Mathraki

Mathraki
Why Visit
Mathraki island is a totally isolate and unknown island of Greece. Tourist facilities in Mathraki is
very limited and all transport is done on foot. Most beaches are rocky, such as Apidies, Arvanitiko or
Fyki. The only sandy beach is Portello, a gorgeous coast on the eastern side of the island that
extends for long and has amazing water. Surrounded by lush greenery, Portello is a lovely beach to
relax. The only village is Chorio. Located on the southern side of the island, Chorio is surrounded by
much greenery and gives gorgeous view to the sea. Few houses also dot the area around the port,
however this is not a village but rather a port settlement, Plakes.
History - Architecture
There is no record in the history of Mathraki that the island was inhabited in the ancient or the
Medieval times. The long distance from mainland Greece and the piracy, which was much active in
the Greek seas till the mid 19th century, prevented people from residing in Mathraki. In fact, the
three islands of the Diapontia complex (Mathraki, Othoni and Ereikoussa) were not inhabited till two
centuries ago and were used only as middle stops in long sea voyages.
It is recorded that the first of three islands to be inhabited was Othoni. People from Corfu and from
the mainland coasts of Parga started to live in Othoni to get away from the Ottoman rule. At the end
of the 19th century, the inhabitants of Othoni went to the close islands of Mathraki and Ereikoussa
to cultivate the vast groves of olive trees. Along time, people started to live permanently in Mathraki
and built houses there.
This is how Mathraki eventually got inhabited. Today, it is still an isolate island whose inhabitants
are limited to the basic comforts. Electricity came in Mathraki in the 1970s and most people go to
the neighbouring Corfu for their everyday needs, even for a doctor. The permanent residents, who
are about 100 in number, occupy with fishing and olive tree cultivation.
Museums - Archeological
The small island of Mathraki has no museums but the closest ones will be found in the neighboring
island of Corfu, which is linked to Mathraki by boat from Corfu Town, Sidari or Agios Stefanos. Corfu,
in particular, has a lot of interesting sites and museums. Especially Corfu Town is an awesome place
for sightseeing.
It has plenty of museums, such as the Archaeological Museum in Garitsa bay, the Museum of Asian
Art in the Palace of Saint George, the Byzantine Museum in the church of Antivouniotissa and many
other smaller-scale museums with valuable exhibits.
Corfu also has many historical sites to visit, such as the two fortresses in Corfu Town, the amazing
Angelokastro in Paleokastritsa, Achillion Palace in Gastouri, Kassiopi Tower, the Shipyards in Gouvia
and other places, less impressive but very interesting.
Beaches
Portello, Arvanitiko, Kontrakas, Agouridi, Apidies, Fyki
Religious Monasteries and Churches
On the rocky island of Mathraki, one of the small islands that surrounds Corfu, visitors will meet a
few old yet well-preserved churches. They do not operate frequently and hold church services on the
name day of the saint or in special occasions.
On the northern side of Mathraki, in Plakes which is the main port of the island is located the
Church of Agios Nikolaos, the saint protector of the seamen. On the southern side is found the
Church of Agios Spyridon, the saint protector of Corfu and all the surrounded islands. Both of the
churches were built during the Venetian times. In Diaplo islet located between Corfu and Mathraki
lies the small church of Agios Nikolaos.
Gallery