Mathraki

It is one of the Diapontian Islands. Since the 2019 local government reform, it is part of the municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 3.532 km². Mathraki is a 45-minute boat ride off the coast of Corfu (4 NM from Cape Arilas). It has three restaurants that double as general stores, villas and "rooms to let". Mathraki is a quiet island that manages to stay clear of tourists except for the occasional hikers that brave the rocky coastline. The municipal unit includes the three nearby islets Diakopo, Diaplo and Tracheia.

Mathraki Μαθράκι
Municipal unit
Mathraki Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 39°46′N 19°31′E / 39.767°N 19.517°E / 39.767; 19.517
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Ionian Islands
Regional unit	Corfu
Municipality	Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands
Area
• Municipal unit	3.532 km2 (1.364 sq mi)
Highest elevation	152 m (499 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Municipal unit	174
• Municipal unit density	49/km2 (130/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code	491 00
Area code(s)	26630
Vehicle registration	ΚΥ
Website	mathraki.net

 

Mathraki was inhabited since the 16th century by settlers from the nearby islands of Paxoi and Othonoi. The origin of its name is unknown, but according to a popular tradition, derives from anthrakia, because in the past the island had been burnt. It became part of Greece in 1864, when the Ionian islands were ceded to Greece by the British. Today it is a serene and tranquil place for holidays. In 2021, the only elementary school of the island re-opened after 21 years with only one student.