Kanoni

Covering an entire peninsula south of Corfu town, the district of Kanoni is one of the most fascinating in the city, known for its cultural sights and café scene. Take in both on a private or small-group tour of Corfu that includes stops at the area’s highlights, or explore on your own with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. With its steep, rugged coastline covered in trees, Kanoni is also striking from the sea, and many boat tours of Corfu and the nearby Ionian Islands skirt the peninsula.

• In addition to great views of both Vlacherna and Mouse Islands, the peninsula is a popular spot from which to watch the planes land at Corfu’s main airport.
• The lush, shady grounds of the Mon Repos Palace offers a cool escape from the heat and crowds in central Corfu.
• With its many cafés overlooking the charming, whitewashed Vlacherna Church, Kanoni is an ideal spot for a scenic coffee or meal.
• You’ll have to explore the quarter and its top attractions on foot, so choose comfortable footwear and clothing.
• The neighborhood streets are paved and easy to navigate with a wheelchair, though not all the local attractions are accessible.

Kanoni is on the outskirts of Corfu town, and the far point of the peninsula is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the town center. You can stroll along the coastline for 30 minutes to reach the neighborhood or take one of the buses that run frequently between the Liston in Corfu town and Kanoni.

Visit Kanoni during daylight hours to appreciate its lovely views, browse the local shops, and visit the main sights on the peninsula. In the evening, the area’s restaurants and clubs fill with locals and visitors, offering a taste of the island’s nightlife.

The name Kanoni comes from the word for canon, four of which once protected the ancient city near the entrance to the lagoon, which was formerly the main port of Corfu. Today, the main sights are much less bellicose, and include the red-tiled Panagia Vlacherna, picturesquely set on a small island connected to Kanoni by a long causeway. Boats depart regularly from Vlacherna Island for nearby Mouse Island, home to the 13th-century Byzantine church of Pantokrator. Other top sights include the Mon Repos Palace—birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh—and the 10th-century Church of St. Jason and St. Sosipatros, one of the few examples of Byzantine architecture on Corfu.