A haven of tranquility at the northern edge of the Ionian Sea, the Diapontian Islands are a serene retreat for those seeking the charms of authentic Greece. Their serene beauty, wild landscapes, hospitable locals, and fascinating history make them a compelling destination for anyone wishing to escape the crowded, touristy islands of the Mediterranean.
At the confluence of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, just a few nautical miles northwest of the ever-vibrant Corfu, the Diapontian Islands can be found, a secret jewel of the Mediterranean. The archipelago consists of Othonoi, Erikoussa, Mathraki, and the uninhabited islets of Diakopo, Diaplo, Karavi, Kastrino, Lipsos, Ostrako, Plaka, Plateia, and Tracheia. Othonoi, or Fanos to the Italians, is Greece’s westernmost point and the nearest Greek island to Italy, a mere 43 nautical miles from the Cape of Otranto.
The Diapontian Islands’ recorded history began in the 11th century, when they fell under the control of the Franks and then the Venetians a century later. A grim chapter was written in 1537 when the Turkish fleet under the notorious Hayreddin Barbarossa annihilated all inhabitants of Othonoi after a long battle. Today, a white stone cross stands in the area known as Stavros in honour of the fallen. People from Paxos and Epirus repopulated the island and subsequently colonized Erikoussa and Mathraki. The islands came under British rule in 1815, before finally becoming part of Greek territory in 1864, alongside the Ionian Islands.
Othonoi
Othonoi, a reality to the daydreams that have once taken hold of us all, where awe meets the simple and beautiful elements of life. This distant haven exists in a unique dimension, where the sea, nature, and unpretentious living are the governing laws.
Bid farewell to urban noise, the humdrum of everyday life, and the crowded islands. Imagine a small, unspoiled island where the expanse of the sea reaches the horizon, wild beaches are encased by chalky rocks, and ancient olive groves and cypress trees thrive amidst the aroma of thyme, heather, and sage scattered across the landscape. Othonoi is a reminder that nature remains humanity’s greatest ally. The island welcomes visitors with open arms, immersing them in a vibrant, hospitable community rich in tradition and full of undiscovered secrets.
The island’s unique offerings provide a sense of calm and complete peace by the sea, under the warm Mediterranean sun during the day and the starlit sky at night. If this tempts you to seek out a secluded Greek corner for the summer, it could be the start of an unforgettable journey. Leave behind your worries and be consumed by the urge to explore.
Othonoi is strewn with rocky coves and golden sands, secluded beaches waiting to be discovered through swimming or diving into the sapphire waters. The beauty of the White Sand beach, accessible only by sea, is mesmerizing. Soaring white cliffs, stunning turquoise waters, and tucked amongst the waves is the cave of the nymph Calypso, where Odysseus sought refuge for seven years.
The cave’s two entrances stretch 100 metres deep, 10-15 metres wide, and 20 metres high. On the island’s northern shores, Fiki Bay offers a sanctuary for spearfishing enthusiasts or those seeking to uncover the mysteries the sea has safeguarded for centuries.
Aspri Ammos and Fiki are the most renowned beaches of Othonoi, but the island reveals other beaches too, accessible through picturesque paths that lead through age-old olive groves. Some of these rest under the island’s lush canopy, and the paths leading to them wind through serene, ancient olive groves. Some of the island’s most exquisite spots can only be reached by boat: beyond Calypso Bay lies the untouched beach of Xylosermoi, with its fine sand and turquoise waters overlooking the infinite blue.
The island is home to two settlements: Ammos, a coastal hamlet, and the more mountainous region known as Chorio. You could trek up to Hmerovigli, the island’s peak (Meroviggli, 393m), or make your way towards Cape Kastri, where the remnants of an old Venetian castle lay. From there, meander towards the lighthouse, erected in 1872, standing tall at 13 meters and being the second tallest in Greece.
Ereikoussa
A mere 8 miles from Sidari in northern Corfu, Ereikoussa is the second largest islet of the Diapontian Islands. Its name derives from the flourishing heather shrub that blooms in early autumn, painting the island’s verdant ridges in shades of russet. As you step foot on the island, you disembark at Porto, the settlement featuring the island’s primary harbour. Constructed between two hills at the location known as Megalo Livadi, Porto is the island’s largest settlement.
At the island’s beaches, Porto and Bragkini, surrender to endless moments of carefree relaxation on the golden sands and dive into the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
Mathraki
Located 10 miles from Sidari, Mathraki, the southernmost isle of the Diapontian archipelago, lures visitors with its low-key charm. The narrow strip of land, only 3km in length, has an impressive natural backdrop of wind-sculpted landscapes, low shrub vegetation, and rugged coastlines.
At first glance, Mathraki may not present itself as the stereotypical Greek island, but its modest charisma hides a wealth of beauty. The two settlements, Ano Mathraki and Kato Mathraki, house whitewashed structures scattered across the hillside, reminiscent of a picturesque Cycladic village. The island’s sole road connects the two settlements, stretching across the length of the island.
Concealed on the island’s south side is Portello, the island’s most beautiful beach, accessible only by boat. Here, the sea unveils a mesmerizing spectacle of colour, ranging from deep blue to aquamarine, a striking contrast against the backdrop of white, chalky cliffs. This secluded paradise is the ideal spot for diving, swimming, or even just relaxing on the warm sand.
Life in Mathraki revolves around the old port (located in the northern part of the island), the setting of the island’s taverna, which serves freshly caught fish and traditional dishes. For an authentic culinary experience, savour the local flavors in the evening, as the setting sun casts a warm hue over the tranquil Ionian Sea.
The passage of time seems to have bypassed these lands, as the islands’ inhabitants maintain a peaceful coexistence with nature, steeped in a profound sense of tradition. Experiencing the Diapontian Islands means accepting their slower pace, surrendering to the gentle rhythms of the sea and land, and appreciating the simple things life has to offer.
In a world often consumed by haste, these islands invite you to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in an enchanting, remote corner. If you’re yearning for a change of pace, an experience that awakens the senses, and a summer immersed in unpretentious simplicity, the Diapontian Islands may just be the place for you.
Read also:
Discover the Best Beaches of Corfu: South & East
Corfu: Toes in the Sand, Cocktail in Hand at the Best Beach Bars
Guided Tours Over Land or Sea on the Ionian Island of Lefkada
