Nestled at the confluence of the Ionian and Adriatic seas, northwest of cosmopolitan Corfu, lie the Diapontia Islands—a tranquil archipelago representing one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Comprising Othonoi, Ereikoussa, and Mathraki, this cluster offers an escape for those seeking profound peace amid unspoiled nature.
Othonoi, the westernmost point of Greece, is an island of raw, dramatic beauty. Its coastline is a tapestry of white rock formations and wild beaches, such as the stunning Aspri Ammos, accessible only by sea. Here, legend places the cave where Calypso held Odysseus captive. Inland, ancient olive groves and cypress trees punctuate the landscape, leading to historic sites like the Venetian castle ruins and a prominent 19th-century lighthouse.
The neighboring island of Ereikoussa, named for the heather that blankets its hillsides in purple, presents a gentler terrain. Its main port, Porto, welcomes visitors with golden sands and crystalline waters. Well-maintained paths through olive and cypress groves invite exploration on foot.
Mathraki, the smallest of the inhabited trio, is distinguished by Portelo, a magnificent two-kilometer-long sandy beach. The island’s compact size makes it ideal for hiking, with all points of interest easily accessible. Its pine-covered hills and panoramic views of the Ionian Sea provide a perfect setting for quiet contemplation, offering a true retreat from the modern world.
The Athenian Site 