Mouse Island (Pontikonissi), Corfu: The Islet & Vlacherna Monastery
Mouse Island, or Pontikonissi, is a tiny islet in the bay south of Kanoni near Corfu town, holding a single church hidden among trees. The trees on Pontikonissi vaguely resemble mice, which is how it got its name, and the islet is often confused with the nearer island of Vlacherna in front of it - together one of the most photographed views in the whole of Greece.
- Island
- Corfu
- Location
- Kanoni bay
- Buildings
- 1 church
- To airport
- 400 m
Mouse Island (Pontikonissi)
Pontikonissi, or Mouse Island, is the most remote island in the bay south of Kanoni, just south of Corfu town. The only building on the islet is a church, hidden among the trees. The trees on Pontikonissi vaguely resemble mice, and that is how the island got its name. It is often confused with the nearer island of Vlacherna, which sits in front of it.
Vlacherna monastery
Vlacherna is connected to the mainland by a small dam, where a few fishing boats are moored. On the island stand a white monastery and a very tall tree, with Mouse Island in the background - one of the most photographed places in the whole of Greece. During the summer months boats run from Vlacherna to Corfu town, every hour in high season, and you can also take a trip across to Pontikonissi.
The Odysseus myth
According to the myth of Homer, Odysseus was washed ashore on Pontikonissi, though other places on Corfu claim the same story.
Kanoni and getting there
The view is reached from Kanoni, south of Corfu town. About 400 metres from Vlacherna lies the start of the landing strip of Corfu airport, which is set in a lagoon. At Vlacherna there is also a very large parking area for visitors' cars, and from the causeway you cross on foot to the monastery before taking a boat out to Mouse Island.