Achilleion Palace
The Basics
Go for the views over Corfu Town from the estate's panoramic garden terraces, to take in architectural details, and to stroll through the gardens to seeDying Achilles, a statue by Ernst Herter. Visit on your own or as part of a Corfu sightseeing tour or shore excursion, which usually includes other top sights such as Paleokastritsa, Mon Repos, and Corfu Town. You can see the palace on a guided hiking itinerary, or reach it via hop-on-hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
In addition to its Achilles art collection, view mementos of Empress Elisabeth and German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who bought the palace in 1907.
A free audio guide gives details on the palace’s history, design, and art collection.
Achilleion Palace offers expansive views over Corfu on the island, so bring your camera.
The palace and gardens are partially accessible to wheelchairs; request information and assistance at the entrance.
How to Get There
The village of Gastouri is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Corfu Town and numerous buses run between the village and the island’s main town throughout the day. To avoid the crowds and hassle of public transportation, opt for a private or small-group tour that includes transportation to Achilleion Palace.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Achilleion Palace is open daily and is most crowded midday. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to wander the rooms and garden terraces in relative peace and snap photos of the island from above with the best light.
The Palace after Elisabeth
After Empress Elisabeth was assassinated in Italy in 1898, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the palace and used it as a summer residence. In World War I, Achilleion Palace was used as a military hospital; while in World War II, it was used by the Axis powers as a military headquarters. Eventually, Achilleion Palace was turned over to the Hellenic Tourist Organization, and today it is a public museum.