Achilleion Palace
We begin at the Achilleion Palace, which is located in the village of Gastouri, 10km south west of Corfu Town. This wonderful mansion was built in 1891 by the emperor of Austria known as Sisi and later owned by Kaiser, Wilhelm II of Germany. Tourists can visit the stately rooms and wander through the lush extensive gardens. You will also be able to admire the prominent statue of Achilles, which shows him trying to remove a spear from his ankle and other invaluable pieces of art. The grounds also offer spectacular views over the Ionian Sea from both the lower and upper levels.
Kanoni Peninsula
Leaving Achilleion Palace, we head towards the coast where you will enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the nature of Corfu. Then from Kanoni you’ll visit Mouse Island (Pontikonissi) and the Monastery of Vlacherna. Kanoni is located just a couple of kilometers from Corfu Town, it’s name is derived from an old canon that still stands on top of the hill.
Mouse Island
Next stop is the legendary Mouse Island, a small remote island just south of Corfu town, which can be reached by taking a 5-minute boat ride. This pretty green island took its name due to its tiny size. According to mythology, this rocky island is where the god Poseidon stoned the ship of Ulysses. In the center of Mouse Island, there is a 13th Century church.
Monastery of Vlacherna
The Chapel here was constructed in the 17th Century and boasts an impressive wooden carved iconostasis and beautiful frescoes inside. The roof has classic red tiles and above the gate entrance you’ll find a tall bell tower. It was a women’s monastery and according to the marble plaque on the building, the current chapel was built in 1685. This is a truly beautiful and tranquil place to visit during your stay on the island.
The Mon Repos Palace
Next you will experience Mon Repo Park and take a walk through the beautiful forest. The remains of the ancient town of Corfu have been found opposite the palace and archaeologists believe that Mon Repos was built on the site of the ancient city of Corfu.
Built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. It is a small but very beautiful palace featuring colonial architectural elements. In later years, the palace became the summer residence of all British governors of Corfu. When the Ionian Islands were united to Greece, in 1864, it was given as a gift to King George I of Greece. Mon Repos Palace was also the house where Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born in 1921. Take a walk through the park in the shade of the giant trees and enjoy another wonderful stop on your tour of the island.
Old Corfu Town
Finally we head towards the Old Fortress the most interesting tourist attraction and explore Corfu town on foot! The Venetians originally built the town with narrow streets between the houses, which are known as ‘Kandounia’. The Liston Square is home to the Royal Palace of St George and St Michael built by the first British commissioner. This is a great place to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by! In the heart of the town, you can visit the 300-year old church, St Spryridon the town’s most famous monument. You will also be able to shop ‘til you drop, visit many museums and indulge in traditional local food at a wide variety of restaurants.
Book Now