Achilleion Palace in Corfu sits above the village of Gastouri, about 10 km south of Corfu Town. It is a pale neoclassical villa wrapped in terraced gardens full of statues from Greek mythology. It was built not by a Venetian governor or a Corfiot noble but by Elisabeth of Austria, the empress everyone calls Sisi. This guide tells her story, covers what happened to the palace after her, and explains, honestly, what you can and cannot see on a visit right now while restoration work is planned.
Visiting Achilleion Palace Corfu: The Essentials
- Where: Gastouri, about 10 km south of Corfu Town.
- What is open: because of restoration, only the outdoor areas and the Imperial Gardens are open. The palace interior is closed.
- Hours and tickets: these change by season and while restoration is under way, so check the official Achilleion website before you go.
- Time needed: about an hour for the gardens and terraces.
Source: official Achilleion website. Last checked 30 Oct 2026. Access can change while work is under way.
Who Was Empress Sisi?
Elisabeth of Austria was the wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary and one of the most photographed royals of her time. She was restless, private and famously uncomfortable at court in Vienna, and she spent much of her later life travelling. Corfu became one of the places she returned to most.
Why She Built a Palace in Corfu
Sisi had the Achilleion built after the death of her son, Crown Prince Rudolf, in 1889. The palace was designed by the Italian architect Raffaele Caritto and completed in the early 1890s. She named it after Achilles, the hero of the Iliad, whom she admired for his mix of strength and vulnerability. That theme runs through the whole site.
She did not have long to enjoy it. Sisi was assassinated in Geneva in 1898, and the palace stood largely unused for several years afterwards.
A Palace Built Around Greek Mythology
The Achilleion is unlike anything else on the island. Statues of Greek gods, heroes and the Muses line the terraces. The most famous piece in the gardens is the Dying Achilles by the German sculptor Ernst Herter, which shows the hero pulling the arrow from his heel. It is a romantic, 19th-century vision of ancient Greece, very different from the Venetian fortresses and Byzantine churches elsewhere on Corfu.
The Gardens and the View
The terraced gardens are the reason to go right now, and they would be worth it even with the palace open. They are planted with palms and flowers, and from the edge of the terraces you look out over the green hills and the southeast coast. Bring water, take your time, and visit in the morning or late afternoon in summer, when the light is softer and there are fewer coach groups.
After Sisi: The Kaiser, a Hospital and a Casino
- 1907: the German Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the Achilleion. He added a huge bronze statue of a triumphant Achilles, by Johannes Götz, which still stands in the gardens, and stayed regularly until 1914.
- The world wars: during the First World War the palace was used as a military hospital, and in the decades that followed it changed hands and uses several times.
- 1962–1983: part of the building was leased as a casino.
- On screen: casino scenes in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only were filmed here.
Today the Achilleion belongs to the Greek state.
Restoration: What to Expect
A major restoration project has been announced. In August 2026 the Hellenic Public Properties Company (HPPC) launched a public tender for the restoration, with work planned to take around 28 months from contract signing. So expect scaffolding, fencing or parts of the grounds to be closed off at times, and do not plan your trip around seeing the interior. Source: HPPC press release, 11 August 2026. Last checked 30 Oct 2026.
How to Get to the Achilleion
By car
This is the easiest option if you want to combine it with other stops in the south of the island. The road up to Gastouri is narrow in places, and parking near the entrance fills up when coaches arrive, so earlier is better. If you are renting with us, a small automatic such as the Hyundai i10 Automatic makes the village roads much easier.
By transfer or taxi
If you are staying in the north, a private transfer saves you the drive across the island. Taxis from Corfu Town are a short ride.
By bus
Local buses serve Gastouri from Corfu Town, but services are limited, especially outside summer. Check the current timetable at the bus station before you set off.
On a coach trip
None of our current coach tours stop at the Achilleion. Have a look at our Corfu coach trips for organised days to other parts of the island.
Make a Day of It in the South
The Achilleion pairs well with Corfu’s other royal estate, Mon Repos Palace and Gardens, and with the classic view of Mouse Island at Kanoni. Both are on the way back towards town. For more ideas on how to fit it into your week, see our 7-day Corfu itinerary or our guide to getting around Corfu.
Achilleion Palace FAQ
Can you go inside the Achilleion right now?
No. At the time of checking, only the gardens and outdoor areas are open while restoration is planned.
How long do you need?
About an hour for the gardens. Add time for coffee in Gastouri.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for the gravel paths and terraces, water, and a hat in summer. Bring a light layer in the cooler months, as the hilltop can be breezy.
Is it worth visiting with the palace closed?
If you love gardens, sculpture and views, yes. If you have very limited time, put Corfu Old Town or Kanoni first.
Browse our Corfu rental cars and visit the Achilleion at your own pace.
