Islands Near Corfu: Easy Escapes You’ll Actually Want to Take
Corfu is surrounded by much smaller islands that can completely change the feel of your holiday. Some are easy day trips with turquoise beaches and lively little harbours; others are remote islands where staying overnight gives you a much better sense of local life.
From Paxos and Antipaxos in the south to the peaceful Diapontia Islands in the northwest, plus tiny Vido and Pontikonisi close to Corfu Town, these are some of the best island escapes you can make from Corfu.
Quick List of Islands Near Corfu
• Paxos — beautiful villages, sea caves and clear-water coves.
• Antipaxos — famous for Voutoumi and Vrika beaches.
• Ereikoussa — green, peaceful and easygoing.
• Mathraki — tiny, quiet and ideal for nature lovers.
• Othonoi — caves, remote beaches and the western edge of Greece.
• Vido — a tiny island escape directly opposite Corfu Town.
• Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) — Corfu’s famous postcard islet beside Kanoni.
Paxos — Little Island, Big Character
South of Corfu, Paxos is one of the easiest and most rewarding islands to visit. Olive-covered hills surround spectacular coves, while the harbour villages of Gaios, Lakka and Loggos each have their own character.
Gaios is the island’s main port and busiest village, with waterfront cafés, restaurants and boats lining the narrow channel. Lakka sits around a beautiful sheltered bay in the north, while smaller Loggos has a relaxed waterfront that is especially atmospheric in the evening.
On the west coast, dramatic cliffs, sea caves and beaches such as Erimitis show a much wilder side of the island.
How to get there: Regular passenger services operate between Corfu and Paxos. In 2026, some hydrofoil crossings take approximately 55 minutes, while other vessels take longer depending on the service.
If you are planning to travel independently rather than on an organized cruise, see our Corfu to Paxos Ferry Guide 2026 for current routes, ports and practical information.
My tip: A day trip is perfectly possible, but spending one or two nights on Paxos gives you time to see Lakka and Loggos after many of the excursion visitors have returned to Corfu.
Antipaxos — Incredible Turquoise Water
Just south of Paxos lies tiny Antipaxos, famous for some of the clearest and most intensely turquoise water in the Ionian Sea.
Voutoumi and Vrika are its two best-known beaches. In summer, both attract boats from Paxos and Corfu, although the atmosphere changes considerably once the busiest excursion boats leave.
Antipaxos has very little development compared with Paxos. Most visitors come primarily to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach and enjoy lunch at one of the seasonal tavernas.
How to get there: Small boats and sea taxis operate seasonally from Paxos, particularly Gaios. Many full-day cruises from Corfu also include a swimming stop at Antipaxos.
My tip: If Antipaxos is your priority, choose an excursion that clearly states how much swimming time is included. Some large cruises spend much more of the day sailing than visitors expect.
Ereikoussa — Green, Quiet and Relaxed
Northwest of Corfu, Ereikoussa is one of the three inhabited Diapontia Islands. It is covered with olive trees, cypresses and Mediterranean vegetation, with a much slower pace of life than Corfu’s major tourist resorts.
Porto is the island’s main settlement and harbour, while Bragini is one of its best-known beaches. Shaded paths through the countryside make Ereikoussa pleasant for walking as well as swimming.
How to get there: Scheduled services from Corfu Port take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Seasonal boat excursions also leave from northwest Corfu.
My tip: If you enjoy small islands, consider staying overnight. Ereikoussa becomes especially peaceful once day visitors leave.
Mathraki — The Smallest of the Diapontia Islands
Mathraki is the smallest inhabited island in the Diapontia group and an excellent choice for travelers who genuinely want to get away from busy resorts.
Its landscape is green and largely undeveloped, with small settlements, footpaths, coves and long stretches where you may see very few other visitors.
Portelo is the island’s best-known sandy beach and one of its main natural attractions. The surrounding waters are also ideal for swimming and exploring by small boat when conditions are calm.
How to get there: The scheduled journey from Corfu Port takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the route and conditions.
My tip: Mathraki is not the place to arrive expecting extensive shops, nightlife or tourist services. That lack of development is exactly why people who love it keep returning.
Othonoi — Caves, Myths and the Western Edge of Greece
Othonoi is the largest of the inhabited Diapontia Islands and the westernmost inhabited island of Greece.
The island has a fascinating mixture of small settlements, walking trails, dramatic coastline and secluded beaches. It is also traditionally associated with Homer’s mythical Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso.
One of the best-known attractions is Calypso’s Cave, reached from the sea. Boat trips can also visit spectacular beaches such as Aspri Ammos, backed by pale cliffs and inaccessible by normal road.
Walking routes lead towards traditional settlements and the historic lighthouse at Cape Kastri, another highlight for visitors staying long enough to explore inland.
How to get there: Scheduled services from Corfu Port take approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes. Seasonal day cruises also operate from Agios Stefanos Avliotes in northwest Corfu.
For much more detail about all three islands, ferry times, beaches and day trips, read our complete guide to the Diapontia Islands.
Can You Visit the Diapontia Islands in One Day?
Yes. During the summer, organized cruises from Agios Stefanos Avliotes offer day-trip itineraries towards the Diapontia Islands. Depending on the route, trips may include Mathraki, Othonoi, Aspri Ammos, Calypso’s Cave and other coastal stops.
However, travelling independently on the scheduled ferry is different from joining a dedicated sightseeing cruise. Because scheduled journeys from Corfu Town are considerably longer, always check the return timetable before planning a same-day independent visit.
My tip: If you mainly want sightseeing and swimming, take an organized cruise. If you want to experience island life, stay at least one night.
Vido — The Little Island Opposite Corfu Town
You do not need to travel far to feel as though you have left Corfu Town behind.
Vido lies only about 1.2 km from the Old Port and is covered with trees and walking paths. There are small beaches, peaceful picnic areas and views back towards the Old Fortress and Corfu Town.
Vido also has considerable historical importance. The island contains the Serbian Mausoleum, commemorating Serbian soldiers who died in Corfu during the First World War.
For Serbian visitors in particular, Vido is not simply a beach excursion but an important place of remembrance.
How to get there: Small passenger boats normally connect the Old Port with Vido during the summer season. Timetables can change, so check locally before setting off.
My tip: Vido works particularly well as a relaxed half-day trip if you are staying in Corfu Town and do not want to spend hours travelling.
Pontikonisi — Corfu’s Famous Mouse Island
Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island, is one of the most recognizable images of Corfu. This tiny green islet sits in the lagoon beside Kanoni, just beyond the white Vlacherna Monastery.
The island is home to the small Church of the Transfiguration and is surrounded by dense vegetation. It is not a conventional beach destination and you do not need hours to explore it, but visiting gives you a completely different perspective on one of Corfu’s most photographed landscapes.
How to get there: Small boats normally operate seasonally from the quay beside Vlacherna Monastery. Access arrangements can vary during the year, so check when you arrive.
See our Kanoni & Mouse Island guide for information about Vlacherna Monastery, Pontikonisi, the famous viewpoint and plane watching.
My tip: Do not rush straight onto the boat. First enjoy the classic view from Kanoni above, then walk down to Vlacherna and see the same scene from water level.
Which Island Should You Choose?
Choose Paxos if you want beautiful villages, restaurants, beaches and enough things to fill an entire day or several nights.
Choose Antipaxos if spectacular swimming water is your main priority.
Choose Ereikoussa if you want a quiet island that combines beaches, greenery and walking.
Choose Mathraki if you want the least developed and most peaceful experience.
Choose Othonoi if you enjoy remote scenery, caves, mythology and exploring.
Choose Vido if you are staying in Corfu Town and want an easy half-day escape.
Choose Pontikonisi if you want a short sightseeing trip combined with Kanoni and Vlacherna Monastery.
Day Trip or Overnight Stay?
Paxos is easy to enjoy as either a day trip or overnight destination. Antipaxos is primarily visited during the day, usually from Paxos or as part of an organized Corfu cruise.
The Diapontia Islands can also be visited on organized day excursions, but they reward slower travel. Staying overnight allows you to walk, swim and enjoy the islands after excursion boats depart.
Vido and Pontikonisi are completely different: both are short excursions that can easily be combined with sightseeing in Corfu Town.
Practical Tips for Visiting Islands Near Corfu
• Check the weather: Strong winds can change or cancel boat services, particularly on more exposed routes.
• Check the return journey: Never assume there will be another ferry later in the day.
• Book ahead in summer: July and August sailings to Paxos and popular organized cruises can become busy.
• Carry some cash: Smaller islands naturally have fewer ATMs and payment facilities than Corfu Town.
• Take water and sun protection: This is particularly important on small beaches and boat excursions.
• Do not over-plan: Trying to see several islands in one day can mean spending most of your holiday sitting on a boat.
Final Thoughts
The islands around Corfu show just how varied the northern Ionian Sea can be. Paxos gives you beautiful harbours and a sophisticated island atmosphere, Antipaxos delivers extraordinary swimming, and the Diapontia Islands offer something much quieter and more remote.
Closer to town, Vido provides an easy green escape with important history, while Pontikonisi lets you step directly into one of Corfu’s most famous postcard views.
If you have enough time during your holiday, take at least one trip beyond Corfu itself. Sometimes seeing the island from another island is one of the best ways to appreciate just how beautiful this corner of the Ionian really is.
Ferry schedules, excursion routes and boat services are seasonal and can change because of weather or operational conditions. Always confirm current departure and return times before travelling.
