At Ermones there are a couple of tavernas on the beachfront where you can stop for a glass of Corfiot wine or the local Metaxa brandy and watch the sunset. Tavernas will also sometimes hold Greek dancing nights for a night of fun and dancing.
Myrtiotissa beach is famous thanks to the description in Lawrence Durrell’s ‘Prospero’s Cell’ who called it ‘perhaps the loveliest beach in the world.’ The beach has retained its original charm which is helped by only being accessible by footpath or boat. Myrtiotissa is just less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Paleokastritsa (25 minutes’ drive) is home to two sandy beaches separated by headland of rock. With lots of cafes and tavernas, it is perfect for a family day trip. It is also known for being Corfu’s favourite beauty spot. Look out for the luxury yachts that sail past the bay.
Inland from Ermones, the Ropa Valley stretches across a plain of 2,500 acres. Originally a lake, the area was drained to create the valley which is now covered by a network of streams and canals to carry the water into the Ropa River and then into the sea. It is an important wetland habitat and home to many birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Fresh water terrapins can be seen in the river by the golf course along with bullfrogs.
Ermones is home to the oldest golf course in Greece. Created by the British during their occupation of the island, the 18 hole course was designed by architect Donald Harradine. He incorporated the stunning natural beauty of the area into the course so games take place against a backdrop of green hills and tree groves, alongside the River Nafsika (Odysseus was rescued by Princess Nafsika at its mouth on Ermones beach). It is open seven days a week during the summer.
Enjoy a trip on a glass bottom boat which leaves nearby Paleokastritsa daily. The boat ride takes you to the caves close to Ermones that can only be accessed by boat and then you can spend an afternoon on Paradise Beach – a large white sand/shingle beach with no road access.
Greece’s largest water park can be found at Agios Ioannis, a 15 minute drive from Ermones. Aqualand is open May to early October and boasts over 36 waterslides and 15 adventure pools – a fun family day out.
One of the most intriguing spots to dive on Corfu is Ermones Reef. The reef is a perfect spot for spotting a variety of underwater species such as lobsters, octopus, sponges, tuna, swordfish.
