Corfu is an island rich in history, nature, and culture. It is renowned for its Venetian influences, stately mansions, lush hillsides, and bustling beaches. However, beyond its famous landmarks and popular destinations, the wider region of Corfu hides small, almost unknown island treasures. The tiny islets that surround it remain largely invisible to most tourists, untouched by time and nearly unaffected by human presence. These islets represent a unique natural and cultural heritage of the Ionian Sea. Four of them in particular—Mprouzado, the Lagoudia, the islet of Kyradikaia, and the Peristeres—stand out for their mystical beauty and the intangible feeling they convey of belonging to another time.
Mprouzado is located near Corfu’s old town, roughly opposite the Mouragia area and close to the famous islet of Vido. It is a rocky landform that resembles more a reef or rocky outcrop than an actual island. Almost invisible from a distance, Mprouzado is known only to locals who are deeply familiar with Corfu and to a few nature enthusiasts who seek solitude and peace. The island was never inhabited, but evidence suggests it was once used as a natural refuge. Its rugged terrain, with steep rocks and low vegetation, makes it an ideal habitat for rare species of birds and marine life. Today, it has become a small paradise for birdwatchers and divers, as the underwater formations around the islet are of particular geological interest.
Lagoudia is a cluster of two small islets and rocky formations in the southwest of Corfu, near the beaches of Chalikounas and Issos. Though small in size, the Lagoudia have immense ecological significance. These islets are protected under the European Natura 2000 network, as they serve as havens for migratory birds and host endemic plant species. Access is difficult, which acts as a natural barrier to human interference. The surrounding area is ideal for ecotourism, birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking. The combination of wetlands, sandy beaches, and isolated islets creates a unique landscape that more closely resembles African lagoons than typical Mediterranean scenery. Interestingly, even most Corfiots are unaware that the Lagoudia served as anchorage for dozens of ships, particularly during the Roman Empire.
Few people are aware of the existence of the small islet of Kyradikaia, located just a stone’s throw from the famous village of Sinarades. This islet derives its name from an old chapel or monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known locally as “Our Lady of the Just.” According to local legends, during the times of pirate raids, the islet was used as a refuge for monks and local villagers seeking safety. It is accessible either by private boat or small fishing vessel from the nearby villages of Corfu’s southern coast. Many also choose to swim there, as it is just a few meters from shore. The islet remains a place of tranquility and introspection, offering a short escape that borders on spiritual pilgrimage. The sunset view from Kyradikaia is breathtaking, with the sun sinking behind the Paxos islands, painting the sky and sea in hues of copper and violet.
Lastly, the Peristeres deserve special mention. They are among the most remote and little-known islets in the region. Located off the northeastern coast of Corfu, these islets are in a maritime zone difficult to approach without intimate knowledge of local conditions. Their name, which translates to “doves” in Greek, possibly stems from the area’s once-rich bird population or the pale color of the rocks, reminiscent of dove feathers. The Peristeres are almost flat, with sparse vegetation and visible signs of relentless exposure to wind and waves. There are no man-made structures and no evidence of permanent use, which heightens the sense of untouched wilderness. The scenery is almost surreal, as if time has come to a complete standstill. The waters around the Peristeres are remarkably clear and support a variety of marine species, making the area ideal for diving and underwater exploration.
These small islets are not merely geographical curiosities. They are places imbued with historical memory, ecological importance, and deep symbolism. In a Corfu that is increasingly accessible, crowded, and commercially developed for tourism, Mprouzado, the Lagoudia, Kyradikaia, and the Peristeres stand as quiet reminders of the charm found in silence, remoteness, and the unexplored. They tell stories not through monuments or museums, but through the whisper of the waves, the call of seabirds, and the rustle of sea grass in the wind. They offer visitors a chance to reconnect with nature, history, and a sense of stillness that is becoming ever rarer in today’s fast-paced world.
