Lefkas Town

Lefkas means white, and with its white cliffs Lefkada truly is a beautiful island, with quiet country villages and wild beaches on the west coast of the island. It only just qualifies as an island though as it’s separated from the mainland by a canal,but is now easily accessible by means of a swing bridge. The canal that separates the island was originally dug by the Corinths in 600BC which alongside the fortresses built along the causewayare a tell tale of its once glorious past .  While in Lefkas town head to the main square to indulge in some people watching, with cafes and restaurants. It’s thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the town.

Kalamos

A quiet, green island Kalamos is very reminiscent of old Greece, with a village reliant on making a living through fishing it’s very authentic.  In the village of Kalamos you’ll find a mini market and bakery for which to stock up.

Kalamos is also home to Port Leone which is situated on the south of the island, this village has been abandoned since the 1953 earthquake, when the villages water supply was cut off.  Rather than stay to rebuild the villagers left, and only now a few people make it every Sunday to come and clean the church. If you do come to visit this part, the anchorage is deep and you may be lucky enough to moor near the old village ruins.

Kastos

A short sail from Kalamos you’ll find this little island, where you’ll truly feel you’re bareboating. This is a tiny island, its widest part is only 900m wide!  If you’re looking to escape to somewhere where you’ve stepped back in time then this is it. There are no cars on the small roads and the 50 or so permanent residents use boats or walking to get around this island. In the summer months it can rise to 500 people, as friends and family come to visit! (sounds like a great party!)

It’s worthwhile stocking up on some food before you arrive here, so you can have a truly blissful night under the stars and relax completely.

Astakos

A village on the mainland, that has a little tourist trade – albeit manly from local Greeks. It has the charm you’ll become familiar with of local villages, again reliant on a fishing and agricultural trade that makes these hideaways so special.

A strange fact is that this village actually called ‘Lobster’. Although it’s called ‘Lobster’ we’ve yet to find a local restaurant serving this delicacy.. if you do find one, let us know!

Frikes

On the Island of Ithaca you’ll find Frikes, like Kastos it retains an unspoilt charm still maintaining Greek village life and popular with coolest of cool young Ithacans.  It also has a great little beach which attracts a healthy crowd, all enjoying the clear waters.

There are a few tavernas around the main quay, where you can settle down for some good food.  There is also a mini market and a fruit and vegetable van that pays a visit to the village in the mornings, so you can get your ‘rations’ for lunch sorted.

Meganissi

Meganissi has a sleepy greek village feel to it, it’s a great place to escape to.  One of the main pulling points of Meganissi are the huge and very impressive caves, the most famous being the Papanikolas cave which housed a submarine in WW2. 

The main port is Vathi on the north east coast which has several tavernas and a few shops for those who’ve been summoned to bring presents back. An alternative port is Spilia bay below the cliff top village of Spartahori which offers spectacular views. 

If feeling adventurous why not head inland to the traditional village of Katomeri and partake in some greek village life and relax with the locals sipping Ouzo or having a frappe!