Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos. Three inhabited islands between the hundreds of islets near Lefkada (Lefkas) in the Ionian sea. The formerly pirates’ hideouts, are now a paradise of the bon viveurs and the tired civilians who are searching for a temporary shelter in their coasts.
Meganisi
The island chain of Tileovoides between Lefkada and Etoloakarnania consists of dozens of islands and inherited its name by the ancient tribe of pirates – The Tilevoes – who were using Meganisi as their starting point. The three largest islands are inhabited and despite the continuous touristic growth they manage to keep their low profile and stay away from the spotlight. Even if Kalamos and Kastos are the low profile starting points of the island chain, the bon viveurs’ (and big spenders’) fantasies take place on Meganisi, where princes and tycoons are buying mansions and land. And all of this just a breath away from the famous Skorpios.
Only 25 minutes are enough to get from Nydri to the little unexplored paradise of Meganisi, 4 nautical miles outside of Lefkada. And if you think you will find a little deserted island, think again. Something more than 1000 permanent residents give life all year round on the beautiful island of the Ionian Sea. Despite that, only a few are aware of its existence and even fewer have ever visited the island. Maybe because the only way for someone to get to the island with the numerous fiords, the sea caves and the clear waters is to travel first to Lefkada and take the boat from Nydri.
Instantly you can understand there is something different about Meganisi. Dozens of yachts dock in the hidden beaches and the brand new marina and the locals are whispering about the VIPs who are frequently visiting the island. It is most certain that Meganisi is the next unexplored paradise of the Rich and Famous. Meganisi itself, is the largest island of the chain that is being created with the islands Madouri – where was born and raised the poet Aristotelis Valaoritis – Thilia, Kithros, Sparti, Skorpidi and the infamous Skorpios. Absolut green land, clear diamond-like waters, almost none car, graphic villages away from the irrational tourist augmentation and enough little taverns with homemade cuisine are a few of the scenery’s characteristics.
In Meganisi there are 3 settlements. On the top of the island is Spathoxori, built along the trees and the villagers’ roads, where anyone can admire the beautiful view towards Spilia, a natural gulf that forms a marvelous beach. Katomeri, the island’s capital, is a traditional village with little graphic shops and authentic nightlife. Vathi, surrounds the sea, as it is built along the typical and graphic, natural port. In the summer you can see a lot of sailing boats rest in the magical beauty of the area.
Despite its little size, Meganisi offer beautiful beaches like : Ai Giannis, Spilia, Fanari, Atherinos, Limonari, Pasoumaki, Elia and Loutrolimni. The most known is the cave of Papanikolis, famous for its role in the 2nd World War as it was a shelter for the historical submarine of the Greek Navy. It is also worth it, to visit the north side of the island where the coastline creates a lot of fiords. Everyday, little boats arrive to the fiords and the nearest sandy beaches.
As for the residents, they offer openhandedly their smile and are always willing to uncover every secret beach. Among the traditional goods are the exceptional wine and oil of the island. You can also see a lot od windmills throughout the area.
Highlights: Every year, on 23-24th of June there is a festival organized for the celebration of Ai Giannis in Spartohori.
How you can go there: With the ferry from Nydri, or you can rent a yacht and enjoy your time there for as long as you like. There are places to dock your boat and uncover the hidden and magical beaches of the area.
Source: www.arttravel.gr
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