There is a place in Corfù that seems to have been created to fit into a postcard. This is the Vlacherna Monastery. This very particular construction, just 5 kilometers south of Kerkyra, is one of the most particular attractions of Corfù island. Especially for the landscape context in which it is located.

This church by the sea occupies the space of a small islet, which was only connected to the mainland by a jetty in the 20th century. The time of its origin, on the contrary, is still uncertain. Someone has identified the date of its first construction around 1500. In any case, the monastic center remained in operation until 1980, when it still housed a nunnery inside. Today it is instead an exclusively touristic place, which can be visited for free. It is accessed by entering the door under the spectacular bell tower, to find yourself inside the courtyard. Right here, on the left, in memory of the past religious function of the place, a small church. Crossing the threshold, you can still admire paintings and icons, which enrich the environment. Among these, also a painting dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Vlacherna, to whom the monastery is consecrated.

It is a place as small as it is appreciated and visited by thousands of tourists every year. The fairytale atmosphere that surrounds this place is undoubtedly the most mystical and attractive part. Especially when evening approaches and the sun is about to set. In these moments, the warm light reflected on the waters and on the monastery conveys a feeling of peace and relaxation that is impossible to describe. In front of the monastery, there was also a military outpost, active from 1798 until the Second World War. A place that has bequeathed one of its cannons, kept in the nearby restaurant, as well as the toponymy. Kanoni is in fact the name of the peninsula and of this suburb of Kerkyra.

There is another place, not far away, from which it is wonderful to admire the sunset and the Vlacherna Monastery. This is Pontikonissi, otherwise known as ‘mouse island’. An islet just 5 minutes by boat from the monastery, inhabited only by pines and cypresses. It can be reached by booking a boat in the nearby marina. In the heart of this island, there is a white chapel dedicated to Christ Pantocrator, dating back to the 11th or 12th century. It can be accessed by climbing a marble staircase, and from here, looking back to admire the white bell tower of Vlacherna. An ancient legend is linked to this other romantic pearl. Pontikonossi is said to be none other than Odysseus’ ship, turned to stone by the sea god Poseidon.

Then there is one last peculiarity linked to this place, which has to do with more modern times. Corfu Town Airport is located just north of the monastery. Therefore, tourists who come to these parts can often happen to have a fairly close encounter with departing or landing planes. Something that almost seems like an awakening from a dreamlike state, suspended in this suggestive corner of the island of Corfu.

To reach the monastery, you can do it by taking a bus from Corfu Town, or directly on foot, with a pleasant walk of about 4 km from the heart of the old town.