Zakynthos and Kefalonia
Corfu and Lefkada
These four islands adorn Greece!
“Ionian Folklore songs“
The island owes its name to the cape Lefkata, or ” Kavos Kira “, where legends say the great ancient poet Sappho fell off and drowned, after heartbreak. It is the only island that is accessible by car, as since 1986 a floating bridge of 70 meters operates and connects the island with the mainland. The bridge is the attraction of the island as it opens every hour for the passage of vessels and yachts. The great Angelos Sikelianos and Aristotle Valaoritis (famous Greek poems) poets were born on the island. As of today, Lefkada is well known for its delicious sausages, the rare variety of lentil ” Eglouvi ” and the “karsaniki” stitch that makes local needle works so particular.
The city of Lefkada is the capital whose architecture is similar to medieval Europe. So it is very easy to wander around as the fishbone road structure has the central market as the main axis and the side street perpendicular. High up the mountains, after 500 meters of altitude, in the center of Lefkada, there are the traditional and historic villages Eglouvi and Karya: The first one surprises pleasantly all visitors with its wild beauty comprised by rocky landscapes and deep ravines. The second one, constitutes a cool breeze during the hot summer months while preserving and displaying its cultural and artistic tradition at each occasion. On the seaside, two picturesque villages of Lefkada are Sivota and Ag Nikitas where residents remain loyal to the traditional lifestyle. However, the most famous of all, is the popular Nidri, where visitors always visit. Opposite to Scorpio—the island that made Lefkada famous worldwide when it was bought by Aristotle Onassis–and the other small islands, namely Prigiponisia .
What makes Lafkada to stands out from all the other islands are the beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and white sand, located on the western coastline of the island with Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and Egremnous being the most famous. On the east side you can find equally interesting beaches, with peaceful and safe—ideal destination for families. For water sports fans, such as windsurf and kitesurf, the beaches og Ai Gianni and Vasiliki are the best choice ranked among the three best in Europe. And for the adventurous, that withstand icy waters, a swim in the pools formed by waterfalls Dimosari is ideal.
Lefkada will not disappoint any visitor–even the most demanding. One of the most impressive medieval buildings of Greece, the castle of Santa Maura, builds the island’s entry. If you walk up to the monastery of Faneromenis the great views will reward your effort. If the atmosphere is clear the mountains of Epirus , Preveza , even the southern tip of Corfu are visible. Great paths for walking and cycling are both Kouzounteli–where you will rest under centenarian olive trees and poplars, have a coffer and enjoytraditional sweets—and the ” Theios Elaiwnas ‘ of Sikelianos .
Enjoy your stay!
Long long way to travel…
With Kavvadias lyrics we will start the trip to his homeland, the largest island in the Ionian sea , the beautiful island of Kefalonia. Kefallonia is a mountainous island due to mountain Ainos, where small horses Equus Caballus live freely in the national park. To this topography is attributed the excellent wine selection of Robola which is by far the most expensive Greek grape variety. Other local products worth trying are mandola – sweets with almond and food coloring – nougats and pastels.
Fiskardo village is the most popular village–also known as ” the Riviera of Kefalonia ‘—should the beauty of the preserved mansions attracts thousands of visitors every year. The island’s capital, Argostoli, brings together the cultural side of the island ( Archaeological Museum, Library Korgialeneios, Argostoli Theatre ” Kefalos “) with the commercial as a walk on the marble pedestrian ,Lithostrtoto, will take you towards the contemporary market the great Rizospastwn Avenue along palm trees. A visit to Athos–the village built on a peninsula with traditional homes of the Ionian arechitecture tangl through the pines and cypresses—is a must. Finally, Kourkoumelata, although not as well known, are being considered by many the most beautiful village in Balkans, thanks to the intricate structures and their modern layout.
The island is known for its award-winning beach of Myrtos, in which one can stay from morning till night. Many other beaches of Kefalonia are also distinguished each year with the “blue flag”—such as Petani, Skala, Makris Gialos etc. Chorgota beach became famous after the film “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”. Many different beaches covering all tastes can be found on this island. Those who want to try their luck with rare species may like to visit the beaches Kaminia and Koroni (Caretta Caretta) or Dafnoudi kai Foki (Monachus Monachus). Others who enjoy diving off the rocks will be thrilled with Alaties, while those who want to see the red color of the sand should swim in Xi.
For those who have an appetite to discover the other beauties of the island, Kefalonia is full of attractions. Katavothres, for example, are soil exposures, from which, sea water comes in from one side and comes out from the other. A watermill operated once exploiting the power of the outgoing water. The best sunset of the island sits at the cape of the Agious Apostolous, where Faros dominates the scene. Two of the caves of the island definitely worth visiting: Cave Melissanis is ideal for a beautiful boat ride while Cave Drogorati, located 95m below the earth, stalactites of many millions of years can be found. Now, if you want to solve the puzzle of “how did the priest from Kefallonia counted thirteen gospels instead of twelve”, you should ask one of the nuns at the Monastery of St. Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island.
Bon voyage!
