What To Do on the Ionian Islands

BEACHES

WEST COAST

Some of the most stunning beaches on the island can be found on the West Coast.
A warning for those of you with young children: some beaches are quite steeply shelving and the surf can pick up if it is windy – an occasional undercurrent as well.

Pefkoulia (also known as The Deck): A long beach of coarse sand. 1 taverna with a swimming pool. 1 café bar. Sun loungers and umbrellas for hire or you can walk further away from the taverna and just lie on the beach.

Agios Nikitas: Situated at the bottom of the village (you must park at the top and walk down through the village) is the small bay of Ag. Nikitas. This beach shelves gently and is ideal for small children.
1 taverna on the beach (others a short walk away). 2 café bars. No sun loungers and umbrellas. Water taxis to Milos Beach from June onwards.

Milos Beach: Just south of Ag. Nikitas is the sandy beach of Milos. This can be accessed by water taxi from Ag. Nikitas, or via an unpaved track from the village which is, in some parts, steep and rocky and takes around 20 minutes. At the top of the path a windmill (“Milos” in Greek) has been converted into a café bar and some steps have been built recently to make it easier to get down onto the beach. No sun loungers and umbrellas.

Kathisma: A long stretch of sandy beach with a buzzier atmosphere: tavernas and beach music clubs with their own swimming pools. Easy parking. Sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.

Avali Beach (not many people know about this beach!): Drive through the village of Kalamitsi until you see a sign for ‘beaches’ - follow the narrow, winding but tarmac road until you see the sign for Avali Beach (bleached wood with green writing). Park on the side of the road just above the little cantina, which serves a delicious Greek salad, and Avali is around 20 steps below. No sun loungers and umbrellas. 1 toilet.

Yialos (also known as Gialou): Another glorious long stretch of sand with a cantina (to date there are no toilet facilities). Easy parking. A few sun loungers and umbrellas for hire. A haunt for naturist bathers at the far end.

The last 2 beaches on the west coast, Egremni with its 300 steps and Porto Katsiki with 100 steps are the most famous on Lefkas. Both are stunning but particularly Egremni if you are feeling fit! There is a small car park which you pay for during July and August.

SOUTH EAST COAST BEACHES

Amouso (also known as Amoussa): A small pebble beach with a tavern. Easy parking.
No sun loungers or umbrellas. Good for snorkeling.

Afteli Beach: Drive to the village of Evgiros and then down the narrow windy tarmac road to the shingle beach of Afteli. A beautiful, small bay with a café bar and not very well known. Good for snorkeling. Easy parking, with a short walk to the beach. No sun loungers or umbrellas.

Mikros Gialos or Rouda: Drive through the village of Poros and follow the narrow windy road down to the beach. Park at the side of the road. 2 tavernas. Sun loungers and umbrellas for hire.

EAST COAST BEACHES

Dessimi Bay: A few sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. 3 tavernas with the simple but excellent Maza Masa taverna. Good for snorkeling and you can swim to a cave from the shingle and sand beach. Motor boat and pedalo hire are available.

Nidri Beach: Heading north out of Nidri, just before Perigiali, is a long shingle and sand beach. Very safe swimming for children as it does not shelve deeply and there is hardly any undertow. Beautiful views to the islands off Lefkas. Sun loungers and umbrellas. A small childrens' playground, 2 tavernas. Watersports including waterskiing, ringos, pedalos.

Passa Beach: Popular with the locals, this beach is found on the outskirts of Perigiali heading north. You must park on the left hand side of the road opposite the access steps to the beach. No sun loungers or umbrellas. Good for snorkeling.

NV Beach Club Nikiana: A relatively new hip beach club and restaurant has opened in Nikiana. It is a stony beach and can get very busy. Sun loungers and parasols are provided.
NORTH COAST BEACHES

Agios Ioannis/ Milos/Gyra beach: This long sandy beach is found the other side of the Lefkas Town past the lagoon. There is a taverna at each end of the beach and at the Milos section a beach club with sun loungers and parasols for hire. This area is very well known for kite surfing and is amazing to watch but obviously it can be very windy! You can also learn to windsurf here. One of the windmills has been converted into a cafe bar. Easy parking. Gyra Beach is the northern most part of this long stretch of sand and where the other taverna can be found.

WATER & LAND ACTIVITIES

Our Lefkas manager, Cyrielle, can introduce you to a selection of activities to include a Fishing Boat Charter; a Private Yacht or Motorboat Charter; Mountain Walking Tours and Cooking Lessons in your villa.

BOAT HIRE

There are options for a skippered or bareboat charter (one of your party must be a qualified sailor if you do not have a skipper). Take part in the sailing or just sit back and relax. Plenty of swim and snorkeling stops are provided. A picnic can be arranged to eat on board or you can stop at a taverna for lunch. Check out www.vlihoyc.com for the yachts on offer or our Manager, Cyrielle can book for you. The Vliho Yacht Club can also arrange dinghy sailing.

The Drascombe Ionian Experience gives you an opportunity to sail these beautifully restored little sailing boats for the day. Check out www.dragondrascombe.com

If you prefer motor boats you can charter the Ionian Dream a 10m Karnic cruiser that Ionian Boat Assistance (IBA) have on offer. Included in the price is a delicious cold lunch accompanied by soft drinks and wine. Alternatively you can hire the boat from six in the evening until midnight for an evening cruise to one of the surrounding islands for a delightful dinner in a local taverna. Contact Cyrielle for more information.

On a smaller scale you can rent a small motor boat with up to a 30hp engine (if you have a power boat license you can rent up to 250hp). A really great day out departing from Nidri with the chance to drop anchor in all the secluded bays around the area, eating a picnic on the beach or stopping for lunch at a local taverna on the island of Meganissi. www.lefkas-boat-rentals.com or contact Cyrielle for more information.

WINDSURFING

Vassiliki in the south is the Mecca for windsurfers. The katabatic winds pick up every afternoon and the surfers take to the water.
Club Vass offer tuition and board hire. Check out www.clubvass.com or call (0030)26450 31588.

SCUBA DIVING

Try www.lefkasdivingcenter.gr based in Nikiana or you can email Pro Dive–Lefkas based in Nidri at aspegos@ath.forthnet.gr or call on (0030) 6944 258893.


WATERSPORTS

Waterskiing, wake boarding, ringos, banana boats, kayaks, pedalos can all be found at Nidri beach, due to the calm sea here.


HORSE RIDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Simon lives on the island and takes groups of up to 6 along little known trails. A variety of rides for different levels of fitness. Check out www.getactivelefkas.com for more details or contact Cyrielle.

PARAGLIDING

Tandem paragliding flights.
You will fly with the owner Jannis Stefanidis from the village of Exanthia and land on Kathisma beach. Included in the price are photographs which you take during the flight. For more information check out www.paragliding-greece.gr or e-mail rocksroyal@hotmail.com
Also try: www.dreamparagliding.com

WALKING

Lots of fabulous walks are available here on Lefkas some of which are mentioned in the book “Lefkas on Foot” published by Fagotto Books. Be careful though as some of the times are not 100% accurate! Alternatively you can go to the web site www.lefkada.gr or e-mail tourismos@lefkada.gr and order a book called “LEFKADA WALKS GREECE”.

Here are a few suggested walks. All timings are approximate.

Faraggi tis Melissas (the Melissa Gorge): Approx 1 hour. Sturdy shoes with a good grip needed. At the time of writing some of the handrails are a little wobbly! However the council should have replaced these by summer 2014.

Drive from Lefkas Town heading south on the main eastern coastal road.
Turn right signed Karya, Exanthia etc.
Follow the road uphill for about 3 km until you reach a small sign for Faraggi tis Melissas just before a monument to the peasants who rebelled against British colonialism in October 1819. Turn right here passing through olive groves.
After about 3 km turn right also signed for the gorge onto a dirt track (you can drive part of the way down this track and leave the car on the side of the track if you like). This will add a little more time to the walk. Alternatively drive to the entrance of the gorge (although turning round there is not that easy).
There are lots of old watermills in the ravine. In olden days the torrent of water that ran through the gorge used to power no less than 64 mills.

Nidri Bypass to the Waterfalls (approx 30 minutes from bypass to the start of the waterfalls. If you have a car you can drive right up to the start of the falls. There is a café bar here too).

Driving, turn right off the Nidri bypass following the yellow and black waterfalls sign. Walk past the taverna following the signs. Pass the football pitch on you right.
Continue on this road as it climbs. You will come to a point where no cars can pass. Continue on up this path and you will reach the café, and from here continue on up to the waterfalls.

Nidri Bypass to Paleokatouna and back or on to Neohori

At the very southern end of the Nidri bypass is a small tarmac road leading uphill through the olive groves to the village of Paleokatouna with its splendid views over Nidri and the islands below. Approx 45 minutes in total.
Turn right at the little olive grove road signposted Paleokatouna and Dimitris Taverna.
Follow the road bearing to the right and the signs for Dimitris Taverna. The road now starts to climb quite steeply to the village for about 10 minutes depending on how fit you are!) At the top you will enter the small village with Dimitris Taverna on your right.
You now have two options:
Back to the bypass:
Turn right at Dimitris and follow the main road downhill leading out of the village.
Turn right opposite the white house with blue shutters on to a track and continue on this track through the olive groves to the end and turn left. You are now back on the olive grove road that you started out on. Continue on this road keeping left until you get back to the bypass.

Approx 3 hours in total
Onwards and upwards to Neohori
This part of the walk is all uphill with very little shade so take plenty of water with you.
With Dimitris on you right walk up through the village and follow the road round to the left passing the church on your left. The road eventually bears right. Stay on this road as you climb uphill passing a taverna on your right and a bench (should you need a rest!) Amazing views here! Continue on to the pretty village of Neohori. Once you have seen the village you can start the descent back down the hill the way you came.


Ag. Kiriaki Church Geni (opposite Nidri)
Approx 40 mins
Drive south through Vliho and turn left just after the petrol station, signed for Geni.
Follow this road all the way to the end and park up. You will see a small sign ‘church’ on your left. Follow this little track that runs alongside Tranquil Bay until you get to the Church of Ag. Kiriaki. Legend has it that in the small cave to the left of the church an icon was found by fisherman who brought it to the church of Vliho.
The next day the icon had vanished and was discovered back in the cave. This happened on several more occasions and so it was decided to build a church on the site.
There are beautiful views of the islands just opposite Nidri form this church.

TENNIS

Courts are available at Porto Galini Hotel Nikiana. Please book beforehand on (0030) 26450 93290.

SPA CENTERS

Ionian Blue Spa Resort, Nikiana: A selection of body treatments, manicures and pedicures are available. To book call (0030) 26450 29029.
Porto Galini Seaside Resort and Spa, Nikiana. A selection of body treatments, manicures and pedicures are available. To book call (0030) 26450 93290.
Fish foot spas: Lefkas Town pedestrian shopping street and Nidri High Street.

FOOD & WINE

Lefkas has a rich diversity of eateries. Here is a selection of traditional dishes that you can expect to find at some of the tavernas:

Taramosalata: A fish roe dip made with garlic, onion, bread crumbs, olive oil and lemon juice.
Tzatziki: A yoghurt and cucumber dip.
Melitzanosalata: An aubergine dip made with garlic, onion, lemon juice and herbs.
Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, egg and lemon sauce.
Zuccini Balls: Fried pates of courgette, dill, feta and lemon juice.
Horta: Traditional local wild greens, boiled. Add plenty of oil, lemon juice and black pepper!
Tiropitta: Cheese pie made with filo pastry
Spanakopitta: Spinach and feta cheese pie made with filo pastry.
Saganaki: Deep fried cheese served with a wedge of lemon
Yigantes: Butter beans cooked in seasoned tomato, garlic and onion sauce.
Scorthalia: A garlic dip made with mashed potato and served cold as an accompaniment to fish or on its own.
Horiatiki: Greek Salad of course!
Moussaka: Layers of aubergine, mincemeat and topped with bechamel sauce.
Papoutsakia: Baked aubergines filled with mince meat, topped with cheese.
Keftedes: Deep fried meatballs flavoured with garlic and herbs.
Stifado: A meat stew with red wine, garlic, bay leaves, sometimes nutmeg, baby onions and tomato.
Kleftiko: A slow cooked lamb stew with onion, herbs, lemon, white wine.
Loukaniko: Spicy sausages.
Yemista: Stuffed tomatoes or peppers. Sometimes the filling includes mince so if you are vegetarian, check before you order.
Fasolakia: Green beans in a tomato and herb sauce.

LOCAL WINES

In nearly all tavernas and restaurants you can buy a half or whole litre of local wine – there is a wide variation in taste! It is available in white, red and rose.
If you would prefer to order a bottle here are the main local wines available:
Land of Lefkas (there is a winery on the island - see more under places of interest)
Lefkas Hills
Vertzamo
Siflogo (see more under places of interest)


TAVERNAS AND RESTAURANTS

We mention a few here that have something special about them as well as good food, be it the view, the people, the authenticity or the quirkiness. Please note that in Greece sometimes the best food can be found in places that look very basic.

LEFKAS TOWN

Fish Taverna: This is a fabulous little place for lunch or dinner. A fishmongers with a little taverna attached. Choose your fish from the fishmongers and say you want to eat it there. They weigh it for you, tell you the cost and then send it next door to be cooked! Very popular with the locals.
To get to the taverna walk past the police station on your left and a little further up turn right. You will see the taverna on your right a little further down. Look out for the Fischer Beer sign.

Ev Zin (Ey Zhn): Found on a side street off the main shopping street. Head south, away from the square and look out for the little sign on the right directing you to the restaurant.
This restaurant serves international and Greek dishes.

Fryni (Sto Molos): Situated on the harbour front, Fryni serves Greek and Italian food.

The Old Navy: Just past the little wooden bridge on the lagoon. Good Greek cuisine.

TSOUKALADES

The Fish Taverna: Next to the supermarket. This Taverna has a lovely garden and all the salads and vegetables are home grown.

Kambos Family Taverna: On the way into the village, if coming from Lefkas Town.
Again this taverna has a lovely garden and you can enjoy good home cooked Greek food with some of the produce coming from their own garden.


AGIOS NIKITAS

Sappho (Sapfo) Taverna: With wonderful views over Agios Nikitas Bay this taverna serves fresh fish and Greek cuisine. You must park at the top of the village, and walk down to the sea. Sappho’s is on your right.

EXANTHIA

Rachi Restaurant: Located in the mountain village of Exanthia on the west coast of Lefkas - stunning views over the village of Kalamitsi and the sea beyond. Serving Greek cuisine with a twist, this is a great spot for lunch or dinner.
If you go for lunch you may be lucky enough to see a paragliding flight take off next door to the taverna! Amazing sunsets at dinner.
Drive up to the village and on entering it park by the wood pile. Walk up the little cobbled street to the restaurant.
Here is the telephone number and the web site, however, they operate a first come first served policy, you cannot book. www.rachi.gr tel. (0030) 26450 99439

LIGIA

Seven Islands Taverna: Seaside setting with views over to mainland Greece. Fresh fish and Greek cuisine. Situated off Ligia High Street. Turn at the Shell petrol station and follow the road to the taverna’s car park.

PERIGIALI/NIDRI

Zio Fede: Beachfront restaurant serving Italian and Greek food. Good for pasta and salads! This is an amazing spot to watch the moon rise from behind the island of Kalamos. Frederico and Elena are the friendly owners
www.ziofede.eu tel. (0030) 26450 93188
Sailinn Beach Club: a perfect option for those with a late flight - good food, luggage storage, changing rooms, showers, towels provided.


PALEOKATOUNA

Dimitris Taverna: Stunning views over Nidri and the islands beyond this is a traditional Grill House taverna. Good food but you may have to wait a while to get served so just sit back and enjoy the view. They serve a wonderful array of starters here, particularly if you are vegetarian.

HARADIATIKA

Up in the hills this village taverna owner is also the local butcher! A traditional taverna and the only one located in the village square.


GENI

Elena Taverna: With its dramatic, waterside setting overlooking Vliho Bay, Elena serves fresh fish and Greek cuisine www.taverna-elena.com tel. (0030) 26450 95462

Seaside Restaurant: Waterside location. A slightly more up market restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine. Pre-dinner drinks on the lower terrace at the water’s edge.

DESSIMI BAY

Maza Masa Taverna: Just above the beach. Traditional Greek food, family run taverna.


FTERNO

Head south from Nidri and follow the road until you see the signs for the village.

Phillipas Taverna: This taverna is also the village butcher so specializes in meat dishes! Live music on Wednesday nights is performed by a local couple. He plays bouzouki and his wife sings.

Harrys’ Taverna: traditional Grill House tavern.


EVGIROS

Giorgalakis Taverna: village taverna with stunning views to Cape Lefkatas in the distance. Traditional cuisine and good vegetarian dishes too.
Take the turn signposted for Evgiros on the way to Vassiliki.


BARS

Just a few suggestions:

LEFKAS TOWN

Havana Bar: Situated off the main pedestrian street in Lefkas Town. Follow the signs at the northern end of the street (the end nearest the lagoon).

NIDRI

The Beach Bar Cocktail and Coffee Bar on Nidri waterfront. Colourful cocktails!

SIVOTA

Liotrivi ( The Olive Press) Cocktail and Coffee Bar: Situated on the far right hand side of the harbor – relaxed atmosphere. Inside there is an old olive press.

EXPLORING THE ISLAND

THE FORT OF AGHIA MAVRA (SANTA MAURA)
Just before you cross the floating bridge onto Lefkas, by Ammoglossa beach.
Built around 1300 in the time of the Franks, by Giovanni Orsini, to protect the island from plundering pirates.
In 1463 a chapel dedicated to Santa Maura was built inside the walls by a Byzantine princess, Eleni Paleologou. It was meant as a gift of thanks to the saint for saving her daughter from drowning at sea during a terrible storm off the coast of Lefkas. The ruins of the chapel are still visible inside the castle.
The fort was captured by the Turks in 1479. Bayezid II built a bridge with 360 arches, standing on stilts, supporting clay pipes to carry water to the fort from a spring in the Megali Vryssi area. The bridge was destroyed by earthquakes, but some of the stilts are still under water in the lagoon.
Inside the fort ruins can be found the remains of the Venetian occupation: barracks, ammunition stores, administrative buildings, a hospital and dwellings.
The fort is open daily from 9am – 3pm and on Mondays 9am – 2.30 although possibly best to go in the earlier part of the day as the man with keys occasionally wanders off after lunch!

MONASTRIES

MONASTERY FANEROMENI
The Faneromeni Monastery has wonderful views over Lefkas town and the beaches of that area. Faneromeni is the patron Saint of Lefkas and an epithet of the Virgin Mary (Panagia). There is a Festival held here every year 50 days after Easter. A market is set up along the roadside and people flock from all over the area including the mainland to pay their respects. It is the only Monastery in operation on the island. In its grounds is a small aviary, housing many interesting birds and some deer and rabbits too! A nice cool spot to spend some time on a very hot day!

MONASTERY IOANNIS THEOLOGOU RODAKI
Near Vournikas inland towards the south of the island there is a sign for the monastery Ag Yianni sto Rodaki (around 3km drive). It is sometimes closed but still well worth a visit as the surrounding area is beautiful. Behind the monastery there is a particularly good view out over the valley.

MONASTERY AG. GEORGIOU
Drive towards Vassiliki until you see the sign directing you right for the monastery.

CHURCHES

Agios Donatos and Profitis Ilias (The White Church):
Drive to Englouvi, a lovely mountain village. There are few cafes open in the square.
Follow the sign for Ag Donatos on the right as you enter the village and you will come to a huge plateau dotted with the ruins of the original settlement and the small church of Ag Donatos. A Lentil Festival takes place here every year on 7th August!
Continue on the road and eventually you will come to a sign for Hortata (Chortata). Turn right here.
Continuing on this road you will pass the old Nato base used during the cold war and then keeping right you will drive past the quarry, the small surfaced road leading up to the Profitis Ilias from the quarry is approx 1.5km to the top. The views from this point are probably the most spectacular you will find anywhere on the island!

MUSEUMS

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
This is a small but important museum, with finds that date back to the Middle Paleolithic Age and up to Roman years.
There is a separate room exhibiting the finds of Schliemanns’ assistant the German archaeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld. It was he who, in the early 20th century, sought evidence to support his theory that Lefkas was Homer's Ithaca.
The museum is located by the lagoon on the road to Ag. Ioannis beach.
Opening hours 8.30am – 3pm except Monday.

THE GRAMAPHONE MUSEUM
Found down a side street off Lefkas Town High Street, close to the church of Agios Nikolaos, you will come across a rather unusual collection of old HMV style gramaphones and records including the first disks recorded by a Greek record company in 1914.

KARYA MUSEUM
The museum of Karya was established in order to form a school of handicrafts and for the revival of old customs and traditions. Here traditional styles of embroidery are displayed, the most famous being the Karsaniki stitch. This stitch was developed by a one armed young woman over 100 years ago. She taught the stitch to the women of the village and the style eventually became famous throughout Greece.
The small museum also has a display of old farm tools, furniture, weaving looms and local dress. There is a small entrance fee.


WINERIES

Land of Lefkas Winery: Head towards Sivota and Vassiliki and you will find this winery on your right hand side. See how the wine is made and maybe stock up on some wine to take home with you!
Opening hours: May-June daily 10.00-15.00
July, August, September 15th daily 10.00-21.00
15th September- 15th October daily 10.00-15.00
www.lefkaditikigi.gr tel. (0030) 26450 39139

Siflogo Workshop of local wine: This ‘by appointment only’ winery is found in the village of Platistoma, near Karya and produces a limited amount of bottles yearly.
Visit the production sites and taste the wine in a specially designed underground area!
www.siflogo-lefkada.gr tel. (0030) 26450 41674 Mobile +30 6973 217833

TOWNS AND VILLAGES

LEFKAS TOWN
The capital of the island Lefkas Town has a cosmopolitan feel to it - there are many cafes, tavernas and shops.
The Lagoon area boasts a variety of sea birds to see.

AGIOS NIKITAS
Agios Nikitas, on the north-west tip of the island, is a very pretty village surrounded by beautiful beaches.
Park your car at the top of the village and walk down the cobbled street passing various little tavernas and cafes to the beach at the bottom.

KARYA
Karya is the principle village in the upland area of the island. There are plenty of shops in the village selling examples of embroidery and lace.
The village square, lined with large plane trees, is an attractive spot for coffee and people watching.
A traditional Lefkadian wedding is reenacted in the village every August (the first or second weekend) which lasts for 2 days. On the first day there are the matchmakings, washing of wool, and the preparing of the trousseau.
And then on the second day the wedding ceremony itself is performed.

ALEXANDROS AND KOLIVATA
Not far from Karya, Alexandros is an old, almost deserted village and Kolivata is a tiny village with a small family taverna, converted from the owner's house.
Whatever she has cooked that day is what is on the menu!
If you would like to book call (0030) 26450 41228 or mobile tel. +30 6984 056686

KATOUNA
Katouna is approximately 9km south of Lefkas Town. There is a sign 5km out of Lefkas Town next to the hotel Konaki. Turn right here climbing for around 3km until you get to the village. There is a car park to the right or you can park in the little square.
The best time to visit this village is in the early evening. Wander round the village and its little back streets and then either have a drink in the cafe or a meal in the local taverna.

NIDRI
Nidri is the main tourist resort on the island with lots of cafe bars and restaurants on the harbour front.
The ferry to Meganisi departs from here as do most of the island's boat excursions.

SIVOTA
Sivota is in the south-east at the head of a large bay and has an outstanding natural harbour.
Plenty of restaurants, many of which serve fresh fish and cafes can be found here.

VASSILIKI
Vassiliki, in the far south, has a pretty harbour with a waterfront of restaurants and cafes. Vassiliki Bay has perfect conditions for windsurfing.

CAPE LEFKATAS (SAPPHOS LEAP)
Cape Lefkatas is dramatically situated at the southern most point of the island. Situated 60 meters above sea level it looks across the water to Ithaka and Kefalonia.
Legend has it that the Poetess Sappho leapt to her death here for the unrequited love of the demi-god Theon, after Aphrodite cast a spell on her.

SUNSET VENUES
We list a few options below, but any of the beaches on the west coast will provide a theatrical setting.

Milos Beach Bar, Ag Ioannis: The other side of Lefkas Town and past the lagoon, this beach is kite surfing heaven but also a great place to watch the sun go down.
If you prefer just to sit on the beach drive along the road by the lagoon and past the windmills until you get to the quieter parts of the beach and stop here.

Athani
The Panorama Taverna in Athani village has good food and an amazing view.

Exanthia
As mentioned before the restaurant Rachi in this village is superb but gets busy and you can’t book. Have a drink at the bar while you wait.

LAND AND SEA EXCURSIONS

Island Discovery
If you would rather have a guide to show you some of the island, the “Island Discovery” excursion starts at Nidri and visits the following:
Santa Maura (Ag. Mavra) castle and the Archaeological Museum
Faneromeni Monestery; Karya for coffee; Kathisma beach (a 2 hour stop for a packed lunch and swimming); Vassiliki for shopping and ice cream; back to Nidri.
Ask Trish to book for you.

Epirus Mystery
If you would like to explore a little further with an English speaking guide this trip takes in historical sites on mainland Greece and visits:
Nikopolis ‘Victory City’ just past Preveza; Acheron River, where it flows into the sea (a lunch or coffee stop here with a chance to go rafting down the river); a view of the Necromanteo (oracle of the dead) from the coach; Parga (walk through the little streets and do some shopping or walk to the medieval fortress and a swim); return to Nidri.
Trish can tell you more.

The M/S Christina
Departing from Nidri harbour this beautiful ‘gullet’ takes you to the ‘Forgotten Islands’ including Kastos and Kalamos.
The trip includes plenty of swim and snorkeling stops.
Look around the only village on Kastos; lunch (price included) on board before moving on to Kalamos where you can stroll around the harbour; more swim stops; return to Nidri.
To book either visit the boat which is on the harbour front every evening, in Nidri or visit the web site
www.the-mschristina.com or contact Cyrielle.

Odysseia
This trip is best for families with children as Captain Jerry and his wife Marido make sure that they are entertained!
Depart Nidri harbour and visit:
The cave of Papanikolis; Spartohori on Meganissi (option to walk up the hill to the village to see a working olive press and to visit the village church); 3 hour stop on a beach with a Greek barbeque. Sun umbrellas provided. A little Greek dancing on board as you set off again for a swim off Scorpios and then a gentle sail back to Nidri.
To book visit the harbour front in the evening, contact them via their web site or get in touch with Cyrielle.
www.odysseia-lefkada.eu

Sunset and Stars
This trip departs Nidri at 7.30pm and takes you to a deserted beach where food and drink will be provided and as the stars come out Steve will regale you with stories and explain the stars to you.
To book please visit Borselino Travel on Nidri High Street or call (0030) 26450 92528

SOME IDEAS FOR DAYS FURTHER AFIELD

If you have the time and would rather explore independently we suggest the following:

Nikopolis
This site is approx 5km past Preveza Town (you pass under a toll tunnel which costs 3 euros each way). “Victory City” was built by Octavius after defeating Anthony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Aktio on 2nd September 31 BC.
There is a museum, mosaics and an amphitheatre amongst other interesting finds at the site.

Kassopi
Approximately 35km from Preveza Town, Kassopi is remarkably well preserved. The city was built before the middle of the 4th Century BC. It was situated at an altitude of 650m, on a hill in the southern side of Zalongo near the village of Kamarina.
Here are the ruins of the Odeon and the Theatre.
Kassopi was finally destroyed by the Romans in 167 BC.

Zalongo
A monument set at the top of a rock dedicated to the women of Souli, who in 1802 danced their way over the cliffs rather than allow themselves to fall in to the hands of the Turks.

Necromantion (Oracle of the Dead)
Near Kanalaki, in Messopotamus village (approximately 45km from Preveza Town)
On a rocky hill overlooking the River Acheron is the Necromantion, the only found oracle of the dead, the entrance to the mythological underworld (Hades).
The oracle, famous throughout the Greek world from the 5th century BC, was where people came to speak to the dead.

Gliki
A beautiful walk along the banks of the River Acheron or why not ramble through the river itself with its natural springs.
In Mythology Gliki is where Achilles’ mother dunked him in the water, holding him by his ankle.

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

Bus Timetables
These vary depending on the time of year. Please call the following numbers for the most up to date departure times:
Lefkas (Lefkada) (0030) 26450 22364
Athens (0030) 210 5150108
Thessaloniki (0030) 2310 595412

Ferry Timetables
The Meganissi Ferry departs from Nidri harbour daily. The times change according to the time of year.
The timetable is posted at the ferry port or call the Port Authority in Nidri on (0030) 26450 92509 or contact Cyrielle.

Kephalonia and Ithaca
Ferries depart from Vassiliki. For up to date departure times please call Samba Tours, Vassiliki on (0030) 26450 31520

Corfu and Igoumenitsa
If arriving in Corfu you can catch a ferry to Igounemitsa on the mainland which is about a 2 hour drive from Lefkas.
For an up to date timetable please call Corfu ferry port on (0030) 26610 20674/80608
Returning to Corfu from Igoumenitsa please call the Igoumenitsa ferry port on 26650 25540 or check the web site: www.2wayferries.gr

Island Hopper flights:
Sky Express offer various flights to Preveza, Corfu, Kefolonia and Zakynthos
Check out their web site for details.
www.skyexpress.gr

Taxi Numbers
A few numbers for English speaking taxi drivers:

Spiros Zaverdinos (Lefkas Town) (0030) 26450 22694 & mobile (0030) 6945 134727
Yiannis Philippas (Nidri) mobile (0030) 6944 582889
Elisabeth (0030) 6975 851038


Scooter and Bike Hire

Scooters: Broumis (Nidri High Street) (0030) 26450 29175 www.broumis.gr

Bikes: Vassilis (Nidri High Street) (0030) 6938 359755

NON PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS

L.A.W.S
The Lefkas Animal Welfare Society is run by people who live on Lefkas all year round.
They help stray animals, re-homing where possible, neutering , vaccinating etc.
They are also trying to campaign against the poisoning of strays.
http//lawslefkada.gr
E-mail or call Trish if you would like to help in any way.

O Faros
A charity set up to help people in need on the island of Lefkas.
Food and clothes are donated and volunteers distribute.
Every year for the last 5 years a group of expats have held fund raising events during the summer and every winter put on a pantomime with much of the proceeds going to the charity. Anything else made is put back into cost of productions e.g. costume and set design.
E-mail or telephone Trish if you wish to help in any way.