Iros of Kounadi
9 a.m., in Porto Katsiki. No, not usually visit beaches at this time. In fact, not even I am usually xypnia at this time - especially on weekends. Then, however, by an unsuccessful search olonychtia room mid-August Lefkada - «spontaneously weekends» and the lack of organization-paid and a wake to the beach from the hot rays of the sun, the idea was not simply tempting - was one-way street.
Koitazo water from high above, before katevo the steps of the beach, and I forget everything. On the long drive, xenychti, in vain search of housing, insomnia, sun, which burns (but how is it possible to burn the sun at 9 am?). I try to remember if I have never seen such water color. Both crystal clear, so clear, so blue that seem fake.
Porto Katsiki is the classic image that you see in travel agency posters and postcards and thinking "Photoshop". And when the antikrizeis closely, realize that not only was digitally processed, but adikoutan already from the photo.
White pebbles occupying these waters that seem to shout to be voutixeis top - do not try-and even more whites, sharp rocks kornizaroun the amazing natural beauty image. Katevaino the steps and decided to stay here forever. The next time the coming nearing dark.
As I learn later, this image - and indeed significantly improved for those in favour of non-«axiopoiimenon» - katapatithenton from tourism-beaches repeated many more beaches of the island. Egkremnoi, Seat and Pefkoulia compose a worthy top-3, to followed by others, many, justifying the announcement by my Lefkada in the leading English-paralio destination.
Lefkada, however, is not only the beaches - but erotefsimes they are. It is also the only - OK, together with Evia island-with road access, which makes it an ideal choice for those bored, frightened and forget to make reservations in boats and planes.
It is the fourth largest island in the Ionian, and - for some students-the Ithaca, and the birthplace of Valaoriti and Sikelianos. It is the incredible natural beauty, green hinterland and classical Heptanesian capital.
This last, perhaps the most misunderstood by the capitals of the Ionian Islands, considered by many the less graphic - which is mainly due to growth in Naples, south of the old village after the earthquake of 1948, which was instrumental in shaping the image of a slightly asymmetrical, pyknodomimenis city.
A stroll in the centre, but in San Spiridon and cobbled streets that surround it, is enough to convince to the contrary. Live as few and atmosphere that can compete worthily other «possible cards» Ionian, the capital of the island is a characteristic example of medieval architecture and urban planning.
The traditional buildings, shopping street, known as «bazaar», atmospheric café and restaurants, romantic quay with the bridge offered for ateleiotous apogefmatinous peripatous compose the image of a city that seems to enjoy, with the aristocratic tone of the Ionian Islands, the fact that it is sinking in the world, but remains a love for a few, for those entering the trouble to explore and discover the secrets.
The interior of the island, on the other hand, competes with beauty beaches. Beautiful mountain villages, including dimofilestati Karya, with traditional lefkaditika homes hanging on kataprasines slopes, katafyta pine forests, unique natural beauty epivlitikous gorges with waterfalls are just some from countless different images will admire in the unlikely event that manage to xekollisete from the beaches.
If, however, Naturalist your sightseeing limited to one region of the island, it certainly will be the Dimosari Gorge, with dense vegetation and imposing waterfall that leads to a natural pool, the dew which is offered as an ideal alternative to… iliodarmenes beaches. The path that crosses the gorge requires walking around half an hour, which deserves, but with more effort.
Here are near and Charadiatika, also with green gorge and the picturesque water mills, while the broader region of the Bay of Vlychou, with the peninsula of St Sunday and Prigkiponnisia is one of the mageftikotera landscapes of the island. Waterfalls also exist in Akoni near Karya, in the gorge of Melissas, between villages and Kavalos Apolpena, but also to sources Kerasias. More generally, the island is green and full of running water, which makes it a real paradise for lovers of natural landscapes.
As for coastal settlements? From the fishing village of evergreen Nikianas, at the foot of Skaron, Perigiali with magnificent views of the Prigkiponnisia and cosmopolitan Nidri, the popular resort island, from where starts and ships for Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaki, until Vlycho in Montreal closed bay, graphics and Sivota favorite of wind surfers Basilica, with tavernas on the beach and lively nightlife, the options are endless.
There are so many favorite spots, beaches and paths Lefkas and those who have visited - and love. Turn on, to discover your own. Only make sure you have enough time available to explore. Why might thelgitra to be visible, but the secret joys of disclosed only in the eyes of the careful observer. And it is even more interesting.
Where to eat
* In "Lefkata" in Athani, extremely steamed - not to lose in any case kokkinisto choriatikes chylopites with cock-and a splendid view of the sun that voutaei at sea
* In «Gianni», in Olympia, olofresko thalassinous fish and snacks.
* In «Margarita», at the entrance of the island for the sailing club, a traditional lefkaditiki kitchen.
* In «Oasis», in the center of Lefkada, for pizza and makaronades ala… Lefkadiotika.
* On «Lefkes», on the road to Karya, for original and classic Greek dishes, literally within the poplar.
* In «House of Kolonelou», in Nikiana for seafood delicacies and view the Scorpios.
Where will entertain
In the coastal road of Lefkada evenings stop the passage of cars and start the parties. Hard to choose the best one hot bar, after the most visited almost all the perantzada.
Outside the city, however, stand out in the lounge bar «Sail In» and rock 'n reggae «Road House», in Nidri. The most active… would prefer the «Capital», for disco-clubbing, in Vardania.
Where to stay
* In «Ionian Blue», in Nikiana. Luxury bungalows overlooking the absolute blue. Prices: From 302 euros for a standard double with breakfast. Tel 26450 29029.
* In «Red Tower», in Nikiana. A colorful hotel, excellent modern architecture and decoration. Prices: From 118 for a standard double with breakfast. Tel 26450 92951-2.
* In «Pavezzo», in Katouna. Romantika, renovated apartments with a story that starts the 19 th century. Prices: From 170 euros for a standard double with breakfast. Tel 26450 71782.
* In «Villa Thomais», the Bishop on the road to Nidri. Small, newly built hotel with rooms reminiscent mansion, ideal for families. Prices: From 110 euros for a standard double with breakfast. Tel 26450 71985.
It is interesting to see:
* The castle of St. Mavra, at the entrance of the island. One epivlitikotera medieval buildings in Greece, was built in 1300 by the franc, Prince John Orsini and was the most important defensive armour of the island against pirates until 1684.
* «Kastromonastiro» in Kalamos. Majestic stone walls with arches at the internal and external battlements. It is said that in this monument is thammeni his mother Karaiskaki.
* The church of St. John the Antzousi. On discovered in 1331 Franks knights chomeni in rock at the edge of the beach Gyra. Here it is said that proskynise himself Apostle Paul on the road to Rome.
* The Faneromeni Monastery, to the west of the city. With that history seems to start the first apostolikous times and a splendid view of the St. John, Gyra and the Castle.
* The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada, with findings from the Paleolithic Age to the ysterous Roman times, and the Museum Fonografou, on the main pedestrian street of the old city, with countless chronografous, disks and other useful objects.
* The Public Library, in a traditional lefkaditiko mansion west of the old city. Founded in 1953 and, apart from the large number of books, has an impressive collection of images Post eptanisiakis technique.
