How to Get to the Diapontia Islands: Ferries, Caïques and the Beaches by the Harbour
The Diapontia Islands are three small inhabited islands off Corfu's northwest tip: Othonoi, the largest and the westernmost point of Greece, round green Ereikoussa, and tiny Mathraki. There are no airports and no big resorts, just boats, footpaths and very clear water.
Getting there takes a little planning, because sailings are few and change with the season. Here's how the boats work, and the beach by each island's harbour, where you'll most likely start.
1. Porto
The ferry from Corfu Town calls at Ereikoussa first, about two and a half hours out. The island is also only about eight nautical miles from Sidari on Corfu's north coast.
You step off the boat straight onto Porto's beach: a long curve of golden sand with clear water, and the hotel's restaurant and the village's tavernas a few metres away.
Good to know: If Porto feels busy, Bragini on the east side is a walk away on a path through the trees.
Porto: crowds, parking & wind today →2. Portelo
Mathraki is the next stop, about three hours and twenty minutes from Corfu Town; from Othonoi it's about half an hour. The harbour is on the east side at Plakes, and Portelo, the island's only sandy beach, runs along the same coast.
You can walk there from the harbour or take the island's one asphalt road. The water is shallow and very clear, and there are no sunbeds or bars.
Good to know: There's no shade on Portelo: bring an umbrella.
Portelo: crowds, parking & wind today →3. Ammos
Othonoi is the last stop, between three and four hours from Corfu Town depending on the boat. Caïques from Agios Stefanos and Sidari, in Corfu's northwest, are much quicker and also land at Ammos, the port and main village.
Ammos' beach of sand and shingle is right in front of the tavernas, cafés and rooms. From the harbour, small boats go round to the beaches you can't walk to, such as Aspri Ammos and Calypso's Cave.
Good to know: The boat from Agios Stefanos doesn't carry cars; you won't need one for a short stay.
Ammos: crowds, parking & wind today →