Captain's Quick Answer: The Diapontia Islands (Erikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi) are the best alternative to Paxos for travelers seeking sandy beaches and complete serenity. Known for crystal Caribbean-clear waters, they can be reached on a customized private charter departing from Glyfada Beach on the west coast or Marina Gouvia.
While 99% of tourists head south to Paxos, the true connoisseurs of the Ionian turn north. The Diapontia Islands—Erikousa, Mathraki, and Othonoi—remain the last untouched frontier of Corfu.
Mathraki: The "Maldives" of Corfu
If your dream is endless golden sand and shallow turquoise water without a single sunbed in sight, Mathraki is your destination. Specifically, the beach of Portelo stretches for kilometers, often completely empty.
Because Mathraki has no natural harbor for large ferries, it is inaccessible to mass tourism. Arriving by private boat, we anchor just offshore in waist-deep crystal water. It is the closest experience to the Caribbean you will find in the Ionian Sea.
Erikousa: The Garden Island
A short cruise from Mathraki lies Erikousa, named after the heather (reiki) that blooms across the island. The main beach, Porto Gato, creates a perfect sheltered bay for swimming and lunch.
Unlike the rocky coastline of Paxos, Erikousa is lush, green, and sandy. It is the perfect choice for families who want calm waters and 100% visibility for snorkeling.
Othonoi: The Myth of Calypso
The furthest island, Othonoi, is steep and dramatic. It is said to be the island of Calypso, where Odysseus was held captive. The Calypso Cave is a stunning geological formation that we can navigate directly into with our smaller vessels.
Skipper's Route: We cruise past the "Asprimos" (white sands) beach, which is only accessible by boat, and stop at the old lighthouse. It feels like the edge of the world.
The Private Advantage
Reaching the Diapontia islands by public transport is difficult; ferries are infrequent and slow. With our high-performance private boats, we reach these islands smoothly on custom routes departing from Glyfada Beach along the scenic western coastline or from Marina Gouvia.
Here, there are no queues. No "10 AM Rule" is needed. The North is always quiet.
