Meganissi Island Lefkada

Meganissi, or Meganisi Island, lies just four miles off the southeast coast of Lefkada. It is the largest of the islands that are part of the Tilevoides archipelago, made up of 16 islets around Lefkada. Paying a visit to Meganisi will be an interesting extra that will allow you to explore a peaceful, sparsely inhabited island that still retains an authentic charm, ancient fishing villages and enchanting landscapes.

To reach Meganisi, the only option you have is to take one of the ferries that depart from Nydri. Departures are about five times a day, based on the period, with arrivals in the two ports of the island, that of Vathi and Spartochori. Nydri, on the east coast of Lefkada, is located just in front of Meganisi, so the journey takes about forty minutes. If you intend to visit this island, a good tip is to embark by car, so that you can move freely once you reach your destination.

Let's start with the three villages in Meganisi. Born as a port or refuge for the fishermen of the island, today they are also places open to welcoming those who have the pleasure of going as far as here. The most fascinating and well-known hamlet is Vathi, set in a sheltered inlet on the north coast of Meganisi. A welcoming succession of low houses that are reflected in the water of its port, mixed with the Mediterranean vegetation that almost seems to envelop them. Here it will be very pleasant to stroll along the seafront and have lunch in one of the many trattorias and taverns present. Ready to let you taste fresh fish and local cuisine. Coming from Lefkada, just before reaching Vathi, you can see Spartochori, which is the largest of the three villages. Here too you can appreciate pretty little houses that follow one another along the narrow streets of the town. And it is also a pleasure to take advantage of its equipped beach, where you can rent umbrellas for a little relaxation as well as boats for those seeking adventure. And stop for a bite at the nearby tavern. From the beach, a small road will lead you to the heart of Spartochori, along a slope. Here you can wander among shops selling typical products and handicrafts, and take advantage of the elevated position to enjoy a wonderful panorama.

Further east, finally, is Katomeri, a small hamlet of stone and colored houses just above sea level.

Being an Ionian island, the Meganisi beaches are of no secondary importance. Along the entire coast there are several coves and coves, more or less known. Starting from the western side of the island, the one facing Lefkada, we meet Ammoglossa Beach, reserved but also spacious and with a small kiosk available. Further south along the coast is the splendid Aghios Ioannis beach. A long expanse of pebbles that contrasts with a truly crystalline sea. Extremely fascinating are the series of sea caves and coves that follow one another on the narrow tongue of land that stretches in the southernmost part of the island. These include Papanikolis Cave and Raluka Cave.

To the southeast is the Limonari beach, as the crow flies just below the Katomeri village. A deep cove on the north eastern side of Meganisi finally gives way to Atherinos beach.

Finally, some interesting destinations related to the history and culture of Meganisi. First of all, the Monastery of St. John Baptist, on the west coast of the island. A structure that dates back to the fifteenth century, plundered by pirates who once raided the coasts. The effigy of the saint of the monastery was thrown into the sea by him, to then be recovered and put back in its place by a local fisherman. Other interesting evidence of the island's past can be found in the churches of St. Constantine and St. Helena in Katomeri.