|
“A traditional island with the most wonderful beaches and vivid blue seas.”
An island of contrasting beauty 35 kilometres long by 15 kilometres wide, containing all that Mother Nature has to offer. Long, golden sandy beaches stretch along the west coast. Cobalt, crystal clear waters can lap the edges gently or crash angrily against the tall white cliffs of Cape Lefkata on the southern tip. (Lefkas derives from Lefko meaning white.) The mountain ranges rise up to 1167 metres high. Deep ravines hide tumbling waterfalls that emerge energetically amidst olive clad hillsides. Fertile plains and groves produce seasonal crops; agriculture still being an important source of the island's income.
All Lefkadians share a heart-felt dedication towards protecting their strong historical background; one of folklore, art and working in traditional ways. Unwittingly, this has been their saving grace, and has kept them from being corrupted by the undesirable trappings that mass, modern tourism often brings.
Although life has stood still around the mountain villages, modern technologies such as the car and electricity do exist!! Lefkada is now joined to mainland Greece by means of a causeway and a movable swing bridge. It was originally connected by an isthmus but during the 7th century B.C. the Corinthians excavated the land and moved sandbanks in order to make way for a shipping lane. Nowadays, the speed of wheeled transport is more important.
“Twenty years from now you will be more
disappointed by the things you did not do than by the ones that you did.”
"When making your list of places you must visit, be sure the Greek Islands of Lefkada and Meganissi are near the top”
More info & accommodation list >>
|
|
|
“There are certain scenes that would awe
an atheist into belief without the help
of other argument”.
Meganissi has so many beautiful scenes.
When visitors are asked to describe Meganissi, the little satellite island to Lefkada, they all say it is like taking a step back in time, unspoilt, charming and beautiful. This miniature Greek island is only 20 square kilometres in size and 4 nautical miles south east from Lefkada and within an easy reach by boat. There are numerous bays to explore, some caves to snorkel in and villages to amble around.
The two main harbours of Vathi and Spilia offer safe moorings to local fishermen and sailors. Each has waterside tavernas to while away an hour or two whilst taking refreshment and “people watching”. Above these two harbours are the quaint villages of Katomeri and Spartohori. A labyrinth of tiny lanes and alleyways form a maze of whitewashed houses and courtyards full of tin-potted plants. A handful of churches occupy sites with the best sea views and a few tavernas offer tasty Greek meals to visitors. Although the number of residents diminishes over the winter period, those that remain find plenty to do. There
are still olives to harvest, sheep and goats to milk and chickens to feed. In bygone years these villages were the centres of activity. Everybody joined in with the olive harvest to make oil to sell and corn was grown and milled in one of the many windmills to make flour. Nowadays, olive oil continues to be made on the island but in smaller quantities and produced by machine instead of donkeys. Flour is no longer made so all that remains of the windmills are the round stone built towers that balance on hilltops and capes, bereft of their sails and looking forlorn.
A recently made road skirts the coast around the island making some of the little bays more accessible. However, the most secluded ones can still only be reached by boat. The nature in the centre of the island is best observed on foot. Paths and tracks twist across the island amongst the olive groves and Maquis. The smell of pines and views of the mainland are spectacular. It is certainly the ideal location for a relaxing holiday away from the throng.
Our inclusive package includes:- Return Transfers from the airport to the port and the short sea crossing to Meganissi. A small car or boat is included with each villa and is collected/returned to the port at Meganissi.
More info & accommodation list >>
|
|
|
“Europe’s most outstanding area of natural beauty.
The 1750 wild flower species, including over 50 varieties of orchids, are
an absolute joy."
In the region of Epirus, Northwest Greece there is evidence of human existence dating back to more than 40,000 years. Covering some 9,203 square kilometres, it has a unique environment with its very own identifiable culture. The first Greeks settled in Epirus as early as 2000 B.C. Its name has derived from the meaning “Infinity” and has been described as the very rootof the Greek race. Tucked away deep in the Pindos Mountains, 16 km north of the city of Ioannina is the area known as Zagorochoria (or Zagori). It is a place of immense natural beauty. A vast proportion is heavily wooded, surrounded by a truly exciting geography, showing a remarkable diversity for such a relatively small area. Imposing mountains, luxuriant valleys are interspersed with rivers, waterfalls and streams. Around every bend there are dramatic towering cliffs and breathtaking ravines. None make a more lasting impression than the beautiful Vikos Gorge, reputedly Europe's largest ravine. The gorge is often described as Europe's Grand Canyon, which perhaps is a little misleading. The main Vikos Gorge is just 12 Km long and a width between 200 metres to 2 Km in width. The depth goes to 1350 m. Although overall smaller than the Grand Canyon, it is this more tangible, more concentrated, but still awesome scale that makes the Vikos Gorge such an intense and involving experience. A spectacular viewpoint, locally known as the Vikos balcony, has the most complete view, not only of the gorge, but also of its main tributary, the Megas Lakkos (Big Hole), itself a gorge more than 700 metres deep. This panorama is, without doubt, one of the great sights of Europe.
If first impressions from touring by car are good, then rest assured they will be strongly reinforced should you seize the opportunity to explore at least some of the countryside on foot. It was the wealth of wild flowers, the variety in broad leafed trees and the richness of fauna in terms of wild bears, wild boar, wild goats, lynx and wolves that persuaded the government to declare this area a National Park in 1971. The 46 Zagori villages are a picturesque delight, enhanced by their unique architecture. The exquisite stone built houses are of taste and distinction, quite unexpected in this remote, untamed landscape. Each village is built around a “Mesochori”, a stone paved square, shaded by a huge plane tree and flanked by the most important buildings. Winding cobbled lanes of ubiquitous grey stone are handsomely walled and spanned by pergolas bearing densely flowering vines. Arches are the theme. Every church has a stone arcade along its outer wall that acts as both cloister and loggia; a lattice of arches rise to form a freestanding bell tower. As stone is one of the main natural local resources, it features strongly in all other construction. Some of the most striking of this love affair with arches are the famous Kipi bridges; possibly the best surviving example of a craft that flourished throughout the region during the Ottoman rule. The most amazing feat of engineering is the Vradeto steps, which took years to complete. This snaking, paved, banistered staircase skilfully conquers a palisade, winding up a near vertical cliff face. Until recent times, this was the only link between the village of Vradeto and the rest of the region.
Epirus is also rich in wonderful ancient sites to visit, such as the impressive theatre at Dodoni, the oldest in Greek Civilization. There are also numerous spectacular monasteries, caves and museums, enough to satisfy the appetite of the most dedicated ancient Grecophile. As you would expect for one of Europe's last virgin areas, comfortable, quality hotels are relatively few. However, we have chosen a selection of accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis that we feel are best suited to our programme.
For every booking to Zagori, we will issue an information pack on your arrival at Preveza airport. This will include a map of the area, detailed directions, and a list of archaeological sites, suggested routes and places to visit.
More info & accommodation list >>
|
|
