Diakofti

A seaside settlement, known for its golden sand, turquoise waters and of course the main port of the island. Makrykythera, the islet opposite, embraces the coast and keeps the sea calm. The name of the settlement refers to the end of the 16th century and comes from the geomorphology of the area. Diakofti could have been a pirates’ base in the Kavomalia sea passage, between Mani and Sfakia. Until the 1950s it was a small fishing village with 20-25 buildings, many of which still exist on the coastal front of the settlement. Most of these old buildings were built towards the end of the 19th century. Three families lived permanently, and others who owned properties, mainly from the Aroniadika (and other villages in that area), used to go down to cultivate the gardens, because of the abundant water, and for fishing. They also had vineyards, fields with “smigo” (meslin, i.e. barley mixed with wheat), “latheria” (lathouri) and “manarolia” (local pulses). Due to migratory flows the fields were abandoned, since fewer people were enough to cover the needs of the closest fields in the upper villages. The village had two cafes, one of which was also a barber shop. The whole sea area of Diakofti was full of fishermen from Elafonisos to Hydra, and sponge divers from Kalymnos. During summer the village was full of life, and the residents still recall the old summer “veggera”, the celebrations and the games on the beach (“ksaplotaria”), when the whole village of Diakofti was a family. In recent decades, it has evolved into a tourist destination, especially after the operation of the modern port in 1995. The pier for fishing boats was built in 1882 and was repaired in the 1960s. The largest feast of the village has always been Agios Minas on November 11. Other major celebrations in the area are Agia Moni on August 6th and Agios Georgios on Vouno on April 23rd.