Listed 19 sub titles with search on: Main pages for wider area of: "LEFKADA Island IONIAN ISLANDS" .
AGIOS ILIAS (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 39225
Fax: +30 26450 39225
Above Syvros is the village
of Ayios Ilias, built at a very high altitude. It is the second highest mountain
village on the island after Englouvi
and the vegetation here is quite sparse because of the altitude. Ayios Ilias was
an old refuge for the locals seeking sanctuary from the regular pirate raids,
and flocks of sheep and goats were also kept here in the summer. Marantochori,
a large village with a long tradition, lies on the central road which leads from
Nydri to Vasiliki.
AGIOS NIKITAS (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 97469
Fax: +30 26450 97465
Twelve kilometers form the capital of the prefecture, adjoining the
sea, looms the traditional fishing village of Agios Nikitas. Traditional houses,
amphitheatrically arranged in the verdant landscape around the sea, give their
own gift to the passage of time. Very quiet with a view to the endless azure of
the Ionian Sea and the misty
tops of the mountains of Epirus,
it attracts the visitor like a magnet, calling him to live in the pure nostalgia
of nature.
The crystal clear waters at the beaches from Langada to the village,
the fresh fish and also the traditional hospitality of the people of Lefkada,
will transport you to a different way of life and will fascinate you. Further
west of the settlement is the unspoiled sandy beach of Mylos, which is sure to
win the heart of even the most demanding visitor.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
ATHANI (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 33146
A picturesque mountain village looking down on the seashore of Gialos. Following
the route south along the rocky southern coast through rugged but extremely beautiful
countryside one can get to the marvellous beaches of Engremni and Porto Katsiki.
At the termination of the route we arrive at the southernmost point of the island,
the Lefkata Promontory. It is near here that the ruins were discovered of an ancient
temple of Apollo Lefkata. According to the ancient poet Menander, the poetess
Sappho of Lesbos fell
from here onto the rocks when Phaedon didn't return the love she had for him.
In front of us is the Ionian
Sea. The sunset from here is a sight worth seeing.
KARYA (Small town) LEFKADA
A mountain village of Lefkas, with a tradition in embroidery, some of which is
on display at the Folk Art Museum. If you visit the village on 11th August you
can see a representation of the Lefkadian wedding. At the old monastery of St.
George at Skari you can see remarkable 17th century frescoes. You can get to it
by following the road to Nikiana.
LEFKADA (Island) IONIAN ISLANDS
Lefkada is one of the Ionian Islands, known as the 'Eptanisia' in
Greek, which lie in the Ionian Sea. The island is less than 100 metres from the
mainland coast of Akarnania, to which it is linked by a floating bridge. The channel
of Lefkada is 50 metres wide. Lefkada has an area of 302.5 square kilometres and
is the fourth largest of the Ionian Islands with a population of 23,000. The Prefecture
of Lefkada consists of Lefkada and the surrounding small islands of Meganisi,
Kalamos, Kastos,
Skorpios, Skorpidi,
Madouri, Sparti,
Thileia and Kythros.
The Prefecture is divided into six municipalities and two communities. Lefkada
has a Mediterranean climate. It has many hours of sunlight daily and is typified
by mild winters with increased rainfall and hot summers with cool breezes. 70%
of the island's terrain is mountainous. It has tall mountains, the tallest peak
being in the centre at Stavrota (1182 m.). The western side of Lefkada is precipitous
with many long, sandy beaches.
It also has narrow plateaus, fertile valleys and ravines with rich
vegetation. Olive trees are spread over the whole island whilst cypress trees
grow here and there, creating a distinct landscape. The island's exceptional flora
includes many pine forests and some forests with a special variety of oak tree.
Another variety of tall and thick pine tree which grows on the edge of the sea
is to be found on the island of Kalamos. Lefkada has plenty of waters, mainly
springs but also streams which flow from high above, creating small waterfalls.
In the north of the island is a lagoon which provides an important wetland environment
for many species of birds.
The landscape is complimented by the traces of human habitation, old
and new. Agricultural buildings, such as the dozens of watermills, the olive presses,
threshing floors, the simple stone-built houses and the unique domed stone dens
are evidence of the importance of farming on the island. The salt-pans and fish
farms indicate another side of life on Lefkada. The churches and the monasteries
provided support to the Greek and Christian culture of the island during the difficult
years of the Tourkokratia (Turkish rule), roviding an artistic escape through
the Byzantine tradition and western influences. The icons and wall-paintings are
unique works of art. The town of Lefkada itself, with its historic centre, town
houses and narrow lanes and the Kastro of Ayia Mavra (Santa Maura) - these are
the unique features which go to make up the cultural heritage of the island. They
tie together the precious memories of the past and lead us to the Lefkada of today.
This text is cited April 2004 from the Prefecture of Lefkada URL below, which contains images
LEFKADA (Town) IONIAN ISLANDS
The town of Lefkada, whose history goes far back into the mists of
time, is associated with Sappho and Phaon, Apollo and Artemis, the Trojan War,
Odysseus and the Homeric Ithaca, with East and West, with her destiny. The town,
which has been the vital heart of the island since medieval times, is today a
friendly, modern city. A number of significant figures in arts and letters originated
here, including the poets Aristotelis Valaoritis, Angelos Sikelianos and Lefkadios
Hern, historian Nikos Svoronos and others. The town has been characterized by
the Ministry of Culture as a "region of particular natural beauty",
and by the late art historian Angelos Prokopiou as a "geological phenomenon".
It features crystal clear waters, a coastline lacey with coves and inlets, the
beaches at Aghios Ioannis
and Gyra, and the mills; it is full of sights such as the medieval Venetian fortress
and basilica churches with interesting carved wooden icon screens. It has a folklore
museum and an archaeological museum and art gallery featuring post-Byzantine icons.
It has a large number of cultural associations and a historic philharmonic
orchestra, and hosts festivities in August, celebrating Literature and Art and
the International Folklore Festival, all of which offer unique artistic experiences
to local people and visitors alike. It is a town, which offers fresh, inexpensive
fish in traditional tavernas, Ionian serenatas, and the hospitable spirit and
warmth of its people. It’s a town with nightlife, full of movement, passions
and dreams, a town in which the visitor can come and go 24 hours a day thanks
to the causeway connecting it to the mainland. It is also a base from which one
can visit the mountainous areas of the island, and travel to the nearby island
of Meganissi, Cephalonia
and Ithaki, taking advantage
of the frequent and regular boat services and the good roads.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
LYGIA (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 71394
At a distance of 5 kilometres from the town
of Lefkada we reach the first coastal village, the very beautiful Lygia. Its
picturesque port with the fishing boats, the wonderful clean beaches and the azure
waters charm and fascinate the visitor. In Lygia there are hotels and rooms for
rent, fish tavernas and restaurants, supermarkets and every kind of shop. It is
a village pulsing with life and a vibrant tourist industry, with good-hearted,
king and hospitable inhabitants. Lygia is suitable for your holidays and your
stay here wil be unforgettable. Three kilometres from Lygia is Katouna,
a traditional settlement with old houses and a wonderful little square at its
heart. Around the square are small tavernas which serve excellent food. It is
also worth paying a visit to the church of Panagia with its beautiful bell-tower,
and that of Agios Varvaros with its glorious iconostasis and excellent icons.
A walk through the cobbled streets of the village is sure to enthrall you.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
MEGALO AVLAKI (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 92451
Fax: +30 26450 92451
The community of Neochori consists of the settlements of Megalo Avlaki,
Paliokatouna and Neochori.
Connections to the town and the rest of Lefkada
are made by regular bus routes and taxis. The verdant landscapes of olive groves
and the various forms of the mountains, invite the wanderer to enjoy the wonderful
harmonious balance of nature by, for example, taking simple walks or cycling.
Recently-built hotels with many comforts (swimming pool) and very
good prices, as well as rooms for rent with modern facilities (individual bathroom),
are on offer to our guests. From Neochori, one can enjoy the remarkable vista
of the small cluster of islets spread out before you. Between them there is also
Madouri, the island of the
great poet Aristotelis Valaoritis, which belongs to our community. Many tourist
agencies offer daily excursions to all beaches of the island, as well as renting
cars and motor bikes, making it possible to visit and enjoy the beauties of the
whole island.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
NIKIANA (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 71384
Fax: +30 26450 71384
Between Lygia
and Perigiali, 9 km from the capital of the island, is the wonderful picturesque
fishing village of Nikiana.
Built at the foot of the Skaros mountain, it is a combination of verdant
green and magical azure, which offers comfort and variety during your holiday
as you can find whatever you want here.
Nikiana is an ideal place for windsurfing, skiing and fishing as well
as for climbing, with the ability to offer every visitor whatever they may desire.
A little further on is the hermitage
of Agioi Pateres (the Holy Fathers) with a panoramic view and also the important
mountain settlements of Alexandros
and Kolyvata which are worth
a visit as is the Skaros mountain where you will find the unique oak wood.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
NYDRI (Village) LEFKADA
Nydri and the surrounding area of the Municipality
of Ellomenos are located on the south-east side of Lefkada. It has many outstanding
physical beauties, both on the coasts as well as the hinterland, which leave every
visitor in awe. In this region the morphology of the earth varies. It combines
the island's largest fertile plain, Englimenos, with the mountain ranges of Platystoma,
Vakeris, Neochori, Alatros
and Fternos, with the
beaches and tourist resorts that are visited by thousands of holiday-makers.
The large, leeward bay of Vlychos,
which extends far into the dry land, constitutes an excellent natural harbour,
hospitable to all the boats which sail in the waters of the Ionian Sea. The whole
of the Vlychos peninsular is a luscious green which hugs the coast and reaches
round as far as the opposite side from Nydri. It is as though the islands of the
Prinkiponisa (Prince's Islands), which are small wooded islands, Skorpios,
Skorpidi, Madouri, Sparti
and, further away, Meganisi float upon the calm sea. And opposite, on the edge
of the horizon, the coast of Akarnania on the Greek mainland, frames this unique
and exquisite picture, a picture which differs during every hour of the day. A
few years ago, Nydri and its surrounding area was nothing more than a small fishing
community. Most of the inhabitants lived in small, semi-mountain villages located
higher up, at Rachi,
Vavkeri and Platystoma,
and were involved in agriculture, live-stock rearing and fishing, as were all
the villagers of the island. The rapid development of tourism gave the area a
great push and won over the majority of the locals. Today, the place is very different
from how it was in the past.
In addition, the development of tourism also changed the demographic
distribution. The residents moved from the interior mountain massifs to the coasts,
where they became involved in tourism, at the same time continuing their winter
agricultural occupations in the villages. The whole of the coastal zone from the
village of Periyiali
as far as Vlychos has merged into one compact area. There are dozens of luxury
hotels and rented rooms, restaurants, shops and tourist offices which offer up-to-date
tourism facilities, serving the most demanding visitor.
The beautiful and immaculately clean sandy beach, which stretches
out for kilometres ahead, provides bathers with the opportunity to try out all
kinds of water sports.
Even though the area is quite developed touristically, it has not
lost its natural beauty. Thick vegetation with olive trees, pines and cypresses
provide a framework for the carefully constructed tourist infrastructure. The
orderliness and cleanliness help to maintain exceptionally civilised surroundings.
The region's beauties are not just limited to its sandy beaches and to its cosmopolitan
character, though it has many important historical, natural as well as cultural
monuments to show, both along the coast and inland.
With Nydri, Lefkada's most visited tourist resort, as a starting point,
we commence on our first route a little outside the centre of the village. The
visitor will be able to enjoy the region's beautiful landscape, with the rich
olive trees, fertile orchards and vegetable gardens to the west. This route can
be made in combination with a delightful walk which passes through the area of
the excavations, wedged in between the sea and the mountain, in the area of the
Steno Haradiatikon and which leads on to Vlychos. This is where the German archaeologist
Wilhelm Dorpfeld discovered some tombs and circular buildings, showing that the
region was inhabited from at least the Early Bronze Age (2000 BC).
Dorpfeld was he inspiration behind the theory, based on one interpretation
of the Odyssey, that Lefkada was indeed Homer's Ithaki,
and placed Odysseus' palace at Nydri. Many of Dorpfeld's finds - votive offerings,
vases and Mycenean remains - are on display in the Archaeological
Museum of Lefkada. Dorpfeld himself loved the island so much that he wanted
to be buried here. His grave is located on the peak of the hill at the edge of
the Vlychos peninsula, above the charming little church of Ayia Kyriaki. There
is a theory that this little church is built on top of an ancient temple of the
Nymphs.
Continuing from Vlychos turning to the left, the route continues between
two ancient olive trees in the verdant region of Yeni, in front of the beach of
Desimi. A small footpath at the end of the road leads to the little church of
Ayia Kyriaki, offering another view of Nydri which is as equally amazing. The
journey to Ayia Kyriaki can also be made in a small, rented caique. A small, uphill
road above the bay of Vlychos leads to the village of Haradiatika
and continues from there to the hamlet of Alatros. Just like all the other tiny,
mountain villages of the region, Alatros is today abandoned...
There are many water-mills preserved in the ravine, remnants of the
agricultural life of the place and testimony to the existence of strong-flowing
waters which the locals used in order to grind their crops. Ascending southwards,
after Vlychos we reach Katochori.
This is a small, picturesque hamlet with stone-built houses. It was once the seat
of the Municipality and the buildings which housed the public services, such as
the courts, still stand. In this village is the church of Ayios Haralambos, with
icons dating to the 16th century.Further south on this route, on the left of the
central road, is Poros,
an old village which clambers up a steep slope in a westerly direction, as though
it has turned its back to the sea. This village is surrounded by green vegetation
and looks as though it lives according to its own peaceful rhythms. Above the
village, at a distance of less than 800 metres, are the remains of a tower, from
which a lookout was obviously kept over the whole of the surrounding region.
According to Dorpfeld, this tower, as well as the remains of an ancient
olive-press which was found here, date to approximately the 4th century BC. After
Poros, the road descends through the village and leads down to two delightful
sandy beaches, Rouda and Mikro Yialo, which lie next to each other, impressing
the visitor so much that he will not know which one to choose first. And here
the water is brilliantly clean and crystal-clear, a deep blue, whilst the green
of the vegetation is reflected on its surface.
Continuing in a southerly direction, the small village of Fterno
is to the right of the central road. From here the view over Rouda is magical.
This is where the road which leads through the ravine of Haradiatika ends, offering
the visitor the especial pleasure of being able to go on yet another exceptional
ramble and to discover the region's natural beauties. A second route starts from
Nydri and follows a slightly upward road which leads, through a verdant landscape,
to the farming hamlet of Rachi.
From here, ascending towards the west, we encounter a shadowy footpath which clambers
up the slope of the Dimosari ravine.
This footpath has been hewn through the rock and is secure; it is
quite perfect for the summer months. At the end of the footpath there is a series
of rocks over which water rushes quite forcefully, creating a waterfall. The water
collects in a natural basin. In the summer there is less water, but the ramble
through the verdant and refreshing landscape is still exceptionally pleasurable.
The Dimosari ravine is considered to be an important wetland. In his poems, the
poet Aristotelis Valaoritis has sung the praises of the flowing water, gazing
over at the landscape of Madouri.
A few kilometres above the village of Rachi is Vavkeri, another of
the region's picturesque mountain villages, full of greenery and with plenty of
water. The history of the village begins in the 16th or the 17th centuries. Today
there are only a very few residents left. The view over Nydri from here is truly
magical.
PERIGIALI (Village) LEFKADA
The village of Perigiali is located on the road leading to Nydri,
a short distance after Nikiana.
Through the harmonious combination of natural beauty, tradition and modernization
it appears both simple and wonderful and is sure to charm any visitor with its
fascinating view of the verdant islets. Its beaches are many and the waters are
very clean, whilst its proximity to Nydri,
one of the main ports of Lefkada,
makes it even more busy. It is worth taking a visit to the Kokkini Eklissia (‘Red
Church’) built in 1478 which, in 1821, was turned into a base of operations
for the leaders of the revolution, and also to the church of Agion Panton and
the settlement of Platystomo,
with its impressive panoramic vista. The folklore tradition which flourishes in
the area, along with the unspoiled hospitality of the locals will never be forgotten.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
POROS (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 95475
Fax: +30 26450 95475
Poros is a coastal village of Lefkada,
on the southeast side of the island, built among the verdant stillness, close
to the sea. Its charming view of the surrounding islands and the deep clear waters
of Mikros Gialos (Little Beach),
ideal for swimmers, is something you will never forget. The sea reflects the vibrant
colour of the nature and displays the unique, deep azure-green of the Ionian
Sea. Above Poros is one of the most ancient buildings on the island. It is
a watch tower which surveys Cephalonia
and Ithaki, and it is for
this reason that Poros can be characterized as a 'balcony' form which one can
clearly see the islands of Arkoudi,
Oxies, Ithaki and Cephalonia.
Also in Poros you wil find traditional tavernas with excellent Lefkadian food
and, naturally, the unforgettable hospitality of the Lefkadians.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
SFAKIOTES (Municipality) LEFKADA
According to tradition, the region of Sfakiotes took its name from
the Cretans who settled here from the village of Sfakia
in Crete in the 16th or 17th centuries. It is a primarily mountainous region which
stretches out over a fertile valley. It includes the villages of Spanochori,
Lazarata, Asproyerakata,
Kavalos and Pinakochori.
The growth of the villages over the years means that they have now almost joined
together. Olive trees, bountiful orchards and ineyards go to create the verdant
landscape which stretches out all around. The view towards Lefkada town and the
Ionion Sea is magical from every point here.
The villages of Drymonas
and Exantheia also come
under the Municipality of Sfakiotes. These lie on the western side of the island
and, although there is less vegetation here, the view here is also breathtaking.
There are many things to see here. Nature took care to furnish these parts with
a rare beauty. One of these is the ravine of Melissa. Within this ravine, in between
the villages of Kavalos and Apolpainas,
are the remains of small settlements. Old water-mills, perhaps the island's oldest,
are also located between these villages; these are mentioned in a Decree of Voltaire
Bryennios which was published in 1355. This area is included in a special programme
for regeneration so that all those who want to walk along pathways which will
lead them to the beauties of nature will be able to visit.
The old folks say that this is where the 'hair' would be washed, i.e.
the dowries of the girls who were preparing for marriage. There are many stone
bridges in the ravine and the surrounding areas, as well as wells and springs
from which the crystal-clear waters still gurgle and at which the visitor can
quench his thirst and rest.
At Frya, in between Kavalos and Asproyerakata, are the remains of
Turkish wells dating from 1478-1684 and which were built using a special technique.
One of these supplied water to all the villages in today's Municipality. There
are two ancient plane-trees in Frya, one of which is believed to have been planted
in 1845.
A wine-press belonging to the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives is
also to be found here. This is an important monument directly connected to the
life of the region during the period when wine-making was one of the primary forms
of employment on the island.
The wine-press of Sfakiotes was founded in 1929 and is still in operation.
The Union of Cooperatives has a total of four wine-presses, the oldest being that
at Vasiliki which was founded in 1927. The third is at Exantheia and the newest,
which was founded in 1950 and continues to operate today, is opposite the Kastro
(castle) at Ayia Mavra (Santa Maura).
This extract is cited April 2004 from the Prefecture of Lefkada URL below, which contains images
SYVOTA (Settlement) LEFKADA
A picturesque coastal village hiding in a sheltered cove, like a fjord. Because
the cove is extremely well protected from the elements, it is an ideal place for
mooring yachts. All around are the verdant hills. A short distance from Syvota
is Hirospilia, where Doerpfeld uncovered some neolithic finds. On the way from
from Poros to Syvota one can visit the villages of Fterno,
Vournikas, Sivros
and Agios Ilias. From
Agios Ilias one can follow a footpath to get to the summit of Mount Stavrota.
This text is cited December 2004 from the Ionian Islands Region General Secretariat URL below, which contains image
SYVROS (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 39379
Fax: +30 26450 39379
The whole of the Syvros region is full of a unique and varied beauty. Lower down
the olive trees prevail and as the altitude increases so do the plane trees. The
place has many waters and crops whilst old farmers describe how Syvros once had
the greatest number of watermills, 24 in total, to serve the needs of the local
population. Here and there can be spotted the springs of the Kerasia ravine, one
of the most beautiful on the island. All those who love rambling will soon be
able to enjoy walking along the paths which wind through the beautiful locale,
taking in the wonderful natural beauties as well as the delightful forest of Daphne.
The Karoucha cave, which is well worth a visit, is near Syvros
TSOUKALADES (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 97248
Fax: +30 26450 97248
Following the northwest route around the island, passing the pine
covered Faneromeni
monastery with its panoramic view of the Ionian
Sea, one comes to the village of Tsoukalades. A village which has harmoniously
interwoven tradition with modernity and offers peace and quiet as well as comfort.
In the area Tsoukalades is the marvelous beach of Pefkoulia where
the verdant pine trees literally touch the crystal clear sea and create a charming
picture; a picture, which liberates all the senses. An invitation to all those
who love exploration is the until now unexplored cave of Ai-Yiannis in the area.
It is also worth paying a visit to the area of the Primary School where the sunset
will charm even the most difficult visitor. In addition, a walk through the pine
wood of the village, alone or accompanied, is sure to leave all nature lovers
speechless.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
VASSILIKI (Village) LEFKADA
Vassiliki is in the centre of southern Lefkada.
A wonderful, classical, Greek fishing village ready to serve you on the edge of
the bay of the same name. Sandy beaches, endless, crystal clear waters, deep or
shallow are able to satisfy all needs. The area of Ponti
has been classed as on of the best world wide for windsurfing because of the peculiar
climatic conditions.
Crowned by overgrown slopes, the area offers the visitor a wonderful
sensation of nature as well as the chance to enjoy a number of activities such
ads horse riding and cycling. Ferries operate continuously to and from Porto Katsiki,
Agiofili, Cephalonia and Ithaki.
Vassiliki also has its own nightlife, which is equal to anything on offer from
the nightlife in Lefkada.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
VLYCHO (Village) LEFKADA
Tel: +30 26450 95282
On the eastern side of the island, about 20 km from the town
of Lefkada, lies the delightful bay of Vlycho.
On one side of the bay is the wonderful traditional village of the
same name, crammed between the mountain and the sea. Opposite Vlycho is the settlement
of Geni, an area known for
its beauty, rich vegetation and marvelous view. The beach of the village is suitable
for mooring and serving yachts.
There are also playgrounds, a football pitch and basketball court
in Vlycho, as well as an organized circuit for radio controlled cars. You can
enjoy a swim at the dentilated beaches of Dessimi, or seek out the idyllic tavernas
next to the sea in Geni,
where you will find fresh fish and can try all the local specialities. The morning
walk from the village of Geni
to the chapel of Agia Kyriaki offers a challenge to any visitor. The whole route
is dense with vegetation and the view to the bay of Vlycho and the Stavrota mountain
chain is very impressive. At the end of the road, a paved pathway leads to the
chapel. In the same area it is also possible to visit the grave of the archaeologist,
Derpfeld.
This text (extract) is cited December 2003 from the Lefkada
Hoteliers Association tourist pamphlet (1998).
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