It used to be the commercial port of Kerkyra, but it was also used by military ships. It possessed ship sheds. Legend claims that Pontikonisi was the rock where Ulysses ship crashed during the heavy storm caused by Poseidon. Other arguments stating that Pontikonisi is the Phaeacian ship turned into stone as an act of revenge from Poseidon who wanted to castigate the Phaecians for having helped Ulysses (legend is applied to Palaiokastritsa and Ermones bays also). The ancient city developed between the Hyllaic Harbor and Anemomylos, under which the ancient Alcinoos’ harbor is situated. It was a closed type harbor at the western side of the Kanoni Peninsula.
Location
39.592730,19.907994
Chronology
From mythical times to now days. Mainly ancient times, Classical Antiquity, Hellenistic Period, Roman Era.
Visible / Reachable by public?
Yes, reachable by the public, by car or public transportation.
Heritage Value
It used to be the commercial port of Kerkyra, but it was also used by military ships. It possessed ship sheds. Legend claims that Pontikonisi was the rock where Ulysses ship crashed during the heavy storm caused by Poseidon. Other arguments stating that Pontikonisi is the Phaeacian ship turned into stone as an act of revenge from Poseidon who wanted to castigate the Phaecians for having helped Ulysses (legend is applied to Palaiokastritsa and Ermones bays also). The ancient city developed between the Hyllaic Harbor and Anemomylos, under which the ancient Alcinoos’ harbor is situated. It was a closed type harbor at the western side of the Kanoni Peninsula.
Touristic exploitation
No, no admittance fee.
Eco-Touristic added value
The lagoon had been one of the most significant eco-systems. It was rich in shrimps and various species of fish, oysters, crabs and eels, sea gulls, ducks. It is still an important wetland, hosting rare species of emigrant birds, in danger of extinction, such as agriotsiknias (αγριοτσικνιάς), wild herons, egrets, swans, reptiles and mammals. The site preserves a great part of its natural beauty, especially at the south and western side, despite the development of the modern town and the airport. Highest depth: 2,5 m. Now days the 2/3 of the lagoon has been dammed and only a small part of it is still free.
Proposed activities
Boat trip, visit to the wetland, visit to the fish farming. Observatory of rare species of water-flows, water birds. Walking along the footbridge connecting Panaghia of Vlacherna with Perama, trees on the Western side, give an interesting landscape worthy of visiting. Parts of the fortifications are still visible. Remains of ancient temples are also in the area, as well as the Mon Repos park.
