The Diapontia Islands: Corfu’s Hidden Idyllic Getaways
Northwest of Corfu lie the Diapontia Islands, a small Ionian archipelago that feels worlds away from the island’s busiest resorts. The three inhabited islands — Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi — offer quiet beaches, tiny settlements, walking paths, clear water and a wonderfully slow rhythm of life.
If you are looking for a peaceful day trip or even a few nights away from the crowds, the Diapontia Islands are among the most rewarding places to explore from Corfu.
The Three Diapontia Islands
• Ereikoussa (Erikoussa) — green, peaceful and known for sandy beaches and walking paths.
• Mathraki — the smallest of the three inhabited islands, ideal for nature, swimming and complete relaxation.
• Othonoi — the largest of the Diapontia Islands and the westernmost inhabited point of Greece, famous for dramatic coastline, sea caves and remote beaches.
Ereikoussa — Green, Peaceful and Easygoing
Ereikoussa is a lush island covered with olive trees, cypresses and Mediterranean vegetation. Its name is associated with the heather plant that blooms across the island, adding colour to its already green landscape.
Porto is the main settlement and harbour, where you will find accommodation, tavernas and the relaxed everyday life of the island. Away from Porto, walking paths lead through the countryside towards quieter areas and beaches.
Bragini is one of Ereikoussa’s best-known beaches, with clear water and a peaceful setting. The island is also interesting for birdwatchers, particularly during seasonal migrations.
My tip: Ereikoussa is a good introduction to the Diapontia Islands if you want somewhere quiet but still easy to explore on foot. Stay overnight if you can — the atmosphere changes completely once the day visitors leave.
Getting there: Ferry services from Corfu Port take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the scheduled route and sea conditions. Seasonal day cruises also operate from northwest Corfu.
Mathraki — Small, Wild and Close to Nature
Mathraki is the smallest inhabited island in the Diapontia group and perhaps the best choice if your idea of a holiday involves walking, swimming, simple food and very little noise.
The island has only a small population and limited tourism development. Paths connect settlements, beaches and viewpoints, while much of the landscape remains green and peaceful.
Portelo Beach is Mathraki’s best-known sandy beach and stretches along the eastern side of the island. Other small beaches and rocky coves can be explored on foot or by boat when sea conditions permit.
The waters around Mathraki, Diaplo and the nearby small islets are particularly attractive for swimming, snorkeling and boat trips.
My tip: Do not arrive expecting shops and entertainment on every corner. Mathraki is special precisely because there is so little development. Bring anything important with you and check ferry times carefully before travelling.
Getting there: The scheduled ferry journey from Corfu Port is approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the route and intermediate stops.
Othonoi — Myths, Caves and the Western Edge of Greece
Othonoi is the largest of the three inhabited Diapontia Islands and the westernmost inhabited point of Greece. Its remote position, dramatic coastline and connection with Greek mythology make it especially interesting for visitors who enjoy exploring beyond the usual Corfu attractions.
The island’s main settlements include Ammos, close to the harbour, and Chorio further inland. Walking routes cross the island towards viewpoints, traditional houses and the historic lighthouse at Cape Kastri.
Othonoi is often associated with Homer’s mythical Ogygia, the island where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus before he continued his journey home. Whether or not you believe the connection, the island certainly has the isolated atmosphere to make the legend easy to imagine.
Calypso’s Cave
One of the best-known attractions around Othonoi is Calypso’s Cave, which is normally visited by boat. The surrounding cliffs and deep blue water make this one of the most memorable stops on a cruise around the island.
Aspri Ammos Beach
Aspri Ammos is one of the island’s most striking beaches, backed by pale cliffs and generally reached by boat. Its remote location and clear water make it one of the highlights of a summer trip to Othonoi.
My tip: If you visit Othonoi on an organized day cruise, check how much free time you will actually have on the island. If you want to hike, explore villages and experience the island after sunset, consider staying overnight instead.
Getting there: The scheduled ferry journey from Corfu Port takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. Travel times can change according to the route, stops and weather.
Day Trips from Agios Stefanos Avliotes
One of the easiest ways to see the Diapontia Islands during a Corfu holiday is from Agios Stefanos Avliotes in northwest Corfu.
During the summer season, organized cruises operate from its small harbour. Current 2026 itineraries include trips towards Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi, with routes that may also include places such as Diaplo, Aspri Ammos, Calypso’s Cave and Cape Drastis.
These trips are particularly convenient if you are staying around Agios Stefanos, Arillas, Sidari or the northwest of Corfu because you avoid travelling all the way into Corfu Town before boarding a boat.
My tip: Book in advance during July and August and always reconfirm your departure the day before. Routes can be changed or cancelled when wind and sea conditions are unsuitable.
Ferries from Corfu Town
Scheduled ferries also connect Corfu Port with all three main Diapontia Islands.
• Corfu → Ereikoussa: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Corfu → Mathraki: approximately 3 hours 10 minutes.
• Corfu → Othonoi: approximately 3 hours 50 minutes.
Schedules vary according to season and day of the week, so always check the current timetable shortly before travelling rather than relying on an old online schedule.
If you are comparing this trip with other excursions around the island, see our Corfu boat trips and cruises guide.
Can You Visit the Diapontia Islands in One Day?
Yes, particularly during summer. Organized cruises from Agios Stefanos Avliotes are designed specifically as day trips and can include swimming stops as well as time on one or more of the islands.
However, a day trip and an overnight stay are very different experiences. During a cruise you will see the scenery and several highlights, while staying for one or two nights gives you time to walk, explore the villages, eat in local tavernas and experience the islands after the excursion boats have departed.
Which Diapontia Island Should You Choose?
Choose Ereikoussa if you want green scenery, easy walking, beaches and a relaxed island atmosphere.
Choose Mathraki if your priority is peace, nature and getting well away from busy tourist resorts.
Choose Othonoi if you want the most varied sightseeing, with sea caves, mythology, remote beaches, walking routes and the experience of reaching Greece’s westernmost inhabited island.
Practical Tips Before You Go
• Take drinking water, sun protection and any medication or essentials you may need.
• Carry some cash as well as a card. Facilities on small islands are naturally more limited than in Corfu Town.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore away from the harbour.
• Check both your departure and return times carefully, particularly if you are travelling independently rather than on an organized cruise.
• Weather matters. Strong winds can affect crossings and excursion itineraries.
• If you plan to stay overnight during peak summer, book accommodation in advance because the number of rooms is limited.
Explore Northwest Corfu Too
If you are travelling to Agios Stefanos to catch a boat, allow some extra time to explore northwest Corfu. Arillas, Cape Drastis, Peroulades, Sidari and Agios Georgios Pagon are all within the broader region and can easily be combined with a longer stay.
You can use our Corfu map and regions guide to see where the Diapontia departure points and nearby northwest resorts are located.
Final Thoughts — A Quieter Side of the Ionian
Ereikoussa’s green paths, Mathraki’s peaceful beaches and Othonoi’s caves and myths reveal a very different side of the Ionian Islands. There are no huge resorts, shopping streets or nightlife districts here — and that is exactly the attraction.
Visit for the clear water and beaches, but pay attention to the little things too: a quiet harbour in the morning, a fisherman returning with his catch, a simple meal beside the sea and an evening when the loudest sound may be the waves.
For travelers who want to discover something beyond the most familiar parts of Corfu, the Diapontia Islands are one of the easiest places to feel that you have genuinely gone somewhere different.
