Pontikonisi Mouse Island
A mythical islet off Corfu, famous for its chapel, stunning views, and thrilling proximity to landing airplanes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views & plane spotting
Pontikonisi Mouse Island
Best Time
Best views & plane spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mythical islet off Corfu, famous for its chapel, stunning views, and thrilling proximity to landing airplanes.
"Take a local boat to Mouse Island for just €2.50 return trip. Tiny island with steps up to a pretty chapel, small gift shop and a cafe."
🚤 Affordable Boat Trip
Take a local boat from Kanoni for a cheap return trip to Pontikonisi. :moneywithwings:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the island and planes. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Islet
Off the coast of Kanoni
A tiny, picturesque island with a charming chapel and lush greenery, famous for its unique shape and proximity to the airport runway.
Chapel of Pantokrator
On Pontikonisi
Climb the steps to this serene chapel for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and surrounding coastline.
Plane Spotting Spectacle
Near Pontikonisi
Witness the thrilling sight of planes landing and taking off from Corfu Airport, a unique experience right next to the island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Pontikonisi
Best Time for Views & Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Affordable Boat Trip
Take a local boat from Kanoni for a cheap return trip to Pontikonisi. :moneywithwings:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the island and planes. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Steps
Climb the steps to the chapel for incredible panoramic views of the coast. :hiking_boot:
✈️ Plane Spotting Fun
Enjoy the unique thrill of watching planes land close by. It's a highlight for many visitors! :airplane_departure:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Affordable Boat Trip
Take a local boat from Kanoni for a cheap return trip to Pontikonisi. :moneywithwings:
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the island and planes. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Steps
Climb the steps to the chapel for incredible panoramic views of the coast. :hiking_boot:
✈️ Plane Spotting Fun
Enjoy the unique thrill of watching planes land close by. It's a highlight for many visitors! :airplane_departure:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pontikonisi for its affordability, stunning views, and the unique excitement of plane spotting. The short boat trip is a highlight, offering picturesque scenery. However, some guests have noted issues with noise from the nearby airport and occasional service inconsistencies.
"It’s cheap.
The view is great.
A bus stops and beaches are nearby.
The cleaning lady left a wet, dirty towel on our bed and a key in door so anybody could walk in.
AC is working. Mattress is comfortable.
Airplanes are not bothering, especially with closed window.
Owner left us beers, water bottles and a wine as a welcome gift which is nice."
Marcin Małecki
"Nice place: kept very clean b staff. Very good breakfast & great Heat/ac in each room. Only drawbacks we're: busy road in between halves of the hotel and flights from airport landing pattern are close by. So yo get aircraft noise. Easily mitigated if you close the windows and use a app like "white noise" on your phone."
pts pts
"Stayed for 2 nights. Nice view. Cozy place. Litle bit loud in the evening till 23:00h and morning from 6h when the planes lands. Cant hardly sleep. But the view when the planes land is amazing!"
Sergej Borsuk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Pontikonisi is by taking a short boat trip from the Kanoni area in Corfu. Local boats offer regular services for a small fee, providing a scenic ride to the islet.
Yes, Kanoni is easily accessible by public bus from Corfu Town. Buses run frequently, making it convenient to reach the departure point for the boat to Pontikonisi.
The boat trip is very short, typically only a few minutes, offering a quick and enjoyable journey across the water.
No, Pontikonisi is an island and can only be reached by boat. Walking is not an option.
The best way to experience Pontikonisi is by taking the local boat trip and then exploring the small island on foot, including climbing to the chapel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You'll need to purchase a return ticket for the boat trip to Pontikonisi. The island itself doesn't have an entry fee, but the boat service is paid.
The boat trip is very affordable, often costing around €2.50 for a return journey, making it a budget-friendly excursion.
Pontikonisi is accessible during daylight hours via the boat service. The chapel and any small shops on the island will have their own operating times.
Boat trips are usually on-demand from Kanoni, so advance booking isn't typically necessary. You can purchase tickets directly from the boat operators.
There is generally no entrance fee for the chapel itself, though donations are often appreciated.
🎫 ✈️ Plane Spotting
Yes, Pontikonisi is very close to Corfu Airport, so you will hear and see planes landing and taking off. Some find it exciting, while others might find it noisy.
The island itself offers a unique vantage point for plane spotting. The nearby Kanoni viewpoint is also famous for its direct views of the runway.
Absolutely! Pontikonisi is renowned for its proximity to the runway, offering a thrilling experience of watching planes approach and land.
For some visitors, the plane noise can be noticeable, especially during peak flight times. Closing windows can help mitigate the sound if you're staying nearby.
Planes operate throughout the day. Visiting during daylight hours will give you the best opportunity to witness landings and takeoffs.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic view of the islet with its chapel, the surrounding turquoise waters, and the dramatic plane landings are prime photo subjects.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more picturesque scene.
Yes, the proximity to the runway makes it a fantastic spot for capturing dramatic photos of aircraft.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography on the island or for the boat trip, but always be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the overall scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for detailed shots of the planes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive facilities on the islet, there's a small cafe and gift shop. It's advisable to bring snacks and drinks for younger children, and be prepared for the potential noise from the nearby airport, which some children might find startling. The climb to the chapel involves steps, so keep this in mind for very young children or strollers.
📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour – early morning or late afternoon – for the best light, which will enhance the colors and textures of the landscape. A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the sweeping vistas, while a telephoto lens will allow you to zoom in on the impressive aircraft. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, as this is a popular spot for both tourists and photographers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once on the island, there's no entry fee to explore. You can enjoy the views and the unique atmosphere without spending much. Pack your own picnic lunch and water to save on costs, as the on-site cafe might be pricier. The nearby Kanoni area also offers great viewpoints for plane spotting without needing to take the boat if you're extremely budget-conscious.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Pontikonisi
Today, Pontikonisi is home to the Vlacherna Monastery and the Chapel of Pantokrator. The monastery, though not directly on the islet, is famously connected by a picturesque walkway and is often seen in conjunction with Pontikonisi. The chapel on the island itself is a small, serene structure that visitors can ascend to via a series of steps, offering a peaceful retreat and stunning views.
While the island is small, its allure lies in its historical significance, mythological roots, and its unique visual appeal. It's a place that sparks imagination and offers a glimpse into Corfu's rich cultural tapestry.
Experiencing the Plane Spectacle
Many visitors find the plane spotting experience to be a highlight of their trip. The sight and sound of aircraft descending towards the runway, often at a surprisingly low altitude, create a sense of excitement. It's a popular activity for photographers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
While the proximity to the airport provides this unique thrill, it's worth noting that it can also lead to noise disturbances. Some reviews mention that the aircraft noise can be significant, particularly during peak flight times. However, for many, this is part of the island's unique charm and a worthwhile trade-off for the incredible views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit