Erikousa - Diapontian islands

Erikousa - Diapontian islands

Erikousa is the most northern, inhabited island of the Ionia Sea. It’s the second biggest of the island complex called “Diapondia Islands” just 8 nautical miles from Sidari Port (North Corfu). Named after the bush “Reiki” which flourishes during October and makes the island a purple oasis. Erikousa is a hidden gem and a small paradise where guests can relax and come closer to nature. If you love hiking through green mountain alleys and feel amazed by azure Ionian waters, Erikousa should be on your bucket list. The island has two beautiful beaches, Porto, which is the island’s main port and Bragini, a quiet sandy beach. Although a small island (just 4,5 sq.kil) you may find plenty of choices for food and entertainment.

Reaching the island, the visitor gets off at Porto, the settlement with the main harbor of the island. Porto is built between two hills at the location Megalo Livadi and it is the largest settlement of the island. Here you will find the Police Station of the island, the Municipal Office, the Doctor’s Office and the Pharmacy of the island. At Porto there are some mini markets selling all the basic (milk, shampoo, cigarettes, water, groceries, etc.) and at the same time, these shops are also cafeterias or tavernas serving coffee and food. West of Porto you will see the hill of Katergo, the only spot on the island bare of vegetation, as its top has been flattened to serve as a heliport, necessary for emergency situations. The hill of Katergo is washed on the West by the Adriatic Sea and its slopes are quite steep, while at its South it ends at Cape Katergo which protectively embraces the port of Porto.

From Pera Katergo to the Cape Stamoleka at the opposite side direction East, expands the Bay of Porto with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. At the beach of Porto, you can enjoy your swim and then treat yourself with a delicious Greek dish at the restaurant of the Hotel Erikousa which stands just a few metres from the beach. From our hotel you can follow the pathway that will bring you inside the settlement. You will go by neat white houses and wonderful gardens, clean and tidy neighborhoods where people will greet you smiling. At some point the pathway will turn into an earth-road and dense olive groves and tall cypresses will start to emerge in the surrounding landscape and finally lead you to the Cape Koukouli, at the Bay of Fyki, which once used to be the old port of the island. Nowadays, only the half-broken breakwater stands there to verify the once busy days of this location…

The rest of the West side of the island direction North is full of steep cliffy beaches quite difficult to access. This coastline ends at the North Cape of the island called Skotini and just above this cape there is Santardo, the highest spot of the island which 130m high. In order to get to Santardo you have to go through Fyki following the ascending road in the direction of the settlement called Dendra. Following an earth-road for some time you will leave the settlement direction North and at some point, you will reach Santardo. Other smaller settlements you will see if you go through the middle of the three hills are Gritsiatika, Nikolaitika and the older settlements of Touri and Kezepatika.

Things to do

Erikousa is a natural retreat, a destination to escape the busy days of the cities, the noise, the anxiety and pressure. It is a natural refuge for body and soul and your relaxation is guaranteed here. Of course, while for some, relaxation is a synonym for lying all day long on the beach, for others, the term would rather include activities that will exercise body and mind!
On Erikousa you can spend your day exploring the island by bike (you can actually go all around the island by bike), diving in the sea, swimming in the several beaches of the island, play beach tennis or volleyball, enjoy a game of basketball or football at the community’s basketball/football field respectively, you can explore the island by foot, call a day a photo-shooting day…the natural beauties of Erikousa will give you endless inspiration for some great frames! Hidden byzantine churches, traditional houses, colourful gardens, small forests, lonely beaches, great sunsets and the most amazing overview of the island from the heliport! On the other hand, for those who can’t live their vacation far from the beach, the beaches of Erikousa are full of thrills for those seeking the adventure by and in the sea…the West coast (behind Cape Katergo) is rather rocky and a must-stop for those keen to diving and underwater fishing/spearfishing.

Reaching the island of Erikousa

The harbour of Erikousa is protected by the winds and safe for you to come with your own vessel if you wish. You can anchor at the harbour or in the open sea close to a beach. There are also regular boat excursions organized from Corfu town or Agios Stefanos to Erikousa. At Agios Stefanos, Sidari and Acharavi you can also come using the Green Bus service of Corfu (KTEL) which regularly connects Corfu town with these towns and from there take the boat and come to Erikousa.

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