The Mouse Island is the most famous and most commonly featured landmark of Corfu, which appears, apart from guide books, brochures and postcards, in many traditional greek songs and poems. Its name is a direct translation from the Greek Pontikonissi, which is popularly attributed to its mouse-shape and tiny size.
In the middle of the island stands the 13th century Greek Orthodox Church of Pantokrator, which comes alive with a big traditional feast on the 6th August. Kaiki (Wooden fishing boats) depart regularly for the Mouse Island, which is a mere 5-minute ride away.
However, what makes this site special is the combined viewing of the Mouse Island, alongside the picturesque 17th century white-washed Greek Orthodox Church of Vlacherena at the end of the pier, which makes the perfect site for weddings and other special religious occasions.
You get the best photos at Kanoni viewing point, which you can either drive to, or walk up the steps if you’ve parked at the seafront. At Kanoni, which takes its name from a 18th century Russian canon left behind and on display, you can lounge in one of the cafes, with a full view of lake Chalikiopoulo and the runway of Corfu Airport, which appears to have been built on water. It is quite a sight to see aeroplanes flying in and landing, or taking off, especially if you are walking along the pedestrian corridor connecting the bays of Kanoni and Perama.
Stopping at Kanoni is well worth it, and it is a short 15-minute drive from Corfu Town. You could also combine it with a flight arrival/departure waiting time, or en route to visiting the South of the Island.