The area north of Corfu is somewhat off the beaten track of many charter crews in the Ionian Sea, who are usually drawn south towards Lefkas and Ithaca. The three islets of Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki are well worth a detour. Mass tourism has not yet found its way to these islands, as their remote location and poor infrastructure have prevented this from happening. However, there are beautiful anchorages there, and a number of bars and tavernas await visitors coming over from Corfu on an excursion boat. Opposite is the visually very attractive Cape Drastis on the north-west coast of Corfu, whose cliffs are a real eye-catcher.
There are only a small number of yachts in this area, partly because there have hardly been any marinas in the past. Othoni already had a marina a few years ago, and now the neighbouring island of Erikousa has one too. A small harbour has been built at the island ferry pier, which will offer space for almost 100 yachts up to 25 metres in length. According to the charter company Sail the Blue, whose Greek employees are based on Corfu, the harbour will have water and electricity and even sanitary facilities. The harbour can already be called at. Further information on the progress of construction and the draught in the harbour basin can be obtained from Argyris Tangalidis, sailtheblue@gmail.com.
However, the islands are not a recommended destination in strong southerly winds, as the bays and harbours can then be exposed to heavy swell.
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
