In Erikousa
In Erikousa: Porto - Fiki - Gitonies - Potamos - Porto
The walker’s/tourist's orientation and safety is solely their responsibility. The present report, the relevant tracks (gpx) and the rest of the informational material are just supplementary. The proper equipment is necessary, depending on the weather conditions and the nature of the route.
Route’s type: circular
Route’s duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Route’s length: 4.700m
Level of difficulty: easy
Suggested season: summer, due to sea’s limitation and ship’s winter routes
The route
Erikousa is a very beautiful and "sweet" island that has a dense network of small roads (usually concrete) and a dense network of paths, and in combination with the fact that there are very few vehicles and the distances are really short - indicatively, it is mentioned that Cape Skotini (northernmost point) is at a distance of 2800m from Cape Stamoleka (southernmost point), the walker can take any route they want through the lush nature and therefore the proposed route is only indicative.
The route starts from Porto and heads north - northwest leaving behind Porto and its beach. The route is alongside and with a view of the sea, the hill of Katergos (which has been flattened for the needs of the heliport) and the wonderful geological formations of the beach. We reach the area of Fiki and the old harbor of the island, where we will see what remains of it. Afterwards, reaching the area "Gitonies", we change direction and we head east to the lush interior of the island and the "river" mentioned on the GIS maps.
The route presents a wide variety of vegetation and view while the walker often encounters signs for paths that lead to different places. Generally, the direction is eastwards, towards the hill, where, if the walker wishes, they can modify the route slightly and climb towards the opposing settlement.
On the way we head south towards the beach and the harbor, where after a while we pass in front of the active primary school of the island and the beautifully landscaped area with the two churches. In the background is the power station for the island's needs.
Continuing parallel to the beach of Porto, we reach the starting point of our course. As a circular route it can also be done in the reverse of the suggested direction. It can also be done by car and in this sense is also offered for the disabled persons.
In the settlement of Porto there is a Community Office, a Police Station, a Medical office and a Pharmacy.
Erikousa
The second largest of Diapontia Islands is Erikoussa (Erikoússa) or Erikousa (Eríkousa), oldest name: Merlere or Merlera. According to the 2011 census it has 496 inhabitants. The highest point of the island is Santardo which has an altitude of about 130 meters.
It is located north of Corfu and it is the northernmost point of the Ionian Islands. It owes its name to the Eriki (or Reiki) bush, which grows all over the island and blooms in October. It is a green island, full of olive trees, cypresses, wild herbs and plants, with blue waters and white beaches. One of the island's main attractions is its traditional olive oil mill, which is still in full operation today. Important Erikousa’s beaches are Porto and Bragini.