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Othoni Cultural Association

THE ODYSSEY

The cave of Calypso

On the western coast of Othoni, next to Aspri Ammos, lies Calypso's Cave. Its name is closely linked to the myth of the nymph who kept Odysseus on the island of Ogygia. Whether Othoni is truly Homer's Ogygia remains an open question that continues to inspire historians, researchers, and visitors alike.

Aspri Ammos is close by

What the claim rests on

In the Odyssey, Calypso keeps Odysseus on Ogygia for seven years. Homer places the island far to the west, isolated in the open sea, at the "navel of the sea." He never gives exact coordinates.

Two islands are most commonly associated with Ogygia. Gozo, in Malta, has the older tourist claim and a cave above Ramla Bay. Othoni is the other. Our island is the westernmost inhabited point of Greece, the last land before the Adriatic Sea, which is much closer to what a Greek sailor of Homer's time would have understood as "the edge of the west."

The cave in Gozo has been closed to visitors since 2012 after rockfalls made it unsafe. Permits for stabilization work were issued in March 2024, but the restoration has yet to begin.

Ogygia may belong to the world of myth, yet here, on the western edge of Othoni, nature makes the legend feel remarkably tangible. A sea cave with deep turquoise waters and a small hidden beach inside brings the story just a little closer to reality.

The cave lies next to Aspri Ammos,so if your stay on the island is short, you can easily visit both. If you have more time, there are plenty of other places on the island waiting to be explored.

Where do these claims comes from. Wikipedia's article on Ogygia presents the different theories about the location of the mythical island, including both the modern Greek tradition identifying it with Othoni and the older tradition linking it to Gozo. The closure of the Gozo cave and the stalled stabilisation work are documented in Malta's own press and on the Calypso's Cave page. None of these sources, however, proves that Homer had either of these islands in mind.

You are already on an Odyssey island

If you're reading this from Corfu, you're already on a Homeric island.

Corfu is belived to be Scheria, the land of the Phaeacians — the last place Odysseus stops before he finally reaches Ithaca. The historian Thucydides identified Scheria with Corfu, making this the earliest surviving tradition about the island's location. It was the Phaeacians who gave Odysseus a ship, allowing him to sail home while asleep.

In that sense, Othoni and Corfu stand at opposite ends of the same story. Ogygia is where Odysseus' journey paused for seven years. Scheria is where it finally resumed its course toward home. Today, the two islands are about four hours apart by ferry, or around an hour and a half from northern Corfu by boat.

It's a journey well worth making. To learn more, read our article about the Calypso's cave.

Before you go

Can you actually swim into Calypso's cave?
Yes, when the sea is calm. Strong swimmers can reach the cave by swimming from Aspri Ammos. Inside, there is a small beach that can only be accessed from the sea. If the weather is windy, do not attempt the crossing, as Othoni's western coast is the first part of the island to be affected by changing sea conditions.
How do I get to the cave?
By boat. The cave is located next to Aspri Ammos on Othoni's western coast, and there is no road leading down to it. Most visitors arrange a boat from Ammos, the island's main settlement, or visit as part of a day trip from Corfu. Ask at the port or through your accommodation. Boat transfers are usually arranged on the same morning, depending on the weather conditions.
Is Othoni really Ogygia?
No one can prove it. Ogygia exists within the world of myth and poetry. Othoni is one of the two islands most often proposed as a possible match for Homer's description of a remote island at the western edge of the known world. The cave here has been known locally as Calypso's Cave for generations.
When is the best time to come?
From early June to early September, when the sea is usually calmer and local boats operate more frequently. Mornings are generally better than afternoons on the western coast, as winds tend to pick up during the day. Bring water, food, an umbrella, and sun protection. Aspri Ammos is not an organized beach and has no facilities.

Plan your trip

Othoni is reached only by boat from Corfu. Two regular routes, both weather-dependent. Check the times before you set your plans.

Boat routes & times