Located at the westernmost point of Greece, the charming island of Othoni is a lush, green paradise, featuring rocky coastlines and scattered small beaches, while blending mountain and sea landscapes.
Othoni is the largest island of the Diapontian Islands and represents the farthest western section of Greece. It is just 43 nautical miles away from Italy, and on clear days, the Italian cape of Otranto can be seen, connecting the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea.
According to Greek mythology, this is the island Homer refers to as Ogygia in the Odyssey. It is where Odysseus stayed for seven years and fell in love with the nymph Calypso.
In his work, Homer describes Ogygia as having a strong scent of cypress, a tree that is characteristic of Othoni.
A Perfect Hiking Destination
Mount Imerovigli, the island's highest peak, rises over 390 meters and is located about 2 kilometers from the settlement of Chorio. It is accessible only via a traditional path.
The island features numerous trails surrounded by dense vegetation. Othoni is home to a variety of flora, including olive trees, cypresses, chestnuts, plane trees, oaks, myrtles, wild olive trees, coconut trees, tamarisks, pumpkins, oaks, sage, thyme, capers, and asparagus.
Over three hundred plant species have been identified on Othoni, making it a crucial stopover for many migratory bird species.
On the island's western side, near the beach of Aspri Ammos (accessible only by private boats), lies the Cave of Calypso.
Chorio, a neighborhood in the Upper Panta region, is the island's first settlement and its first capital. Located at the hilltop, the Church of Saint George, built in 1864, stands proudly. This spot marks the westernmost point of Greece.
