2 CORFU PANORAMA English_1

“Beyond the Sea”
The extremity of Greece to the west are the Diapontian Islands,
three islands and several islets. Their name means that they
are “beyond the Sea”, i.e. in the open sea.
The first settlers arrived in the 16th century in Othoni.
After the Battle of Lepanto, in 1571, some islanders left their
residencies and settled here for safety. Later the settlers
expanded and to the other two islands.
Mathraki (Malthaki)
Mathraki is a green dot surrounded by a white sandy beach,
the smallest and southernmost of the Diapontian Islands
with an extent of 3.1 km2.
The two villages, Ano and Kato Mathraki are overlooking
Corfu. There are two churches, St. Nikolaos and St. Spyridon.
The port of the island is Plakes.
A cement road leading to Benatika village with the breathtaking
view.
To the north, we head toward Ano Panta and the south to
Kato Panta. Olive and cypress trees provide a dense shade.
Karavi, Lipso and Plaka are three islets which, according to
legend, are respectively a petrified pirate ship, its boat and
its anchor.
They were petrified by Saint Nikolaos when the pirates
attempted to plunder his chapel on the island of Diapolos.
On the northeast side, the beach Portelo is considered a
paradise for divers and snorkeling.
On the southern coasts you can swim in Fyki and Apidies
with the beautiful sunset. Opposite Fyki is the island Trahia
and further along we head to the old harbor, Kontraka.
From the settlement Chorio, you will reach Cape Arvanitiko,
a cove with white sand and calm waters.
Othoni (Phanos)
The largest island of the “gang” of Diapontian Islands are
Othoni.
Here the visitor can see dense vegetation, wild cypress trees
and the beautiful, clean beaches that are ideal for those
seeking a peaceful holiday.
In only 10.8 km2, the visitor can understand what does “lost
paradise” mean.
Lot of sand but more serenity at the beach of Ereikoussa.
684