The Diapontian Islands, sometimes known as the Othoni Islands, are situated in the Ionian Sea. The main islands of the archipelago are Othoni, Ereikoussa, and Mathraki. Othoni is the largest of the Diapontian with about 560 inhabitants. Mathraki is the smallest one with about 330 residents. In fact, all three islands became inhabited after the battle of Nafpaktos in 1571, when islanders fled trying to seek refuge from Venetian control. The last settlers of the islands came from Paxos, Ioannina, and Parga. According to local tradition, the name “Othoni” comes from the word “screen”. This references the white sails of the catamarans that circumnavigated the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. Other mentions claim that Othoni was the island Ogygia, a nymph of Calypso who seduced Odysseus and kept him as a captive for 7 years before he escaped to Corfu on a raft. Until World War 2, the Othonian ships traded local and Corfiot olive oil in the Ionian, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas to countries such as Albania, Austria, Italy, and Malta. They also carried agricultural products such as capers and cod or onions and garlic from Corfu.

Before you begin your private catamaran tour to the Diapontian Islands, you might like to discover the beautiful spots in the city of Corfu. Walking through the old town, you can explore palaces, fortresses, tiny alleyways, and small secluded squares. There are also a considerable number of churches, the imposing one is the city’s Cathedral of St. Spyridon. You can organize a daily cruise from Corfu and be dazzled by the unspoiled nature of the Diapontian Islands. Arriving at the coastal settlement of Ammos in Othoni, also the port of the island, you will have ultimate peace and seclusion. One of the most beautiful beaches in Greece is found here and is known as Aspri Ammos. The beach is filled with crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine sand that can only be reached by boat. You can continue your Diapontian Islands cruise with a visit to the cave of Kalypso, associated with the legend of the nymph mentioned earlier. The cave is close to the shore and is about 100 meters long.

Resuming your catamaran tour in the Diapontian Islands, you have the option to head to Ereikoussa and Mathraki. Pera Katergo and the beautiful beach of Portelo are not to be missed. If you like diving and snorkeling, we advise a catamaran charter on the Northwest beaches of Mathraki. The nine other islets include Diakopo, Diaplo, Karavi, Kastrinos, Lipso, Ostrako, Plaka, Plateia and Trahia. They all boast perfect scenery and are exquisite stopover locations for a sailing holiday in Greece.