Corfu’s satellite islands

If you’re considering taking a break this summer, then we can honestly recommend Corfu as the ideal holiday destination. A Villa holiday in Corfu will always deliver because Corfu is the island that has it all. It’s a wonderful and beautiful island that keeps on giving and offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for entertainment and company during the day, then our Corfu villas are tailor-made for you. The villas may be tucked away in a quiet and secluded location, but they’re only a short drive away from bustling towns like Benítses and Kassiopi. You can have fun during the day, but know you’ll be able to sleep well at night. If you prefer peace and tranquillity, then our Corfu villas are equally perfect. You can soak up the sun and the atmosphere during the day, then sit out in the warm evening air by the pool and take in the wonderful scenery and breathe the clear, clean air. Now, you may, off course, want to take it one stage further and head off to an even quieter part of the island. You may be looking for absolute solitude. Well, here’s a suggestion for you: why not drive down to Corfu’s satellite islands, Eríkousa, Mathráki and Othoni. We did mention that the island had something for everyone. If you want tranquillity, then you’ll definitely find it here.

Northwest of Corfu ate three small, and little known satellite islands - , Eríkousa, Mathráki and Othoni. They get few visitors, and if you do go you may have to stay on for a day or so, until the ferry is due to return. There’s little to do but swim, lie on the beach and relax, but that’s perfect for many people. Accommodation and services are scarce, but you should always be able to find somewhere to sleep and eat. These islands are the places to visit if you’re looking for peace and solitude, or ‘isikhía’ as the Greeks call it. Each of the islands is reached from Corfu Town via car ferry.

Eríkousa

Of the 3 islands, Eríkousa attracts the most visitors. It boasts a long sandy beach in front of the island port and village. Even when the ferries bring further visitors, all it takes is a short walk along to the end of the beach and you’ll be able to find peace and quiet once more. If that’s not quiet enough, then if you continue to walk beyond the headland, then you’ll come across an even more isolated beach where you won’t be disturbed at all. The small town isn’t the most picturesque, but if does have basic shops and services along with a couple of tavernas and a restaurant. Inland there are 2 further small settlements, surrounded by pine trees and olive groves, where you’ll be able to find more-attractive accommodation and good quality island food.

Mathráki

Mathráki is smaller than Eríkousa, and attracts even fewer visitors. There can on occasion be an influx of American tourists, but they tend not to stay too long. It’s beautiful sandy beach, which stretches from the harbour right down the length of the eastern side of the island is a wildlife haven, and is home to the endangered Loggerhead turtle. Because the species is protected, camping is not allowed on the beach.

From the harbour the road climbs to Káto Mathráki, a small village with brightly coloured houses nestled amongst the pine groves. Accommodation is scarce here, so you’re much better off taking the scenic island road until you reach the village of Áno Mathráki. You will more likely find places to eat and stay here as well as an old and antiquated church, as well as the obligatory sea and sand.

Othoni

Othoni is the largest and, at first sight, the least attractive of the islands, but looks can be deceptive. The harbour itself feels like the end of the line: there is no sandy beach, just shingle and few places to find accommodation or food and refreshments. Head inland, however, and it’s a different story. The further you progress from the harbour, the more beautiful the scenery becomes. There’s a small foreign community living here over the summer which is always welcoming. They moor their yachts in the bay below. Accommodation is available, though it’s scarce, but there are several tavernas and restaurants open most of the time. If you follow the donkey track up through the cypress forests, you’ll eventually come across the tiny village of Horió. Sadly there are less than 60 permanent residents in the village now, but those who do remain are probably bewitched by the views which are truly spectacular. Once you’ve visited you’ll understand they choose to remain.