Photo ↑ by @kastamonitis
Ereikoussa is one of the Diapontian islands and just like the others, it is relatively small. It spreads over 3.65 square kilometres, so you can easily walk from one side to the other. It hosts around 500 people, yet the population grows in the summer, as tourists also come over for quiet holidays.
Located in the northwestern side of Corfu, Ereikoussa is considered one of the virgin islands in the Ionian Sea, mainly because it has not been spoilt by tourism. Locals are friendly and ready to help you enjoy a totally different type of experience.
If you want tranquillity, jump on a ferry from Corfu and head to Ereikoussa for a couple of days. Here is what you need to know.
How To Get From Corfu To Ereikoussa
There are more ferries that can take you from Corfu to Ereikoussa, depending on where in Corfu you are.
Kerkyra Lines at https://kerkyralines.com/en offers quick and easy access from the old town. You can also book online. If you stay in Sidari, there are a few seasonal ferries running to Ereikoussa. Just check with local companies. Walk in and ask.
Aspiotis Lines at https://www.aspiotislines.gr will also take you to Ereikoussa from Agios Stefanos. The ferry stops in Mathraki as well.
What To Expect From A Tour In Ereikoussa
Services and facilities are not as popular as in other parts around Corfu. However, you do have the basics if you choose to spend more than a day in Ereikoussa. You have some small shops, a couple of restaurants, a hotel, a medical centre, you name it.
In terms of tourism, you have a church with its own cemetery, but walking around the island will also reveal ancient ruins. Ereikoussa has its own heliport as well. Compared to other islands, inhabitants here are not too good with English, but you can easily get along with signs.
Plus, people are hospitable and that is a massive plus.
As you reach the island, you will get off at Porto. This is where the main harbour is. Located between two hills, this is also the largest settlement on the island. The police station and the doctor’s office are located in the same place, not to mention the local pharmacy.
Porto has a few small shops, restaurants and bars.
You will also find an old windmill by the local beach. Go behind it and you will find Agia Triada, the local church with an impressive stone bell tower made in 1584.
Going west of Porto, you will see Katergo, a hill without too much vegetation. It hosts the heliport for emergencies. The hill has good views over the Adriatic Sea. However, it feels a bit steep and difficult to climb. Looking south, you can see Cape Katergo.
The local bay around Porto is towards the east and is renowned for its clear waters. Have a swim around the local beach, have something to eat and start exploring. Local settlements are small and will impress you with the clean white houses and beautiful gardens.
Locals are friendly and will smile or wave at you. Keep walking and you will end up surrounded by olive groves and cypresses before reaching Cape Koukouli, just by the Fyki bay. The old port of Ereikoussa used to be around this area, but there is not much left.
As you go towards the north, the island has steep cliffs and beaches that can mostly be accessed by boat. Cape Skotini in the north is impressive with its dramatic cliffs. As for the highest location on the island, it is known as Santardo. To get there, you must walk through Fyki and Dendra.
Other small villages – or better said settlements – in the area include Kezepatika and Touri, which are quite old, not to mention Nikolaitika and Gritsiatika. Gardens in these settlements are astonishing.
The coast has beautiful rocky formations, similar to Canal D’Amour.
Beaches In Ereikoussa
There are not too many beaches in Ereikoussa. As for waters, they are usually shallow and warm, especially in the summertime. Given the water conditions, snorkelling is a popular activity among tourists. Diving is just as good, but you will usually have to bring your own equipment.
Faro and Fyki are close to the main port of the island, Porto. Both of them are clean and sandy. Bragini and Porto are also worth some attention.
Activities In Ereikoussa
You can spend at least a few days walking around the beautiful paths surrounded by nature. You can stop, enjoy the olive groves, take a few pictures, read a book, have a picnic and keep going. Some of the villages are nearly abandoned, so the nature is unspoilt in this area.
The deeper you go into the island, the more you will appreciate its extraordinary calmness. People are no longer in a rush. Everyone is laid back and everything feels like going back in time.
Once you are done visiting the villages, make sure you climb Katergo as well, mainly for the views. From that point, walk towards Pera Katergo, an old quarry. The view is more dramatic with cliffs going straight into the crystal clear water.
A stone cross in the area was erected in the memory of a shipwreck.
There are plenty of walks you can have around. You can also go from Porto to Bragini bty Agia Triada and Paliokalyva.
Snorkelling is also a good activity in the area. As for live festivals and celebrations, Panigyria is a lively festivity following liturgies. The most popular ones take place on the 14th and 15th of August at Agia Triada.