Meganissi is an island from which to forget the cares of the world, one where you can completely relax and lose yourself in magnificent views and simple pleasures.
Meganissi has two ports, each with a village above. The first small harbour is called Spilia, named after a nearby sea-cave. It comprises simply a pretty bay where fishing boats jostle with visiting yachts for mooring, three popular tavernas and, to one side, a gleaming white-pebble beach. It is a 10-15 minute walk up to whitewashed
Spartohori above, a delightfully flower-filled village oozing Greek charm and friendliness. Spartohori has three restaurants of its own (two traditional, one pizzeria) and some small shops.
3½ kilometres to the east, still on the north coast, is the larger port of Vathy. Vathy has some well liked waterfront restaurants, popular with Lefkadians who pop over for a leisurely fish lunch! The attractive village of Katomeri is a kilometre inland.
The ports and villages are all linked by a circular road which runs above the sea and then winds its way inland through an idyllic country landscape. A network of footpaths and goat tracks makes walking through the gentle rolling countryside a popular activity – you could, for example, complete the round of ports and villages (cheats can take the ferry from Spilia to Vathy!). Serious walkers will enjoy the trail south along Meganissi’s spine.
Beaches, too, are a major attraction here – not only because they are so pristine but also so uncrowded. Most are of gleaming white-pebble backed by pine and cypress. Ai Yiannis, also linked by country road from Spartohori, is the best known and has a taverna – views to Lefkas are exquisite. The coastline hides many secluded bays and beaches, some accessible only on foot or by boat.
Car hire can be arranged (brought from Lefkas at a supplement of £30 per car to cover ferry costs) and motor-boats hired. Small excursion boats will take you around the sea caves and the neighbouring Prince’s Islands. For brighter lights it is easy to visit Lefkas for the day, or even just a few hours. But we think most won’t want to stir from this beautiful, restful spot.
