ABOUT THE ISLAND
Othonoi is small, remote, and proudly unpolished
Greece’s westernmost inhabited island—quiet beaches, simple trails, and an everyday rhythm shaped by weather, sea, and community rather than tourism.
Welcome to the westernmost part of Greece.
Surrounded by the Ionian Sea, Othoni is part of the Diapontia Islands complex. Along with Othoni, Mathraki and Erikousa are also inhabited. The island lies just 12 nautical miles northwest of Corfu. Most of it is mountainous and covered with dense vegetation, creating breathtaking views. You will find many beaches with crystal-clear waters, although most of them are accessible only by sea.
A small place with a surprisingly rich past.
Othoni's history stretches back to Homeric times — the island is believed to have been the home of the nymph Calypso. Over the centuries its inhabitants became skilled sailors, enduring pirate raids and rule by the Venetians, French, and British before officially joining Greece in 1864. The ancestors of today's locals were mainly people who fled from Paxos and coastal mainland areas like Parga from the 16th century onwards.
In the 19th century, most families either owned a sailing ship or worked at sea, with olive farming and fishing rounding out island life. A major wave of emigration to the United States began toward the end of that century. Through the 20th century, the population gradually declined as men worked aboard ships or moved abroad — leaving the island largely to women, children, and eventually tourism.
The island in numbers.
Main settlements
Churches
Café-restaurants
Nautical miles from Corfu
Othoni is more than a place - it is a feeling.
With its unspoiled natural beauty, Othoni is a true getaway. Here you can walk along centuries-old trails, enjoy the serenity of quiet beaches, watch breathtaking sunsets from dramatic cliffs, and visit the cave of a mythical nymph.
But Othoni is more than just a beautiful place — it is a feeling. From the moment you arrive, time seems to slow down. You step away from the fast pace of everyday life and discover the art of doing nothing. Here, slow living is not a trend; it is a way of life.
Soon enough, you find yourself chatting with locals who share stories of the past. Someone may invite you to their home to try traditional potato pie, offer to take you by boat to Aspri Ammos, or before you know it, you might end up at a spontaneous summer gathering with music and friends from different countries. This multicultural yet close-knit community feels natural and welcoming.
That is why Othoni stays with you.
Once you visit, it will always hold a place in your heart.
Life on the island today
Villages & population
Othonoi has a small permanent population, with more residents returning during summer. Villages are quiet, compact, and walkable, with daily life centered around the port, local cafés, and tavernas.
Nature & walking
The island is best explored on foot. Simple trails connect villages, viewpoints, and beaches, including routes toward the lighthouse and remote coves.
Beaches & sea
Beaches are natural and largely unorganized. Aspri Ammos is the most well-known, but many smaller coves remain quiet, especially outside peak summer weeks.
What Othonoi is not
There are no resorts, no nightlife, and limited infrastructure. Shops are small, services are basic, and plans often depend on weather and ferry schedules.
Planning matters more here
Boat schedules, seasonality, and simple logistics make all the difference when visiting a small island like Othonoi.
Boat timetable & logistics