TOUR CODE: 01 · PRIVATE · ~3 HOURS
Achilleion Palace & Kanoni Private Tour
Explore two of Corfu’s most celebrated historic landmarks on a fully private three-hour tour. Visit the fairy-tale Neoclassical palace built for Empress Sissi, walk its mythological gardens with sea views, then continue to the iconic Kanoni viewpoint for the picture-perfect view of Panagia Vlacherna and Mouse Island.
⏳
~3 hrs
Duration
👥
Historic
Palace & viewpoint
👑
Built 1890
Imperial Palace
Two iconic Corfu landmarks
What you will see on this tour
A private journey through a Neoclassical imperial palace and the most photographed viewpoint on the island.
Palace & Gardens
Achilleion Palace
Built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, widely known as Princess Sissi, the Achilleion is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture set on a hillside above the village of Gastouri. Every detail of the palace celebrates the Greek hero Achilles, from the painted ceilings and ornate interiors to the sculpture gardens outside.
The gardens are home to a remarkable collection of statues, the most famous being the colossal bronze Dying Achilles, a figure unlike anything else in Greece. From the upper terrace, you look out over sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, the green Corfu hills, and on clear days, the Albanian coastline to the east.
✓ Visit duration: 40–50 minutes ✓ Dying Achilles bronze & sculpture gardens
Viewpoint & Church
Kanoni (Old Cannon)
Kanoni takes its name from an old cannon that once stood on this lush hilltop peninsula, about 4 km south of Corfu Town. Today it is known for one of the most beautiful views in the Greek islands: a broad lagoon reflecting a perfect sky, with the tiny whitewashed church of Panagia Vlacherna at the water’s edge on its own small islet, connected to the shore by a narrow stone causeway.
Beyond the church, the wooded islet of Pontikonisi, also called Mouse Island, rises from the water with its small Byzantine chapel at the top. The view from the Kanoni terrace captures all of this in a single frame and is one of the most photographed scenes in all of Corfu. Your driver will provide the local history and context for everything you see.
✓ Panagia Vlacherna view ✓ Accessible viewpoint ✓ Mouse Island backdrop
Your tour experience
Three hours of private guided exploration
No rush, no shared buses, no strangers. Your itinerary, your pace, your private driver throughout.
Inside the palace
Palace Interiors & Mythology
Step inside the summer home of one of Europe’s most romantic royal figures. The painted halls, vaulted ceilings, and sculpture-lined corridors tell the story of Princess Sissi’s deep love for Greek mythology, with Achilles as its central character. Your driver will share the history that brings every room to life.
Outdoor gardens
Formal Gardens & Sea Views
The Achilleion grounds are laid out across a series of terraced gardens descending toward the sea, framed by mature cypress trees and filled with marble and bronze statues. The view from the north terrace, looking across to the Ionian Sea and the hills beyond, is as impressive as anything inside the palace itself.
Kanoni peninsula
Vlacherna Church & Mouse Island
From the Kanoni viewpoint you look across a still lagoon to the postcard image of Panagia Vlacherna church sitting on the water, reachable by a thin causeway. Behind it, Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) sits quietly mid-channel. On a clear day, this single view captures everything that makes Corfu’s landscape so memorable.
Practical information
Good to know before you book
Honest details about timing and what to expect on your private Achilleion tour.
Duration
~3 hours
From pickup to drop-off. The palace visit alone takes 40 to 50 minutes, with the remaining time covering travel between sites, Kanoni, Gastouri, and Pelekas.
Palace visit
Allow 45 minutes
The Achilleion grounds are best explored unhurried. A comfortable 40 to 50 minutes takes in the sculpture gardens, the colossal Dying Achilles bronze, the palace terraces, and the views of the Ionian Sea below.
Vehicle
Private taxi
Your car is exclusively yours. No shared transfers, no scheduled stops for other passengers, and no minimum group size.
Also Visits
Pelekas & Gastouri
The route passes through the traditional village of Gastouri at the palace foot and the hilltop village of Pelekas. Stops are flexible on request.
Tour FAQs
Questions guests ask before booking
Straightforward answers about the Achilleion and Kanoni private tour.
How long does the Achilleion and Kanoni tour take?
Approximately three hours from pickup to drop-off. You will spend 40 to 50 minutes inside Achilleion Palace depending on your pace. Travel between the two sites and time at Kanoni are included within that window.
What is inside the Achilleion Palace?
The palace contains royal rooms, a large collection of mythological sculptures, and the famous colossal bronze Dying Achilles. The terraced gardens overlook the Ionian Sea and are among the finest views on the island. Your driver will share the history of Princess Sissi and the palace’s place in Corfu’s cultural identity.
Can we change the route or add stops?
Yes. The tour is private and the itinerary is flexible. If you want to spend more time at the palace, add a café stop, or visit an extra viewpoint on the way, let your driver know at the start.
Where does the tour start and finish?
We pick you up from your hotel, villa, cruise port, or any address on Corfu and drop you off at the same or a different location. Your meeting point is confirmed at the time of booking.
Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes. Achilleion Palace is a pleasant walk through open gardens and courtyards, and the Kanoni viewpoint is fully accessible. Children typically enjoy both. If you need a child seat, request one when booking.
Ready to explore Corfu’s finest sights?
Book your Achilleion & Kanoni private tour
Send us your tour date, number of guests, and pickup address. We confirm your booking the same day with a fixed price and a named driver.