16 - 17 September - Erikousa

Erikousa Island is the most northerly island of the Ionian Sea, being eight nautical miles north of Corfu. It covers only five square kilometres and has some small villages. Most of it’s residents emigrated to America in the last century, but they return to their homes for holidays. It is a very green island but it turns purple in October due to and abundance of the Reiki bush.

Porto on the south coast, lies in a wide bay and is the main port for the arrival of ferries and the odd day tripper boat. Tourist’s are few, and it has the feel of a quiet, sleepy place. It is a good anchorage to stop off after crossing from Italy and rest, having some shelter from the prevailing northerly winds. The water is crystal clear turquoise and, at the moment a lovely warm temperature, so excellent for swimming.

We met up with a Kiwi couple, who had travelled across from Otranto on the same day as us, for a coffee in the taverna, sitting outside in the cool shade under the trees. A top temperature of 30C is forecast for several days.

We then had dinner with new friends we had made last year, in village taverna. The food wasn’t great, but we had a fine time exchanging sailing stories. Mark and Diane also gave us great tips on their favourite bays and harbours from their sailing in the Ionian Islands for a few months. They were on their way back to Italy, so it was wonderful timing that we met up again. The waitress, who is from Georgia, told us that the staff would be leaving in the next few days and the restaurant then closes for the winter. It seems amazing to us that this is so early, but it must be because the visitor numbers from off.


Getting our tender back to Equinox, anchored among about 20 other boats in the bay, but with no light on, was a bit of an adventure. Eventually we recognised a familiar shape and made our way back on board. Fortunately the wind had dropped a bit, which made it rather easier. 

We’ll be back, anyway, when we cross back to Italy in about a month. It deserves more time than we could spare just now.

Miles today             0

Miles in 2023      906

Tricia (and Steve) 

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