Secret Beaches of the Diapontia Islands: Boat-Only Coves and Footpath Bays
Much of the Diapontia's coast is cliff, and many of its beaches have no road at all. That's why the best of them stay empty: you either come by boat or walk down a path, and there's nothing to buy when you get there.
These six are worth the effort. Signed-in visitors get a step-by-step getting-there guide for each one on its beach page.
1. Aspri Ammos
The islands' most famous beach: fine white sand and pebbles under a sheer cliff on Othonoi's west coast, with clear turquoise water. There's no way down from the land.
Calypso's Cave, where tradition says the nymph kept Odysseus for seven years, is just past the beach, and day cruises from Agios Stefanos on Corfu stop here for a swim.
Good to know: There's no phone signal and nothing on the beach. Agree the pick-up time with your boat before it leaves.
Aspri Ammos: crowds, parking & wind today →2. Xylosermi
A cove of fine sand and turquoise water on Othonoi's west coast, below the village of Chorio. Like Aspri Ammos, you can only reach it from the sea.
From Chorio you can walk to the sunset point above it, the best place to look down on the cove even if you don't go in.
Good to know: Combine it with Aspri Ammos and Calypso's Cave in one boat trip along the west coast.
Xylosermi: crowds, parking & wind today →3. Fyki
A big, wild bay on Othonoi's north coast under green slopes, rocky in places and pebbly elsewhere. A road gets you close; the last stretch is on foot, or come by boat.
It's a favourite of snorkellers and spearfishers, and on some summer nights plankton makes the water glow.
Good to know: It faces north: go on a day of southerly wind, not when the northwesterly blows.
Fyki: crowds, parking & wind today →4. Bragini
A quiet sandy beach with shallow water on Ereikoussa's east side, by a tiny settlement and harbour. A path leads there from Porto through lush greenery.
The shallow water makes it a good choice for children, and it's always calmer than Porto.
Good to know: It faces east, so come in the morning: it's in shade by late afternoon.
Bragini: crowds, parking & wind today →5. Fyki
A large pebbled bay on Mathraki's west coast, with rocks standing in the sea and clean water. You walk across the island from Plakes or come round by boat.
It's completely unorganised, so you'll often have it to yourself.
Good to know: Bring a mask: the rocks are the best snorkelling on the island on a calm day.
Fyki: crowds, parking & wind today →6. Arvanitiko
A secluded pebble beach on Mathraki's south-eastern side, reached on foot from the upper village, Chorio, or by boat. Clean water, a wild landscape and very few visitors.
Good to know: There's nothing there: bring water and shade, and save energy for the climb back.
Arvanitiko: crowds, parking & wind today →