Corfu and Beyond – Othoni Island.

Spoken of in mythology, admired for its beauty, and rich in warm hospitality – Othoni is one of the three Diapontian Islands, and is inhabited by few. This week’s post brings the second exploration of the three local islands just a short journey from Corfu’s Northwest Coast.

About Othoni

Othoni is the largest of the three Islands, and is the furthest western point of Greece, sitting just 40 Nautical miles from Italy. This beautiful island is steeped in tranquillity, relatively unspoilt by mass tourism, and is a great opportunity for visitors to experience the Greek way of life. From a certain point on the island, on a clear day it is possible to view the Italian Cape of Otranto, an astounding view for those who take on the challenge of making their way (by car) to Imerovigli – the highest point on the Island.

Othoni is inhabited by around 450 people, and the island is navigated by a small series of paths and dirt roads allowing those who live there to access various areas of the island. The island itself is lined with hills of olive trees, some over 400 years old, making a large portion of the island inaccessible.

The main settlement, Ammos, has a main small street just off the harbour, which is lined with small shops, tavernas, cafes, a small hotel, medical center and police office, all just a step away from a long sandy beach. There are benches and small tables, making it possible for visitors to sit and watch the world go by.

Just a short sail from Ammos, on the West side of the island, sits Aspri Ammos, an inaccessible bay boasting crystal clear waters, fine white sand and small pebbles, all encapsulated in a vertical rock face – the perfect picturesque location to stop for a swim from the boat just minutes from the infamous Calypso’s cave.

History and Mythology

According to mythology, it is widely believed that Othoni is the island spoken of in the epic tale of ‘The Odyssey.’ The myth recounts that there existed an island, referred to by Homer as ‘Ogygia’, which was home to the nymph Calypso, daughter of the Titan Atlas. Following the Trojan War, it came to light that Ajax the Lesser, one of the Achaean heroes travelling home on Odysseus’ fleet, had assaulted a priestess in one of Athena’s temples. Athena was enraged, and asked Zeus to destroy the Achaean fleet as punishment; Zeus obliged shattering it in a furious storm. In the violent shipwreck, Odysseus drifted towards the island of Ogygia, where the beautiful nymph discovered and nursed him back to health, before keeping him captive for a period of seven years within the dwelling of the mystical cave, where she lived. To escape, Odysseus crafted a makeshift raft, and set sail, battling the seas and soon finding refuge on the island, Scheria, home to the Phaeacians (which we now know as Corfu.)

How to visit

This summer, San Stefano Travel is offering a weekly boat trip to Othoni, every Sunday, departing from the local harbour in Agios Stefanos NW. For more information on what you’ll get up to, or to book your spaces, visit our website, or email us on info@san-stefano.gr.