Achilleion Palace is one of the most elegant landmarks in Corfu and a perfect half day trip when you have the freedom that a car rental in Corfu provides. Built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria and later used by Kaiser Wilhelm, the palace sits above the village of Gastouri with balconies and gardens that look toward the sea. When you rent a car at Corfu Airport with Corfu Cars you can reach Achilleion quickly and comfortably, avoid waiting for buses, and plan your visit on your own schedule.
Collect your vehicle with the Corfu Cars shuttle at the airport and follow the signs toward Gastouri. The drive takes only a short time and the road is simple to follow. As you approach the palace you will pass olive groves and quiet lanes that rise gently into the hills. Parking is available near the gate and from there the entrance is a short walk. Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and fewer crowds, which makes the visit more relaxed and the photos more pleasing.
Inside the palace you will find wide staircases, painted ceilings and rooms that contain objects from the life of Empress Elisabeth. Step out to the terraces to see the famous statues of Achilles. One shows the hero triumphant and another shows Achilles in a moment of human struggle. The gardens are a highlight, with colonnades, palms and viewpoints that open toward the Ionian Sea. Take your time to walk through the upper and lower terraces. Benches are placed in the shade and the paths are even, so it is easy to enjoy the setting at a gentle pace.
A car hire in Corfu turns a palace visit into a flexible day around the south of the island. After Achilleion you can drive a few minutes to the viewpoints of Kanoni and Mouse Island and watch planes come in over the water. You can continue down to Benitses for a swim or a simple lunch by the sea. If you prefer to stay inland, wander through Gastouri where quiet streets and small squares show everyday life in Corfu. With your own car you can link these stops without rushing and you can change plans whenever the mood takes you.
If you enjoy photography, arrive early for soft light on the gardens or return in the late afternoon when the stone takes on warmer colors. The terraces can be bright in the middle of the day, so bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes. Respect any areas that are roped off and follow local signage. Choose marked parking areas and paved roads and avoid small tracks that lead into the groves. Driving with care protects the site and keeps your insurance coverage valid.
Corfu Cars makes the practical side easy, so you can focus on the experience. Every price includes Full Damage Waiver. There is no deposit and no excess. You pay on arrival. Pick up at Corfu Airport is smooth with our shuttle and you can also visit our central office next to the airport at Riga Fereou 21. If you want extra peace of mind you can add protection for wheels, undercarriage and glass. The fleet includes compact cars for narrow lanes, comfortable automatics for longer drives and spacious family models that carry beach gear with ease. All vehicles are carefully maintained for safety and comfort.
For a simple route you can plan a loop that starts at the airport, visits Achilleion in the morning, continues to Kanoni for the viewpoint, and ends with an easy walk in Corfu Old Town before dinner. If you have more time, add a swim near Benitses or a quiet stop at Mon Repos. With a car rental in Corfu you choose the order and the pace. Browse the Corfu Cars fleet, reserve online, and your car will be ready when you land. Achilleion Palace and the best of the island will be within easy reach from your first mile.