Photo ↑ by @ritagaiti
There are quite a few islands to hop on from Corfu, whether you prefer Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Paxos or Antipaxos. No matter which one you choose to explore, you will find a calm and quiet environment with lots of nature, very few facilities and loads of tranquillity.
However, things can go even further if you are an adventurous soul who loves exploring the unknown. Believe it or not, there are also a few islands around Corfu that are uninhabited. It does not necessarily mean they are empty though.
With these thoughts in mind, here are some guides on the uninhabited islands around Corfu.
Rocky Islets Among Diapontian Islands
The Diapontian islands represent a small group in the Ionian Sea, very close to Corfu. They are in the northwestern side of Corfu. Othonoi is the largest one, but also the most developed choice. Ereikoussa and Mathraki are not to be overlooked either.
But then, if you do a bit of research or pay attention to your surroundings while getting there, you will notice a few other pieces of land. These tiny islands – or better said, islets – are part of the same group, but they are not inhabited.
Getting on them can be difficult too due to their rocky surface. Even if you rent a boat, it could be risky if you hit the rocks.
Alphabetically, these islets include:
- Diakopo
- Karavi
- Kastrino
- Lipso
- Ostrako
- Plaka
- Platia
- Trachia
A Few Words About Diaplo
Located very close to Mathraki, this is one of the small islets that actually have something to offer. You can normally get there by boat. It has a rocky coastline, but it is accessible. However, there is not much to do there, but just enjoy the pure silence of nature.
If you truly want to feel like Robinson Crusoe, this tiny islet will show you what pure tranquillity truly means. Furthermore, its turquoise waters are ideal for experienced swimmers. Other than that, the island is covered in shrubs.
There is one building there though, a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Back in the day, Diaplo was known as the Donkey Island, simply because it was inhabited by donkeys. Some say a few wild goats hang around too. Trachia, another islet in this group, may have wild goats as well.
The islet has been included in the Natura 2000 network, which covers protected areas around Europe. It also has a few small beaches. As you roam around, you will notice flint rocks as well. They were used by ancient people around Corfu to make tools.