Few families have captured Corfu as vividly as the Durrells. For Gerald, the island became a giant outdoor classroom of birds, insects, olive groves and hidden wetlands, while Lawrence found inspiration in its sea, light and villages.
We have ranked 10 places that still bring you close to their Corfu, from #10 to #1. And the final two are particularly special — one was a favourite family escape, while the other remains the most iconic real-life Durrell location on the island.
7Pontikonisi – Mouse Island
Pontikonisi is one of the most photographed places in Corfu, but the Durrell connection gives visitors another reason to look at it differently.
Gerald and his family knew the area around Mouse Island, Kanoni and the lagoon well during their years on Corfu.
Seen from Kanoni, the tiny island rises from the water behind the white monastery of Vlacherna, covered in dark green cypress trees.
Today this is one of Corfu’s classic postcard views. In Gerald’s childhood, however, the wider landscape formed part of a much quieter world of boats, wetlands, swimming and exploration.
The contrast with modern Corfu is extraordinary. Aircraft now descend directly over the lagoon, while thousands of visitors stop here every summer for photographs.
Yet Pontikonisi itself still has something timeless about it.
Instead of visiting only for the famous photo, spend some time looking across the lagoon and try to imagine this landscape before the airport, roads and modern development arrived.
For viewpoints and practical information, see our Kanoni guide.
