As you may know by now, almost all the Greek Islands have satellite islands that make them even more interesting and above all give you the opportunity to organize wonderful excursions to discover the territory.

This also applies to the Corfu Island, which is located in the Ionian Archipelago and, in addition to being perfect for a day trip, some also offer the possibility of staying there and having a different vacation and not in places where mass tourism is concentrated.

Today we want to talk to you about the Diapontie Islands. The small group is made up of Othoni, Erikoussa, Mathraki, Paxos and Antipaxos. We find them on the northwestern coast of Corfu with distances that vary from 2 to 7 miles and we can say that they are true paradises. Five small strips of land where nature is still intact and wild and where you can spend days in total relaxation. But let’s go into detail about each one to get to know them better.

Let’s start with Othoni island also called Fano is the largest of all the Diapontia Islands. It is located about 43 nautical miles from Corfu at the westernmost point, the furthest in fact it takes about four hours of navigation. Rocky and steep coasts, a sea with crystal clear water, beautiful white sand beaches and some accommodation facilities to completely isolate yourself from the frenzy. It is divided into two parts Ano Panta where you can find the settlements of Chorio and Dafni, and Kato Panta with Mastoratika and Kasimatika. The island of Othoni is famous because it was mentioned by Homer as Ogygia the island of the nymph Calypso who fell madly in love with Ulysses who was shipwrecked during his epic return from the Trojan War, holding him prisoner for seven years until Zeus forced her to let him leave again. Homer in the description of the event, says that the island had an intense scent of cypress trees, a type of tree that are still numerous today on the island and to confirm the truthfulness of the story is also the presence of a cave where the Nymph lived which is located a few minutes by dinghy from Ammos, the port of the island. Othoni offers its visitors ancient churches to visit and also beautiful beaches such as the beach of Aspri Ammos considered among the most beautiful in Greece. Fine and very white sand with an intense blue sea and in the background a cliff that like an embrace protects it. The landscape is harsh and damned wild here Mother Nature has still preserved its origins. Not far away is the cave of Calypso not to be missed, a hundred meters long and twenty meters high, a truly impressive sight. Obviously to reach the beach of Aspri Ammos you need a boat because only by sea can you get to this corner of paradise. It is almost useless to tell you that you will not find anything regarding comforts but on the other hand we know the most beautiful things are the simplest ones. But you will have many other small beaches to visit such as the wonderful beach of Xylosermoi, the bay of Kontoskies, the beach of Kapsolinari and the beach of Fyki. If you decide to stop in Othoni, the optimal part is undoubtedly Ammos where you arrive by sea, here you can find different types of accommodation and leave every day in search of a hidden corner. Othoni is also perfect for trekking lovers as it is possible to reach all the settlements of the island on foot.

Ereikousa island also called Merlera is the most populated of the Diapontia Islands, it has 300 permanent inhabitants. Its name comes from the abundant wild heather that grows and colors it. It is located 29 nautical miles from Corfu and it takes about two and a half hours to reach it. Ereikousa is very green, full of olive trees, cypresses, myrtle and shrubs of the Mediterranean scrub. Mainly flat, the maximum peak is 130 meters above sea level. The landing point of Erikousa is on the southern side in Porto while in the western part there is the old port of Fiki. The greatest concentration of accommodation, shops that are sometimes also cafes and taverns, is found at the new port. The beauty of Erikousa is that you can also get around on foot, in fact this way you can reach all the small settlements and most of its fantastic beaches. West of Porto, there is the hill of Katergo where there is no trace of vegetation as it is intended as a heliport for emergers, but from here it is possible to have a breathtaking view perhaps at sunset when the landscape is colored with warm and enveloping colors. At the end of the steep slopes of the hill, towards the south there is Cape Katergo that shelters the bay of Porto. Going east you reach Cape Stamoleka with its golden sand beach and transparent waters passing through lush gardens and locals always ready to help you and give you a smile. Continuing you come across a dirt road immersed in cypresses and olive trees that will eventually lead you to Cape Koukouli in the bay of Fiki where the old port is located. To the north, Ereikousa becomes rocky and challenging as a walk but doable if you are careful and you can get to Cape Skotini where the highest point is located Santardo and here are the comments when you arrive. Even on this small island, you can find traditional windmills and beautiful churches like that of Agia Triada with its stone bell tower where an engaging party is organized on August 15th. Ereikousa is therefore perfect for a holiday dedicated to contact with nature in extreme tranquility, here everything flows as it should be without worries and without anxiety. Last but not least information, know that given the conformation of the seabed and the clean waters, Erikousa is a true paradise for lovers of snorkeling, diving and underwater fishing, so pack all the equipment and lose yourself in the underwater world.

Let’s move on Mathraki island, about 36 nautical miles northwest of Corfu. The smallest of the Diapontia Islands, it is about 36 nautical miles from Corfu and it takes three and a half hours including the stop at Erikousa. Without a doubt the most rustic of the Archipelago, it is very small, covering less than four square kilometers and is crossed only by a ring road. A coast of golden sand where cypresses, olive trees, undergrowth and wild lilies frame it, a painting of Mother Nature practically. Very few structures and comforts for the right essentials, Mathraki is without a doubt the perfect island for those who want to completely get away from the crowd, enjoy wild nature and relax to the sound of the wind and the sea. The only means of transport you will find are boats, no buses or cars but who cares, it is so tiny that you can easily get around on foot. Ideal for those who love free camping and there are very few rooms for rent and all around the port. The main settlement is Plakes where the gulf to reach it is located and this is where life mainly revolves. Like its sisters, it also has beautiful beaches such as the infinite Portelo beach, immense with soft and fine reddish sand, crystal clear and shallow waters where turtles come to nest. And also the Arvanitiko beach of pebbles and rock formations that offer an extraordinarily raw scenery. Perfect for those seeking relaxation and total isolation, it can be reached on foot via a dirt road from the promontory or by sea. Continuing the search for beaches you can also enjoy the Kontrakas beach in the rocky Fyki bay but with a sea of ​​crazy colors and crystal clear waters, all surrounded by lush vegetation. For an enchanting sunset, go to the small port of Apidies, a spectacle that cannot be described in words.

We then arrive at the mythical Paxos island. Mythical because according to legend it was created by the God Poseidon to have a private corner just for him and his wife, cutting off a piece of Corfu with a lightning bolt. Just from the story, you understand that Paxos is perfect for a holiday between lovers, even if it now attracts any kind of traveler. It measures twenty-five square kilometers and is a true jewel not yet taken by storm by mass tourism, perhaps also because it is not that cheap but above all because its tourists are people who have been coming here for years. Also for this reason, planning a holiday here must be thought about well in advance as there are very few structures. Its two main towns are Gaios and Lakka. Gaios is the capital and is located on the east coast. It presents itself as a delightful town with pastel-colored buildings, a small square that becomes the center of aggregation and a beautiful seafront where you can take a walk. Not far away are small coves where you can relax when you do not feel like going out to explore the island. Lakka is to the south, a typical seaside village surrounded by olive groves and caressed by the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea. The center with its Venetian-influenced buildings is a real bon bon, from here among its streets you can find restaurants, bars and clubs for a nice evening. Obviously Paxos also offers dream beaches but not sandy ones as the coast is mostly rocky. The only one where you don’t need shoes or fakir skills is Mongonissi beach four kilometers from Gaios. Let’s say that Paxos is perfect for those who love rocky beaches with coves but always with a sea with colors that go from blue to turquoise to emerald green. The beaches not to be missed are Kipiadi Beach a long stretch of pebbles that can be reached by a steep path in a beautiful crescent-shaped bay with hills behind it covered with olive trees, pines and cypresses. Wild and uncontaminated, it is perfect for a day immersed in nature. There are many other coastlines where you can spend wonderful days in total idleness such as the beach of Agia Marina, the beach of Lionisskari, the beach of Harami and the beach of Avlaki. If you are passionate about naturism, there are the beaches of White Bay and Lakkos Beach. From a historical and cultural point of view, Paxos has interesting attractions such as the Olive Press Museum, the Folklore Museum and the museum of local art.

Finally Antipaxos island a gem in the middle of the sea. A miniature of earthly paradise (five square kilometers) with Caribbean beaches and a territory that seems like a drawing. A sort of extension of Paxos with Epirus in front also reachable from Igoumenitsa. In reality it is easier to get there in summer than in winter in fact there are many private boats that go as far as Antipaxos or you can always take a taxi boat from the port of Gaios in Paxos. As in Mathraki there is only one road, almost no cars and three beaches reachable with a taxi boat. The first is the beach of Vrika, fine white sand with clear and blue waters with a seabed that slopes gently perfect also for children. Two taverns for something to eat and drink as well as to rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Then we move on to the beach Voutoumi in this case of pebbles inside a cove with high rocks. A turquoise sea with transparent waters a real invitation to dive in thanks also to the gently sloping seabed. Perfect for snorkeling, it is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas while as for restaurants, on the hill behind the beach there is a tavern. Finally, the beach of Mesovrika hidden in a small inlet to the north-east wedged between the other two. A beach of white pebbles mixed with larger stones with rocks that extend on both sides of the bay making it wild and isolated. People come here for total peace, few people come to spend the day here, they prefer the soft sandy sisters. Given its shape, it is ideal for snorkeling as it is full of marine fauna and flora. Obviously it is not equipped, you can put your towel wherever you like, while if you get a little peckish with a ten minute walk you can reach the taverns of the nearby beaches. Don’t miss the lighthouse and Vigla reachable with a quiet walk. Here in Antipaxos the accommodation facilities are very limited, usually people come only for a day and enjoy its extraordinary nature, but if you want a holiday in Greece away from everything, you will have to book at least a year in advance to be able to find something.