Diapontia Islands Day Trip from Corfu: Othonoi, Erikoussa, Mathraki

Northwest of Corfu, where the Ionian meets the Adriatic, three small islands sit on the horizon. Othonoi, Erikoussa and Mathraki are known together as the Diapontia islands, and they are one of the best kept secrets of the region. There are no big resorts, no crowded beach clubs and very little traffic. What you find instead is clear water, quiet coves, tiny harbours and a pace of life that feels decades away from the busy parts of Corfu.

This guide explains what each island is like, how to get there, and how to plan a Diapontia islands day trip from Corfu.

Where are the Diapontia islands?

The Diapontia islands lie off the northwest coast of Corfu, north of Cape Drastis and Sidari. They belong to the Ionian islands and are part of the regional unit of Corfu. On a clear day you can see them from the north coast, which is why places like Roda are natural starting points for a boat trip there.

Othonoi: the largest of the three

Othonoi is the largest of the Diapontia and the furthest west. It is also one of the westernmost points of Greece. The island is hilly and green, with small beaches, rocky coves and a harbour where fishing boats come and go. Local tradition connects Othonoi with Ogygia, the island of the nymph Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey, and the island’s quiet beauty makes it easy to see why the story has lasted.

Erikoussa: sandy beaches and clear water

Erikoussa is the northernmost of the three and is known for its sandy beach near the harbour, with shallow, clear water that is perfect for swimming. The island is green and peaceful, with a small village, a few tavernas and walking paths through the countryside. It is a lovely place to stop for a swim and lunch.

Mathraki: the smallest and quietest

Mathraki is the smallest of the Diapontia and the closest to Corfu. It has long stretches of quiet coastline, a small harbour and very few visitors. For many people, Mathraki is the island that feels most untouched, a place to swim, look around and simply enjoy the silence.

How to get to the Diapontia islands

There are two main ways to reach the islands.

• By local ferry. Local ferries connect the Diapontia with Corfu. Schedules change with the season and may not allow you to visit more than one island in a day, so always check the current timetable before you plan.
• By private boat. A private boat takes you directly from the north coast of Corfu, lets you visit more than one island, and stops wherever the water looks best. It is the most flexible way to see the Diapontia in a single day.

A Diapontia islands day trip from Roda

Our Diapontia islands cruise leaves from Astrakeri Marina in Roda, one of the closest points on Corfu to the islands. On our premium RIB with a private captain, you cross to the islands, explore their coasts and stop for swimming in clear, quiet bays. Your captain adapts the route to the sea on the day, and because the cruise is private the rhythm is entirely yours.

Many guests choose our Ultimate Quest format of six to eight hours for the Diapontia, which leaves time for more than one island, a relaxed lunch break and plenty of swimming. Shorter formats are possible when the weather is perfect and you want a taste of the islands.

What is included

• Your private captain, fuel, VAT and insurance
• Soft drinks, water, beer and wine
• A snack box with traditional Corfiot delicacies
• Sterilized towels, snorkeling equipment and a floating sea mattress

The cruise page lists everything that is included for this trip.

Who a Diapontia day trip is for

A day on the Diapontia islands suits travellers who want something different from the familiar beaches of Corfu. It is ideal for couples looking for quiet, for families who love swimming in clear, calm water, and for anyone curious about how life still feels on small Greek islands. Photographers love the light and the empty coastline, and walkers can stretch their legs on paths between the villages when the boat stops at a harbour.

It is also a good choice if you have already seen the famous sights of Corfu. After Sidari, Palaiokastritsa and Paxos, the Diapontia offer a completely different side of the Ionian: slower, greener and much more personal. Because the cruise is private, you decide how much time to spend swimming, exploring or simply resting on board.

When to go

The Diapontia islands are further offshore than the beaches along Corfu’s north coast, so calm weather matters. In summer, mornings are usually the calmest part of the day, which is why island trips tend to start early. Your captain will always check the forecast and choose the best day and route. If the sea is not right for the crossing, there are beautiful alternatives along the northwest coast and the northeast coast.

Tips for your island day

• Start early to enjoy the calmest water and the quietest beaches.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light layer, as there is little shade on the open sea.
• Carry some cash for a coffee or a meal in a small island taverna.
• Pack a waterproof bag for your phone and camera.

Plan your trip

The Diapontia islands are a reminder of how much of the Ionian still feels undiscovered. For more ideas, read our guide to boat trips from Roda, or see how the sunset at Canal d’Amour and Cape Drastis compares for an evening on the water. When you are ready, book online or contact us to plan your day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Erikousa island?

Erikoussa can be reached by local ferry from Corfu, with schedules that change by season, or by private boat from the north coast of Corfu. A private boat from Roda lets you combine Erikoussa with the other Diapontia islands in one day.

Which Greek island is closest to Corfu?

The small islets of Vido and Lazaretto lie just off Corfu Town. For a proper island day trip, the closest options are the Diapontia islands to the northwest and Paxos to the south.

Which islands can I visit by ferry from Corfu?

From Corfu you can take ferries to Paxos and to the Diapontia islands of Othonoi, Erikoussa and Mathraki. Schedules vary by season, so check the current timetable before planning.

What is the least touristy Greek island?

There are many quiet islands in Greece. Near Corfu, the Diapontia islands of Othonoi, Erikoussa and Mathraki are among the least visited, with small villages and quiet beaches even in summer.

What is the most underrated island in Greece?

It depends on what you look for, but the Diapontia islands near Corfu are often overlooked. They offer clear water, green landscapes and calm, authentic island life.

Which are the 7 Ionian Islands?

The seven main Ionian islands are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kythira. Many smaller islands also belong to the group, including the Diapontia islands near Corfu.

What is the biggest Ionian island?

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. Corfu is the second largest and the northernmost of the main islands.