Corfu and Beyond – Ericusa Island.

Whether a local, or visitor – long standing or new, we all share a mutual love of all things Corfiot – be it the rich culture, history, weather, people, beverages or food. No matter the reason, there is indeed a hidden gem in Corfu that keeps people returning year after year – and through this we have made many amazing friends over the years. Anyone who has visited our village, Agios Stefanos NW, will know of the views well, including that of the local islands; Ericusa, Mathraki & Othoni. Over a series of blog posts, we will explore these islands; give recommendations and information to help give your trip that added touch – beginning with Ericusa.

About Ericusa

The name Ericusa (Ερεικοúσα in Greek) is pronounced Eh-ri-coo-sa, and is derived from the heather bush; ‘reiki’ (ρeíκι), which blooms in October, transforming the island into a sea of purple. It is the second largest of the three Diapontian Islands, and is one of the most Virgin Islands in the Ionian Sea. The journey from NW Corfu to Ericusa is just 8 nautical miles, approximately 14.8km, docking on the main port, namely Porto.

The island is home to two sandy beaches; Porto and Bragini, and despite its small size, the island exhibits plentiful choices for food and entertainment. Porto is the largest settlement of the island, and is nestled between the hills of Megalo Livadi (Μεγáλο Λιβáδι’ in Greek) which translates to Big Meadow. Porto is home to the main amenities in Ericusa, including the Municipal Office, Police Station, Doctors office, and Pharmacy. It also has some small mini markets for all the basic needs of the locals and vistors, and some tavernas for a coffee, or food. Immediately west of Porto, lies the Heliport set upon the hill of Katergo, serving the island in case of emergency situations.

Around the back end of the Island, on the south east coast, is Bragini, another beautiful beach, which is great for swimming. This beach is not home to any facilities, but a great place to pop down a beach towel, and top up your tan.

Ericusa has approximately 500 inhabitants. There is one primary school, established in 1920, and one kindergarten, established in 2022, which teaches just two students each. The kindergarten teacher, who lives in Corfu, commutes daily to the island to teach the children. 

Things to do

Due to the small size of the island, exploring the Island by foot is entirely possible. You can navigate the small cobbled streets in Porto, or head further afield to the unpaved roads, which lead to settlements further in land. Visitors can enjoy a homemade meal in the bakery, or dine in the Hotel Ericusa, with both offering deliciously fresh meals. All in all, Ericusa is an amazing corner of paradise to experience – an opportunity to see what life is really like for those who live there.

How to visit

This summer (2023), San Stefano Travel is offering weekly organised day cruises to the Diapontian Islands, including Ericusa. The weekly Ericusa trip runs from 10am to 5pm, every Wednesday. It departs from the local harbour on the pegasus boat, sailed by Captain Dimitris, sailing to the back of Ericusa, to swim at the beach of Bragini, before heading to the harbour at Porto to dock for the day. In Porto, your time is your own, to navigate the beautiful cobbled streets, eat in one of the tavernas, or top up your tan on the sandy beach extending from the harbour. On your return journey, you are sailed through to see the amazing Cape Drastis up close, before returning to San Stefanos Harbour.  Tickets are 18 Euros per person, and can be booked by calling into San Stefanos Travel, or sending us a message on Facebook.