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Lefkada ...more on Lefkada
We continue our Lefkada Touring...
Moving south along the east coast, the next noteworthy area is the resort and port of Nydri, overlooking the island of Meganissi, and the private islets of Skorpios and Mandouri, and the uninhabited ones of Sparti and Skorpidi. Looking like small forests rising from the sea, there are excursion boats that pass by the islands, stop for swimming, and visit the cave at Meganissi. From Nydri moving south and rounding the southern point of the island, you will find numerous small resorts and simple beaches, with the inland villages set above and looking down toward the sea. Some of the beaches include Vlyho, popular for mooring yachts; Mikros Yialos, a beautiful beach with tavernas just beyond the village of Poros; and Syvoto, with an attractive cove and fish tavernas. The next major destination is the rapidly developing resort, port, and windsurfing center of Vassiliki. Here you have accommodation, tavernas, bars, organized windsurf facilities, and caiques departing to other very fine beaches around the Cape of Lefkata (where nearby it is said that Sappho threw herself off the cliff, having been spurned by her lover) and up the west coast to the dramatic and gorgeous Porto Katsiki. The excellent beaches further up the coast, Egremni and Yialos can be reached by road from the village of Athani. The rest of the west coast is basically non-accessible until you reach Ai. Nikitas, which is fairly far north. This is a lovely resort with an excellent beach, tavernas, and accommodation, and with caique service south to the Mylos and Kathisma beaches (also accessed by road south from Ai. Nikitas or north from the village of Kalamitsi). Just to the north of Ai. Nikitas is Pefkoulia, a nice mix of sand and pebble and accessed by main road.
The interior of the island displays some lovely villages (where in some of them, it is still the custom for ladies to wear the traditional garb of the island). Some of the most interesting villages include the village of Rachi, two kilometers inland from Nydri, where you can see the pretty waterfall; Kalamitsi, overlooking the northwest coast and surrounded by olive groves at an altitude of 375 meters; Ai. Petros toward the southwest, a farming area with beautiful countryside views all the way down to Vassiliki; Karya in the northern central region, with outstanding well-watered greenery, a village known primarily for the exquisite embroideries and lace made here; and the striking Eglouvi lying in the center of the island at the foot of Mt. Stavrota. This village sits at an altitude of 730 meters and is well known for the excellent lentils that it grows.
The island of Meganissi, opposite Nydri, is quite interesting to explore, especially for its large sea cave, two small villages, and remote beaches. The island is approximately 20 square kilometers in size and has a population of about 1,400 farmers, fishermen, and their families. It is possible to visit for the day (the trip takes only 20 minutes), or to stay longer, as accommodation is available at its small port, Spilia, as well as at its larger port of Vathy, and in the pretty village of Katomeri. In fact, this is an excellent holiday destination on its own for nice walks, pretty beaches, genuine hospitality of the locals, unspoiled countryside, and some very fine tavernas.
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