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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Other Corfu Town Pages

  • Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum is a little gem, one of the town’s top museums with an excellent collection of Byzantine art in a 15th-century church.

    Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum

    Corfu Town’s Byzantine Museum is a little gem, one of the town’s top museums with an excellent collection of Byzantine art in a 15th-century church.

  • This walk in Old Corfu Town, or Campiello, takes you from the Liston through the narrow back streets and alleyways and should take about one to two hours.

    A Walk in Old Corfu Town

    This walk in Old Corfu Town, or Campiello, takes you from the Liston through the narrow back streets and alleyways and should take about one to two hours.

  • The church of Saint Spyrídon (Ayios Spyridon) in Corfu Town is a must-see site and contains the silver casket of the island’s patron saint.

    Church of Saint Spyrídon

    The church of Saint Spyrídon (Ayios Spyridon) in Corfu Town is a must-see site and contains the silver casket of the island’s patron saint.

  • Corfu’s small archaeological museum holds two of the finest treasures of ancient Greece, the Gorgon pediment and the Lion of Menekrates

    Corfu Town Archaeological Museum

    Corfu’s small archaeological museum holds two of the finest treasures of ancient Greece, the Gorgon pediment and the Lion of Menekrates

  • The villa of Mon Repos to the south of Corfu Town was once the summer home of the Greek royal family but now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis.

    Mon Repos

    The villa of Mon Repos to the south of Corfu Town was once the summer home of the Greek royal family but now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis.

  • Rising on a steep hill behind the old harbour, the Campiéllo is the oldest district of Corfu’s Old Town.

    Old Corfu Town

    Rising on a steep hill behind the old harbour, the Campiéllo is the oldest district of Corfu’s Old Town.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Corfu Town, including the best restaurants for a treat, traditional tavernas, and cheap and cheerful good eats.

    Where to Eat in Corfu Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to eat in Corfu Town, including the best restaurants for a treat, traditional tavernas, and cheap and cheerful good eats.

  • The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu Town contains the Museum of Asiatic Art, the Municipal Art Gallery, and the Modern Art Museum.

    Palace of St Michael and St George

    The Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu Town contains the Museum of Asiatic Art, the Municipal Art Gallery, and the Modern Art Museum.

  • The main sites to see in Corfu Town are listed on our main Corfu Town page, and some also have their own pages, but here are some of the other things to see.

    Sites to See in Corfu Town

    The main sites to see in Corfu Town are listed on our main Corfu Town page, and some also have their own pages, but here are some of the other things to see.

  • Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Corfu Town including hotels near the port, near the airport and in the town centre, with budget and luxury options.

    Where to Stay in Corfu Town

    Greece Travel Secrets recommends where to stay in Corfu Town including hotels near the port, near the airport and in the town centre, with budget and luxury options.

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