Nydri Vlycho, Perigiali, Niochori (Megalo Avlaki, Palaiokatouna), Haradiatika, Alatro, Fterno, Platystoma, Vafkeri, Katohori, Poros. These villages, with Nydri being the main village of the municipality of Ellomenos, situated on the southeast side of Lefkada at a 17km distance from Lefkada town. This part of the island has got wonderful places to visit and a beauty that will impress the visitor, along the coastline as well as in the hinterland.
Location, climate, fertile soil and water have contributed to the beauty of this region. A blessed place that has succeeded in maintaining over the years high quality standards in tourism as well as agriculture.
The morphology of the region varies, as it combines the fertile plain called Enklimeno with the large mountain regions of Platystoma, Vafkeri, Niochori, Alatro, Fterno on the one hand and the tourist coastal side, on the other, where thousands of tourists choose to stay. The calm bay of Vlycho is an excellent harbour providing shelter to all boats sailing the Ionian Sea. The whole peninsula of Vlycho is green land embracing the sea. The Prince Islands (Prinkiponisia): Skorpios, Onassis/ island, where distinguished people such as Maria Callas had chosen once to spent their vacation, Skorpidi, Madouri, the island of our national poet, Aristotelis Valaoritis, Sparti, and Meganisi in the background look as if they are all floating over the calm sea.
Across the sea, on the horizon, the coastline of Akarnania complete the unique scenery which changes constantly over the day. Some years ago, Nydri as well as the surrounding region used to be a small fishing village. Most of the inhabitants used to live in the small villages Rahi, Vafkeri and Platystoma while their main income would be agriculture and fishing.
The rapid growth that came along with tourism motivated the majority of the inhabitants to invest in tourism. Nowadays the region looks far more different than it did in the past. The population moved to the coastline, however they did maintain agriculture as a secondary occupation during winter time.
Driving past Nikiana, towards Nydri lies Perigiali. A village where natural beauty, modern as well as traditional elements co-exist harmonically, looking simple and gorgeous, at the same time. One thing is certain: the visitor will be fascinated by the magnificent view the place has to offer over the green prince islands (prinkiponissia). When you get to Perigiali, one of the place worth visiting is Kokkini Ekklisia (Red church), built in 1478. In 1821 it became the hideout of the leaders of the War of Independence. Another place is the village of Platystoma where you will be astonished by the magnificent panoramic view it has to offer.
Along the coastline from Perigiali to Vlycho you will find numerous luxurious accommodation facilities, restaurants, shops and agencies offering their services and meeting the needs of the most demanding visitor. The beautiful sandy beach offers you the opportunity to do water sports. Despite the growth, the beauty of the nature has been left untouched.
The accommodation facilities are surrounded by abundant olive trees, pine trees and cypresses. Order and cleanliness help preserve the unique identity of the environement. It is not only the sandy beaches and the cosmopolitan atmosphere that constitute the beauty of this region. Plenty of historical and cultural monuments are also part of this identity. From Nydri, the most frequented resort on Lefkada, towards Vlycho you will get the chance to admire the beautiful landscape of the region, its rich olive groves, and the fertile orchards and fields. You can also have a walk through the archaeological excavation site situated between sea and mountain in the region of Steno Haradiatika before you reach Vlycho.
It was here, where Wilhelm Dorpfeld discovered tombs as well as the foundation of circle formed buildings. The region had been inhabited during the early bronze era (2000 BC). Wilhelm Dorpfeld developed and supported the theory that the island was Homer/s Ithaca. He based his theory on the interpretation of Homer/s epics. According to Dorpfeld/s interpretation, Odysseus palace must have been situated in Nydri.
A lot of the finds that Dorpfeld brought to light during his excavations, such as artefacts, vessels, remains of the Mycenean era, are on display in the archaeological museum of Lefkada town.
Dorpfeld himself loved the island so much, that his wish had been to be buried here. His grave lies on the top of the hill in the peninsula of Vlycho, near the picturesque chapel of Aghia Kyriaki. It is said that Aghia Kyriaki is built on the remains of the ancient Nymphs/ temple.
The beautiful traditional village of Vlycho, 20km from Lefkada town is built between mountain and sea. The beach is suitable for mooring. Boat services are offered as well.
Going past Vlycho, to the left you will find yourself driving through perennial olive trees as you head to the green region of Geni. At the end of the route you will see a small path that leads to the church of Aghia Kyriaki, where you will get the chance to see a different but equally impressive view of Nydri. Another way to get to Aghia Kyriaki would be from Nydri, by boat. Above the bay of Vlycho you will find the road that leads to the village of Haradiatika and Alatro, a mountain village with very few inhabitants. Little further, on the outskirts of the village, on the top of a hill offering a magnificent view is situated the church of Aghios Ioannis stou Prodromou, a small singlenaved church with frescoes painted probably at the beginning of the 17th century.
Most of them faded away need to be restored, since time has left its marks. However they are still some of the very few postbyzantine frescoes existing on Lefkada, such as the frescoes depicting The Last Supper and Saint John on the north side that give one a feeling of devoutness even to this day. The region of Haradiatika is unique for its beautiful gorge. Left untouched by human intervention it is an ideal place for hiking.
You can still see the watermills, remains of a once rural life bearing testimony to the existence of white waters which the inhabitants used to exploit for their cultivations. Driving past Vlycho and up the road to the south, you will see Katohori, a small picturesque village with stone houses. Here used to be once the administration offices of the island. You will see the old building that used to house the administration offices and the court. Also worth visiting is the church of Aghios Haralampos with icons dated from the 16th century.
Following the route further to the south on the left of the main road lies Poros. An old village built on a steep mountain slope looking to the west as if it turned its back to the sea. The village is surrounded by green trees and looks as if it leads a life of its own. At a 800m distance you will see the ruins of a tower, which was obviously used as an observation point. According to Dorpfeld, this tower as well as the remains of an ancient olive oil press date from around the 4th century BC. Going past Poros the road will lead you to the two beautiful beaches of the village: Rouda and Mikros Gialos, which lie side by side. Being both equally impressive, you will have a hard time making up your mind. The water is crystal clear while the green shades of the trees surrounding the region are reflected in the sea.
Back to the main road. The turn to the right will lead you to the village of Fterno. From there the view onto the beach of Rouda is magnificent. Here ends the road that goes through the gorge of Haradiatika, offering you this way the opportunity to walk a special path and get to know the beauty of nature. Another hiking route starts in Nydri: Follow the road going slightly uphill through a green scenery leading to Rahi. From that point to the west a picturesque path going uphill the mountain slope will lead you to Dimosari. The path has been widened, is safe to follow and is ideal during the summer months.
At the end of the path lie the waterfalls of Dimosari: White water coming out of the rocks concetrating into a natural basin. During summer the water level falls, however you will enjoy hiking through the green and landscape. The gorge of Dimosari is a significant habitat. The poet, Aristotelis Valaoritis sang its beauty while watching it from his island, Madouri. Some kilometres further up from the village of Rahi, lies Vafkeri, another beautiful mountain village full of greenery and rich in water springs. Its history dates back to the 16th or 17th century. The village has only got few inhabitants nowadays. The view over Nydri is magnificent.
About 3km outside of Vafkeri lies the abandoned and derelict Monastery of Asomatos Archangel Michael, one of the most remarkable and once richest monasteries on the island. The closter is estimated to have been built in the mid 16th century, during the Turkish rule. According to the historian, Mahairas, it existed long before 1681. Initially it was singlenaved and had small cells. Around 1700, during the Venetian rule, the monastery was at its peak, as it possessed 19 cells, a lot of land and animals. Today you can only see the remains of cells, an oil press, stables, remnants of its past wealth. The catholicon of the church has got valuable frescoes dated from the end of 16th century to the beginning of 17th century and used to cover once the whole church. One has to to observe the frescoes of Panaghia Platitera (Virgin Mary), the Ascension of Christ, Saint Peter/s Vision, Abraham/s Sacrifice as well as the Prophets and Saints. One of the best preserved frescoes is that of Archangel Michael, to whom the monastery is dedicated.
The balanced composition of the fresco consists of warm and soft colours. To the north the track leads to Platystoma. A mountain village known for its historical monastery Kokkini Ekklisia Evaggelistria. (Red Church, because of the red mortar used in its construction). The first small church was first built by two monks in1478. The monastery dates back to the 16th century and grew to a well known and rich monastic centre. The church and its templon were repaired many times over the years. The older main icons are the work of Michae Gen from Crete and are on display in Lefkada town in the Collection of Postbyzantine Ionian art and are dated from 1723.
The carved wooden templon is also exceptional and is embellished with five well preserved icons. Kokkini Ekklisia is one of the most significant Christian monuments on Lefkada. On the third route from Nydri towards the west, the road leads through the olive grove and the fertile plain of Enklimenos.
A pleasant 2km route will take you to Palaiokatouna. The village grew after inhabitants of the surrounding villages, mainly from Niochori moved and settled there. From Palaiokatouna starts a beautiful route leading to Niochori, a small mountain village. One has the impression of taking off. From there one will get the chance to admire the view over the plain, Nydri, Perigiali, Vlycho and its peninsula, where the church of Aghia Kyriaki is, Geni, the islands as well as the coastline of Akarnania. It all looks like a painting of exquisite beauty.
The green colours of the olive grove, the versatile mountain forms invite you to enjoy the harmonic balance of nature. In Niochori you will be impressed by the Ellomeneio Museum of Greek Musical Instruments that was founded after the initiative of Panagiotis Tsatsoulas. The building is an old oil press that was transformed into a remarkable space, housing unique exhibits such as folklore artefacts, old tools as well as musical instruments. At the entrance to the village is situated the church of Panaghia Evangelistria, the only church with a cupola on the island. At the end of the village lies the church of Aghios Dimitrios with a fresco dated back to the 19th century.
There are various traditional tavernas, restaurants, cafes and bistros where you can eat or have a drink.
If you find yourselves visiting the mountain villages, don/t forget to try the tradiotional mezedes (such as kokoretsi, splenadero) or grilled meat, whereas on the coastal side you can have the chance to try fresh fish and seafood.
The best moment however, is the moment the sun starts to set The beauty of the golden red colours of the sun being reflected in the sea and in the sky is breathtaking. You will find yourselves feeling calmer than ever before while recollecting the moments you will have spent on the island.
Afterwards, you will have the chance to enjoy the night choosing among modern clubs, pubs and discos, which Nydri has to offer. Feel free to have fun and enjoy yourselves with local wine (Vartzami, Kefaliako, Keropati, Langero), syrtaki and traditional music.
For the past 25 years Nydri is the most popular reference point of the island, attracting tourists from all over the world, since it offers all modern life comforts as well as leisure activities You will get the chance to enjoy the various events regarding tradition and customs of the region.While exploring the various beaches of Ellomenos, you /ll have the chance to choose out of a variety of leisure activities: sailing, wind surfing, jet skiing, beach volleyball, beach tennis, fishing are only some of the activities that can make you forget all your worries and offer you unforgettable moments.
In Ellomenos you will have the chance to choose out of a variety of routes. Beautiful and easily accessible beaches on the east and south side of the island (Lygia-Nikiana-Perigiali-Nydri-Desimi-Mikros Gialos-Poros-Syvota-Vasiliki-Aghiofili) where you can have a swim, do water sports or enjoy your coffee. The south side is well known for its warm and calm sea.
The coasts are smooth and the sea there is shallow. If you don/t have your own boat you can rent one and visit the most remote beaches or the islands (Prinkiponisia) as well as the island Meganisi or the islands Kastos and Kalamos.
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