Ereikoussa, Corfu Greece
Ereikoussa Island

The Diapontia Islands: Corfu’s Hidden Idyllic Getaways

List of the Diapontia Islands

  • Erikoussa (Ereikoussa)
  • Mathraki
  • Othoni

Just off Corfu’s northwestern tip lie three small islands where time seems to slow: gentle beaches, pine-scented hills, and tiny harbors where fishing boats outnumber cars. Below you’ll find what makes each islet special, along with practical ways to reach them.

Erikoussa — Green haven with gentle beaches

Often called the garden of the Diapontia Islands, Erikoussa is draped in dense olive groves and fragrant cypress. About 29 nautical miles from Corfu (≈ 2.5 hours by ferry), it’s a sanctuary of soft sands and shallow, family-friendly waters. Porto in the south serves as the island’s main port and meeting point, while Fyki (west) and Bragini (east) offer quieter escapes.

Local life: Evenings gather around Porto’s little square—homemade kumquat liqueur, wood-fired bread, and easy conversation. In September, the olive harvest begins, and some guesthouses invite visitors to join in. Birdwatchers will love the spring and autumn migrations, when the island becomes a rest stop for herons, warblers, and other sky travelers. Beaches glow at dusk, when sea and sky melt into a single horizon.

Mathraki — Small, serene, and nature-rich

The smallest of the trio lies about 36 nautical miles from Corfu (≈ 3 h 20 m by ferry via Erikoussa). Think goat paths that double as hiking trails, wildflowers lining the way, and minimal facilities—just a few tavernas that often serve as the local shop too.

Beaches: Portello and Arvanitiko offer long shallows; Fyki, Kontrakas, and Apidia hide rockier coves on the west coast. Stay overnight to enjoy dazzling, low-light-pollution skies. Adventurous swimmers sometimes snorkel to tiny Diakopo islet for pristine waters and vibrant marine life.

Othoni — Myth-steeped and wander-friendly

The westernmost edge of Greece and the largest of the Diapontia Isles, Othoni sits about 43 nautical miles from Corfu (≈ 4 hours including stops). The island is divided between Ano Panta (Chorio, Dafni) and Kato Panta (Mastoratika, Kasimatika). Many identify it with Homer’s Ogygia, where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus captive.

Highlights: Take a boat to Calypso’s Cave from Ammos; hike cobbled paths linking hamlets; and chase sunsets from the lighthouse at Cape Kastri. Don’t miss boat-only beaches like Aspri Ammos and secluded Xylosermoi. Evenings can bring kantades—traditional Ionian serenades. Try local fish dishes such as bourdetto and bianco.

Getting There — Ferries & Private Options

  • Ferries: Regular services connect Corfu to Erikoussa (≈ 2.5 h), with onward routes to Mathraki (≈ 3 h 20 m total) and Othoni (≈ 4 h). Book early in peak season and carry some cash—ATMs are limited.
  • Private boats & day trips: Skippers from Agios Stefanos (NW) and Gouvia Marina offer transfers and custom swims at hidden coves. Some summer cruises also include Diaplo islet and Cape Drastis.
  • Local tip: In windy weather, locals sometimes share spots on fishing boats—an authentic crossing with salty stories included.

Final Thoughts — Pure Escape, Corfu-Style

Erikoussa’s calm shores, Mathraki’s wild paths, and Othoni’s myths reveal a quieter face of the Ionian. There’s little nightlife and few shops—but there are village squares, unspoiled horizons, and a deep sense of stillness. Come with walking shoes and curiosity; leave with new friends, sea-salted memories, and the feeling that time can stretch when you let it.