Corfu: Half-Day Private Tour to Achillion, Kanoni & Corfu Town

Experience Corfu’s top attractions in just a few hours on this Private Half-Day Corfu Highlights Tour. Visit Princess Sissi’s Achillion Palace and wander through its exquisite gardens, adorned with impressive sculptures of Greek mythological heroes, including Achilles, who inspired the palace itself. Capture panoramic views of the famous Mouse Island – said in local legend to be the petrified ship that brought Odysseus to Corfu. Then continue to UNESCO-listed Corfu Town, where you’ll stroll through charming alleyways, admire the architecture and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

After a convenient pickup from your hotel or Corfu port, board your private, air-conditioned vehicle and set off to explore Corfu’s most iconic landmarks and must-see sights.

Begin with a visit to the legendary Achillion Palace, the grand residence featured in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”. Perched on a steep hillside in the traditional village of Gastouri, this 19th-century mansion was built as the summer retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as “Princess Sissi”, and later became the property of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Inside, uncover the moving story of the “Sad Empress” as you see her personal belongings, admire the opulent furnishings and take in the beautifully painted frescoes.

Step out into the lush palace gardens and stand in awe before the two famous statues of Achilles – the hero of the Trojan War – after whom the palace was named. Continue through the elegant courtyard to view statues of the Nine Muses, as well as Greek philosophers and poets, all surrounded by rich vegetation and sea views.

Leaving Achillion behind, your tour continues with a short drive along the coast through Perama to the Kanoni peninsula and the iconic Mouse Island viewpoint. From this vantage point you’ll enjoy one of the most photographed scenes in Corfu: the tiny islet of Vlacherna, with its whitewashed chapel, and just beyond it, the lush green Mouse Island. If timing allows, you may even see planes landing or taking off nearby, as Kanoni sits next to the airport. Don’t forget your camera—this is the perfect photo stop—before you head onward to the historic center of Corfu Town.

No visit to the island is complete without exploring UNESCO-recognized Corfu Town, often considered one of Greece’s most beautiful cities. Lose yourself in the winding, cobbled kantounia (alleyways), admire the Venetian architecture and soak up the lively atmosphere. Take time to visit key landmarks such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the Town Hall, and the 300-year-old Church of Saint Spyridon, where the relics of Corfu’s patron saint are kept.

Stand in Spianada Square, the largest square in Greece, and, if you wish, climb up to the Old Fortress for breathtaking views over the town and sea. Browse the inviting souvenir shops for local products or pause to enjoy a coffee beneath the elegant arcades of the Liston, built by the French in the 19th century and inspired by Paris’ Rue de Rivoli.

By the end of your Corfu Private Highlights Tour, you’ll have discovered the very best of the island in just half a day. Rejoin your private vehicle and relax as you’re driven back to your hotel or Corfu port, right on time for your onward plans.