
Pontikonisi, a small wooded islet off the Kanoni peninsula with a single chapel on it, and one of the island’s best-known views.
Where do you get the view of Mouse Island?
From the Kanoni viewpoint above the lagoon, which looks down on both Pontikonisi and the Vlacherna monastery on its causeway.
Can you visit Mouse Island?
A short seasonal boat runs from the causeway, though the islet is very small and the chapel is not generally open. Most visitors view it from Kanoni instead.
Why do planes fly so low at Kanoni?
Corfu’s airport runway ends beside the lagoon, so landing aircraft pass low over the water beside the viewpoint.
How do you get to Kanoni from Corfu Town?
A short drive or local bus south of the town, and walkable from the southern edge of town for those who want the walk.
Next
Read things to do in Corfu, Achilleion, or Corfu Old Town.