Discover Corfu

Vlacherna Monastery

5 min read


Vlacherna Monastery: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

VLACHERNA MONASTERY AT A GLANCE

LocationKanoni Peninsula
Famous ForThe “Mouse Island” Viewpoint
VibeIconic, Picturesque & Bustling
AccessBy Foot via Causeway (Free)
Key SightsThe Chapel & Plane Spotting
Best ForPhotography & A Classic Corfu Stop

An Overview of Vlacherna Monastery

The Vlacherna Monastery is the single most famous and photographed religious site in Corfu. This tiny, whitewashed 17th-century former convent sits on its own miniature islet, connected to the mainland by a narrow stone causeway. While beautiful in its own right, it is world-renowned for forming the perfect foreground to the iconic view of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island). The entire scene is made even more dramatic by its unique location at the end of the airport runway, making it one of the best plane-spotting locations in the world.

Quick Planner

⏳ Time Needed
30 – 60 Minutes
⭐ Don’t Miss
Plane Spotting!
📍 Plan Your Day
Combine with Corfu Town & Mouse Island

How Will You Get Here?

Drive Your Own Car

A quick 10-minute drive from Corfu Town. Parking is available near the causeway or at the top of the hill.

Take the Blue Bus

The No. 2a Blue Bus from San Rocco Square goes directly to Kanoni, a short walk from the monastery.

Enjoy a Coastal Walk

Take a beautiful 30-40 minute stroll from Corfu Town’s Garitsa Bay along the coast to Kanoni.


In-Depth Guide & Details

Getting There & Location

The monastery is located at the tip of the Kanoni peninsula, just south of Corfu Town.

  • By Car & Parking: Driving from Corfu Town is quick (10 mins). There is limited parking at the top of the hill in Kanoni near the cafes, or you can drive down to the car park at the base of the causeway itself, though this can also get busy.
  • By Bus: This is the best option. The No. 2a Blue Bus (to Kanoni) runs very frequently from San Rocco Square in Corfu Town and terminates right at the top viewpoint, a short walk down the steps to the causeway.
  • By Foot: It’s a beautiful 30-40 minute coastal walk from Corfu Town’s Garitsa Bay, perfect for a leisurely stroll.


Tickets, Dress Code & Key Sights

Tickets & Access

  • Tickets: Access to the causeway and entry into the Vlacherna Monastery is completely free of charge.
  • Access: The site is very easy to access. You simply walk across the flat stone causeway from the mainland directly to the monastery’s entrance.

What to See & Do: Key Highlights

The area offers several unique and memorable experiences.

  • The Monastery Itself: Step inside the tiny, peaceful chapel to light a candle. Admire the classic Ionian bell tower and browse the small gift shop inside that sells religious icons and souvenirs.
  • The Causeway: Walking along the pier is an experience in itself, surrounded by the sea and small fishing boats, with stunning views in every direction.
  • Plane Spotting: A major highlight! Stand on the causeway and experience the incredible thrill of watching passenger jets land and take off just metres above your head.
  • The Iconic Photograph: This is the prime location to capture the world-famous “postcard” shot of Vlacherna with Mouse Island perfectly framed in the background.
Is Vlacherna Monastery Worth Visiting?

You’ll Love Vlacherna Monastery If…

  • You want to see and photograph the most iconic view in Corfu.
  • You are a keen photographer or aviation enthusiast (plane spotter).
  • You are looking for a quick, easy, and memorable stop near Corfu Town.
  • You want to experience a classic and essential Corfu landmark.

Important Things to Know…

  • It is extremely popular and can be very crowded, especially around midday.
  • The monastery itself is very small and takes only a few minutes to see.
  • The main experience is the exterior view and the atmosphere of the location.
  • It can be very noisy when planes are landing or taking off.
Visitor Reviews

Visitor Reviews of Vlacherna Monastery

See what fellow travelers think about this iconic spot, or share your own experience.

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Leave Your Own Review


What Else Can I See Nearby?

Visit Mouse Island (Pontikonisi)

Take a short boat trip from Vlacherna to the legendary Mouse Island, home to the Pantokrator church.

Hike the Kanoni Peninsula

Enjoy the walk from Corfu Town and relax at one of the hilltop cafes in Kanoni, offering stunning views of Vlacherna, Mouse Island, and the airport runway.

Discover Corfu Town

Just a short distance away, explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its labyrinthine streets and Venetian architecture.


Want More Insider Tips?

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our BLOG for the latest posts, and join our FACEBOOK COMMUNITY to ask all your important questions! Click here to head back to our ATTRACTIONS PAGE. 


Plan Your Journey

Stay Updated on Corfu

Subscribe for insider tips, local events, and special offers

Subscribe to our mailing list