CORFU PARADISE HOTEL MATHRAKI
Mathraki Island
Mathraki is the Southest and smallest in extend (3.1 Km) of the three "Diapontia" Greek islands (Othonoi, Erikousa, Mathraki). Its population is of 100 people and the highest point is 161m in "Merovigli". The infinite coast "Portelo" - which covers the biggest part of the NE side of the island - is of great admiration due to the great beach and clear shallow sea, which is accessible and friendly to all visitors of all ages. The northwest coast beaches, the old harbour and the picturesque Ano Mathraki village church and hill-cemetery can all be reached without a car ! There are no taxis, cars or bikes to rent. However, bicycles, motor-scooters and cars can be rented in Corfu island (Kerkira) and brought across on Alex II public Boat transport.
The Island offers beautiful sights to the East, from dawn to dusk, across the clear blue sea to the West coast of Corfu. To the North East and North West are the hazy shapes of Othoni and Erikousa Greek islands. On the West side of the island the mornings and evenings give the views of the tiny satellite island Trachea striking light and shadows. Inland, the island's pine clad hills and fragrance are a delight at any time from Spring to Autumn.
Mathraki is famous for its 2 kilometres long ribbon of sandy beach, with intermittent rock shade, stretching the length of the east side of the island. On the west side, a short walk from the Kato Mathraki church leads to different and varied beaches opposite the satellite island of Trachea.
Our Greek island Paradise is also known for spearfishing. Its rich seas and incredible seabeds, will give you a one of a kind diving experience, whether you carry a mask or gear for spearfishing.
On Mathraki island you will find coffeshops and restaurants in different locations. Enjoy the scenery of a summer morning or afternoon, with a Coffee or your favourite meal!
So all you need to do is put your adventure cap and your hiking shoes on and the story begins!
HISTORY
There is no record that the Greek island Mathraki 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 Greek 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 island in the 1970s and most people go to the neighbouring Corfu island for their everyday needs, even for a doctor. The permanent residents, who are about 100 in number, occupy with fishing and olive tree cultivation.
