Othoni

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Othoni is the westernmost point of the Greek territory. It is the largest of the Diapontia Islands, a complex of islands and islets located to the northwest of Corfu. In a way, the Diapontia are a boundary between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic.

Othoni is 11sq.km. wide and lies 7.5 nautical miles from the northwest coast of Corfu. According to mythology, it was the Homeric Ogygia, home of nymph Calypso. Calypso kept Ulysses captive for seven years until he escaped to Corfu on a raft.

Othoni is divided into two regions, Ano Panta and Kato Panta. There are two main settlements: the seaside Ammos, the island’s port, and the mountainous inland Chorio. Passengers coming to Othoni via the ferry line from Corfu disembark at Ammos. Ammos is where all the action takes place. All amenities, shops, and most accommodation options are based there.

Next to the port of Ammos, there is a fishing shelter called Avlaki. Lately, Avlaki has undergone adjustments to provide safe mooring for yachts and small private boats approaching Othoni.

The nature of Othoni is simply stunning. There is lush vegetation, combined with steep and rocky shores, that reveal secluded beaches of incredible beauty every now and then. Due to its morphology, Othoni is a paradise for hikers. A walk through verdant landscapes, filled with age-old olive trees, cypress trees, plane trees, and low vegetation, such as myrtles, capers, sage, and thyme, will take you on an adventure from the coastal areas to the locations of a higher altitude. The most beautiful tour follows a stone path from Ammos to Chorio.

The beaches of Othoni

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The steep and rocky landscape of Othoni makes most of the island’s beaches hardly accessible by road. There are paths to some of them, but approach by boat is by far the easiest way to enjoy your swim. If you do not own a boat, the sloops departing from Ammos are convenient for a tour around the beautiful coves.

The main beach is the one in Ammos, next to the port. The family-friendly shore is located just below the settlement. It has fine, powder-like sand and shallow waters that make it perfectly safe for children to play on.

On the southwest coast of Othoni lies one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece. It is the famous Aspri Ammos. The scenic beach is only accessible by boat, as it is towered by a ragged cliff. It has white sand and amazing turquoise waters. Swimming in Aspri Ammos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those admiring pristine, unspoiled nature.

A bit to the north, on the west coast, the beach of Xylosermi is of the same pattern as Aspri Ammos. It is a fantastic coast of crystal clear waters and fine sand, only accessible by boat.

On the north coast, the bay of Fyki is a spot of stunning beauty. The pebble beach is surrounded by lush greenery reaching the water’s edge. The nearby shipwreck of a vessel called Sara attracts many scuba diving lovers.

Things to do and see in Othoni

Calypso Cave

Near Aspri Ammos, there is a cave 100m-long and 20m-high, which is only accessible by boat. It is the famous “Calypso Cave”.

Othoni was called Ogygia in antiquity. Homer tells us that Othoni was the place where nymph Calypso lived. Ulysses, on his trip back to Ithaca, found himself in Othoni. He met the charming Calypso, who seduced him and kept him a prisoner in this cave for seven years. At some point, Ulysses managed to escape captivity and fled to neighboring Corfu on a raft.

The Lighthouse on Cape Kastri

Cape Kastri, at the eastern tip of the island, features the ruins of a Venetian castle and the famous Lighthouse, one of Othoni’s prominent landmarks.

The Lighthouse was built in 1872 at an altitude of 100m above sea level. It played a crucial role in navigation, as it guided ships coming from the Adriatic for a safe passage into the Ionian Sea.

During their departure at the end of World War II, the Germans destroyed the Lighthouse. Later, it was repaired to take its previous form.

The area is an incredible viewpoint, offering endless vistas to the sea and the surrounding area.