To visit Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, you go to Kanoni, about 9 km from Sinarades. You see the islet from the viewpoint, walk the short causeway to the Vlacherna monastery, and, if you like, take a small boat across. It is a short, easy outing, and a good half day when combined with other stops.
What Pontikonisi is
Pontikonisi is a very small, wooded islet just off the coast at Kanoni, with a small chapel on it. Its name means mouse island. A local tradition links it to a ship from Homer’s Odyssey turned to stone, although that is a story, not a fact, and it is a pleasant one to tell as you look at it.
It is among the best-known views on Corfu, and it is one of the island’s most photographed.
Kanoni: the view
Kanoni is the area that looks out over the islets and the water. The viewpoint is where most people begin. Nearby, you will notice that the airport runway is close, so planes pass low overhead as they land and take off, which adds to the spectacle for some visitors, and may surprise others.
Distances from the loft, approximately:
- Kanoni and Pontikonisi: about 9 km.
- Corfu Old Town: about 11 km.
- Corfu International Airport: about 8 km.
Vlacherna and the boat to Pontikonisi
Close to the viewpoint, a short causeway leads to the small Vlacherna monastery, which sits almost on the water. This is the photograph many people have in mind when they picture Kanoni.
From here, small boats typically run across to Pontikonisi. Because services, prices and timings can change, check the current details locally when you arrive. You do not have to cross to enjoy it: the view from the shore is the main event, and many visitors are content with that.
Practical tips
- Go at the edge of the day. Like most popular spots, Kanoni is usually calmer earlier or later, and the light is better too.
- Wear sensible shoes. There are steps and the causeway is narrow.
- Do not rush. Half an hour at the viewpoint, a walk across and a coffee make a perfectly good visit.
- Take a camera, but look up too. The planes are part of the scene.
A simple half-day plan
Start at the viewpoint and take in the view of the islets. Then walk the causeway to Vlacherna, and decide whether you want to take a boat across to Pontikonisi or simply enjoy it from the shore. Finish with a coffee and a slow look at the water.
From there, you have choices. You can continue to Corfu Old Town, about 11 km from Sinarades, for lunch and a wander. Or you can head back toward the coast for a swim, and keep the afternoon free. Either way, nothing is rushed.
When to go
July and August are the busiest months, so Kanoni is at its best at the beginning or end of the day, when it is calmer and the light is softer. Spring and early autumn are generally quieter, which helps if you want to linger over the view.
Because the airport is close, you may notice more planes at some hours than others. If that is not to your taste, it is easy to build the visit around a short walk and a coffee, and then move on.
Fitting it into your trip
Kanoni is close to Corfu Town, so it pairs very well with a day there. See our guide to a day trip to Corfu Old Town. Alternatively, combine it with the Achilleion Palace, about 6.5 km from Sinarades, for a morning of sightseeing, and finish with a swim at one of the west-coast beaches.
Getting there
By car, you can reach Kanoni from Sinarades in a short drive, and parking nearby may be limited at busy times, so go early or be prepared to walk. Green KTEL buses and taxis are also options, and our Getting Here page is a good starting point. You can find more about the area on our Corfu guide page.
Coming home to the village
A day at Kanoni is a lively one, which makes a quiet evening in Sinarades all the more welcome. The loft has a small entrance balcony, a full kitchen and air conditioning for a cool end to the day. If you would like to stay, book direct with us at a lower price than on Booking.com or Airbnb. See our direct-booking offers.
Quick answers
How far is Kanoni from Sinarades?
About 9 km. By car it is a short drive.
Do I have to take the boat to Pontikonisi?
No. The view from the shore is the main event, and many visitors are happy with that. If you would like to cross, check the current details locally.
How long should I allow?
Half an hour at the viewpoint, a walk across the causeway and a coffee make a perfectly good visit. Combine it with the old town or the Achilleion for a fuller day.
