Kaiser's Throne (Pelekas)

Kaiser's Throne is a hilltop viewpoint above the village of Pelekas, on the west side of Corfu, Greece, about 13 km southwest of Corfu Town. The name refers to Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who stayed at the nearby Achilleion Palace and is said to have come to this spot to watch the sunset over the Ionian Sea. A stone platform with a viewing terrace and railings marks the place, and a small cafe sits nearby. From the top, a 360-degree panorama opens across much of the island: the west coast and beaches such as Glyfada and Pelekas, the green interior hills, the plain towards Corfu Town in the east, and on clear days the mountains of Albania across the water. The view is most popular at sunset, when the sun drops towards the horizon and the sea turns gold, and visitors gather on the platform with cameras. Photographers can capture the village rooftops below, the beaches along the coast and the changing colour of the sky. The viewpoint is reached by a short, steep road or a walk of about 10 minutes uphill from Pelekas village, with some stretches of uneven ground. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes, although many visitors stay until after the sun has set. The site is open at all hours and entry is free. Crowds can be significant at sunset in summer, when buses and cars fill the small car park and the platform is full, so arriving 45 minutes early secures a good position. At other times of day the place is much quieter. Pelekas village itself has tavernas and cafes where visitors can have dinner after the sunset, and the beach at Pelekas is a short drive away. Wind can be strong at the top, so a light layer is useful.