Let’s discover Pontikonisi, the lovely little islet fondly named Mouse Island, Corfu, and its legendary tales (or shall I say, “tails”).
Pontikonisi is a tiny island with a truly ancient origin. It’s the most painted, filmed, and photographed scene on Corfu, one of the glorious Greek islands in the Ionian Sea.
Now, let’s learn the mythical story and the real history of this magical and meaningful place.
You’ll also find custom maps, travel tips, and photo spots to plan your own visit to Pontikonisi. As well as our personal recommendations based on firsthand experiences of slow travel in Greece.
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Pontikonisi, the Legend of Mouse Island, Corfu
Pontikonisi (Ποντικονήσι) means “Mouse Island” in Greek. Local lore attests several origin stories for Mouse Island, Corfu (Ποντικονήσι Κέρκυρας).
Some locals say the rock’s uncommon shape resembles a mouse. The white stairs winding through the trees thus suggest a mouse’s tail.
Others say the little island is named for the Pontic monks who lived here centuries ago.
Well, Mouse Island, Corfu, also has an ancient origin myth told by none other than the original Ancient Greek poet, Homer.
Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Greek poet Homer narrated spell-binding tales of Greek mythology and heroic legends in his epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Accordingly, for thousands of years, people have sought the specific locations of Homer’s extraordinary places in Greece and throughout the Mediterranean.
The Odyssey unfolds the many adventures of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, as he sails home from Troy to Ithaca, and his wife, Queen Penelope.
Our seafaring hero Odysseus had named his valiant ship Pontikonisi.
Odysseus and his crew had once received a warning that they would enrage the sea god Poseidon if they provided safe passage to strangers aboard Pontikonisi.
Despite this dire prophecy, Odysseus and his company remained undaunted. Not surprisingly, their good ship Pontikonisi still offered ongoing safe passage to strangers.
Consequently, Poseidon soon expressed his wrath and enacted his vengeance.
Homer describes the exact moment of ship-to-stone transformation.
Here’s the 1919 translation of The Odyssey by Professor Augustus Taber Murray from our beloved Loeb Classical Library:
“Now when Poseidon, the earth-shaker, heard this he went his way to Scheria, where the Phaeacians dwell, and there he waited. And she drew close to shore, the seafaring ship, speeding swiftly on her way. Then near her came the Earth-shaker and turned her to stone, and rooted her fast beneath by a blow of the flat of his hand, and then he was gone.” (Homer, The Odyssey, Vol. II, pp. 13-16).
Homer, however, declines to denote the precise location of the ship-to-stone metamorphosis.
So, of course, Mouse Island, Corfu, shares the claim and fame of Homer’s origin myth with other Mouse Islands in Greece.
Well, when you visit Corfu, you can discover the setting and decide the story for yourself.
Vlacherna Monastery, the Path to Pontikoniksi
Beyond a fabled story, Pontikonisi has an authentic history dating back to the medieval Byzantine Empire.
It’s the timeless path of pilgrimage to two ancient churches. One church dates from the 17th century and another from the 11th century.
From the main island of Corfu, a pedestrian bridge connects Kanoni Harbor to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna.
The 17th-century Vlacherna Monastery and its elegant bell tower are iconic in their own right.
Vlacherna Monastery opens regularly to worshippers and visitors. Because the medieval church is still in active use.
From this charming little harbor, small water taxis sail the short distance to Pontikonisi. Passengers next disembark the boats at a landing platform on the tiny islet.
Then, visitors follow white-washed steps through the thick grove of trees. Yes, these stairs are indeed the proverbial “mouse’s tail” which I’d mentioned earlier.
These white-washed stairs lead to the 11th-century Chapel of Christ Pantokrator.
Once a year, on August 6th, the Byzantine Chapel of Christ Pantokrator on Pontikonisi opens to faithful pilgrims.
Pontikonisi in Paintings and Films
Besides its intriguing myths, Mouse Island, Corfu, has long captivated artists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, and tourists alike with its enchanting ambiance.
Paintings, postcards, and prints capture the allure of the uniquely shaped, tree-shaded island and two ancient churches against tranquil waters and dramatic mountains.
For example, the Greek artist Angelos Giallinas (Άγγελος Γιαλλινάς) painted the masterful watercolor as shown above.
A native Corfiot, Giallinas studied in Greece and Italy in the 19th century. He later exhibited across Europe and the Levant in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now, the prestigious National Gallery of Greece displays some of his finest artworks in Athens.
Perhaps the most famous film featuring Pontikonisi is the 1981 James Bond blockbuster, For Your Eyes Only, starring Roger Bond as 007.
For Your Eyes Only uses the beautiful backdrop of Pontikonisi as a movie set. Not to mention, other local filming locations such as Corfu Old Town and the Achilleion Palace.
It’s quite fascinating to compare and contrast the changes over time in the past and present-day depictions.
Yet in essence, the serene views over Pontikonisi remain the same: Beautiful and romantic.
In sum, this sublime scenery that’s inspired others for millennia will surely inspire you in Corfu.
And in short, it’s certainly another wonderful reason why visit Greece.
Pontikonisi Travel Tips and Photo Spots
Pontikonisi, Kanoni Harbor, and Vlacherna Monastery are located off Corfu’s eastern shore.
The picturesque harbor and islets are a short drive from Corfu Town, the capital of the Ionian Islands, one of the 14 Regions of Greece.
Furthermore, the scenic destination is right in the flight path of planes arriving and departing Corfu International Airport.
So, Pontikonisi is quite an impressive sight both during the day and at night.
Address: Kanoni Harbor (Λιμάνι Κανόνι) and the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna ((Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Βλαχερνών) | Paleopolis 163 | 49100 Corfu, Greece
Getting to Pontikonisi
The easiest and best way to see and photograph Pontikonisi is either on a guided tour or in a rental car.
Let’s use Corfu International Airport, “Ioannis Kapodistrias,” as a standard point of reference:
- Between Corfu Airport and Kanoni Harbor, the driving distance is about 2.4 miles (3.8 km).
- From Spianada Square in Corfu Town to Kanoni Harbor, the driving distance is about 2.6 miles (4.2 km).
Corfu Airport also has the greatest number of car rental agencies and vehicle choices.
The custom interactive map below shows parking for Kanoni Harbor and Vlacherna Monastery.
Check available dates and best prices, then book your Corfu car rental:
If you’d prefer not to drive, then you could also book a guided tour with transportation.
A guided tour presents delightful possibilities to combine Pontikonisi with other Corfu attractions on a half-day or full-day trip.
The expert insight of a certified local guide can deepen the understanding of history. Which, in turn, can enrich your travel memories.
In addition, it’s always nice to leave the driving to the professionals. Meanwhile, you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Photographing Pontikonisi
Paul, Spotlight Sojourns’ mapmaker and a trained photographer with 30 years’ experience, suggests three photo spots in particular:
- Firstly, the famous panorama of Kanoni Harbor, Vlacherna Monastery, and Pontikonisi. This classic composition is the quintessential view.
- Secondly, the exclusive focus on Pontikonisi alone. This scenic side view is a short walk, in fact, mere steps from the nearby Aegli Hotel and Aegli Restaurant vista terrace.
- Thirdly, the popular Corfu Airport planespotting spot.
In order to capture a Pontikonisi panorama or Insta-worthy selfie, Paul recommends shooting from a higher elevation instead of the beach or sea level.
Paul suggests, for instance, framing your visual from Kanoni Square (Κανόνι πλατεία) next to Cafe Kanoni.
Obviously, the exception to the higher elevation is when taking photos from the planespotting location.
After all, it’s particularly thrilling to watch and photograph planes arriving and taking off directly overhead.
These Pontikonisi photo spots are included in Paul’s custom interactive map in the following section.
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Map of Corfu, Greece
Interactive Map of Corfu, Greece
Sources and Resources
For Your Eyes Only. Directed by John Glen, starring Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet, et al., MGM, 1981.
Homer, The Iliad. Translated by Emily Wilson, W.W. Norton and Company, 2023.
Homer, The Odyssey, Volume II. Translated by A.T. Murray. The Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, William Heinemann, London, and G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1919, pp. 13-16. 2 vols.
Homer, The Odyssey. Translated by Emily Wilson, W.W. Norton and Company, 2017.
Special Note: We highly recommend Emily Wilson’s fresh translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey. Her work honors the rich history of Homeric translations by learned scholars. At the same time, she brings Homer into the 21st century with expertise and ease. As a result, these prehistoric epics offer enjoyable contemporary reading.
Check Out More Recommendations
GET: Now that you’re ready to visit Pontikonisi, the legendary Mouse Island Corfu, get your exclusive free storytelling guide to tell your travel stories easily.
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Pontikonisi FAQs
Where is Pontikonisi?
Pontikonisi is a tiny islet located just off the eastern shore of Corfu, one of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea of Greece.
How to get to Pontikonisi?
To get to Pontikonisi, the legendary Mouse Island, Corfu, you can either take a guided tour or rent a car at, for instance, Corfu International Airport. Public transport on the local island bus may also be an option for travelers with flexible time.
How to get to Mouse Island, Corfu?
The easiest and best way to get to Mouse Island, Corfu, is either on a guided tour or in a car rental. Pontikonisi (the Greek name) is a short drive from Corfu Town and Corfu International Airport. Otherwise, public transportation is available for those with flexible travel itineraries.
Is Pontikonisi worth visiting?
Pontikonisi is one of the wonderful sights to see and photograph in Corfu, Greece. The tiny island of Pontikonisi, the medieval Vlacherna Monastery, and the quaint Kanoni Harbor make a beautiful and romantic setting. Indeed, it’s the most painted, filmed, and photographed scene on Corfu.
All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.
All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas. We’re the Hidden Gemologists® of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts and slow travel storytellers. Because slow travel is meaningful travel, part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.