the aigli retreat
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Îòñòóïëåíèå Aigli ÿâëÿåòñÿ îäíèì èç ñàìûõ óíèêàëüíûõ ìåñò è èìååò ëó÷øåå ðàçìåùåíèå â Lefkade. Ýòî èäåàëüíîå ìåñòî äëÿ îòäûõà è ïóòåøåñòâèÿ íà âîëøåáíûå ïëÿæè. Íàñëàæäàéòåñü êðóãëîãîäè÷íûì îòäûõîì â Ãðåöèè, îòäûõ îì â Lefkadå. Ëåâêàäà ÿâëÿåòñÿ ñïåöèàëüíûì íàçíà÷åíèåì Èîíè÷åñêîãî îñòðîâà. Âèçèò â Aigli îòñòóïëåíèå â ñî÷åòàíèè ñ àëüòåðíàòèâíûìè ïðåäëîæåíèÿìè òóðèçìà - ïðåäëîæåíèÿ äëÿ àëüòåðíàòèâíîãî òóðèçìà - âèíäñåðôèíã â ãîëóáîì è áåëîì ïëÿæå, ñïîðòèâíûé òóðèçì, ðåëèãèîçíûé òóðèçì, ïîõîäû â êðàñèâûõ ëåñàõ Lefkadû.

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The Aigli is nominated Luxury Seaview Hotel of the Year 2016 from Luxury Travel Awards

Aigli offers you the opportunity of having a Rolfing therapy session with the talented certified Rolfer Anastasia. Hotelguests and clients can arrange to book their one-to-one session. Enjoy this therapy at site or by the sea. A few words about Rolfing :

What is Rolfing?

 Rolfing® is a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education that organizes the whole body in gravity. Rolfing bodywork affects the body’s posture and structure by manipulating the myofascial system (connective tissue). Often considered a deep-tissue approach, Rolfing bodywork actually works with all the layers of the body to ease strain patterns in the entire system. Research has demonstrated that Rolfing creates more efficient muscle use, allows the body to conserve energy, and creates more economical and refined patterns of movement. Rolfing has also been shown to significantly reduce chronic stress, reduce spinal curvature in subjects with lordosis (sway back), and enhance neurological functioning.

Who uses it?

People seek Rolfing as a way to reduce pain and chronic muscle tension, generally resulting from physical and emotional traumas. Rolfing is used by many professional athletes to break up scar tissue, rehabilitate injuries, and increase range of motion to improve performance and avoid future injuries. Dancers and musicians often use the work to increase increase comfort in their bodies while performing, as well as avoid repetitive stress injuries. Additionally, some manufacturing companies have employed Rolfing to decrease workers’ compensation costs due to repetitive stress injuries. And, based on the mind/body connection, many counselors and therapists incorporate Rolfing in the therapeutic approach. Greater physical support and flexibility ultimately influences emotions and energy levels.


Where did it come from?
Rolfing® structural integration is named after its creator, Dr. Ida P. Rolf. Dr. Rolf received her Ph.D. in biochemistry from Columbia University in 1920 and furthered her knowledge of the body through her scientific work in organic chemistry at the Rockefeller Institute. Her extensive search for solutions to family health problems led her to examine many systems that studied the effect of structure on function, including yoga, osteopathy and chiropractic medicine. Dr. Rolf combined her research with her scientific knowledge to stimulate a deeper appreciation of the body’s structural order, resulting in the theory and practice of Rolfing. There are more than 1,200 Certified Rolfers in 27 different countries. The Rolf Institute’s international headquarters is located in Boulder, Colorado, with offices in Germany, Brazil, and Japan. To learn more about Dr. Rolf, visit the Ida P. Rolf Research Foundation website.


How is Rolfing different from massage?
Through soft tissue manipulation and movement education, Rolfers affect body posture and structure over the long-term. Unlike massage, which often focuses on relaxation and relief of muscle discomfort, Rolfing is aimed at improving body alignment and functioning. Rolfing is different from deep-tissue massage, in that practitioners are trained to create overall ease and balance throughout the entire structure, rather than focusing on areas presenting with tension. As a structure becomes more organized, chronic strain patterns are alleviated, and pain and stress decreases.Furthermore, Rolfing can speed up injury recovery by reducing pain, stiffness and muscle tension; improving movement and circulation around joints; and attending to both the injury and any secondary pain that may de

velop from favoring the injury.Structural integration is generally performed over a series of ten sessions. This approach allows the Rolfer to affect the client’s structure in a methodical manner. This includes loosening superficial fascia before working deeper areas, improving support in feet and legs before affecting higher structures, and helping clients find ways to benefit from freer movement in their daily activities.

Who is Anastasia ? 

Bente Anastasia Algreen, born in Copenhagen, Denmark moved to Greece in 1986, where she raised her family. She was certified as a Rolfer in 2006 from the European Rolfing Association, Munich, Germany. She has up to today continued her education cultivating and expanding her skills and knowledge through workshops in Munich, Berlin and in Bologna taught by skilled teachers from The Guild of Structural Integration and the Rolf Institute. Reiki and Sound Therapy add to her repertoire of healing and reinforcing techniques.

 

 

The Aigli is nominated Luxury Seaview Hotel of the Year 2016 from Luxury Travel Awards




WINE & DINE

A warm welcome from Aigli

 Aigli welcomes you to a unique sensory experience and taste the wine and about wine. You can share with your loved ones, your passion for wine and good times, all accompanied by excellent food, cheese and cold cuts made by outstanding producers in our region. With its many Greek wine regions our menu represents the diversity of the Greek vineyards. Updated frequently, it always has a selection of a hundred wines: red, dry and sweet whites, rosés, champagnes and sparkling wines. View Map of Red Wines and card Whites Wine and Champagne. To help you discover the fun way for an original wine and appetizer our Sommelier invites you to its workshops Wine Discovery. Designed to meet the need of calm, envy friendliness and love of beautiful things, Aigli's wine & gourmet luxury retreat consists of several carefully arranged suites. Guests come to relax in a cozy space cool in the summer or near a fireplace in winter in our conservatory. Little jewels in the heart of Lefkada, the discrete garden and courtyard of Aigli is a haven of peace.

Eat, Sleep and Drink Wine

Inspired by the centenary tradition of Lefkada's famous vineyards and artisan fortified wines, Aigli tells you a story about soil, pebbles, rain, sunshine and shadows all in perfect balance, just like an exceptional wine. A blend of international mastery and local knowledge are well expressed in the building architecture by Notis Katopodis and Giorgos Kavadas, creatively "bottled" by the English interior designer Michael Kay Cooper. Inside, like in a bottle of wine, you will experience the richness of a deep purple, velvety wine, full of body, strong in character, where flavors and subtle notes are to be discovered by you slowly as if you were drinking it. Aigli is located at the heart of the town a few steps away from monuments, museums, shops, restaurants, gardens, seashore, yacht and cruise ship port.

Mavros Lagos (Black Hare) wine bar, brings you the full Greek Wine experience. The Wine Bar has nearly 100 wines and the winery consists of 100% of Greece. Always on the lookout for new flavors, Aigli spend much time in the vineyards and among winemakers in Greece. "It's my pleasure. My goal is to find new wines to surprise our customers". "Even the regulars will enjoy the pleasure of the perpetual renewal of the cellar at the Aigli..."

AIGLI'S WINE TASTING

€50,00

Enjoy tasting the best Greek varieties only, as an inspirational and unique moment. Varieties like Assyrtiko, Malaguzia, Vertzami, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Moschato, Vardea, Mavrotragano on its birthplace, is a divine moment!

Price: Starting from €50 per person
Wines: 4 White – 3 Red – 1 Rose
Group: Min 6 persons
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Starts: Open
Location: Mavros Lagos Wine bar
Inclusions: Wines, Notes, Finger snacks, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)
Extras: -10% on wines or gifts to buy after

 CHEESE AND WINE LOVERS

 €60,00

Feel and taste some of the most famous Greek wines combined with delicious Greek cheeses! Get an understanding of the golden principles that help you select great wines to pair with all types of cheese and various types of food. Enjoy Greek traditional tastes and explore a whole new world of tastes, aromas, flavors and senses!
Price: Starting from €60 per person
Wines: 3 white – 3 red – 1 rose
Group: Min 8 persons
Duration: 2 hours
Starts: Open
Location: Mavros Lagos Wine bar
Inclusions: Wines, Light assortment of cheeses and cured meat, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)
Extra: -10% on wines and gifts to buy after

PRIVATE WINE TASTING

 €100,00

A Premium edition of tasting indigenus Greek varieties only, with minimum 10 different wines from all Greek wine producing regions, is offerd for private wine tastings in Lefkada and it’s a must-do for every wine lover. Varieties like Assyrtiko, Malaguzia, Vardea, Moschofilero, Vidiano, Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Mavrotragano, Moschato, Vertzami, is not an easy thing to find in one place!

Price: Starting from €100 per person
Wines: 3 White – 3 Red – 1 Rose – 1 Sparkling
Group: Min 4 persons
Duration: 2 1/2 hours
Starts: Open Schedule
Location: Exclusive villa in Lefkada
Inclusions: Finger snacks, Great assortment of cheeses, Taxes
Exclusions: Dinner, Gratuities (optional)
Extra: -10% on wines & gifts to buy after

LEFKADITIKI GI WINERY WINE TASTING

€100,00

Visit Lefkaditiki Gi winery, and taste Vertzami  Vardea on-site! Talk to the wine makers, ask questions and get answers, feel the wine vibes at the cellars! Get the tour with a personal and qualified driver, in group of 6 people and relax for the rest of the day.

Price: €100 per person
Wines: Vertzami-Vardea
Group: Min-Max 4 persons
Duration: 4 hours
Starts: Daily at 10:00 & 15:30
Location: Sivros, Lefkada
Inclusions: Luxury transportation, Wines tasted, Light tasting platters, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch/Dinner (optional)

  WINE TASTING BY THE SEA

 €100,00

If you choose to stay at your boat or yacht, that is ok with us! We can join you at any marina at Lefkada, hop-on, and offer to you and your guests all our services on-board! Wines, cheeses and lots of information! Let us know what are your wine preferences and we will do our best to fulfill them! No matter what, it will be moment to remember. 

Price: €100 per person
Wines: 3 white – 2 red – 2 rose – 1 sparkling
Group: Min 6 persons
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starts: Open
Location: Any location in Lefkada
Inclusions: Wines tasted, Big assortment of cheeses, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)
Extra: -10% on wines & gifts to buy after

LEFKADA SEA & WINE LUXURY YACHT CRUISE

 One of a kind experience throughout Greece! Embark on our high speed yacht and live an unforgetable experience. We can join you at any marina at Lefkada for you to hop-on, and offer to you a wine and snacks tour at the most unreached by feet, fabulus beaches in Lefkada! No matter what, it will be a day to remember. 

Price: Starting from €150 per person
Wines: 1 red, 2 white, 1 sparking, 1 rose
Group: Min 6 persons
Duration: 4-5 hours
Starts: Daily at 09:30
Location: Any location in Lefkada
Inclusions: Wines, Light snacks, Fuels, Taxes
Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)
Extra: -10% on wines to buy after

SPECIAL EVENTS OR WEDDINGS WINE CATERING

 Organizing a wedding, special event, private party in Lefkada? We are there for your special day! Talk to your wedding & event planner for us or contact us directly so we can organize your wine bar from our catering solutions! Treat your self with a premium champagne and offer to your beloved friends and guests with a selection of Greek wines so that they will have another reason to remember that event!

 Price: Upon request
Wines: Choose from our wine list
Group: Upon request
Duration: Upon request
Starts: Upon request
Location: Any location in Lefkada

 




1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat experience by Aigli

Enjoy the Aigli's 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat Experience:
 
Capture the colors of Lefkada
During this unique tour of the most iconic sights and hidden gems the island has to offer, our local photographer will teach you everything he knows about how to capture the beauty of Lefkada in images, including the windmills of Agios Ioannis and the old city. You will learn the magic of photography and leave with a much deeper understanding of how to frame the perfect picture as well as a montage of great memories.
 Duration: 3 hours
Price: from 300 Euros for 2 people.
Up to 4 guests may participate and will be charged at an additional 50 Euros per person.
Subject to availability.
For more information and to make a booking, please contact the hotel on +30 69 8 69 60000 or via email at reservation@theaigli.gr  
 
Romantic Picnic at Lefkatas Lighthouse
 
Enjoy a romantic picnic amidst unique scenery as the sun sets on the Ionian sea. Located on the southest coast of Lefkada, the rustic Lefkatas Lighthouse, dating back to 1890, provides an idyllic and tranquil backdrop for dinner with breath-taking sea views. Experience our special Aigli’s touches as your private butler serves a gourmet picnic prepared by our team and paired with the finest local wines. Choose your Champagne and any additional romantic touches you desire. This experience could just make for the perfect proposal.
Price: from 150 Euros per person for 2 hours
This experience is subject to weather conditions.
For more information and to make a booking, please contact the hotel on +30 69 8 69 60000 or via email at reservation@theaigli.gr  
 
Cooking with Nonna
 
Learn from talented local expert, who will offer fascinating glimpses into Lefkadian traditions – from a visit to the market to explore the many fresh ingredients to a chat with the local bakers at the oldest bakery on the island. You will then enjoy a hands-on cooking class in a beautiful location by the sea or in a private home, with the chance to learn the techniques used in traditional Greek cooking. Courses and dishes can be tailored to your preference and recipes will be available to take home so that you may continue to hone your culinary skills and create gastronomic feasts for all to enjoy.
Duration: full day (10am - 2pm)
Price: from 150 Euros per person (based on 2-4 participants)
For more information and to make a booking, please contact the hotel on +30 69 8 69 60000 or via email at reservation@theaigli.gr  
 
 
 
Riding the waves
 
There is something about riding on horseback along the shore of a secluded beach, amidst the gently lapping waves and dramatic rock formations.  Perfect for couples or a small group of friends of any standard. After your ride you will take a short break to cozy up by a beach fire where a fresh picnic with local delicacies and wine awaits you. This is truly where moments are captured.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: from 320 Euros for 2 people
For more information and to make a booking, please contact the hotel on +30 69 8 69 60000 or via email at reservation@theaigli.gr
 
 
Lefkadian Wine Tour
 
Under the shimmering sun and in the summer breeze, join us for a private tour of the Lefkas Earth vineyard for a special cultural and culinary experience. Located in 8km southeast of Nidri village, the vineyard started in 2000 when Dimitris Rombotis, graduate of wine studies with experience as responsible vine-dresser in several wine-cellars around Greece, established the first wine cellar in the village of Sivros in South Lefkas.and offers stunning views and serenity. The cultivation of the vines are bio-dynamic and thanks to the microclimate of the region you can enjoy wines of a superior taste and quality, produced from traditional Ionian-sea grape varieties. Learn all about the techniques and different labels, and enjoy a wine tasting session accompanied by traditional Lefkadian delicatessen products.
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 100 Euros per adult
Subject to availability
For more information and to make a booking, please contact the hotel on +30 69 8 69 60000 or via email at reservation@theaigli.gr
 



Authentic traditional Greek breakfast made with local products of Lefkada

Aigli has recently reworked its breakfast offerings from classic American & English breakfast to authentic traditional greek breakfast. A highlight of the breakfast buffet is the traditional homemade pie of the day made by our grandmother Sophia with a variety of fillings such as cheese or leeks. The selection of sweets is also very tempting as it includes not just rice pudding, homemade jams, local honey and freshly baked cakes, but also sweet pies and pancakes.

Start your day with Nonna's (grandmother in local spoken language) breakfast, filled with aromas and homemade tastes from Lefkada. Enjoy a truly delicious selection of authentic flavors all prepared with the finest of ingredients from Lefkada island in Greece providing guests with a series of treats of the highest quality.

Relish this first meal of your day in a relaxed, stylish setting and unwind to the soothing tunes of classical music and the breath-taking vistas of the old courtyard & garden.

 Nonna's traditional greek breakfast is promoting the local gastronomic traditions of Lefkada. Aigli's guests can now enjoy a variety of purely greek breakfast varieties ranging from Feta cheese & salami from Lefkada island, handmade wholegrain bread, rusks and breadsticks to olives and locally grown vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumber. 




The honeymoon atmosphere

The honeymoon atmosphere of Aigli luxury retreat in Lefkada is ideal for those seeking to organize a unique wedding reception or honeymoon in Lefkada island of Greece. The beautiful surroundings, the romantic vibe and effervescent spirit of the island create the perfect setting for a bachelor party, a dazzling wedding and an unforgettable honeymoon in Lefkada.

Weddings in the Greek islands are always unique and the Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat makes wedding planning in Greece seem like a dream come true. Hosting some of the most amazing wedding events in Lefkada, the Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat is rightfully regarded as one of the most favorable wedding venues in the Ionian islands.

Wedding Planning In Lefkada Island

Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience. The fairy-tale scenery, the famous hospitality, the unique tastes and the romantic vibe are only a few of the reasons many choose to be wed in one of the Greek islands.

Wedding events in Lefkada are organized in every detail by the professional wedding planner of Aigli hotel and promise an unforgettable experience that couples will remember for a lifetime.

The small picturesque church situated near the hotel is the ideal place for a romantic wedding and a spectacular reception against the magical backdrop of Lefkada.




Beyond and above hospitality

At the Aigli, visitors are well taken care of by the staff which is available at any time and ready to cover all your needs with respect and discretion. Each stay of yours, hosting your guests, friends and partners, orginizing a family, friendly or company event or meeting is a new challenge for our people. Choose the hotel lounge for weddings and meetings, the atrium, the yard or / and the main space of the lobby to invite your friends or organize your company event. Our people will do their best for the success of your event no matter how big your expectations are.

Besides the daily tidy of your room, the careful cleaning of your clothes, your familiarization with the okd town of Lefkada and our advice for a comfortable tour of the island, our staff is ready to provide you with complete suggestions for:

  • Water Sports in Nidri
  • Hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Climbing
  • Paragliding
  • Horse riding
  • Excursions to shelters on the hills of the area
  • Visits to Byzantine monasteries
  • Wine tasting at local wine factories
  • Visits to local producers of testified origin

Contact the reception to get informed about a series of activities from hiking and sight-seeing to X-treme sports.

Aigli's Exclusive VIP Concierge Services

The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Lefkada offers a wide range of exclusive concierge services in order to fully cater to all needs and desires including complimentary round transfers between the port and the hotel. Residents are welcome to explore the beauties of the island in their own car, discover the island’s secret coves on a luxury yacht or set off for island hopping adventures in a private helicopter. Guidance and transportation services are also available for daily sightseeing excursions around Lefkada. Adding to the family friendly environment, Aigli also offers baby-sitting services and children menus as well as 24hr medical assistance for health emergencies providing a true home away from home experience for both children and adults. 

 

We will be delighted to give you more information by email at reservation@theaigli.gr or telephone +30 69869 60000.

Concierge Services:

• VIP transfers from/to the airport
• Helicopter / Yacht / Car rental / Taxi and Private Boat service 
• Private excursions, guidance and transportation to ancient sites or islands nearby 
• Excursions around Lefkada and day trips to nearby island
• 24hrs medical assistance 
• Vegetarians & Children menus 
• Baby-sitting
• Private Parking




The Aigli, 1800 is a pet friendly retreat

Pet Friendly, a program designed to make traveling with pets easier. Beginning this summer, cats and dogs will be welcome at the Aigli. Your best friend will not only be welcome, they’ll enjoy special amenities, too. It all starts at check-in where your furry friend receives a Creature Comfort welcome package. Plus, you can choose from a special menu of items available at the concierge desk to make your pet’s stay extra special – featuring walking trails, grooming services plus tips from our expert vet accross Lefkada. 

The Aigli is pleased to welcome you and your pet. To ensure that everyone has a comfortable and safe stay, please familiarize yourself with the
following policies:
1. There is a €50 non refundable pet fee per stay that will be billed to your hotel folio. Additional cleaning or repair charges may be incurred due to pet stains and/or damage.
2. Your pet must be on a leash at all times when on the hotel property.
3. Pets are not allowed during breakfast time in the bar area.
4. Owner must be present and the pet must be restrained while any member of the hotel staff is servicing the guestroom.
5. Please ensure that your pet does not disrupt the “quiet enjoyment” of other guests due to excessive barking.
6. Your pet must never be left unattended in your guestroom. If your pet is left unattended and is the cause of disturbance, the hotel reserves the right to contact the appropriate authorities to have your pet removed from the premises.
7. The Aigli is not liable for any injury suffered by your pet while on hotel premises. 
8. You, the guest, accept full responsibility for any liability arising from your pet which includes property damage or personal injury to hotel, guests, or 3rd party on property.
You acknowledge that you have read and agree to comply with all policies stated above.





The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat joins small hotels in Greece by Jacoline Vinke

Jacoline Vinke the famous travel writer has discovered The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Lefkada and has put it in her unique collection of small 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Greece: The Aigli is a 200-year-old town house converted into a romantic little hotel in a quiet street in the capital of Lefkada. Stylish rooms & suites; a charming courtyard garden and a delicious breakfast.
http://www.smallhotelsingreece.com/hotels/ionian/the-aigli




Mavros Lagos (Ìáýñïò Ëáãüò) Cafe & Cuban wine bar restaurant

A wine destination in the historical centre of Lefkada at the Aigli's courtyard, where one can get to know and taste the Greek vineyard and the Greek Wine Brands listening Cuban music.

Mavros Lagos is located in Lefkada's Old Town. Home to a modern wine bar and restaurant, the menu is seasonal and inspired by Greek cuisine and ingredients. Ideal for all seasons, whether it’s a quick lunchtime escape or for dinner and wine with friends in the evening, Mavros Lagos menu is sure to offer something to please everybody. Situated in the historical center inside, the artistic expression of the building is reflected in the décor of both the indoor and outdoor settings. A welcoming experience is created with the winning combination of good music and great food and wine. The friendly staff can help you choose appealing food and wine combinations built around the extensive wine list or leave you to enjoy the experience with family and friends with most meals being available to share.




Lefkada top wineries Lefkaditiki Gi (Land-Earth of Lefkas)

Lefkada top wineries

Lefkaditiki Gi (Land of Lefkas)

The story of the Land of Lefkas “Lefkaditiki Gi” started in 2000 when Dimitris Rompotis after his studies in oenology and his relevant work experience as a head oenologist in small and big wineries in Greece, he set up the first winery in the village Syvros in the South Lefkada. According the demands of modern times, we decided the construction of a modern and open to visit winery, on the central road between Nydri and Vassiliki. We created a block of four buildings, where in the two big ones take place the wine making and the bottling, in the small stone building there is an exposition dedicated to the olive oil and its production, while in the fourth one there is the reception room for visitors and an exhibition of the traditional wine making in Lefkada.


8th klm National Road Nydri- Vassilikis, P.O 31082, Lefkada
Tel: +30 2645039139 
Fax: +30 2645021624 
Site: www.lefkaditikigi.gr





Traveller review for Lefkada

One of the beautiful islands of the Ionian sea, Lefkada has the added advantage of being easily accessible through a small draw bridge. Lefkada belongs to the province of Eptanisa (or Heptanese = seven islands) in western Greece.

Despite its small size, I was surprised to find out that the island landscape is laced with much variety which made our visit a delight. The small town of Lefkada appeared soon after we crossed the drawbridge, and we drove easily through it on our way to a beach named Kathisma. Within minutes we found ourselves climbing a winding narrow road that took us on top of a hill overlooking the whole valley and the town below. The scenery from there is spectacular and I took the opportunity to shoot some good photographs.
We continued our drive on the narrow island road through small towns, olive groves, and endless hills until we reached Kathisma beach which we had read was among the best beaches in Greece. It took much longer to get there than what the map seemed to imply and our little girls were anxious to hit the beach. Parking right on the beach road was no problem, and within minutes we were splashing in the cool Ionian waters. Kathisma beach is a very nice beach full of life. It is well organized with ample parking, restaurants and kiosks within easy reach. It is also full of youthful beach activities like volleyball and tennis courts, and parasailing and hand gliding from the steep hill above. It is also a large beach that did not feel overcrowded despite the multitude of people who were there. My sister Vivi and her husband George had joined us for the trip, and their young son with our little girls got to play in the sand all day, as we relaxed under the hot sun and watched the people and the paragliders who flew over the beach.

The town of Lefkada

Our drive back towards Preveza took us through the town of Lefkada again, and we stopped to have dinner. It is a small town with Italian architectural character and a lively street life. As the sun dipped bellow the horizon, people of all ages and ethnicity came out for a slow stroll through the narrow streets and to have a quiet dinner with friends. The town square where we sat for dinner became the center of life with a magical flare as small street vendors setup shop anddemonstrated their goods for all who passed by. Balloons, windmills, jewelry, plastic toys, cotton candy, young and old tourists, children on bicycles and on running feet, tourists and locals, all assembled there in the little square to paint a picture of life and happiness. It was the perfect end to a nice day at the island.

Getting to the Lefkada Island

Our trip from Preveza to Lefkada island had also a visit to Porto-Katsiki beach scheduled but we found it impossible to fit both beaches in the same one-day trip. Mostly due to the heavy traffic that seems to be a permanent feature of the approach to Lefkada. During the summer, waiting up to an hour to get through the draw bridge would not be out of the question (especially Friday through Sunday), and if you get through that and still drive down the underdeveloped west coast, you will find yourself baking in heavy traffic again right around Agios Nikitas village. If you get through that bottleneck the traffic is still too heavy for the narrow road, but at least you'll be moving.

After 2002 getting to Lefkada became easier since the ferry ride from Preveza to Actio was replaced by an undersea tunnel (toll road). In one of our visits we followed the signs to the tunnel and soon after we passed the town of Preveza, we slid under the sea for the short drive (5-10 minutes) across to Aktio. Our little girls were very disappointed to find that the tunnel had no windows to watch the underwater life, something that we hope future underwater tunnel designers will fit into their plans. We happily paid the toll (4 euro) upon our exit from the tunnel. To our dismay, the underwater tunnet contributed much more traffic to the considerable bottleneck of the island outdated roads.




Why go now?


Despite its small size, glorious beaches, sophisticated capital and easy accessibility (the “island” is in fact linked to the Greek mainland via a small bridge), Lefkada remains, along with tiny Ithaca, one of the Ionian’s most unspoiled destinations.
Admittedly, the coastal towns of Nydri and Vassiliki – where large bays and consistently blustery winds attract droves of watersports fanatics – have seen some (mostly sympathetic) developments, but the majority of the island, including the sleepy villages of the Sfakiotes region, and the gorgeous former capital of Karya, has retained its authentic character. Traditional village life, centred around the local kafenio, continues, almost unchanged in more than a century.




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Give me a reason for visitng Lefkada

Lefkada is a popular destination with many reasons to visit:

It is the only island with the easiest access. Sections of the EGNATIA Road and the underwater tunnel of PREVEZA – AKTIO accommodate the visitor from N.W. Greece. The floating bridge of the island, 50 meters in length, makes it easily accessible for the visitor, no matter where they are coming from, also saving time and money as they are not burdened with ferry boat and ship expenses.

It is near the large International Aktio Airport and the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patra that are the largest gateways of entry from western and central Europe.

It offers an ultramodern Marina, with 600 mooring spaces.

Every visitor is impressed with the verdurous splendor of this spot in Greece. In Lefkada nature and the unique culture bring forth a wondrous magic at every step and the beauty of our home awaits you with a large variety of landscape that harmoniously combines the sea with the mountain.

The beaches of the island (Porto Katsiki, Eggremni, Gialos, Pefkoulia, Kathisma, Mylos, Ai Giannis, Gyra, Kastro, Mikros Gialos, Agiofylli etc.) are some of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean.

Twenty four small and larger islands are strewn across the sea and comprise the Prefecture of Lefkada and this entire archipelagos with the variety of landscape and its differences, is a challenge to everyone to explore.

The wonderful small and large beaches of our island offer a multitude of activities to choose from: sailing, wind surfing, kite surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, beach volley ball, diving and fishing are some of the activities that will make you forget all about your problems with special and unforgettable experiences.

Lefkada is the island where the “groans from the seas, the groans from the pines” cultivated some of the most sensitive poetic souls and some of the leading individuals of Arts and Science at a pan-Hellenic, but also international scale. Aristotelis Valaoritis, our National poet, was inspired to write on the small island of Madouri. Still, Lefkada was a source of inspiration for the universal poet Aggelos Sikelianos – who inspired the Delphic Idea – the historian Spyros Zabelio – founding member of the Filiki Etairia-, the new age historian Nikos Svoronos, the internationally renowned expressionistic artist Theodore Stamos, the leading mezzo-soprano Agni Baltsa. Also born in Lefkada was the National poet of Japan Lefkadios Hern or Iakumi Koizumi. There are still so many cases of Lefkadites who are leading academics, University professors, politicians, journalists, musicians, etc. with universal and international radiance.

Our island offers a huge gamut of accommodations, entertainment and food. Self-serve accommodations with a large capability of options are available. All accommodations are new, have nice architecture, comforts and modern infrastructure. Simple traditional, furnished rooms and luxury Hotels await the visitor looking for the tranquility and the magic of summers in Lefkada.

More than 30 Cultural associations are active in Lefkada with traditional dance groups, choirs, mandolin bands, serenade singers that are known across Greece but also on an international basis.

Lekfada has had its own Philharmonic Orchestra since 1850. This active Association has made maximum contributions to the development of music education of the Lefkadites.

In 1955 the Speech and Art celebrations were established in Lefkada, the smallest Prefecture capital of Greece. Theatre, music, exhibits, conventions and poetry readings take place every summer and support the cultural tradition of our island.

In 1962 the International Folklore Festival was established and since then, every August the streets of the island fill with dancers from all over the world who set up the “mega dance”, the dance of Peace and solidarity of all people.

Rich customs and traditions for you to actively participate in and have fun.

It offers the visitor many and interesting sites (Kastro, Museums, Libraries, Churches, Monasteries, etc.).

The heart of Hellenic hospitality beats in Lefkada. Nature has generously endowed it. It gave it natural beauty, decorated it with beautiful sandy beaches and emerald seas. People just added what was necessary to make your stay unforgettable. One thing is certain; Lefkada has so many options to offer you during your stay on the island that it ensures your vacation from everyday life is full of pleasurable and truly unique experiences.




Nikiana

Between Lygia and Perigiali, 9 km from the capital of the island, is the wonderful picturesque fishing village of Nikiana.
Built at the foot of the Skaros mountain, it is a combination of verdant green and magical azure, which offers comfort and variety during your holiday as you can find whatever you want here.
Nikiana is an ideal place for windsurfing, skiing and fishing as well as for climbing, with the ability to offer every visitor whatever they may desire. A little further on is the hermitage of Agioi Pateres (the Holy Fathers) with a panoramic view and also the important mountain settlements of Alexandros and Kolyvata which are worth a visit as is the Skaros mountain where you will find the unique oak wood.




Lefkada wines

Lefkada is famous for its prize-winning wines and the island’s mouth-watering varieties have been documented in literature since Antiquity. If you’d love to sample one of the finest and rarest wines in the Ionian islands, ask for the dark red barzamino variety. Initially imported and grown by the Venetians in 1684, you can visit wineries and vineyards that cultivate these grapes around Karia, Sfakiotion, Ellomenou and Apollonion villages. Of course a number of other excellent varieties are also available, including white wines which will leave you craving for more.




Cape Lefkatas

Cape Lefkatas at the southwestern tip of the island has fragments of the ruined temple of Apollo Leucatas; nearby are the 200-ft white cliffs that give the island its Greek name. In antiquity they served as a trial by ordeal (the "Lefkadian leap") for accused persons, survivors being picked up by boat. It is the place where Sappho allegedly leapt to her death from the 100 foot (30m) high cliffs.




Vasiliki

Vasiliki (Greek: ΒασιλικÞ) is a town in the municipal unit of Apollonioi, on the island of Lefkada, Greece. It is situated on the south coast, 4 km south of Agios Petros and 25 km southwest of Lefkada (city).
Vasiliki is a well known windsurfing spot during the summer months due to a local thermal wind known amongst windsurfers as 'Eric'[citation needed]. There are often over a hundred windsurfers in the bay at any one time. The area is also popular with other sailing craft and mountain bikers. Several holiday companies operate in Vasiliki providing windsurfing and sailing equipment for their guests to use.




Kalamitsi

Kalamitsi is a fantastic beach in west Lefkada. The white sand along with the turquoise water and the rocks in the sea make it look like the exotic beaches found in tropical islands. Just look at the picture and decide if it's worth visiting! There is also a small cafe right above the beach.The drive to this beach is a bit difficult because the road is steep, narrow and in poor condition. The views are amazing however. This beach cannot accomodate a large number of people, but it's probably one of the prettiest of the island.




Mylos and Gyra beach

Near the town of Lefkada. Mylos is a spot on the south end of the large beach that circles around the town of Lefkada and is called Gyra. It's a popular spot for wind and kite surfers since the winds are constant while the sea remains relatively calm. 

If windsurfing is not your cup of tea and you just want to enjoy swimming, Mylos is not a bad place to be since it rarely gets crowded. That's on the beach though, because once you enter the water, you might be assaulted from all angles by all the surfers. But there is plenty of beach all around, a short walk to the north, or a short walk to the south, and you'll be practically on your own.

That's because most visitors to Lefkada have far better beaches to choose from farther south the west coast of the island. If you are staying in the town of Lefkada, you can get to Mylos (and Gyra beach) with a bicycle since the area is very flat easily, but if you can rent a car, you should not miss the beautiful beaches of Pefkoulia, Mylos in Agios Nikitas, Egremni, Porto Katsiki, and Agiofyli. They are some of the best Greece has to offer.




Agios Ioannis

This is one long beach with the south end named Agios Ioannis and another part named Myloi after the old windmills that are found there. Ai Giannnis is a very long beach with different areas exhibiting unique character. At the south end the beach is organized with a lifeguard on duty, while near the area called "Myloi" was packed with windsurfers (who made normal swimming at this spot uncomfortable). Further north the beach is offered for quiet swimming.




Agios Nikitas


Twelve kilometers form the capital of Lefkada, adjoining the sea, looms the traditional fishing village of Agios Nikitas. Traditional houses, amphitheatrically arranged in the verdant landscape around the sea, give their own gift to the passage of time. Very quiet with a view to the endless azure of the Ionian Sea and the misty tops of the mountains of Epirus, it attracts the visitor like a magnet, calling him to live in the pure nostalgia of nature.
The crystal clear waters at the beaches from Langada to the village, the fresh fish and also the traditional hospitality of the people of Lefkada, will transport you to a different way of life and will fascinate you. Further west of the settlement is the unspoiled sandy beach of Mylos, which is sure to win the heart of even the most demanding visitor.




Mikros Gialos


Lefkada’s south coast, sheltered by high mountains is broken up by a string of bays and inlets that are almost Scottish in appearance, except the sun actually shines here and there are no midges! Mikros Gialos is perhaps one of the most picturesque and unspoilt of these “strings of pearls”, a traditional Lefkadan seaside village at the head of the bay complete with a gem of a beach. Striking old houses are characteristic here, connected by a myriad of narrow alleyways and paths leading to the local shops and tavernas serving appetizing traditional Greek cuisine.




Pefkoulia


Nice beach a little to the north of Agios Nikitas, on the west coast of Lefkas. It is a popular spot of many Greeks for free camping. The north end of the beach is full of tents and make-shift camp grounds. Pefkoula is the first nice beach you will encounter as you drive on the west coast of Lefkada from the main city, and it's not a bad place to swim. 

Just south from Pefkoulia, the little village of Agios Nikitas has a more spectacular beach called Mylos. If you try to reach the more famous beaches of Kathisma, Porto Katsiki and Egremnoi, once you reach Pefkakia, you have another half or one hour of driving ahead, depending on how much traffic you will encounter right outside Ag. Nikitas village (usually too much in the summer).




Kathisma


While this was one of the best beaches in Lefkada, the crowds have been overwhelming. Despite its size, the beach is now almost completely covered in parasols, and parking is all but impossible in the summer months.

Kathisma has been over-built with bars, restaurants, hotels, and apartments at a very fast pace the last five years, and it has acquired a reputation as a "party" beach with plenty of noise pollution blasting from the bar megaphones, and the vehicles that crawl the narrow steep road in vain search for a parking spot.

Our original report from 2000 indicated that Kathisma was voted to the top 10 greek beaches by visitors who voted at a popular magazine poll. Sadly, popularity does not always indicate quality.

If you like noise and crowds, Kathisma is not a bad beach to swim at. If you want more peace and quiete, a good choice would be Egremni and if you like a more spectacular scenery Porto Katsiki would be a better choice a little further south.




Egremni

Driving to Egremni takes you through a very narrow and steep road. At some point you reach the end of driving, which is really a spot where the mountain has been bulldozed by someone to make a parking lot or two. You can park on the side of the road right before the parking lot for free, but this means another two hundred meters uphill when you are leaving the beach. Once you park, to reach the beach you have to climb down a few hundred makeshift steps and at the end you have to balance on a *very* shaky wooden structure (pictured here). Amazingly enough there is a cantina before you reach the bottom, and another one at the beach so you can buy some water for the journey. You will definitely need some water before you head up to your car at the end of the day.
Amenities:
Cantina at the beach
NONE, bring your own drinking water and food
RV / Camper Accessibility:
Site is unsuitable for RV parking. See "Access" above. It should not be too difficult to drive down towards the parking lot, and there should be enough space to turn around at the end of the day. 
Clothing: 
Topless is common 
Some beach areas might be suitable for nude swimming
Snorkeling:
Sandy sea floor 
Notes:
One of the best beaches in Greece! It is so hard to access that it is never crowded, although it is so long that it would take thousands of people to make it feel crowded. Right at the bottom of the steps is the little make-shift bar, and a bunch of sun beds and umbrellas for rent. Further south the beach is deserted and bathers are spaced hundreds of meters apart. The way up the thousand steps is a major deterrent, but if you don't like crowds, it is definitely a better beach than the nearby Porto Katsiki.




Porto-Katsiki

The scenery at Porto-Katsiki is truly spectacular. The beach is carved out of the soft limestone mountain, and it is framed by huge vertical cliffs that seem to hang ominously above the fragile white beach and the turquoise water. The only way to reach the sand is through the very steep and narrow concrete steps that the locals have cast upon the cliff. We could not help but marvel at the beauty of the scenery as we sat under the shade on one of the restaurants to have lunch. The descent to the beach through the narrow steps was rough with our little girls (aged 5 and 2) and all our beach gear, and we had a hard time finding a place to set our umbrellas in the narrow strip of white sand that was literally packed with bathers. 

We had a nice day at the beach, but we learned a few things from our visit: Porto-Katsiki is still a wild place and one of the best looking beaches in Greece, but it has been discovered by too many people. It is not the best place to be with small children (since there are no bathrooms anywhere in the area, and the densely populated beach does not allow for free play,) and it is definitely not a good beach to visit during the month of August when the entire country of Greece is on vacation. We loved Porto-Katsiki for its raw beauty and we will return to it, but next time we will make sure that we visit during an "off" month (like May, June, or September.) Next time we will have a full tank of gas, and we will make sure that everyone has been fed and visited a restroom before we reach the beach. Porto Katsiki is justly included among the best beaches of Greece.




Agiofili beach

To reach the beach by car one has to drive over some very difficult dirt road before parking ten minutes walk from the beach. The walk is over a rough goat path.

The best way to get there is by water taxi from Vasiliki. The water taxis return in the afternoon to pick up bathers, although one of the days we were there the large waves prevented the water taxi from approaching, so most bathers had to walk for about 45 minutes back to town. So take your walking shoes along just in case.

Amenities:
NONE, bring your own drinking water and food. No amenities anywhere near the beach, so bring your own water. Amazingly enough you can rent a beach bed and umbrella!
RV / Camper Accessibility:
No way to get a camper anywhere near the beach. Park in Vasiliki town and take a water taxi to the beach
Clothing: 
Topless is common 
Some beach areas might be suitable for nude swimming
Snorkeling:
It looks promising but I did not snorkel
Notes:
Very nice beach, although the waves do pick-up in the afternoon. Getting there is not easy, but the beach is so small that it could not handle big crowds anyway.




Mylos beach

The walkway to the beach is too dangerous to traverse, so the best way to get there is via water taxi from Agios Nikitas. Beware that there is no peer, so the short trip from the water taxi to the beach usually involves splashing in the water first, so keep your belongings to a minimum, and waterproof what should not be getting wet. 

Don'g forget to bring your own parasol and enoughwater because there is no other shade on the beach, and the sun can be dangerously hot in the summer.

The isolation of the beach is about to end though since a new bar/restaurant is being built which will provide safe foot access to Milos beach via a wooden staircase.
Amenities:
NONE, bring your own drinking water and food
RV / Camper Accessibility:
Site is unsuitable for RV parking. There is no way to drive down to the beach, and parking around the town of Agios Nikitas is a major headache even for passenger cars. A couple of kilometers south you can reach Kathisma beach where there is plenty of parking for campers. 
Clothing: 
Topless is common 
Nude swimming is common 
Snorkeling:
Good snorkeling site

 
 



Routes and escapes of Lefkada

CIRCULAR ROUTE

 

 


From the town of Lefkada, Kariotes, Ligia, Nikiana, Perigiali, Nydri, Vlichos, Poros, Syvota, Vassiliki, Aghios Petros, Athani, Dragano, Exanthia, Drimonas, Kalamitsi, Aghios Nikitas, Tsoukalades, Lefkada.

  • Lefkada, welcomes the visitor, while he passes from the coasts of Akarnania in the island, from a narrow lane of land and from a floating bridge of 50 meters. The bridge allows the pass of small yachts through the canal of Lefkada. At the entrance of the island, the visitor can admire the castle of Aghia Mavra, Amoglossa, a fantastic beach, and if he wishes to go further, he can reach the town from Gyra with its windmills and the beach of Aghios Ioannis. Also at the island entrance you will find the park of the poets. The Public Library with the collection of the Post Byzantine Icons of Heptanisian Art, the Charamoglios Special Lefkaditian Library, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of phonograph, the great number of churches (Vassilikes single spaced), the Oil Grove, the traditional coffee shops, the magical nature, seduce the visitor in a dream trip of the island of poets and lyrics.  
  • Following the road with a south direction, on the parallel to the east coast of the island we are passing from the village of Kaligoni, 2 km south of the capital. In this area, ruins of the ancient town of Kirikos, were found from the 2nd millennium bc. There are ruins of cyclopean walls, tanks, water towers and of a theatre of Pre Roman period discovered from the German Archaeologist Dorpfeld. There were also found some ruins of Byzantine walls.  
     
  • On the sound end, the village of Kariotes is located near Alikes of Alexandros and Ligia (6km from the town). It is the largest fishing center of the island. A coastal fish village built around a scenic small bay. 
     
  • Then, we meet Nikiana (10 km from the town), a beautiful green fish village, built on the feet of Skaros, combines mountain and sea vacation. You should definitely visit, the Monastery of Holy Fathers in a hill of the Skaros Mountain, where a great festival takes place on the first Sunday after the Ascension of Christ. 
     
  • Perigiali, 1 km before Nydri, has a beautiful beach, many tourist resorts and a spectacular view towards Prigiponissia. From Perigiali, a small road starts with a west direction for Platistoma, built over a hill with a divine view. 

 

 
Dimosari 

 

 

 

  • Nydri, is for 25 years the most well known tourist resort of the island (16km from the town). It offers a beautiful beach, clear crystal waters, many hotels, rooms to rent, taverns and night clubs. It’s a cosmopolitan place with interesting sights and natural beauty. You should swim to Skorpios, the magical sight of Onassis and visit the tomb of the German Archeologist Dorpfeld, the island of Valaoriti’s, Madouri, the waterfall of Dimosari and the church of Aghias Kiriakis. At the port of Nydri, are gathered many luxurious yachts. Nydri is connected by a ferry boat with Meganissi and Kefalonia.  
     
  • Vlichos (20 km from town) between the mountain and the sea, nests in the homonym bay, with the verdant hill of Geni where the olives reach to the sea over the seaside of Desimi. 
     
  • Poros (27 kn from town), built on an amphitheatric green hill. It is a traditional Lefkaditian village with beautiful 2 storeyed houses, tile roofed with magnificent gardens. The peace of nature and the rich vegetation offers to the visitor the crystal clear blue-green sea of Mikros Gialos and the Medieval Castle. 

  • Sivota (33 km from town) is a scenic settlement stuck in the peaceful fiord with the verdant hill around and the perfectly shaped natural bay. There, in the edge of the beach, you will find unique traditional fish taverns. 
     
    Kalamos

     

  • Vassiliki, (38 km from town) a scenic large village, built in the bosom of lee homonym bay. It is surrounded of green hills, dentelated beaches and crystal clear waters. It is an important resort and offers hotels, camping, shops, taverns, night clubs and watersports. Vassiliki’s bay is a well known windsurfing center. 

  • Agios Petros, is a traditional mountainous village with a magical view to the south of Vassiliki. 
     
  • Athani, is a beautiful green traditional village, in a unique position controlling the paradise beaches of Porto Katsiki, Gialos, Egremni, ending to the south edge of the island in Lefkata’s Cape or Cape of Gira. There, you should visit the ruins of Apollon temple and the church of Aghios Nikolaos. 

  • Draganos is a mountainous village well known for its honey production. 
     
  • Exanthia, amphitheatrically built on a hill side, with traditional, colorful houses. 
     
  • Drimonas, is one of the most traditional villages of the Prefecture. 
     
  • Kalamitsi, (23km southwest of the town), is one of the oldest villages of Lefkada. Mountainous with traditional windmills and unique art of weaving offers to the visitor the magical Kathisma beach with crystal clear waters and magnificent sand.  
     
  • Aghios Nikitas (12 km from town) is a traditional coastal fish village which has been transformed to one of the largest tourist resorts of the island. Natural beauty, crystal waters and paradise beaches… Aghios Nikitas , Pefkoulia and Milos beaches unique, peaceful with a magical view.  
     
  • The traditional village of Tsoukalades (6km from town)offers peace and joy, full of green colors and traditional farmhouses. 
     
  • In the route to Lefkada’s town, you should visit the magnificent monastery of Faneromenis.  

MOUNTAINOUS ROUTE

  • Going up from the town you will find the village of Lazarata (10km from town), seat of Sfakiotes Muinicipality. Full of colors, peaceful with kind and hospitable inhabitants. An ideal place for holidays. 
     
    Τhe Melissa Gorge

     

     
  • The traditional mountainous villages of Spanochori, Kavalos, Asprogerakas and Pinakochrori, decorated with green colors, amphitheatrically built over the mountain combined with the tradition and the modern lifestyle. You should visit the Melissa Gorge, Folklore Museum in Kavalos and the beautiful church towers of the area. You should also drink your coffee in Asprogerakata under the perennial plane trees. On the position of Fryas, between Kavalos and Asprogerakata, the “Turkish wells” are preserved since the period of 1478-1684. One of them had been supplying water to all municipality’s villages.  
     
  • If you continue your route, you will meet Pigadisanous and then Karya (14km from town), a mountainous large village with springs and rich vegetation. It reaches out the hill, amphitheatric with houses built according to local architecture and many old mills. You should definitely visit the Folklore Museum of Karya and the old monastery of Aghios Ioannis in Livadi (17th century), buy some of the unique Karsanika needleworks. Drink your coffee or your ouzo in the beautiful square down from the perennial plane trees. 
     
  • Do not forget to continue until you reach the village of Englouvi. There you can buy the fantastic “Lentils of Englouvis”, climb up to the farm monuments of Voltos, light a candle in the chapel of Aghios Donatos and enjoy the magical view of the highest place of the Prefecture, from the small church of Aghios Elias. 
     
  • Return to the town by following the same route or by climbing down from Englouvi’s village: Or pass through the mountainous village of Platistoma and climb down to Perigiali, enjoying the view from Prigiponisia. Or pass through the mountainous village of Vafkeri and climb down to Nydri enjoying the view of the complex islands. 

SEA ROUTES 

Meganissi

 

  • Daily, by a ferry boat from Nydri at a distance of 4 nautical miles you can visit the small verdant island of Lefkada’s, Meganissi. It has 3 settlements: Vathi, Katomeri and Spartochori. And 3 scenic bays: Spilia, Atherinos and Vathi. 
     
  • From the town of Lefkada and Nydri, many daily cruises with boats are organized to Prigiponisia (Skorpios of Onassis, Madouri of Ar.Valaoritis, Sparti, Skorpidi, Cheloni and Meganissi) From Vassiliki, daily cruises for the magical beaches of Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Agiofilli, are also organized. 
     
  • You can hire a small boat, a speed boat or a sailing boat from the yacht rentals agencies, in order to enjoy the small magnificent bays of the peninsula of Geni, of Desimi (opposite Nydri) and Meganissi, reach down to the verdant islands of Kastos (with the beautiful Fokotripa) and Kalamos (with the pine tree forest that reaches the sea). 
      



Beaches of Lefkada

 

     The beach in Agiofilli

 

                                      Το "Kathisma"  in Agio Nikita         

 

Porto Katsiki                

 

Lefkada is well known for its paradise beaches, with the blonde sand and the turquoise water. They have been awarded with blue flags, always in the first place of the international voting via internet.

 
Pefkoulia 

 

 
 Egremni

 

Beaches, impressive in length and divine in beauty are located at the west coastline of Lefkada. Sandy with crystal water, beaches with the vegetation that reaches the edge, beaches with wild and imposing rocks, amazing beaches… Amoglossa, Castro, Gira, Aghios Ioannis, Pefkoulia, Aghios Nikitas, Milos, Kathisma, Gialos, Egremni and Porto Katsiki.

Porto- Katsiki, Kathisma and Egremni appear in the cover pages of famous tourist magazines and newspapers, worldwide.

Porto Katsiki, the famous and awarded beach, voted as one of the best in Greece and one of the most popular in the Mediterranean Sea, is of a breathtaking beauty. Steep white rocks over a fantastic sandy beach and turquoise waters.

The east and the south side of Lefkada, offers lee, small and large beaches, with pebbles and paradise water:Ligia, Nikiana, Perigiali, Nydri, Desimi, Poros Ammousa, Agiofilli, Vassiliki.

In Meganissi, you can find many small, magnificent beaches, in a fiord shape: Aghios Ioannis, Spilia, Pakoumaki, Ampelakia, Atherinos, Limonari are the most well known beaches of Meganissi.

In the island of Kalamos and Kastos, you can swim, peaceful, lonely, pebbled beaches, accessible from the sea side. 




Libraries of Lefkada


The public library was founded in 1953. It is housed in a traditional lefkadite mansion with a garden - the Zoulinos house - on the west side of the old city. 
It possesses a large number of books and printed matter, while housing the richest collection of post Byzantine icons of Eptanese technique, by painters of holy icons like Thoxaras, Patsaras, Roussos and more. 
Phone 2645022502 

site: www.infolibraries.gr/lefkada & http://lefkaslibrary.gr/ 
 

The “Haramoglios” Special Lefkadite Library includes tens of thousands of books and printed matter, newspaper articles, magazines even post cards with Lefkada. Founder of the library was Aristotelis Haramoglis, who begun his efforts in 1974 and managed to collect, from Greece and the rest of the world, everything published on Lefkada from locals or foreigners and everything written by Lefkadites on several issues. Today it possesses rare editions dated back to 1420. The collection is in the Guiness book of records. 
Phone 2645021465 

The Nikos Svoronos Library is a donation of the great historian Nikos Svoronos to his birth place and includes books, manuscripts and personal souvenirs of the internationally known Lefkadite. 
Phone 2645021465 
 

FILES OF THE LEFKADA PROVINCE 

It is the Districts Service of the States General files. It was founded in 1684 by the Venetians. 

It includes: 
Records of the Venetian Period (1718-1797), Record of the period 1797-1817 (Democratic French, Russian-Turks, the Eptanese State, Imperial French, English Occupation). The United State of the Ionian Islands (1817-1864). The Greek State from 1864 up to now. Notarian Record from 1692 to 1864. Recording Office File from 1718 to 1931. Collection of local newspapers from 1867 till now. Manuscript maps from the Venetian and English period, building plans and contemporary Administrative, Judicial and Municipal records. 
The record center is housed in the old town hall and it operates as a reading facility daily from 9.00 to 13.00. 

Communication:
Phone & Fax: 2645023815 
E-mail: mail@gak.lef.sch.gr 
Site: http://gak.lef.sch.gr/ 

SFAKIOTES BOROUGH 

The Sfakiotes Public Library “THE HOLLY FATHERS” is housed in a specially modified building in the village of Spanochori. It possesses 3.500 books and operates as a lending library and as a reading facility. 
Phone 2645061611 




Museums of Lefkada

The Lefkada visitor may be guided to the islands archaeological and folkloric museums. 



The Lefkada Archaeological Museum: is housed in the cultural center of the Borough of Lefkada (A. Sikelianou & N. Svoronou street). The findings exhibited cover a period of time, beginning in the middle of the Paleolithic times (200.000 - 35.000 π.Χ.) and reaching the later Roman times. In a separate room in the museum, the findings of German archaeologist Willhelm Dairpfeld are exhibited. He is the one who developed the theory that Lefkada is Homer’s Ithaca. The museum exhibits tools, ceramic and copper jewellery and gems of ancient tombs, mostly from the Ancient city of Nirikos, Nydri, Hoirospilia, Evgiros and the cave in Fryni.

 

Open: Daily except for Mondays, 08:30-14:30.

Admission: General € 2, student € 1.

For further informations, call (+30) 2645021635. 
 

The Folkloric Museum of the Musicl and Literature Group “Orpheus” “Pantazis Kontomixis”: It is housed in the old town of Lefkada (Stefanistsi 2, close to the central square). Was founded in 1937, and includes many significant and rare exhibits, a rich collection of objects from the everyday life and business of the Lefkadite people.

OpenApril-October, daily except for Mondays, 10:00-13:00 and 19:00-22:00. 
         November-March, Sundays 11:00-13:30.

Admission: General € 2, free for seniors & young children.

For further informations and for organised school or other educational visits call (+30) 2645022778 during museum working hours and days, and Ms Sklirou (+30) 2645022778 or Ms Roussou (+30) 2645022502 during office hours. 

 

The Ecclesiastic Museum of the Faneromeni Convent: at the convent of Faneromeni, outside the village of Fryni, 4 kilometers from the city of Lefkada, the museum of Ecclesiastic Art is about to open, exhibiting objects from temples and convents of the island, covering a period of time since the second Turkish occupation (1479-1684) up to the incorporation of the island to the Greek State in 1864. In newly constructed two story building located in the grounds of the Holy Convent, specially designed rooms are going to host a variety of objects of ecclesiastic art. The main bulk of the exhibits comprise of paintings of Eptanese and Lefkadite artists, mainly post Byzantine portable icons and parts of chancel screens (magisterial icons, epistyles, door panels). Of great interest are the different ecclesiastical manuscripts and old prints from the convents library, with rare publications by Greek and foreign printers of the pro revolution and revolution years. Significant are the silver works exhibited, mainly crosses, grails, candelabra, trays and icon frames and gospel covers. Finally a variety of canonicals and elements of pontifical uniforms dated from the 18th and 19th century. 

OpenApril-September, Monday-Saturday 09:00-13:00 and 18:00-20:00.

Admission: Free.

For further informations, call (+30) 2645021105, (+30) 2645021305.

The Folkloric Museum of Lefkadite Canvas Works ”Maria koutsohero”, in Karya village: In this small private museum in Karya Village, among the traditional exhibit, the visitor may discover the life and character, the persistence, patience and genius of the Lefkadite mountain people who lived under rough conditions and managed to create a folkloric culture.

OpenApril-November, daily 09:00-21:00.

Admission: General € 2.5

For further informations, call (+30) 2645041590. 

 

 

The Phonograph Museum: Near the old city of Lefkada (12 Kalkani st.) a small private museum exists, exhibiting phonographs, records, rare objects of use, decorative instruments, boxes, seals, currency and post cards of the time.

OpenMarch-October, daily 10:00-14:00 and 19:00-00:00.

Admission: Free.

For further informations, call (+30) 2645021088. 

 

 

The Kontomichio Folkrorik Museum of the Sfakiotes in Kavalos village. It was created by the ex Borough  of Sfakiotes and is open to the public since the summer of 2004. It is housed in the old building of the Kavalos elementary school, in a place full of pine trees. The museum refers to tools and equipment, their use and meaning to the social evolution during the time they were created and the social and economic framework in which the Lefkadite people worked during the pro industrial times. The museum’s exhibits are: 

  • Variety of tools used in different crafts, such as shoemaker, farmer, carpenter, barber, builder, screen maker and woodcutter.
  • Recreation of areas within the Lefkadite home (kitchen, oven)
  • Collection of old photographs
  • Collection of woven material and traditional dress 

OpenAugust-January, daily 9:00 to 13:30 and 18:00 to 21:00.

Admission: Free. 

 




Monasteries of Lefkada

 

Monastery of Faneromeni

 

 

 

The monastery of Faneromeni was built in the green pine clad hill, on the west side of the town, where the view of Aghios Ioannis, Gira and Castle was magical.

Its history comes from centuries ago, starting from the first apostolic years. For that reason is, one of the most significant monuments of the island and the only monastery still in residence. 

The tradition says that the place where it was built was Diana’s Sanctuary of fine marble. The students of Apostle Pavlos, who arrived first in the island, gathered the inhabitants and preached the Christianism, creating the first place for prayer, while one of them, Sosion, had been ordained as Lefkada’s first Bishop. Sosion was the founder of the monastery. 

According to religious sources, in the years of Konstantinos the Great, after the A’ Ecumanical Synod, 5 Fathers arrived together with the Bishop Agatharchos. Two of them were settled in the Monastery and three of them in the Hermitage of Holy Fathers outside Alexandros village. The Fathers constructed the first cells, extended the church and organized the monasticism of Lefkada.

Another tradition says that the first icon of Panagia, which had been ordered in Constantinople, was revealed as a “God made icon” (was not made by human) to the monk and hagiographer Kallistos, after his prayer. For this reason, the monastery was named Faneromeni. 

The icon of Faneromeni

 

 

The monastery took its final figure during the Venetian domination in 1734. The church was rebuilt on the 19th century, after 2 fires and its features reveal the strong influence of Zakinthos architecture. 

The icon of Panagia (1887) is a copy of the old miraculous icon of Faneromenis of Aghio Oros Monastery. Its iconostasis was made after 1886, a work of Efstathios Prosalentis, junior. Its icons are works of brothers Christodoulos and Thomas Zografos from Chionades of Ipiros. 

Also, to the front of the iconostasis, you will find the works of Leonidas Sideris, featuring times of New Testament. The monastery was renovated recently, with the initiative of Father prior. A new wing of cells was constructed together with prior’s apartment, synodic, library and a chapel dedicated to Aghios Silouanos Athoniti. Here, in a modern building is accommodated the new Ecclesiastical Museum of the Monastery with ecclesiastical art and tradition’s exhibits. Icons, vestments, vessels and books exhibited in 3 floors, characterizing Lefkada’s culture development. 


The monastery exhibits Christian books and has a small guestroom for the pilgrims. Panagia Faneromeni’s church, stands for centuries, to the holy rock, gathering many pilgrims every year. It is the patron saint of the “Lefkada’s whole” and her grace is celebrated on Monday of Holy Spirit. 

The Monastery of Agios Georgios in the forest of Skaros, after Klimvata in the area of Alexandros is a fine place with a divine view to the northwest of the island.

According testimonies and documents, was founded in 1911 and is one of the most significant historic monuments of Lefkada.

The monastery had been flourishing during the Turkish domination, when the forest of Skaros became its property. In 1727, the monastery had 8 farms, had been cultivating 708 sq.m and breeding 900 sheep and goats. The church of the monastery was extended in 1709. To its interior, to the east wall which remains untouched, remarkable hagiographies are preserved. Its interesting iconostasis was created in 1724 which is a copy of the iconostasis of the church of Aghios Minas in the town of Lefkada.

 

The cave cells of the Holly Fathers

 

 

The cells of the Holly Fathers are rooted for centuries in a rocky land, 5 km over Nikiana to Alexandros, inside a cave near the area of Skaros. It is one of the oldest Christian monuments of the island.

Religious sources mention that in this place 3 Holly Fathers who arrived to the island after the A Ecumenical Synod to Nice of Bithynia in 325 a.c, took monastic vows, found a shelter in the cave and preached Hevangelion until the end of their lives. In a cave nearby, you will meet their graves and the small church of the Hermitage, built to their honor.

Monastery of Panagia Hodeghetria: It is the oldest Christian monument, preserved in the Island. It is located in the village of Apolpena, inside the oil grove. It was founded around 1449 and 1450 or according to other sources, around the 11th century. Its catholicon, the main church of Panagia Hodeghetria, is a single - aisled vassiliki, wooden roofed, with a three - sided apse to the east. Fragments of the wall paintings are preserved in the south and east walls of the interior which combine the Palaelogy with the West technique. According to tradition, in this monastery hermited Helen Palaeologhina, daughter of Bishop Mistras Thomas Palaelogos, sister of John VIII Palaeologos, wife of Bishop of Servia Vrankovits and mother in law of the last duke of Lefkada, Leonardos II Tokkos. 

 

Wall paintings of Agios Ioannis

 

 

 

Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos: Located in the end of the plain of Karya, in a idyllic hill side, well known to locals as the “Agios Ioannis sto livadi (plain)”.

It was founded in 1906 and for a period of 3 centuries played an important part to the economic and spiritual life of the island. At the beginning of the 19th century, the monastery of Agios Ioannis had been the richest and the largest in Lefkada, while already since the 18th century, the monastery of Hodeghetrias and 15 other churches of the island became its property. To its catholicon, according to tradition, the famous armatolos Simos Bouas or Grivas was buried. Today’church is more recent, single spaced, wooden roofed with a place set apart for women. It has divine wall paintings, which are dated during 1736 to 1753. To the north wall, wall paintings are preserved in 3 zones.

On the first zone you can find the whole body figures of saints, on the middle you can find busts of saints and on the top one, large many faced figures, ruined from time. To the west you can see Agios Konstantinos, Agia Eleni and Archangel Michael. Next to the catholicon of the monastery, inside the wild vegetation, there is a crumbling chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

 

 
The Monastery of Archangel Michael 

 

 

 

The Monastery of Asomatou Archangel Michael is located outside Vafkeri, crumbling, one of the most significant and rich monasteries of the island.It is estimated to have been founded in the 16th century, during the years of Turkish domination.

According to the historian K.Machera, it existed long before 1681. The first church was a little single placed room with a saddled wooden roof completed by small low roofed cells. In 1700, during Venetian domination, the monastery had been flourishing with 19 cells, many fields and animals. All monastery’s settlement were located in a rich verdant valley. In our days, only the ruins of the facilities of the monastery, the cells, the guestrooms, the storehouses, the oil press and the stables are evidences of the past economic strength.

The catholicon of the church has important wall paintings, which were created at the end of the 16th century until the beginning of the 17th century, covering all of the church’s walls. It is worth to admire the “Panagia Platitera” to the edge of sanctum and on the top, the “Ascension of Christ”. The icon of “Akras Tapinosis” (Total Humiliation)to the edge of offertory, the “Vision Of Agios Petros” and the “Sacrifice of Avraam” composing magnificent representations, like the zone of the Prophets and the whole body saints. One of the most well preserved representations with soft and warm colors is the “the miracle of Archangel Michael”, to whom the monastery is dedicated.

 

The Red Church 

 

 

 

The historic monastery of the Evangelistria’s Red Church is located at Platistoma. The first small temple was founded by 2 monks in 1478 and was built with crude stones and local red mortar, from where it was named of. The monastery was built later, during the 16th century, promoted as a religious center with unique fame and wealth.

In recent years the church and the iconstasis have been repaired. The older despotic icons are great works of the Cretan Michael Gen, dated since 1723 and today are exhibited in the Collection of Post Byzantine Icons of Heptanisian Art, to the Public Library of Lefkada.

These are: “The Annunciation”, “The Mistress of Angels”, “The Christ King of the Kings” and the “Agios Ioannis Prodromos”. The wooden cut iconostasis is magnificent with 5 fantastic well preserved icons. The Red Church is one of the most significant Christian monuments of Lefkada. 

The Monastery of Profitis Elias is located at Spanochori, and according to old documents, it had been granted crumbling from the Venetian government to the priest Venetio Vonasieri, who rebuilt it. In 1815 had been devolved to the government. It was renovated recently and is now, open to the public. 

 

The monastery of Agios Ioannis 

 

 

 

The monastery of Agios Ioannis is located 5 km south from the village of Vournika, to the place of Rodaki, over the bay of Vasiliki and considered as one of the most interesting monasteries of the island.

It was probably built in 1654, over the foundations of an ancient Doric temple of Dimitra, goddess of agriculture and fertility. According to the superstition, if a childless couple prays in the church and steps on the entrance’s doorstep, will have a child. The ruins of an ancient temple like the Doric capitals and a part of the paved ground are still preserved.

Around the end of 18th century, the monastery was devolved to the government and in 1797 had been granted to the Monastery of Asomatos in Vafkeri. The main church which is well preserved, inside a large surrounding, was extended many times. The cells of the monks were increased together with auxiliary spaces. Fragments of wall painting to the east wall of catholicon are also well preserved with exceptional technique. On the edge of the sanctum you can admire the imposing figure of Platitera.

On the offertory, Akra Tapinosi and the protomartyrs Stefanos and Agios Romanos are represented. Despite the damage of representations, its artistry is strongly appeared.

The Monastery of Agios Georgios in Marantochori. It was founded at the end of the 16th century or at the beginning of 17th century, the latest until 1620. The monastery was small but rich with many fields. In 1922, according to local’s testimonies, the church became an isolation place for people infected from variola. After the epidemic, they were hammering and whitewashing the walls for disinfection. The small catholicon of the monastery was full of wall paintings, from which a very small number is preserved together with a part of the iconostasis of exceptional wood carving art, dated around the middle of 18th century. There you can find 2 interesting icons of Virgin Mary and Christ.

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Niras, is located before the lighthouse of Lefkata. It was probably founded at the beginning of the 17th century, 1637. It was built from 7 families and inherited an incredibly big land property. Today’s church is more recent. Its iconostasis is modern with icons created in 1799. 13 icons of dodekaorto and 3 despotika (thrones) are the work of the hagiographer Andreas Betzos. All are painted with special egg color on the board, very well preserved.

The despotic icon of Agios Nikolaos is the work of another well known hagiographer, Dimitrios Foskaris, painted in 1699. This icon is the oldest of Lefkada, signed and dated, stolen and found again damaged, in 1979. Today, it is sheltered in a building of the Monastery in the village of Athani. The monastery does not have any wall paintings. The last monk who lived there, died in 1949. 

The Monastery of Agios Kirikos in Athani. It was founded during the Turkish domination. Small and restricted, became a property of the Monastery of Archangel Asomatos of Vafkeri, in the 18th century. It collapsed from the earthquakes and rebuilt.

The Orea Pili (Beautiful gate, the middle from the 3 gates of the sacrum) of its catholicon irepresents Christ, one of the oldest, now located in the church of Panagias Rachiotissas. 

The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, 3 Km east from Nikoli. In the past, it had been the catholicon of a small monastery which was built, according to testimonials, in 1651. Its only entrance is located on the south side of the church and on its lintel has a carved cross with an epigraphy. The ruins, all around, confirm the existence of the monastery. 

 

The Agios Ioannis Prodromos

 

 

 

The small monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodomos is located at a pebbled beach on the west of Meganissi. This monastery does not have to show great wall paintings or architecture style, but it is full of historic memories. The tradition says that it was founded before 1477, without any evidence. It is said that was destroyed by Pirates who threw the icon of the saint in the sea, which was drawn out by a fisherman. In 1800, the monk Ioannis Patrikis coming from a rich family and very well known to Ithaka and Meganissi, sent a nun to rebuilt it.

It is said that this nun, with her Meganissian assistant Vasillis Politis, was begging in order to fulfill her goal and managed to visit the Tsar of Russia, in order to collect the necessary amount. The monastery was rebuilt and the nun lived there until her death. Her grave is located between the foundation of the old and new wall of the sacrum. 




Churches of Lefkada

Churches

 

MANICIPALITY OF LEFKADA 

 

The church  of Aghia Mavra 

 

 

 

The church of Aghias Mavras is located at the homonym castle which has been restored and preserved perfectly.

Pantokratoras 

 

 

The church of Pantokratoras is one more private church which belongs to Valaoriti’s Family with unique value located to the center of the market in the town of Lefkada.

Its hagiographies are the masterpieces of very well known Heptanisian hagiographers. The tomb of the national poet Aristotelis Valaoritis is located at the back of the sanctum.  

The church of Agios Spiridonas was built at the end of the 17th century, in the main square of the town. It is Vasiliki single shaped oblong, low ceilinged, without a dome, with sided entrances, clearly influenced from Venetian architecture.The iconstasis was made by a Zakinthian wood cutter, J.Groppa and the icons by the Cretan (Venetian descent) Tomazo Gen.

 Aghios Minas

 

 

The church of Aghios Minas - which is close to the church of Pantokratoras - is distinguished for the fine wooden cut iconostasis and the icons of the great Heptanisian hagiographers, Kontarinis, Roussos, Doxaras, Koutouzis, Ventouras etc.

The church had been founded - in a Baroque order - in 1707 with the permission of Venetians. It has been restored, after serious damages occurred in 1724.

The church of Kimisis Yperagias Theotokou in Gira (The Assumption of the Virgin), is located at the narrow lane of land which is close to the northwest side of Lefkada’s lagoon.

Its single spaced with a large semi circular arch. The first temple belonged to ancestors of Aggelos Sikelianos, existed before 1684 and considered as one of eldest of the island. It was built around 1460-1503 from the brothers -priests, Stamatios and Athanasios Soundias, damaged by earthquakes and later on came to the property of Lefkada’s Orphanage and hospital’s.

The wooden iconostasis is simple and fine. The icon of Panagia Hodeghetria, which is dedicated to, is the work of Tomazo Tzen, with an obvious influence from Byzantine’s tradition. Today, is the chapel of the town’s church Aghios Nikolaos 

Aghios Ioannis in Alatro

 

The church of Aghios Nikolaos is located at the center of the town. It was built in 1687, with the permission of Venetians, damaged from the earthquakes of 18th and 19th century and restored in 1830.

It had been the wealthier church of the town. It has spectacular entrances with windows of a unique art, in a baroque order. Its iconostasis is really imposing and its icons are the work of Ioannis Roussos and Spiridonas Ventouras. The chapels of Aghios Nikolaos are Aghios Ioannis of Antzousi and Panagia of Gira. 

   
The church Panagia Isodion

 


 
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Other important churches in town are the Church of Presentation of Virgin Mary, at the main market, Aghii Anargyroi and Panagia of Xenon (foreigners) in the area of Marka. 

 

Panagia of Vlachernon

 

 

Panagia of Vlachernon, inside the oil grove. An historic church, built in 1740. To the outside part of the wall, there is a walled plate mentioning that on Sunday of the Carnival of 1821, 12 chieftains and notable people of Lefkada and Roumeli, were gathered and took an oath to fight for the liberation of their country. 

The small church of Aghios Ioannis of Antzousi is located, almost inside a rock at the edge of Gira’s beach, at the spot where the coast becomes higher. According to tradition, there had been the shrine, where Apostle Pavlos, in his road to Rome, prayed. It is one of the eldest churches of the island, restored and extended from the Franks knights (Anjou), who discovered it, in 1331. 

 

 

 

MANICIPALITY OF SFAKIOTES

 
 

The chapel of Pantokratoras, important Christian monument, located 1 km northeast of Kavalos village, with its bell hanging on a huge oak in the front of the church’s yard. At the door, there are windows from ancient Greek temples.

Many traditional church towers decorate the churches of Sfakiotes. Some of the most beautiful are: Aghios Dionissios and Aghios Spiridonas in Lazarata, which were built 150 years ago. 

 

Aghios Spiridonas

 


 

 

The church of Aghios Spiridonas in Lazarata, was first built around 18th century. Its iconstasis is in baroque order in white and gold color with thin pillars of Corinthian order.

The icon of Archangel Michael, at the offertory’s door, belongs to the famous hagiographer V.Sideris dated in 1894. The church tower is high and impressive, built probably with soft stone in 3 floors.

The church of Aghios Nikolaos in Kavalos, is one of the oldest of the area. It was first built in 17th century. Its icons are works of Spiros Gazis created in the period of 1876 until 1883. Its iconostasis, of a baroque order, is one of the most beautiful of Lefkada, work of P.Prosalentis. 

The church of Taxiarches in Spanochori, built during the 18th century. Its magnificent hagiographies are the work of Spiros Gazis, dated in 1886.

The church of Panagias Episkopis in Spanochori is dedicated to the Genesis of Virgin Mary. Its iconstasis is a work of Panos Prosalentis, made in 1858, in white and simple classic line. 

The church of Aghios Stefanos in Exanthia is old and damaged by the time, which has been restored. It iconostasis was made in 1850. 

MANICIPALITY OF KARYA

 

Aghios Spiridonas

 

 

Aghios Spiridonas, one of the most interesting churches in Karya. It is located at the center of the village and was built at the end of 19th century. It has a nice, high church tower with a clock. Its classical iconostasis is a work of Ioannis Vrettos, made in 1925. 

 

Aghios Donatos in Egklouvi

 

 

 

Aghia Paraskevi is, among others, a very important church of Karya. It is a well preserved church since the beginning of 19th century. Its magnificent woodcut iconostasis, a fine work of P.Prosalentis in a simple baroque order, was created in 1850. The icon of Aghias Paraskevis was made from G.Patsaras composing a beautiful set. There are 2 oil paintings of Spiridona Gazis in the church, representing themes from the Old Testament: “The sacrifice of Avraam” and “Job”.

The church of Aghios Donatos, up to the village of Egklouvis, in an altitude of 900 meters, was first dedicated to Agios Dometios. The locals, influenced from the homonym place after its renovation, dedicated it in the memory of Agios Donatos, who was the Bishop of Lefkada in 284 a.c. It is said that he fell off a high tower during the Christian’s persecutions. The ruins of this tower are preserved near the church, which celebrates on the 7th of August 

DIMOS ELOMENOU

 

Aghia Kiriaki 

 


 

 

The church of Aghias Kiriakis is in the bay of Vlichos, opposite Nydri. You can visit the church by small rented boats.

The church of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos is outside the village of Alatro. It is a small temple with a wooden saddled tilled roof. The whole temple is full of wall paintings created at the beginning of 17th century. Today, most of them have faded and need special care since they are the faintest set of post Byzantine wall paintings of Lefkada.

The “Last Supper” on the north side, “Aghios Ioannis Prodromos” as an infant who is carried to Zacharias, Aghii “Kosmas, Damianos, Panteleimon and Minas” with different colorful cloths, excite the emotions of the visitor. 
 

The Church of Aghios Charalampos in the village of Vlicho ,with hagiographies of 16th century.

Panagia Evangelistria in the entrance of Neochori’s village is the only church with a dome, in the whole island. Also, in Neochori you can find the church of Aghios Dimitrios with wall paintings of the 16th century. 

 

Religious destinations in lefkada

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Archeological places of Lefkada


In Lefkada, you can visit a great number of Archeological places.

The visitor can start his route from the Municipality of Lefkada , continue to the Municipalities of Ellomenos and Apollonia, ending up to Kalamos.




Geography of Lefkada

 

The province of Lefkada 
via satelite

 

Lefkada is an island of the Ionian Sea and belongs to the island complex of Eptanisa. It lies between the islands of Corfu and Kefalonia. It is very close to the shores of the western mainland of Greece. Only a small strip of sea separates the island from Akarnania and a fifty meter floating bridge connects them.

Lefkada covers an area of 302.5 square kilometers and is the fourth in size Island in the Eptanese complex, with a population of 23.000 people. Lefkada along with the islands of Meganissi, Kalamos, Kastos, Scorpios, Skorpidi, Mathouri, Sparti, Thilia, Kythros and other smaller ones around them, constitutes the province of Lefkada with the city of Leukada as capital and is divided into 6 municipalities (Lefkada, Ellomenos, Apollonion, Karyas, Sfakioton and Meganissi) and two counties (Kalamos and Kastos).

The islands climate is Mediterranean, with long spells of sunshine all through the year, the temperate but rainy winter and the warm but pleasant summer due to the cooling breeze. The 70% of Lefkada is covered by mountains. The tallest top of all is Stavrota (1.182m) with Elati (1.126 μ.) following second and St Lias (1.014 m) and Mega Oros (1.012 m) come third and fourth. On the west side of the island which is quite steep, there are many long sandy beaches. Lefkada possesses narrow plateaus, fertile valleys and canyons with rich plantation, while it also has a notable flora which includes olive trees, cypresses, a variety of pine trees, a special variety of oak, aromatic herbs and rare flowers. 
The island has many springs, like the known Kerasia springs in Sivros, torrents that become rather violent at times and form small cataracts like the one in Nydri, the Dimosaris and impressive canyons like the ones in Mellisa of Sfakiotes and in Haradiatikos. The two salt lakes in the northern part of the island are a very important reserve for many bird species.

Lefkada’s coastline is also very rich. It is comprised of impressive beaches, peninsulas, capes - the Lefkata Cape in particular - coves that make magnificent natural ports, distinguishing the ones of Vlihos, Syvota and Routha in the east and Vassiliki in the south side of the island. Many consecutive coves exist in Meganissi creating small but impressive fiords. 




Fauna of Lefkada

“Divari”

The 2 lagoons of Lefkada - Divari or Ivaria, according to locals – form unique wildlife sanctuaries, especially from Winter to Spring which are full of life, because of immigrant birds. The birds find a safe shelter inside the rushes covering inch by inch the ground around and inside the lagoons. 

Except from the gulls (Larus argentatus, Larus larus), which find a permanent shelter all year around, at the beginning of autumn, Loufas or Falarides (Fulica atra) arrive, Kormoranos (Phalacrocorax carbo), Herons or Tsikniades (Egretta garzetta), Swans (Cygnus Cygnus), Prasinokefalopapies (Anas platyrhynchos), Kalamokanades (Hi-mantopus hamantopus) and many other small birds and fowls. 

The Loufes of Falarides are the largest population together with Prasinokefalopapies. 

Kormaranos, sit over the stones of the old road inside the small Divari and when the sun goes down, with an arrow shaping, fly away to spend the night in the island of Sesoula.

Herons are the most beautiful birds of Divari. In the winter time, since it is very difficult to find food, they ‘hang around” over “ katikia” of Divari, awaiting to grab a fish. 
Some time, especially in the heavy winter time, the Swans, visit Lefkada, offering excitement and joy in the island. 

We can describe, as a special case, the Kalamonades, big birds with threatening moods. 

The gulls are permanent inhabitants of the island. 

In the fauna of the highlands, you can also meet: Hares, Foxes, Ferrets, Weesels, Partridges, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Sparrow Hawks, woodcocks, Crows, Carrions Crowns, Wild pigeons, Kalogiannos, Hoopoe, Larks, Greenfinches, Gold finches, Owls, Magpies, Sparrows, Swallows, Orioles, Wagtails etc. 

The chapters of Flora and Fauna of Leukada have been attended by the Agriculturalist of Directorate of Agriculture Development of Southeast Lefkada, Mr.Babis Lazaris. 




Flora of Lefkada

 

 

 

 

 

 

An important characteristic of Lefkada’s environment is the wide biodiversity, especially concerning the fauna.

Lefkada, like all Heptanisian islands, because of the rainfalls, developed an enviable wealth of kinds which excite every visitor.

Plants of unique beauty like Peonias, in the highlands, or Pagratios which overwhelms the coastal zone, Arenaria of Lefkada etc, are a small sample. 

The traditional cultivation of olive and grape, created wide colorful zones, a green shade combined with the crystal blue of the sea. 

The plants of Lefkada’s are countless. 
Here, you will find the most important, separated in groups.  
 

The chapters of Flora and Fauna have been attended by the Agriculturalist of Directorate of Agriculture Development of Southeast Lefkada, Mr.Babis Lazaris.




Nature of Lefkada

LEFKADA

Lefkada is an island with unique natural beauty. Magical, with a harmonious combination… The sea and the nature… together… 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                       The waterfall in Dimosari




Architecture of Lefkada

Planning of Lefkada City


The islands capital is characterized by a medieval age city planning. It was developed after a specific plan expressing the feudalistic way of ruling during the years of Venetian captivity, where the basic city planning structure was formed. The main square along with the temple of Saint Spyridon and the main shopping street, are the centre of the settlement, surrounded by a road shaped like a ring. A second ring, parallel to the first one, is formed on the north side of the settlement and passing in front of the churches, Panagia Ton Xenon and Agion Anargyron ends on the main shopping street. All secondary roads are arranged as radiuses to the cycle formed by the two main streets beginning from the center and resemble a fish bone. All roads of different direction end in squares whose position is determined by the existence of a church. After the 1948 earthquake on the south side of the old settlement a new part of the island’s capital was formed, called Neapoli. So in time the island’s capital doubled in size and is still growing since the city plan of the Lefkada's Municipality has expanded even more. 
 

 

TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENTS

 

 

In the Lefkada province there are two settlements officially characterized as traditional and are protected by law. These are, Syvota on the southeast and Aghios Nikitas on the west side of the island. There are of course many villages and settlements, in the mountains and the small isles of the province, that have preserved the traditional elements in form and structure of the buildings, which are built from simple materials and are in harmony with the natural environment. These villages, with the simplicity and plainness of there buildings, reflect the measure of respect the Lefakadites always showed to nature and the natural environment and are a living picture of a traditional way of life. Elements of this tradition one may find in areas such as Katouna, Karya, Vafkeri, Niohori, Alatro, Katochori, Poros, Draganos, Kalamitsi, Exanthia, Drimonas, The municipality of Sfakiotes, Meganissi, Kalamos and Roupakias.

An authentic settlement with buildings of the traditional Lefkadite architecture is the village of Drimonas, build on a peaceful mountain side on the west part of the island. The one story (called Hamoya in the local dialect), or two story rooftop houses, are distinguished for their structure against earthquakes and there special features, such as the double doors and windows, the outside stone staircase, the characteristic balcony, “the pontzo”, at the top of the stairs and the bow shaped dome leading to the basement, with the building date carved on it. Similar examples of Lefkadite rural architecture can be found at the Kontaraina village and the Roupakias settlement, where the strong but lonely stone buildings stand upon a steep mountain side as guards to a long forgotten time.

 

 

Remarkable samples of traditional architecture exist on the province’s small islands. In Kalamos, with the simple rural character and the stone rooftop houses, densely built above the port, leaving in between small snake like alleys. The village of Kastos gives an entirely different expression, with its two story stone houses, built in large plots of land and surrounded by olive trees. The colored shutters, the wooden balconies and the rooftops made of red ceramic tiles, form a picture of calmness and remind Greece of the ‘60’s. In Meganissi, the villages, with the picturesque narrow streets are composed of small rural stone houses with wells, from which the inhabitants used to pump the little water that existed. Today few wells are in operation. Most of them built in stone are picked out for their artful structure, since they form a big and low round wedge at the bottom.

 

 

BUILDING STRUCTURE

 

 

 
 

 

The Lefkadite structure system is unique in Greece and Europe and is a characteristic sample of anti earthquake structure provoking the interest of European mechanics. Earthquakes and the unstable ground on which the old city of Lefkada was built, created the necessity for a new way of building, resilient to violent movement, based mostly in the use of wood as a building material and ideal against earthquakes.

Whole tree logs spread with tar where put in all the length and width of the foundation of the structure. The wooden material to be used in the building was left in the lakes mud, located near the city, for a period of time. The logs where covered with a mixture of three different ingredients, fine sand, stone chips and porcelain dust. This way of laying the foundations increased the stability, so in an earthquake the structure would move as a whole and the possibility of breaking or sinking in part was minimized.

After setting the foundations, the stone walls of the ground floor where built ending in the door and window openings. On the outside and especially between the openings, iron rods where positioned that hooked on the wooden floor of the first story in order for the wooden structure to be fastened on the stone structure and therefore the whole of the building would become stable. If the ground floor was made mostly of stone then the first floor of the strucuture was made mostly of wood. The builders’ wood set the wooden beams at the four corners of the stone structure to begin making the wooden framework and joined them together by using special hand made wooden nails from hard wood more flexible to the earthquake’s vibrations. The horizontal wooden beams where laid parallel and set in special receptions in the stone structure or upon the beams set in length to the buildings wall thus making the floor of the first story. Sometimes, if the construction required it, the beams would penetrate the buildings walls forming a wooden projection to support the balconies. 

 

After finishing the floor the wood was set for the construction of the first story walls with a technique called “tsatoumas”. The construction began with the setting of four logs in the corners, whose tops and bottoms where secured with large nails, called “bratsolia”, forming two right corners.

This construction made the house flexible against earthquakes and set the foundations for concluding the structure by placing other smaller auxiliary wood. The braiding of the wood was done that way to give the structure its special image and its light weight. The in between openings where supplemented by pieces of brick put together with a mixture of sand, asbestos and porcelain, that protected the flat surface of the walls from the earthquakes and preventing crumbling, deformities and damage. At the end the roof was placed which was also wooden.

One of the basic elements of this wooden construction against earthquakes was the support from the ground floor to the first story floor by using a second wooden structure made of wooden posts. Carpenters raised wooden posts in the inside of the stone structure and united them with the wooden beams of the first story floor. The placement was made in a short distance to the stone construction to avoid the collision of the wooden posts to the stone wall in case of an earthquake. This was the joint against earthquakes. The heavy wooden posts where placed every four meters along the wall and in the middle of the ground floor under the main beam supporting the first story floor. With this auxiliary structure the outside stone wall might crumble during an earthquake but always facing the road and never on the inside of the house. That way the wooden structure could hold during violent movement.

Through the years and following the destruction from the earthquakes, people rebuilding their houses with the same material made sure that the upper part of the structure was light weight and they covered it with iron sheets painted in light colors. This technique exists to this day and many houses in the historical centre of the city have iron sheet walls.

Old mansions and rich city houses had a fireplace and were built in large plots of land with gardens and impressive gates. One house filling the description is the Zoulinos house which today is the roof for the Public Library and the Collection of Post Byzantine Pictures of Eptanese Art. The Lefkadite house made of wood does not impose itself with its weight nor impress with its size. It is plain in its expression, light in its architecture and simple in its appearance. However it has the structural stability and wholeness that has not changed from external influences. A practice preserved through the centuries, keeping alive the structural tradition of Lefkada. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY: 
HARA PAPADATOU: «LEFKADA Searching» 
DIMOS MALAKASIS: «Lefkada’s Old Houses»
 




Culture of Lefkada

PERSONALITIES OF SPIRIT AND ART

Lefkada is an island with a wide spiritual tradition. Its geographical position - like all the others islands of Ionian Sea - obtained a closer relationship with the West, in the years where all Continental Greece had been experiencing the spiritual Middle Age of Turkish Domination.

The temperamental Heptanisian culture and the unique feature of the island, full of “breath of the sea, breath of the pine trees” gave to Lefkada the opportunity to give birth and nurture some of the most sensitive poetic souls. In this island, were born or were springs, eminent artists and scientists with Pan-Hellenic recognition and international appreciation and publicity.

Ioannis Zampelios (1787-1856). After his studies in Italy and in Paris (Law, Literature, Philosophy), he returns to Lefkada, appointed as a District Attorney of Ionian islands. He joins the Filiki Eteria and becomes devoted to its holy Aim. He is widely appreciated as the eminent Filikos in Lefkada. He wrote 12 tragedies with a national content.

Lefkadios Hearn

 

Lefkadios Hearn (1850 - 1904). 
A great Lefkaditis artist migrated in Japan and made the land of the rising sun and its culture, well known to the West. He is famous as the national writer of Japan. 
 

Spiridon Zampelios (1813-1881). 
The son of Ioannis Zampelios. Historian writer, who tried to prove the unity of Byzantium, with his work “Byzantine studies” (1857). He was a distinguished novelist.

A.Valaoritis

 

 

Aristotelis Valaoritis (1824-1879). 
An eminent lyric. His poetry is full of love for his country, freedom and full of admiration for the fighters of 1821. For many years he represented Lefkada to the Ionian Parliament, where from the line of Radicals had been fighting for the Union. 
When the dream came true, he became a member of the National Parliament. 

A.Sikelianos

 

 

Aggelos Sikelianos (1884-1952).
The inspirer of the Delfic Idea, a great Lyric poet-mystic with ecumenical vision, who succeeded with his poetry to combine the Ancient Hellenic and the Christian values, succeeding to move the feelings of all human kind.

Kreareti Dipla- Malamou. 
Poet and novelist, the first woman who was awarded from the Academy of Athens.

Nikos Svoronos (1911-1989). 
Byzantinologist and a great researcher of our modern history with a significant work, and international recognition.

Aristoxenos Skiadas (1932-1994). 
A recognized professor of Classical Literature, a deputy rector in the University of Athens.

Nikos G. Katiforis (1903-1967). 
Novelist, theatrical writer and a columnist of the newspaper Rizospastis, for many years

Gerasimos Grigoris (1907-1985). 
Literary man awarded with 2 national Literature prizes (1958 and 1963).

Theodoros Stamos

 

 

Theodoros Stamos (1922-1997). 
A painter with international effect, pioneer of abstract expressionism.

Nanos Valaoritis. 
A very important surrealist poet, novelist and theatrical writer.

Agni Baltsa 
A famous Lyric artist, mezzo soprano with an admirable international career. 

THE MANNERS AND THE CUSTOMS

The manners, the customs and the creative speech of Lefkaditians, in different forms, the wishes and curses, the fairy tales and puzzles, the satirical songs and the humorous narratives, are composing the treasures of a rich and great tradition preserved alive until our days.

Many customs were created from the church calendar and the cycle of life - Christmas, Easter, Carnival and Lent. The most interesting are:

CHRISTMAS: The Christmas Eve, women are baking Christopsoma (a kind of bread) or Christokouloura (a kind of bread roll) and the cross (a kind of bread). 
They are making crosses for the boys and vlaches or baloubes, for the girls. 
The night of the Christmas Eve, are cutting the cross, gathered home, around the Christmas dinner, where they put in the middle a bottle of wine. 
The cross is cut in 4 pieces and placed on the top of the bottle. By extending their right hand, they hold and cut the cross, wishing for the future.

NEW YEAR: The new Year’s Eve, Lefkaditians bring to their homes, nerokremida (wateronions) - the katsounes - for a good luck charm. On the New Year welcome the new year with the custom of Diana, in which the Philarmonic of Lefkada, leads. Diana means Eothinos - hymn, song or eulogy. The new year’s eve, before the dawn, the Philarmonic - with an escort of old and young people, full of shouts and songs - walk to the streets of the town and play festive songs and Eothinos, making stops outside the houses wishing for the new year. Diana, was probably a remaining of the Venetian and English domination days.

EPIPHANY: The day of Epiphany, when the Bishop throws the cross, the crowd at the ceremony sinks for 3 times, a bunch of oranges bounded with a rope. 
Then it hangs to the icons, while they throw the same time, oranges of the previous year which are perfectly preserved. 

EASTER: The Easter Saturday, around 9 in the morning, women hang from the window and “throw the piece” on the street. They throw a ceramic pot or a plate, a lagini, a boti, a tile or something glassy - in general, a fragile pot which can be smashed into small pieces. The pieces of the pot must be left in the street. The piece - the tradition says - is thrown in order to “break” the grief, the silence and the sorrow of the Easter Week. 
Then, when the bell tolls, the Philarmonic walks down the street, playing marches. 
In this way, the sound of music is combined with the non musical sound of the pots when these are smashed. 
 

OCCUPATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE ISLAND

Agriculture had been for centuries the most important occupation of Lefkada’s inhabitants and the greatest activity which ensured their survival. 
The most favorite and profitable one, was the cultivation of olive - mostly on the plains - and the viniculture - on the highlands of the island- an activity which had been adored from the ancient times. 
Many writers - like Plinios the senior (23-79 a.c) and the Athineos (160-250 a.c) the writer of “Deipnosophistae” - referred the famous wine of Lefkada. 
Except from agriculture, other profitable activities, are stock breeding, fishing, trade and practical crafts of everyday life.  

The agriculture and stock breeding activities helped to arise and stabilized, by creating their own tradition, occupations which had been self evident in the small agricultural societies: The ploughman, the reaper, the thresher, the miller, the oil presser, the digger, the chimney man. The rest of the traditional occupations: the cobblers, the cooper, the blacksmith, the tailor, the merchant - had been completing and framing the leading occupations of the families. 

 

 
 Needlework

 

 

The most important activity, a handicraft one, arose in the past and exists nowadays - is the art of needlework and textile, which grew in many of the mountainous settlements, mostly in Karya, where most of the manners and customs are still preserved. 
The famous karsanika needleworks, are a unique form of needlecraft, improved by Maria Stavraka or Koutsochero, as she was called because of her disability. 
Her technique had a great sensation and was spread outside the island’s borders and abroad. 
Its textiles are also exceptional with unusual patterns and exceptional artistry. 
 

COSTUMES OF LEFKADA

 

Wedding Gown

 

 

 

WOMEN'S (BRIDES) 
The wedding gown is made of silk or woolensilk, in thick shiny weaving. It unfolds wide, making flat and puffy pleats. Down to its hemline are sewed wide rounded chartza in gold color. Kampzela - the top of the dress- and hemline are also decorated with hartza. 
The colors of the wedding gowns were azure, pink, dark mauve, olive and rose. 
Over the dress, the tsoumpe is placed - a dressing with short and unusual sleeves which are puffy to the shoulders and tight to the lower arm, covering the back, ending down to the legs and touching the ground even, with well ironed folds. 
To the tight part of the sleeves there are beautiful decorations of chartza, matazogaitana and gold stripes. 
Amazingly beautiful also, is the needlework of the back of the tsoumpe. 
The top from the shoulders to waist is decorated with silk flowers and gold thread. 
Spaleta is the striking front mantilla in white, pink or yellow color with rounded grated fringes. 
The necessary ornaments of spaleta, are gold jewels: spiles, pontalia, karfovelonoi, stithovelones. The pontalia and spiles are framed with small chains, sometimes, decorated with small hanging gold hearts. 
Except from the neck jewels, the jewel ornament includes rings and earrings. 
The fesi (fez) is the most exquisite part of the bride’s costume. The brides wear it, in an oblique way and always on the left side in order to hold a part of the hair and cover the forehead. It is gold needled and beautifully decorated. It is made of black velvet fabric needled to the surface with goldthread flowers and other linear textures. The most beautiful jewel which decorates the fesi is the tremoula - a metal twig 10 cm long standing on the end of the fesi. On its top the metal twig has a flower with 2-3 golds, trimmed with diamond stones. 

Groom Gown

 

MEN'S (GROOM) 
The groom is wearing a white beautiful needled shirt and on the top a geleki (vest) which is sometimes crossed and sometimes single, made from azure velvet. 
The back of the geleki is made of shiny silk in a purple, red or a dark green color with a fiora with wide leaves. 
He wears a vraka (trousers) from felt, which is needled to the bottom end and to the socks. 
Extras ornaments of the groom’s costume are zonari (belt), the fatsoleto or fesi with a black pompon and usually a neckerchief. 

MUSIC 
The music preferences of island’s different areas reflect its cultural lack of homogeneity. The villages are fond of folklore music and rebetika - a result from their relationship with Roumeli. The main town prefers chorus and mandolin music - a result from their relationship with Italy, since, during the Venetian domination and until the union of Greece, the children of the rich families were studying medicine or law in Italy, bringing back with them the culture and the values of West. 
From the other side Venetians were promoting their culture all over Heptanisa, the result of today’s great influence in music and education. Lefkada has the oldest Philarmonic of Greece (1850). 
Its active Union contributed to the music and education development of Lefkadites and was present to great historical events, as the Union of Heptanisa in 1864, the first Olympic Games of Athens in 1896, the Intercalated Games of 1906 etc. 
In 1983, was awarded with the Academy of Athens prize. 
The Philarmonic offers a Music School, a Band, a Bandina and the Music Groups. 
Lefkada also has groups of traditional dance, chorus, mandolin orchestra with Pan Hellenic and international recognition. 

 




History of Lefkada

 

The castle of Aghia Mavra

 

 

The name of the island “Lefkada” routed from the name “Lefkas Petra” or “Lefkas Akra”, an ancient name of today’s Leukata, the southern cape of the island.

The wild white rocks of the cape where, according to, the poet Sapfo ended her life in the name of love, gave the name to the city, the Corinthians founded in Lefkada, and then to the entire island. According to geographer Stravonas they renamed the ancient city of Nirikos to Lefkada, capital of the island.

Humanity in Lefkada can be traced back to the Paleolithic era. The distinguished German archaeologist Wilhelm Dairepfeld, associate of Henry Schliemann in the Troy excavations, conducted extensive archaeological research in Nydri, and brought important findings from the copper age (2,000 B.C.) to light and hence started the theory that Lefkada can be identified with Homers Ithaca.

The Lefkata Cape

 

The ancient city of Nirikos, 7th century b.c., which was discovered in Kalligoni at Koulmos, was the island’s first capital. It was surrounded by a great wall, of which only a small part is left.

The history of Lefkada, from the 7th century b.c. after becoming a Corinthian colony up until the Roman conquer, is politically connected to the city of Corinthos, which Lefkada followed in all important events of the time: the Salamina naval battle, the battle of Platees, the Peloponnesian war as an ally to the Spartans and the expedition of Alexander the Great. 
 

 

Strongly resisting to the Romans during the 3rd century B.C., Lefkada finally submits to the conqueror in the 2nd century. During the Roman occupation considerable projects were constructed, the stone bridge, to name one, which connected the island of Lefkada with Akarnania, and had a length of 700 meters. They also reconstructed the ancient wall.

In 1204 the island was incorporated to the dominion of Hepiros, but from the year 1294 Lefakada came into the hands of the French, since it was given as an offering to John, Count of Orsini, who later built the nucleus of the Aghia Mavra Castle, still erect today at the island’s entrance. 
The history of the island, since the 14th century and until it’s incorporation with the Greek state, is full of events - milestones of long historical adventure. 

In 1331 Lefkada was conquered by the Andigavians, while in 1334 it becomes the feud of the Georgie.

 

Count Tokki 

 

 

 

In 1357 the “Voukentra revolution”, the revolt of the islands farmers against the Gratian Georgie, arose, a fact that centuries later inspired the Lefkadite poet, Aristotelis Valaoritis, to write the famous work “Fotinos”.

In 1362 the island was passed on to the hands of the Tokki and in 1479 was conquered by the Ottomans, only to fall temporarily, for two years (1502-3) in the hands of the Venetians and then again back to the Turks, for a prolonged period of time that ended in 1684.

The same year the Venetians return. Lefkada was occupied by Fransisco Morozini, the capital was transferred outside the castle, at the position it remains up untill now, called Amaxiki and the Lefkadites loose control of the port and commerce falls in the hands of the Venetians.

The Venetian occupation is an especially difficult time for the Lefkadites, who were cut off from the rest of Greece and with the Venetians being indifferent in developing a cultural and social foundation, as they did in Zakynthos and Corfu, found it difficult to organize their social life and create their own cultural movement. However, during these years, the Venetians modernized public life by founding courts and setting the basis for organizing administrative services. 
 

Lefkada Quintal 

 

 

A period of continuous historic changes follows. The democratic French replace the Venetians in 1797 and immediately after that Lefkada as the rest of the Eptanisa falls under Russian - Turkish rule. From 1802 the island becomes a part of the Eptanesian State, the first semi independent Greek state, under Russian - Turkish protection.

In 1807 Lefkada is conquered by the imperial French only to fall in the hands of the British in 1810, who incorporate the island to United State of the Ionian Islands. 
 

A view of Lefkada from the castle, 

 

 

Despite the bits of democratic freedoms provided, the English rule was on of cruelty and heavy taxing to the poor Lefkadites, a measure resulting in the revolt of the peasants. During that time, however, many public projects were constructed, such as roads, bridges and aqueducts.

The union of Lefkada as well as the rest of the Eptanisa to Greece happened in 1864 when, after Otto’s removal, came George the 1st to the throne.

For a few years the civil class prospered and commerce especially developed. However in the beginning of the 20th century, the year 1900, peronospora a plants disease, destroyed all the islands vineyards, sending into poverty and despair the inhabitants. Then begun the great emigration to America and Canada, which lessened only after the end of the great wars of the century, where life in Lefkada improved significantly in the beginning of the sixties. 




USEFUL GREEK EXPRESSIONS

USEFUL GREEK EXPRESSIONS

 

Greek people are very open, hospitable and always appreciate when foreigners know some words in their language.

 

Useful basics how to survive in Greece!

 

Hallo, Goodbye  - Geia sas – Γεια σας

Yes – Ne – Ναι ;  No  - Ohi – ¼χι ;  Ok  - endaksi - ΕντÜξει

Good morning -kalimera – ΚαλημÝρα ;  Goodnight - kalinihta - Καληνýχτα

Thank you - efharisto – Ευχαριστþ; Please - parakalo - Παρακαλþ

Excuse me - signomi – Συγνþμη ; I‟m sorry - lipame - ΛυπÜμαι

Where are you from?  - apo pu iste? – Απü ποý εßστε; I am from...  – ime apo tin...  – Εßμαι

απü την …

What is your name? – pos se lene? – Πþς σε λÝνε; My name is...  - ime or legome...  – ΛÝγομαι

How are you?  - ti kanis ? – Τι κÜνεις; I‟m fine  - kala , mia hara – ΚαλÜ, μια χαρÜ

I‟m so, so  - etsi ke etsi – ¸τσι κι Ýτσι

I don‟t know - den ksero – Δεν ξÝρω

What is the time?  - ti ora ine? – Τι þρα εßναι

I don‟t speak  Greek - den milao ellinika- Δεν μιλÜω ΕλληνικÜ

Do you speak English ?  - milas aglika ? – ΜιλÜς ΑγγλικÜ

How much does it cost? - Poso kani? – Πüσο κÜνει;

Where are you going?  - Pou pas? – Ποý πας;

Where – pu - Ποý, Who – pios - Ποιος, Why – yiati – Γιατß , How – pos - Πþς

Come – ella – ¸λα ;  And – ke - και

I can‟t  - den boro – Δεν μπορþ

I need – hriazome – ΧρειÜζομαι

I like  - mu aresi – Μου αρÝσει

I want - thelo – ΘÝλω ; I would like to - tha ithela  – Θα Þθελα

I am- ego ime – εγþ εßμαι ; You – esis - εσεßς

Girl – kopella, koritsi – κοπÝλα,  κορßτσι ; Boy – agori - αγüρι

Beautiful  – orea - ωραßα

Beach – paralia  -παραλßα

Swimming  – banio, kolibi- μπÜνιο,  κολýμπι

Wine – krasi - κρασß

Cheese - tiri – τυρß ; Bread – psomi - ψωμß

Tasty – nostimo – νüστιμο

I‟m happy!  - ime haroumeni!  - Εßμαι χαροýμενη

EFHARISTO! THANK YOU!




Incredible Lefkada : A complete travel guide

Incredible Lefkada is the official Facebook fanpage of the tourism campaign of Lefkada www.facebook.com/incrediblelefkada. Visit incredible lefkada, the ultimate online travel guide for Lefkada based in travellers opinions and reviews. 

Quick traveller guide by Incredible Lefkada

It is not the big size (size doesn’t matter anymore…), neither the magical beaches, nor the sophisticated old town-capital and the easy accessibility (Lefkada remains connected to the mainland via an iron bridge), Lefkas or Lefkada if you prefer still remains one of the Ionian’s most mythical destinations.
Honestly speaking Nydri and Vassiliki – where large bays and consistently blustery winds attract thousands of watersports fanatics – have seen some (mostly sympathetic) developments, but the 90% of the island, including the picturesque villages of Kavalos, Agios Nikitas and the gorgeous former capital of Karya village, has kept its authenticity. Traditional village life, centered around the local traditional coffeehouse (kafenio in greek), continues, almost unchanged in more than 2 centuries. 
Visit Lefkada in May, June or September. The cost is much lower, weather temperatures milder, and the unique Mediterranean west side beaches – among the world’s very best – will feel practically reserved only for you.

How you can get there ?

By Plane for sure because it is the easiest way. Fly to Aktion airport a 20 minutes distance from Lefkada, on mainland. Pick up a local taxi from the airport, one of the buses of public transportation network, or rent a hire car. If you would like to explore the entire island you will need definitely to rent a car or a motorbike.
Navigation system is useful and probably you will have it if you own a smartphone, but the island can also be explored with a single map like the old times. Lefkada can also be reached by ferry from Fiskardo (Kefalonia island) and from Frikes (Ithaca island) in the port of Vassiliki in the south of the island.

Ideal places for a short or long stay...
In Lefkada’s northern interior you will find unlimited green valleys. For more privacy try to stay in a villa in the hilltop village of Kavalos, commands sweeping views of the region’s olive groves, tiny, terracotta-topped hamlets and stick-thin cypresses. Also try the village of Tsoukalades, even more isolated and better sea views.
If you want to be in the center of the old town of Lefkada close to the restaurants and bars try the Aigli a historic 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat next to central place and decorated in English country style with four poster canopy beds for falling love again...
Windsurfers and sailors may prefer to base themselves close to Vassiliki, Syvota, or Nydri, while beach bums can reach the island’s most breathtaking coastline with the greatest ease from Athani.

Beach tour...

Egremni beach, close to Athani village, is definitely one the best beaches of the island. Unlimited big blue, white sand, and backed by sheer white cliffs, always empty due to the 345 steps (my daughter counted them again for me in 05/04/2014) that visitors must climb up and down, The last steps drive you to heaven through a steep and rickety wooden scaffolding. When you dive in the incredible turquoise sea, you forget everything...
Porto Katsiki a couple miles after Egremni, is also magical and with only 100 steps to climb down .It is really crowed after 12 o’ clock till late. If you feel exhausted eat traditional greek dishes in Greco Levante the bar restaurant with a unique view. Ask for Aristos the owner to cook you something traditional and try the delicious pies of his mother. 
Kathisma and Pefkoulia beach, on the northwest side, are alternative family choices. Full equipped, easily accessible and next to the villageof Agios Nikitas. Pefkoulia attracts scores of campers, who vie for shade among the trees that overlook the sand, while the delicious iced coffees served up at Kathisma’s whitewashed beach bar should not be missed. Daily hire of a sun lounger typically costs eight euros for a pair, and all four beaches have at least one snack bar close to the shore.

Tavernas...

In lively Agios Nikitas, on the island’s west coast. Don’t be put off by first impressions. Beyond the unattractive road and car park that initially greets visitors to the village, there sits an unexpectedly eye-catching collection of tightly-packed bars, shops and guesthouses, which tumble down the hillside towards a picturesque pebble beach.
There are about a dozen tavernas to choose from, most of which are located on the beachfront or on the main artery that leads from the beach back up the hill. None really stand out — they all share the same menu of sardines, saganaki and salads (even the local strays appear to fastidiously paw their way to every restaurant in turn), but Portoni is a safe bet and has lovely views. Ask for the owner Thanasis (a local fisherman) to grill a fresh fish, reminding him that you are a friend of mine. The pedestrianised town is perfect for a post-lunch stroll, and the beach loses the sun in the afternoon, so it’s is a good place to relax if you’ve been suffering in the heat. Enjoy your coffee in Captain's Corner and ask for the legendary owner Zacharias to tell you stories of Agios Nikitas. Don't forget to tell him that you are friend of Manos. 

Spend the afternoon...
Walking among the forgotten villages of Sfakiotes. The seven settlements that make up this municipality each lie no more than a kilometre from their nearest neighbour, so you can easily explore them all in one go. Even in the cooler afternoon hours, the idea of pacing around this hilly terrain will put off some, but adventurous ramblers will be rewarded with the sight of age-old olive groves, ancient wells, ruined watermills, crumbling campaniles, and wizened but welcoming locals, sometimes dressed in traditional garb.
Beginning from the 17th Century Church of Agios Nikolaos in Kavalos, one of the oldest in the region, take the high road to Spanochori, head downhill to Lazarata, before working your way through Pinokochori, Prementinos and Asprogerakata. If you’re feeling up to it, continue to Pigadisanoi (the last of the Sfakiotes villages) and then onwards to the town of Karya.
As the day wears on, the locals awaken from their siestas and the villages come to life. Elderly women sweep their porches, hang out the washing, and indulge in some idle chatter with neighbours. Their sons and husbands head straight for the kafenio to chain smoke, drink and play backgammon. Hardy souls limp along the main road laden with wood and grumpy taxi drivers argue the toss with toothless gas station attendants. It is the Greece of De Bernieres and Durrell, and is not to be missed. Join the locals and reward your endeavours with a coffee glyko or, better yet, an ice-cold ouzo.

Gastronomy...
On the Central place facing the church of Agios Spyridonas, in the heart of Old Town, is often a hive of activity, playing host to religious processions during Greek Orthodox feast days, and dramatic performances during the island’s annual summer arts festival. Go for a beer in the only irish pub of the island the Irish Rover, Try Thymari gourmet restaurant, Gogos gefseis in the pedestrian zone and Fryni sto molo by the sea. Sing live with Rene Soler Pedraza the famous Cuban singer and guitarist in his authentic Cuban style bar Havana café and drink Cuba libre…
The northern end of the square is dominated by the 17th century church of the same name, the rest is lined with bars and restaurants. Ef Zin, behind the church of Agios Spiridonas, serves a good range of traditional Greek dishes. The town itself is worth exploring — there are more pretty churches to uncover and the unusual corrugated-wooden building style (a legacy of the earthquakes that have plagued the region for centuries) lends the town a certain shabby charm.
Karya’s main square, shaded by enormous plane trees and filled to the brim with chattering diners, is equally atmospheric. Try Karaboulias, one of several tavernas that ply their trade here, before picking up a souvenir at one of the embroidery shops for which this village is renowned. Penguins, on the harbour front in Vassiliki, is another good option. Expect friendly service and excellent seafood.

Continue the tour...
In Vassiliki, where the streets throng into the small hours with bronzed windsurfers and young tykes riding BMX bikes. The pool bar & the restaurant of Enodia hotel will reward you.
Plans for next day...
On the island’s outermost edges. Very little lies beyond Porto Katsiki, the last of the stunning beaches on Lefkada’s west coast.
The coastal road winds for ten miles through featureless terrain, with only an occasional cluster of goats to keep you company, until you reach Cape Lefkada, a windswept promontory with sheer drops to the sea below and stunning views to Kefalonia and Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus. It is here the ruins of the temple of Apollo and the ancient Greek poet Sappho is said to have leapt to her death after she was spurned by a lover. There is little to see on the peninsular except a small monastery and lighthouse, but it’s still a thrilling little detour.
A sea tour by boat from Nydri to one or more of Lefkada’s satellite islands, is also a must do. Many will moor off Skorpios, the private island where Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis in 1968 and now owned by a Russian tycoon Ekaterina Ribolovleva.
Do not...
Travelling too far without some cash. Local shops, bars and restaurants usually don’t accept credit cards, and the larger towns’ ATMs are often on the blink.
And don’t miss the chance to pick up a jar of delicious thyme-infused honey (thymarisio meli in greek ) from the slew of roadside vendors across Athani village.




Top Clean Hotel in Lefkada 2013 by Venere.com

The Aigli has been voted by Venere.com's users as Top Clean 2013. This award is exclusively determined by Venere users' feedback and only a number of properties across the world are receiving it right now.

 

Top Clean 2013




Sailing Cruises in Greece

 

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Our base in Lefkas island 
Maritime and air connections 
Ticket reservation 

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Your sailing cruises in Greece 
Welcome to Crociereavela.it, here you will find all the information you need to plan your sailing holidays on our boats.



Greece of the myths seen closely and from the sea: organise your sailing cruise choosing between our routes or suggest us new ones.
The routes of the next spring and summer through the coast of Epirus and Ionian islands: Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos ... or in the Aegean Sea to live the magical atmosphere of the Cyclades islands. Live your adventure with all the comforts of our boats, in complete relax and safety due to our long and successful experience. A journey you can’t miss in contact with nature…

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Tommaso Massari is a very experienced skipper. He has 25 years of sailing around the Mediterranean Sea. He is also a specialist in overhauling, refurbishing and maintainance of vessels. His passion for the sea has led him to choose this job as his professional activity...
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The sailing cruise is a chance to see wonderful and rare animals such as Monk seals and Caretta-caretta turtles and it is not unusual to see dolphins. Generally small groups approach the boat and play with the waves produced by the fore. They stay with us for a bit and then continue on their way ...
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Crociereavela.it expands its range of sailing holidays proposing a new route among the islands of the Saronic Gulf. The navigation areas for the next season will be the Ionian Sea and theAegean Sea. The Ionian islands we will visit are: Lefkas, Skorpio, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Atoko, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. The islands of the Saronic Gulf are: Salamina, Aegina, Angistri, Methana, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
 


Combine a relaxing beach holiday with an exciting sailing experience on a yacht.

Let us help you to extend your Greek adventure before or after your sailing holiday with a land based accommodation. We offer a large spectrum of different property types: historic houses, villas with pool, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat, apartments and studios.
Choose among our proposals:
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Every evening we will reach a new village or spend the night in a bay under the starry sky: at the end of a day of sailing and swimming, what's better than a dinner on the boat at the moon light or in a typical cheerful and colourful tavern? The food is always fresh, tasty and cooked with simplicity… 
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TOMMASO MASSARI NOLEGGIO BARCHE - NYDRI, 31100 LEFKADA GRECIA - PARTITA IVA EL 142973036
TOMMASO MASSARI ΕΝΟΙΚΙΑΣΕΙΣ  ΣΚΑΦΩΝ - ΝΥΔΡΙ, 31100 ΛΕΥΚΑΔΑ - EΛΛAΣ - ΑΦΜ    142973036   ΔΟΥ ΛΕΥΚΑΔΑΣ

 




CNN news

 

 CNN's World's 100 best beaches

Egremni in Lefkada, Navagio in Zakynthos, Balos and Falasarna in Crete

Four Greek beaches have made the CNN's 'World's 100 best beaches' list, which was published on Wednesday.

The country's four best beaches, according to the CNN list, are situated in two islands of the Ioanian Sea and in Crete.

Egremni Beach on the island of Lefkada stands on number 24 and Navagio Beach (Shipwreck in English) in Zakynthos sits on place 32.

Crete follows at number 35 with Balos Beach in Hania, while Falasarna, also in Hania, has briefly made the world's best beaches at number 100.

Grande Anse Beach in Seychelles was voted best beach in the world. 




ÌåãÜëï ÁöéÝñùìá ãéá ôï Ëåõêáäßôéêï Êñáóß ôïõ Çëßá ÃåùñãÜêç

-Οßνος ευφραßνει καρδßαν ανθρþπου.( Ψαλμοß 103)

- In vino veritas. ( εν οßνω η αλÞθεια.)

Το «Βερτζαμß» -ποικιλßα σταφυλιοý και κρασιοý- εßναι συνþνυμο με το Λευκαδßτικο. ¶λλες ονομασßες που ενδÝχεται να ακοýσουμε αντ’ αυτοý εßναι: Vertzami, Βαρτζαμß, Βαρσαμß, ΜπερτζÜμι, Μαρτζαβß. Η νεþτερη λευκαδßτικη ιστορßα εßναι συνδεδεμÝνη με την παραγωγÞ κρασιοý στον τüπο μας, με το αμπελουργικü κßνημα να βρßσκεται για δεκαετßες στην πρωτοπορßα του αγροτικοý κινÞματος. Οι εξεγÝρσεις των αμπελουργþν της ΛευκÜδας, ανÜ τακτÜ χρονικÜ διαστÞματα, «δια την τιμÞν του γλεýκους», Þταν στην ημερÞσια διÜταξη, με αποκορýφωμα το μεγÜλο αιματηρü συλλαλητÞριο το φθινüπωρο του 1935. ¹ταν μεγÜλη παλιüτερα η ζÞτηση για το λευκαδßτικο κρασß απü τους ξÝνους εμπüρους, που το πουλοýσαν κυρßως στην αγορÜ της Γαλλßας και της Ιταλßας για το βÜψιμο των εκεß παραγüμενων κρασιþν. Οι δε Λευκαδßτες αμπελουργοß βρßσκονταν μια ζωÞ στο Ýλεος αυτþν των εμπüρων και των κÜθε λογÞς μεσαζüντων που τους εκμεταλλεýονταν αφüρητα. Η ποικιλßα Ýφτασε στο νησß μας μαζß με τους Βενετοýς το 1684 και καλλιεργεßται εν μÝρει ακüμη μÝχρι σÞμερα κυρßως στους ΔÞμους Σφακιωτþν, ΚαρυÜς, Απολλωνßων και ΕλλομÝνου, σε εδÜφη αμμοαργιλþδη ασβεστοýχα σε υψüμετρα απü 200 μ. Ýως 700 μ., με παραγωγÞ να κυμαßνεται στα 700 κιλÜ στο στρÝμμα. Καλλιεργεßται επßσης σποραδικÜ εκτüς ΛευκÜδας στα υπüλοιπα Ιüνια νησιÜ, Αιτωλοακαρνανßα, ΠρÝβεζα και ΑχαÀα. Εßναι ποικιλßα ζωηρÞ, παραγωγικÞ, ανθεκτικÞ στις ασθÝνειες σχετικÜ ευαßσθητη στην ξηρασßα. Τα σταφýλια εßναι μεγÜλα με κυανομÝλανο φλοιü. ΤρυγιÝται αρχÝς Σεπτεμβρßου. Το κρασß εßναι ερυθρü με Ýντονο, βαθý χρþμα πλοýσιο σε τανßνες.

Tο κρασß που παρÜγεται απü τη σπÜνια ποικιλßα «Βερτζαμß» Þ barzamino θεωρεßται απü τις καλýτερες ποικιλßες που βγÜζει η χþρα μας. ΙταλικÞς προÝλευσης ποικιλßα οινοποιßας, Ýχει εισαχθεß στη ΛευκÜδα τον 14ο–17ο αιþνα, κατÜ τη διÜρκεια της κυριαρχßας των Βενετþν. Νεüτερες Ýρευνες (Labra κ.Ü. 2003) Ýδειξαν üτι ανÞκει μεν στην ομÜδα των ιταλικþν ποικιλιþν (Marzemino, Barzemino, Balsamina), αλλÜ, παρÜ τις μορφολογικÝς κααμπελογραφικÝς ομοιüτητες, πρüκειται για διαφορετικÞ ποικιλßα. Απü τον Πονηρüπουλο (1888) αναφÝρεται ως Ματζαβß και Βαρντζαμß. Εßναι γνωστÞ με τα συνþνυμα Βαρσαβß, Λευκαδßτικο και Μαρτζαβß, απαντÜται üμως και ποικιλßα λευκÞ με την ονομασßα Βερτζαμß λευκü Þ ΑσπροβÝρτζαμο (ΚριμπÜς 1943α). Απü τους Viala και Vermorel (1909) αναφÝρονται οι ποικιλßες Marzemina nera και Martzavi, τον Molon (1906) η Marzemin nera και τον Poulliat (1888) η Belsamina nera, ως καλλιεργοýμενες στη ΛευκÜδα. Καλλιεργεßται συστηματικÜ στη ΛευκÜδα – 18.000 στρ., 90% και πλÝον των καλλιεργοýμενων στην ΕλλÜδα εκτÜσεων. Η καλλιÝργεια της ποικιλßας Βερτζαμß συνιστÜται για το νομü ΛευκÜδας και επιτρÝπεται στους νομοýς ΚÝρκυρας, ΠρÝβεζας και ΛÜρισας ¶λλες ποικιλßες λευκαδßτικου κρασιοý εßναι το γιοματÜρι, μαýρο γλυκü, το κεροπÜτι, το λευκü και το λÜγκερο, απαλü και ελαφρý κρασß. Απü τα αρχαßα χρüνια η αμπελοκαλλιÝργεια αποτελοýσε μια απü τις πιο προσφιλεßς και προσοδοφüρες αγροτικÝς εργασßες, κυρßως στα ορεινÜ και λιγüτερο στα πεδινÜ του νησιοý. Πολλοß αρχαßοι συγγραφεßς αναφÝρονταν στο λευκαδßτικο κρασß, üπως ο Πλßνιος ο Πρεσβýτερος (23-79 μ.Χ.) και ο ΑθÞναιος (160-250 μ.Χ.) στο Ýργο του «Δειπνοσοφισταß».

Τα τελευταßα χρüνια, στο νησß της ΛευκÜδας, νÝοι σε ηλικßα επιχειρηματßες ασχολÞθηκαν με την οινοποιεßα προσφÝροντας κρασιÜ μοναδικÞς ποιüτητας. Επßσης στο νομü ΛευκÜδος δραστηριοποιεßται η ¸νωση Αγροτικþν Συνεταιρισμþν ΛευκÜδας που ιδρýθηκε το 1915 με την επωνυμßα «ΤΑΟΛ» και προσφÝρει προúüντα αποκλειστικÜ απü τη ΛευκÜδα, τα οποßα διακρßνονται για τα ποιοτικÜ χαρακτηριστικÜ τους, üπως λευκÜ και κüκκινα κρασιÜ που παρÜγονται κýρια απü τις ποικιλßες σταφυλιþν «ΒαρδÝα» και «Βερτζαμß» αντßστοιχα, καθþς και Ýξτρα παρθÝνο ελαιüλαδο. Η Ε.Α.Σ. ΛΕΥΚΑΔΑΣ «ΤΑΟΛ» ιδρýθηκε ως Ταμεßο Αμýνης Οινοπαραγωγþν ΛευκÜδας. Ακολοýθησε τη κοινÞ πορεßα του Συνεταιριστικοý κινÞματος στην ΕλλÜδα με τερÜστια συμμετοχÞ στην τοπικÞ κοινωνßα üχι μüνο σε οικονομικü επßπεδο αλλÜ και σε ευρýτερο κοινωνικο-πολιτιστικü, με τις κÜθε εßδους δραστηριüτητες και συμμετοχÝς της. Για πολλÝς δεκαετßες αποτελοýσε το μοναδικü σημεßο οικονομικÞς στÞριξης των αγροτþν, ιδιαßτερα των σταφυλοπαραγωγþν για λογαριασμü των οποßων γßνεται η συγκÝντρωση των σταφυλιþν, ως και των ελαιοκαλλιεργητþν. Στην Ενωση ο παραγωγüς Ýβρισκε και συνεχßζει να βρßσκει οτιδÞποτε απαραßτητο για τις βιοτικÝς και επαγγελματικÝς του ανÜγκες. Το οινοποιειο του ΤΑΟΛ λειτουργεß απü το 1949 και στεγÜζεται σε ιδιüκτητο κτßριο στη θÝση ΚÜστρο (εßσοδος του νησιοý). Στο Οινοποιεßο γßνεται η παραλαβÞ και οινοποßηση των σταφυλιþν ως και η διÜθεση χýμα και εμφιαλωμÝνου κρασιοý για λογαριασμü των παραγωγþν.

AναλυτικÝς πληροφορßες για την εξÝλιξη της γεωργßας και της αμπελοκομßας στη ΛευκÜδα- απü τα αρχαßα χρüνια Ýως σÞμερα- παρÝχονται στο βιβλßο του Κωνσταντßνου Γ. ΘωμÜ "Οι ΤοπικÝς Ποικιλßες της ΛευκÜδας(http: //kourtisgiorgos. blogspot. com). Απο το βιβλßο αυτο διαβÜζουμε και τα εξÞς: Μßα απü τις κýριες απασχολÞσεις των κατοßκων τις ΛευκÜδας απü τα αρχαßα χρüνια Þταν η γεωργßα. Αυτü αποκαλýπτεται απü σýμβολα στα νομßσματα της ΛευκÜδας üπου μεταξý Üλλων υπÜρχουν χαραγμÝνα κλÞμα, σταφýλι και κλαδß ελιÜς. Η αμπελοκομßα και η ελαιοκομßα Þταν üπως φαßνεται οι προτιμþμενοι κλÜδοι της γεωργßας, η Ýκταση των οποßων δεν εßναι γνωστÞ. Παρ’ üλα αυτÜ το κρασß της ΛευκÜδας λογαριαζüταν σαν Ýνα απü τα καλýτερα της ΕλλÜδος, üπως μας πληροφορεß ο ΠλÞνιος ο πρεσβýτερος ο οποßος γρÜφει πως ο γιατρüς Απολλüδωρος (3ο αιþνα π.Χ.-ονομÜστηκε ιολüγος διüτι ασχολÞθηκε με τα δηλητÞρια, Ýγραψε βιβλßο με τßτλο «περß θανÜσιμων φαρμÜκων»), συνιστοýσε στο βασιλιÜ της Αιγýπτου Πτολεμαßο το Λευκαδßτικο κρασß σαν Ýνα απü τα καλýτερα της εποχÞς του (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980). Πολý αργüτερα ο ΑθÞναιος (περßπου 200 μ.Χ) κατηγορεß το Λευκαδßτικο κρασß πως Þταν η αιτßα πονοκεφÜλων, επειδÞ οι Λευκαδßτες αμπελουργοß Ýριχναν στο κρασß γýψο προφανþς για να πετýχουν καλü κüκκινο χρþμα. ΑνÜμεσα στους 2 συγγραφεßς που μιλοýν για το Λευκαδßτικο κρασß, υπÜρχει διαφορÜ 400 και πλÝον ετþν. Δεν αποκλεßεται με τον ΑθÞναιο (Ρωμαιοκρατßα) οι Λευκαδßτες αμπελουργοß να Ýμαθαν απü τους Ιταλοýς Þ Üλλους την συνÞθεια του γυψþματος του κρασιοý. ΑυτÞ την εποχÞ εßναι πολý λογικü να υποθÝσουμε üτι υπÞρχε καλλιÝργεια σιτηρþν στο νησß, ενþ για την καλλιÝργεια ελιÜς δεν υπÜρχουν πολλÝς πληροφορßες εκτüς απü την Ýνδειξη του κλÜδου ελιÜς σε νομßσματα üπως αναφÝρθηκε προηγουμÝνως. ºσως να μην Þταν πολý εκτεταμÝνη (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980). ΚατÜ την διÜρκεια της δυτικÞς επικυριαρχßας στην ΛευκÜδα υπü τους Ορσßνι, Ανδεγαυοýς και Τüκκους (1246-1479) κýρια απασχüληση των κατοßκων του νησιοý Þταν η γεωργßα. ΥπÞρχαν οι μεγÜλοι γαιοκτÞμονες, οι μικρüτεροι κτηματßες και οι δουλοπÜροικοι. Το νησß παρÞγε κρασß και σιτηρÜ, γι ’αυτü υπÞρχαν οι μýλοι (νερüμυλοι) ενþ γνωστü Þταν και το κεχρß. Ο Γρατιανüς Τζþρτζης, διοικητÞς της ΛευκÜδας μÜλλον απü το 1355, υποσχÝθηκε να τροφοδοτÞσει τον Ενετικü στüλο με 1.000 μüδια (8.750 λßτρες) σιτÜρι (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980, Λευκαδßτικα ΝÝα- http: //www. kolivas. de/? p=909), γεγονüς που αποδεικνýει την καλλιÝργεια σιταριοý στην ΛευκÜδα την εποχÞ εκεßνη.

ΜετÜ το 1479 η ΛευκÜδα περνÜει στην κυριαρχßα της ΟθωμανικÞς Αυτοκρατορßας. Οι κατακτητÝς μετÝφεραν πολλÝς οικογÝνειες Τοýρκων απü την ‘¹πειρο και τους παραχþρησαν τις καλλιεργοýμενες εκτÜσεις. ¼λα τα καλÜ κτÞματα κατελÞφθησαν απü τους Τοýρκους και üσοι απü τους κατοßκους παρÝμειναν, πÞραν τα πετρþδη και Üγονα εδÜφη. ¸τσι αναγκÜσθηκαν να εργÜζονται στα ΤουρκικÜ πλÝον κτÞματα (ΔρακονταειδÞς, 1980). Την εποχÞ αυτÞ στο νησß σπερνüταν κυρßως σιτÜρι αλλÜ και βρþμη, κριθÜρι και üσπρια. Το σιτÜρι σπερνüταν κÜθε δεýτερη χρονιÜ. ΚατÜ τα τÝλη της Τουρκοκρατßας υπÞρχαν στην ΛευκÜδα περßπου 11.000 ελαιüδεντρα, αλλÜ φαßνεται πως η ελαιοκομßα δεν Þταν σπουδαßα απασχüληση για τους κατοßκους του νησιοý σε σχÝση με την αμπελουργßα.

Η Ενετοκρατßα (1684-1797) Ýφερε μια εποχÞ και μια σειρÜ ιστορικþν γεγονüτων που διαμüρφωσαν τον ιστορικü και πολιτικü χαρακτÞρα του νησιοý. ΣυγκεκριμÝνα, η μετατροπÞ της κτηνοτροφικÞς οικονομßας σε οικονομßα της ελιÜς και της αμπÝλου, η εγκατÜσταση ενüς νÝου πληθυσμοý με τα δικÜ του Þθη και Ýθιμα και το κτßσιμο της νÝας πüλης αποτελοýν τα σημαντικüτερα απü τα γεγονüτα αυτÜ. Το λÜδι και το κρασß, επιβλÞθηκαν στο σýνολο της ΛευκÜδας σαν κýρια προúüντα διατροφÞς (Σκληροý, 2001). ΠολλÜ λιüδεντρα φυτεýτηκαν την εποχÞ των Ενετþν και κυρßως απü το 1715 και μετÜ. Οι Ενετοß εφÜρμοσαν στη ΛευκÜδα το νüμο της υποχρεωτικÞς φýτευσης ελαιüδεντρων που εßχαν βÜλει σε εφαρμογÞ πιο πριν στα Üλλα ΕπτÜνησα. Το 1770 ο αριθμüς των ελαιüδεντρων εßχε ανÝλθει σε περßπου 44.000 (Κοντομßχης, 1977). Η οικιακÞ παραγωγÞ και η κτηνοτροφßα Þταν περιορισμÝνες και οι κýριες δημητριακÝς καλλιÝργειες Þταν ανεπαρκεßς για να διαθρÝψουν τους κατοßκους του νησιοý. ¸τσι, γßνεται φανερü üτι τα προúüντα του λαδιοý και του κρασιοý Þταν η κýρια πηγÞ üχι μüνο της διατροφÞς, αλλÜ και της οικονομικÞς ευρωστßας κÜθε νοικοκυριοý και η απασχüληση με αυτÜ επιβαλλüταν σαν απüλυτο καθÞκον ολüκληρης της οικογÝνειας, σε συνδυασμü με το εßδος της γεωργικÞς παραγωγÞς και τον μικρü κλÞρο. Το ανομοιογενÝς Ýδαφος μετÝβαλε αυτÞ την απασχüληση σε μια απüλυτη ολοχρονßς δÝσμευση, αφοý οι εναλλαγÝς της καλλιÝργειας του λαδιοý και του κρασιοý κÜλυπταν ουσιαστικÜ üλο το χρÞσιμο εργασιακü χρüνο απü τον Οκτþβριο μÝχρι τον ΜÜρτιο για το λÜδι και απü την Üνοιξη μÝχρι το ΣεπτÝμβριο για το κρασß. Τüτε διαμορφþθηκε και ο χαρακτÞρας της αγροτικÞς λευκαδßτικης οικογÝνειας: πρüχειρο και λιτü φαγητü, απλÜ σπßτια, απουσßα πολυτελþν εκδηλþσεων και απασχολÞσεων (Σκληροý, 2001).

ΑρκετÝς πληροφορßες σχετικÜ με την αγροτικÞ παραγωγÞ και τα προúüντα που παρÞγαγε η ΛευκÜδα κατÜ τη διÜρκεια της Ενετοκρατßας παßρνουμε απü την Ýκθεση του ΠρονοητÞ ΘαλÜσσης Φραγκßσκου ΓριμÜνη προς την σýγκλητο των Ενετþν το 1760. Ο ΓριμÜνη αναφÝρει üτι η ΛευκÜδα παρÞγαγε ποικιλßα δημητριακþν και λινÜρι, üτι υπÞρχε πλεüνασμα για το λÜδι, το κρασß και το τυρß, το οποßο πλεüνασμα στελνüταν στην Βενετßα, αλλÜ κÜνει λüγο επßσης και για εισαγωγÞ μικρþν ποσοτÞτων σιτηρþν, κρεÜτων και καυσüξυλων κυρßως απü την üμορη ΟθωμανικÞ Αυτοκρατορßα. Τα στοιχεßα των εισαγωγþν και εξαγωγþν του νησιοý δεßχνουν πως η παραγωγÞ σιτηρþν της ΛευκÜδας δεν επαρκοýσε για τις ανÜγκες των κατοßκων (γι’ αυτü και οι εισαγωγÝς σιτηρþν απü την Τουρκßα). Στην ßδια Ýκθεση αναφÝρονταν τα κýρια εξαγüμενα προúüντα του νησιοý, τα οποßα Þταν: κριθÜρι, βρþμη, üσπρια, λιναρüσπορος, λÜδι, οßνος, καρýδια και αμýγδαλα, βαφικοß κüκκοι, μετÜξι, λεμüνια και κßτρα, τυρß, βοýτυρο και πρüβιο μαλλß (Μαχαßρας, 1951 και ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980). Η σταφßδα στα χρüνια των Ενετþν ενþ Þταν το σπουδαιüτερο προúüν της Ζακýνθου, της ΚεφαλονιÜς και της ΙθÜκης, δεν υπÞρχε στη ΛευκÜδα. ΕισÞχθη κατÜ τις αρχÝς του 18ου αιþνα κυρßως στο νüτο του νησιοý, απü Κρητικοýς που μετÜ την ΚρÞτη, εγκατÝλειψαν και την Πελοπüννησο üταν αυτÞ καταλÞφθηκε απü τους Τοýρκους (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980 και Κοντομßχης, 1985), ενþ σýμφωνα με τον Νταβßδη (1982) η κορινθιακÞ σταφßδα μεταφυτεýεται στα Ιüνια ΝησιÜ τον 15ο αιþνα. Πριν φυτευτοýν σταφιδÜμπελοι στον κÜμπο κÜτω απü τον ¶γιο ΠÝτρο καλλιεργοýταν καλαμπüκι, σουσÜμι, βαμβÜκι, κρεμμýδια, σκüρδα κτλ. ΑμπÝλια εßχαν φυτευτεß στις περισσüτερες πλαγιÝς που Ýφθαναν μÝχρι το δασωμÝνο βουνü. Παραγüταν Üφθονο κρασß και φημισμÝνο για το μαýρο χρþμα του, τüσο πολý, που το αγüραζαν οι Ιταλοß για να χρωματßσουν τα δικÜ τους κρασιÜ. ΑρχικÜ, η φýτευση σταφιδÜμπελων Þταν σποραδικÞ, üταν üμως οι κÜτοικοι συνειδητοποßησαν πως η απüδοση Þταν μεγÜλη και οι τιμÝς ικανοποιητικÝς, φυτεýτηκε üλος ο κÜμπος και οι πλαγιÝς μÝχρι σχεδüν τα βουνÜ. Η παραγωγÞ Ýφτασε σε πολý υψηλÜ επßπεδα χωρßς Ýξοδα, παρÜ μüνο με την προσωπικÞ εργασßα, εφüσον δεν υπÞρχαν σοβαρÝς ασθÝνειες. Αργüτερα τα φυτÜ προσβÜλλονταν απü ωßδιο και μÝχρι να εισαχθεß θειÜφι απü το εξωτερικü υπÞρχε μεγÜλη πτþση της παραγωγÞς. Το 1897 εμφανßστηκε για πρþτη φορÜ στην περιοχÞ ο περονüσπορος και η σοδειÜ καταστρÜφηκε εντελþς. Για πολλÜ χρüνια η απüδοση αυξομειωνüταν ανÜλογα με την Ýνταση των ασθενειþν και την καταπολÝμησÞ τους. Οι τιμÝς εξασφαλßστηκαν με την ßδρυση του Α.Σ.Ο. (ΑνεξÜρτητος Σταφιδικüς Οργανισμüς) αλλÜ λüγω του Β’ Παγκοσμßου ΠολÝμου και της αθρüας μετανÜστευσης που επακολοýθησε, κÜποια απü τα κτÞματα εγκαταλεßφτηκαν και Üλλα ξαμπελþθηκαν. Οι σταφιδÜμπελοι αντικαταστÜθηκαν με οπωροφüρα δÝντρα, εσπεριδοειδÞ και πολý αποδοτικÝς καλλιÝργειες πατÜτας και τομÜτας. Επßσης φυτεýτηκαν πÜρα πολλÜ κτÞματα με κρασοστÜφυλλα της εξαιρετικÞς ποικιλßας ΒαρδÝα (ΔρακονταειδÞς, 1970). Στις αρχÝς του 20ου αιþνα και συγκεκριμÝνα την περßοδο 1913-1914, σημαντικÞ Ýκταση καλλιεργÞσιμης γης κατεßχαν οι αμπελþνες με 35.890 στρÝμματα και οι ελαιþνες με 34.510 στρÝμματα. Οι καλλιÝργειες αντιμετþπιζαν και προβλÞματα προσβολþν üπως οι ελιÝς απü το Ýντομο ρυγχßτη το 1912, üπως αναφÝρει ο Ισαακßδης (1912). Το σýνολο της αροτραßας Ýκτασης στη ΛευκÜδα τüτε Ýφτανε τα 35.649 στρÝμματα τα περισσüτερα απü τα οποßα καλλιεργοýνταν με σιτÜρι (18.010 στρ.). Ακολουθοýσε ο αραβüσιτος με το κριθÜρι (8.860 στρ.), τα üσπρια (4.999 στρ.), η βρþμη (2.890 στρ.) και το λινÜρι (890 στρ.). Στα παλιüτερα χρüνια και μÝχρι πριν το τÝλος του Β’ Παγκοσμßου ΠολÝμου, το λινÜρι κÜλυπτε μεγÜλες ανÜγκες του Λευκαδßτη χωρικοý. Με αυτü Ýκανε üχι μüνο το σýνολο σχεδüν του ρουχισμοý του, αλλÜ και σκοινιÜ για το σαμÜρι, σÜγλες (ψιλü σκοινß) για το δεμÜτι, σκοινιÜ για να σÝρνει και να δÝνει τα μαρτßνια του, σπÜγκους, κλωστÝς και πολλÝς Üλλες παραλλαγÝς. ¼σο πÜμε πιο πßσω χρονικÜ, τüσο η χρÞση του λιναριοý Þταν ευρýτερη (Κοντομßχης, 1977). Σýμφωνα με τον Weaver (1960) η Ýκταση της ποικιλßας αμπÝλου Βερτζαμß, κατÜ τη δεκαετßα του 1950, ανÝρχονταν σε 35.800 στρ. και η παραγωγÞ τους Þταν το 90 % της συνολικÞς του νησιοý. Το 1964 η συνολικÞ καλλιεργÞσιμη γη Ýφτανε τα 133.000 στρÝμματα με τις αροτραßες καλλιÝργειες να καταλαμβÜνουν 57.000 στρÝμματα (σημαντικÞ αýξηση σε σχÝση με το 1913-1914) και οι υπüλοιπες καλλιÝργειες (αμπελþνες, ελαιþνες κτλ) να βρßσκονται στα 76.000 στρÝμματα. Σýμφωνα με την απογραφÞ του 1971 η καλλιεργοýμενη Ýκταση Ýχει μειωθεß στα 121.000 στρÝμματα. Τη μερßδα του λÝοντος καταλαμβÜνουν οι ελαιþνες με 60.000 στρÝμματα (με 1.000.000 δÝντρα, ενþ το 1975 εßχαν ξεπερÜσει τα 1.123.000 δÝντρα- εßναι η βÜση της αγροτικÞς οικονομßας), Ýπονται οι αροτραßες καλλιÝργειες με 42.400 στρÝμματα, οι αμπελþνες με 19.000 στρÝμματα (κυρßως στην ορεινÞ και ημιορεινÞ ζþνη) και τα εσπεριδοειδÞ με 2.000 στρÝμματα. Αξιοσημεßωτο εßναι πως το σιτÜρι εξακολουθεß να σπÝρνεται κÜθε δεýτερη χρονιÜ, πρακτικÞ που τη συναντÜμε τουλÜχιστον απü την εποχÞ της ΤουρκικÞς κατÜκτησης, καθþς και üτι απü τους 270 τüνους παραγωγÞς οσπρßων οι 60 τüνοι ανÞκουν στη φημισμÝνη φακÞ του χωριοý ΕγκλουβÞ και 20 τüνοι στα φασüλια του Αγ. ΠÝτρου. ¼πως φαßνεται απü τα παραπÜνω, το λÜδι και το κρασß εßναι τα 2 κýρια προúüντα της ΛευκÜδας. ΣÞμερα μÜλιστα το λÜδι Ýρχεται στην πρþτη θÝση, μετÜ τη μεταπολεμικÞ παρακμÞ της αμπελοκαλλιÝργειας (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980). Ο πληθυσμüς της ΛευκÜδας μειþθηκε πολý στην εικοσαετßα 1951-1971. Η μεßωση αυτÞ τα επüμενα χρüνια üχι μüνο δεν ελαττþθηκε αλλÜ αυξÞθηκε με την μετανÜστευση πολλþν οικογενειþν στα μεγÜλα αστικÜ κÝντρα και πÜρα πολλþν νÝων στη Γερμανßα, Αυστραλßα, ΚαναδÜ και Η.Π.Α. (ΡοντογιÜννης, 1980). Ο ΧατζημανωλÜκης (1979) μας πληροφορεß πως σýμφωνα με την απογραφÞ του 1971, στη ΛευκÜδα ο αγροτικüς πληθυσμüς ανÝρχεται σε 16.850 Üτομα, εκ των οποßων ενεργÜ εßναι μüνο 5.000 με μÝσο γεωργικü κλÞρο τα 25 στρÝμματα. ΚατÜ τη δεκαετßα 1980-1990 üλες σχεδüν οι καλλιÝργειες του νησιοý (ιδιαßτερα οι Üμπε λοι και οι σταφιδÜμπελοι) εμφÜνισαν σημαντικÞ μεßωση, ενþ οι αγραναπαýσεις αυξÞθηκαν κατÜ 50% περßπου. Οι σημαντικüτεροι ανασταλτικοß παρÜγοντες για την ανÜπτυξη της γεωργßας εßναι η ορεινÞ διαμüρφωση του νησιοý, η Ýλλειψη επαρκþν υδÜτινων πüρων και ο Ýντονος κατακερματισμüς της αγροτικÞς ιδιοκτησßας. Στους παραπÜνω παρÜγοντες προστßθεται και η γÞρανση του αγροτικοý πληθυσμοý, του οποßου η ανανÝωση καθßσταται ολοÝνα και περισσüτερο προβληματικÞ.

Το κρασß Ýγινε κατÜ το τÝλος του 19ου αιþνα, αντικαθιστþντας το λÜδι, το σπουδαιüτερο αγροτικü προúüν στο νησß της ΛευκÜδας. Αιτßα για να γßνει αυτü στÜθηκε η καταστροφÞ απü φυλλοξÞρα των αμπελιþν της Γαλλßας, που Üρχισε το 1869. Ο ΠÜνος ΡοντογιÜννης αναφÝρει στο βιβλßο του Ιστορßα της ΝÞσου ΛευκÜδος üτι μετÜ το 1870 “ΑμπÝλια φυτεýτηκαν παντοý: σε χωρÜφια που προοριζüταν πριν για σπορÝς δημητριακþν και οσπρßων, σε νÝα ξεχερσþματα και σε λιοστÜσια που καταστρÜφηκαν”. Ο επισκÝπτης του τüπου μας βλÝπει ακüμη και σÞμερα σε πολλÜ χωριÜ της ορεινÞς ΛευκÜδας τις περßτεχνες ξερολιθιÝς -ακüμη και στα πιο απßθανα σημεßα- που στÞριζαν τις σκÜλες με τ’ αμπÝλια. Η ζÞτηση για το λευκαδßτικο κρασß απü τους ξÝνους εμπüρους, που το πουλοýσαν κυρßως στην αγορÜ της Γαλλßας και της Ιταλßας για το βÜψιμο των εκεß παραγüμενων κρασιþν, Þταν μεγÜλη. Αυτü βοÞθησε την περßοδο εκεßνη στην βελτßωση των συνθηκþν ζωÞς των κατοßκων της υπαßθρου. Τüτε φαßνεται να χτßστηκαν και τα περισσüτερα πÝτρινα σπßτια, με τη μορφÞ που τα συναντÜμε μÝχρι σÞμερα, στα χωριÜ. Οι αμπελουργοß βρßσκονταν üμως πÜντα στο Ýλεος των εμπüρων και των κÜθε λογÞς μεσαζüντων που τους εκμεταλλεýονταν αφüρητα. Δεν υπÞρχαν τüτε οýτε καν τα στοιχειþδη μÝτρα προστασßας για την τιμÞ του προúüντος. ¸πρεπε να περÜσουν αρκετÜ χρüνια ακüμη μÝχρι να δημιουργηθεß το ΤΑΟΛ (Ταμεßο Αμýνης Οινοπαραγωγþν ΛευκÜδας) που θα Üρχιζε να εμπορεýεται εκ μÝρους των παραγωγþν το κρασß. Παλιüτερα, üπως γρÜφει ο Ξ. Κοýρτης στη μελÝτη του ``Το Οινικü ζÞτημα της ΛευκÜδας “Οι ενδιαφερüμενοι ξÝνοι Þρχοντο στη ΛευκÜδα με δικÜ τους μεγÜλα καρÜβια και βαρÝλια μεταφορÜς και ανÝθεταν σε διÜφορους τοπικοýς μεσßτες την αγορÜ κρασιοý, εφüρτωναν και ξαναγýριζαν. Απü το 1900 κι εδþ Üρχισε να αναπτýσσεται εξαγωγικü εμπüριο απü διÜφορους τοπικοýς εμπüρους κυριüτεροι των οποßων υπÞρξαν οι Καββαδßας, ΠολÝμης, ΜανιÜκηδες, ΣουμιÝν (Πρüξενος Γαλλßας στο νησß), ΧρÞστος ΖαβιτσÜνος, ΤζεβελÝκης-ΑρταβÜνης κ.Ü.”. Οι καταστÜσεις αυτÝς εξηγοýν τον πρωτοπüρο ρüλο που Ýπαιξαν οι αμπελουργοß στο αγροτικü κßνημα του νησιοý. Οι απελπισμÝνοι και πεινασμÝνοι χωρικοß αντιδρþντας στον εμπαιγμü και την εκμετÜλλευση που τους γßνονταν, κατÝβαιναν ανÜ καιροýς σε συλλαλητÞρια με αποκορýφωμα το μεγÜλο αιματηρü συλλαλητÞριο του φθινοπþρου του 1935 που διοργανþθηκε με την καθοδÞγηση της οργÜνωσης του Κομμουνιστικοý Κüμματος ΕλλÜδας.

Στην περιφερειακÞ ενüτητα ΛευκÜδας τα επισκÝψιμα οινοποιεßα εßναι:

1. Το εργαστÞρι τοπικοý οßνου ΛευκÜδας “Σýφλογο”, το οποßο ιδρýθηκε το 1994 απü τον Διονýση και τη Μαρßα Παπανικολοποýλου. "Σýφλογο" σημαßνει εκεß που σμßγουν üλες οι φλüγες... Για την παραγωγÞ του “Σýφλογου”, χρησιμοποιοýνται τοπικÝς ποικιλßες, Üλλες γνωστÝς (Βερτζαμß, ΒαρδÝα, Χλþρη) και Üλλες που κοντεýουν να περÜσουν στη λÞθη - ΜαυροπÜτρινο, Θειακü, ΑσπροβÜρτζαμο, ΚοκκινοστÜφυλο, Λευκαδßτικο μοσχÜτο-, παλεýουν με το χρüνο και δßνουν το λιγοστü αλλÜ υπÝροχο καρπü τους. ¼λοι οι τýποι κρασιοý που παρÜγονται απü το εργαστÞρι (Λευκüς Ξηρüς, Ερυθρωπüς Ξηρüς, Ερυθρüς Ξηρüς (Μπροýσκο), Ερυθρüς Ημßγλυκος), ωριμÜζουν και παλαιþνονται σε ΓαλλικÜ δρýινα βαρÝλια σε υπüγειο χþρο. Για να επισκεφθεß κανεßς το εργαστÞρι θα πρÝπει να επικοινωνÞσει με τον κ. Διονýση Παπανικολüπουλο στα τηλÝφωνα (+30) 26450 41674, (+30) 6973217833.

2. Στη ΛυγιÜ ΛευκÜδας, του ΑλÝξη ΛογοθÝτη, συνεχιστÞ της οικογενειακÞς παρÜδοσης που ξεκινÜ το 1965, που παρÜγει το κρασß “Vetzamo”. Οι ποικιλßες σταφυλιοý που χρησιμοποιοýνται εßναι πολλÝς, παραδοσιακÝς και μη: ΒαρδÝα, Ροδßτης, Σαβατιανü, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Βερτζαμß, ΑγιωργÞτικο, Cabernet, Syrah. ΦημισμÝνο και βραβευμÝνο ως το κορυφαßο Ελληνικü Λευκü ξηρü κρασß (ΔιεθνÞς Διαγωνισμüς Θεσσαλονßκης, 2006), το λευκü κρασß της σειρÜς “ΛευκÜδιος”, απü την τοπικÞ ποικιλßα BαρδÝα. Το αντßστοιχο ερυθρü, Ýνα πετυχημÝνο πÜντρεμα απü το δýσκολο Βερτζαμß με Üλλες ερυθρÝς ποικιλßες. ¶λλοι τýποι κρασιοý που παρÜγονται απü το “Verzamo” εßναι το Verzamo Λευκü -πÜντρεμα της Λευκαδßτικης ΒαρδÝας με τον Αχαúκü Ροδßτη-, το Verzamo ΡοζÝ -απü Βερτζαμß και Merlot- και το Verzamo Ερυθρü -συνδυασμüς του κοσμοπολßτικου Merlot με το Λευκαδßτικο Βερτζαμß. Η επßσκεψη στο οινοποιεßο γßνεται κατüπιν συνεννüησης, στο τηλÝφωνο 2645071268 και στο e-mail info@vertzamo. gr. ΑυτÞ η διεýθυνση ηλεκτρονικοý ταχυδρομεßου προστατεýεται απü κακüβουλη χρÞση. ΧρειÜζεται να ενεργοποιÞσετε την Javascript για να τη δεßτε.

3. Το οινοποιεßο “Λευκαδßτικη Γη” στα Σýβοτα ΛευκÜδας, ιδρýθηκε το 2000 απü τον οινολüγο ΔημÞτρη ΡομποτÞ. Εκεß, παρÜγεται το “Λευκαδßτικη Γη Λευκü”, απü τις παραδοσιακÝς ποικιλßες ΒαρδÝα και Βερζαμß. Απü την ερυθρÞ ποικιλßα Βερτζαμß, παρÜγεται το “Λευκαδßτικη Γη Ερυθρü”, üπου παλαιþνεται σε βαρÝλια για 8-12 μÞνες. Απü την ßδια ποικιλßα αλλÜ απü αμπελþνες με μεγαλýτερο υψüμετρο και διαφορετικü τρüπο οινοποßησης, παρÜγεται και το “Λευκαδßτικη Γη ΡοζÝ. ” ¸νας ακüμα τýπος κρασιοý, εßναι ο “ΜελÞδονος”, Ýνα γλυκü κρασß απü Βερτζαμß και Πατρινü. Η επßσκεψη στις εγκαταστÜσεις του οινοποιεßου, αποτελεß Ýνα πραγματικü ταξßδι στον κüσμο του κρασιοý. Η διÜρκεια μιας επßσκεψης κυμαßνεται απü 20 λεπτÜ Ýως μßα þρα, ανÜλογα με το χρüνο και το ενδιαφÝρον των επισκεπτþν. Η περιÞγηση ξεκινÜει απü μια Ýκθεση με παλιÜ εργαλεßα οινοποßησης. Στη συνÝχεια, περνþντας μÝσα απü το αμπÝλι, ο επισκÝπτης θα γνωρßσει το χþρο παραγωγÞς και οινοποßησης, üπου μπορεß να δει απü κοντÜ üλες τις διαδικασßες (οινοποßηση, παλαßωση, εμφιÜλωση). ΤÝλος, στον χþρο γευσιγνωσßας, μπορεß να δοκιμÜσει Þ και να προμηθευτεß τα κρασιÜ του οινοποιεßου. Το οινοποιεßο εßναι ανοιχτü για επισκÝψεις, κατÜ τους καλοκαιρινοýς μÞνες, απü τις 9.00 το πρωß Ýως τις 10.00 το βρÜδυ. Τους υπüλοιπους μÞνες η επßσκεψη γßνεται μετÜ απü επικοινωνßα, στο τηλÝφωνο 26450 39139.

4. ΠΛΑΓΙΕΣ ΛΕΥΚΑΔΑΣ Το οινοποιεßο των ΣολδÜτου και Αργυροý, ιδρýθηκε το 2002. Η Ýδρα, τα αμπÝλια και οι εγκαταστÜσεις βρßσκονται μÝσα στα üρια της κοινüτητας του Αú-Λια, στους ορεινοýς üγκους της ΛευκÜδας, üπου και παρÜγονται τα περßφημα κρασιÜ “ΠλαγιÝς ΛευκÜδας” (ΤηλÝφωνα επικοινωνßας: 26450 39112, 26450 24687). ΜÝσα στην κοινüτητα του Αú-Λια, μια σýγχρονη οινοποιßα δÝχεται κÜθε χρüνο την παραγωγÞ των αμπελιþν. Εßναι εξοπλισμÝνη με μηχανÞματα τελευταßας τεχνολογßας, διαθÝτοντας πνευματικü πιεστÞριο, ανοξεßδωτες δεξαμενÝς, ψυκτικÝς εγκαταστÜσεις και αυτüματο εμφιαλωτÞριο. Στην προστατευμÝνη απü τις εξωτερικÝς θερμοκρασßες κÜβα, αρχικÜ τα κρασιÜ ωριμÜζουν για 6 μÞνες σε δρýινα γαλλικÜ και αμερικανικÜ βαρÝλια και στη συνÝχεια συμπληρþνουν την ωρßμανση σε φιÜλες για 3 ακüμη μÞνες. Οι ποικιλßες κρασιþν που παρÜγει το οινοποιεßο εßναι διÜφορες. Ο οßνος “ΠλαγιÝς ΛευκÜδας” Λευκüς απü την τοπικÞ ποικιλßα ΒαρδÝα εßναι Ýνα κρασß που συνοδεýεται απü αρþματα λεμονανθþν και γεýση με μια δροσερÞ οξýτητα. Ο “ΠλαγιÝς ΛευκÜδας” Ερυθρωπüς Ξηρüς, Ýνα κρασß διαυγÝς, με γεýση φρουτþδη, απü την τοπικÞ, επßσης ποικιλßα σταφυλιοý, Βερτζαμß. Απü την ßδια ποικιλßα παρÜγονται και τα κρασιÜ “ΠλαγιÝς ΛευκÜδας” Ερυθρüς Ξηρüς (με μια λεπτÞ γεýση φρÝσκων μπαχαρικþν) και Ημßγλυκος (με Üρωμα βανßλιας). Ακüμη, το “Πορφυρü Βουνü”, Ýνας ερυθρüς ξηρüς οßνος, παρασκε υÜζεται απü την ποικιλßα Cabernet Sauvignon και αφÞνει αρþματα κüκκινων φροýτων. ΤÝλος, το “Merlot”, εßναι Ýνας ερυθρüς ξηρüς οßνος, με βαθυκüκκινο χρþμα και πλοýσια αρþματα.

5.. Το οινοποιεßο του Σπýρου Ρεκατσßνα βρßσκεται στο ορεινü χωριü της ΚαρυÜς, που απÝχει 14 χιλιüμετρα απü την πüλη της ΛευκÜδας. Σ` Ýνα παραδοσιακü πετρüκτιστο οßκημα, που στεγÜζει τα πλÝον σýγχρονα μηχανÞματα, ο οινοποιüς παντρεýει την παρÜδοση με την σýγχρονη επιστÞμη παρÜγοντας μοναδικÞς ποιüτητας λευκαδßτικα κρασιÜ, απü αυστηρÜ επιλεγμÝνα βιολογικÜ σταφýλια. Το μεγαλýτερο μÝρος των σταφυλιþν προÝρχεται απü τους ιδιüκτητους ημιορεινοýς αμπελþνες της οικογÝνειας που δημιουργÞθηκαν με την κατασκευÞ ξερολιθιþν στα επικλινÞ εδÜφη της περιοχÞς τους. Το πλÝον ονομαστü απ` τα κρασιÜ του οινοποιοý εßναι το μοναδικÞς ποιüτητας και βαθιÜς επßγευσης κüκκινο κρασß που Ýχει σαν βÜση του τη γνωστÞ λευκαδßτικη ποικιλßα σταφυλιοý το Βερτζαμß, που Ýχει βαθý σκοýρο χρþμα και Üφθονες τανßνες Στο οινοποιεßο, üμως, παρÜγεται και λευκü κρασß απü τις τοπικÝς ποικιλßες Λαγüρθι, Χλþρη, Περαχωρßτικο και ΒαρδÝα. Στους κατÜλληλα διαμορφωμÝνους και διακοσμημÝνους χþρους ο επισκÝπτης, θα δει τον τρüπο οινοποßησης καθþς και τα εκθÝματα (πÝτρινα τρüκολα (στροφιλιÝς) με την ξýλινη βßδα, ξýλινα παλιÜ πατητÞρια.), ενþ στην ειδικÜ διαμορφωμÝνη αßθουσα φιλοξενßας θα απολαýσει τα κρασιÜ του οινοποιεßου και την υπÝροχη θÝα που προσφÝρει η θÝση του (βρßσκεται σε υψüμετρο 550 μ. περßπου).

ΥΓ 1: Το παλιü οινοποιεßο του ΤΑΟΛ στην ΕξÜνθεια ΛευκÜδας. ¸να απü τα πιο οινοπαραγωγικÜ χωριÜ της ΛευκÜδας Þταν κÜποτε η ΕξÜνθεια. Τüτε που το κρασß, μαζß με το λÜδι, Ýθρευαν γενιÝς ολüκληρες, που αποτελοýσαν την κýρια παραγωγικÞ βÜση του τüπου μας. Τüτε που, üπως αναφÝρει στο βιβλιαρÜκι του «Το Χωριü μας ΕξÜνθεια ΛευκÜδας – Ιστορßα και Θρýλοι» ο Νßκος Θ. ΒλÜχος, ο γιατρüς Αριστομ. Αρβανßτης μποροýσε να λÝει, üτι «υπÜρχουσι δε ορεινÜ χωρßα Ýνθα δεν θα Þτο υπερβολÞ να εßπη τις, üτι ο οßνος εßναι αφθονþτερος και ευκοπþτερος την μεταφορÜν Þ το ýδωρ». Τþρα βÝβαια Ýχουν αλλÜξει τα πρÜγματα. Μüλις 1.200 τüνοι Þταν η παραγωγÞ σταφυλιþν τον περασμÝνο χρüνο στο νησß μας -τα περισσüτερα δε απ’ αυτÜ σÜπισαν πÜνω στ’ αμπÝλια μιας και το ΤΑΟΛ δεν απορρüφησε καθüλου απü την παραγωγÞ- σýμφωνα με στοιχεßα του νÝου προÝδρου της ¸νωσης Γεωργικþν Συνεταιρισμþν ΛευκÜδας (ΤΑΟΛ) ΜÜκη ΛιβιτσÜνου σε πρüσφατη ημερßδα που Ýγινε στο χωριü για το κρασß και την αμπελοκαλλιÝργεια. Την εποχÞ λοιπüν εκεßνη με τα πολλÜ σταφýλια υπÞρχε οινοποιητικü εργοστÜσιο, στο πιο οινοπαραγωγικü χωριü της ΛευκÜδας, την ΕξÜνθεια. ΑπομεινÜρια του βλÝπει κανεßς σÞμερα. ΕρÞμωση και εγκατÜλειψη. ¼πως αναφÝρει στο πιο πÜνω σýγγραμμÜ του ο Νßκος ΒλÜχος, κατασκευÜστηκε το 1929 απü την Εταιρßα Οßνων και ΟινοπνευμÜτων (Ε.Ε.Ο.Ο.) «ΒΟΤΡΥΣ» και αγορÜστηκε αργüτερα απü το ΤΑΟΛ. Η ¸νωση το λειτοýργησε αρκετÜ χρüνια. Η τελευταßα σφραγßδα στην πλÜστιγκα απü τη Διεýθυνση ΜÝτρων και Σταθμþν δεßχνει το Ýτος 1984. Τüτε πρÝπει να σταμÜτησε και η λειτουργßα του.

ΥΓ2: Στον Φρυα(Σφακιþτες) υπÜρχει και το ´ξεχασμÝνο`` οινοποιεßο της ¸νωσης Αγροτικþν Συνεταιρισμþν ΛευκÜδας. Πρüκειται για Ýνα σημαντικü μνημεßο συνδεδεμÝνο Üμεσα με τη ζωÞ του τüπου την εποχÞ που η παραγωγÞ κρασιοý Þταν μια απü τις κυριüτερες εργασßες στο νησß. Το οινοποιεßο των Σφακιωτþν ιδρýθηκε το 1929 και σταμÜτησε προ ετων να λειτουργεß. Η ¸νωση Συνεταιρισμþν διÝθετε τÝσσερα οινοποιεßα συνολικÜ. Το παλαιüτερο βρισκüταν στη ΒασιλικÞ με Ýτος ßδρυσης το 1927. Το τρßτο Þταν στην ΕξÜνθεια και το πιο νÝο, απÝναντι απü το ΚÜστρο της Αγßας Μαýρας, ξεκßνησε το 1950.

YΓ3: TO ΣYΛΛAΛHTHPIO ΤΩΝ ΑΜΠΕΛΟΥΡΓΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΛΕΥΚΑΔΑΣ TOY 1935: H MAPTYPIA TOY ΠANOY Γ. PONTOΓIANNH ’30 Σεπτεµβρßου 1935. ΠρωÀ κατÝβηκα στη ΛευκÜδα µε τα πüδια, κÜθισα στο καφενεßο του Kατωπüδη στην Πλατεßα (στο νüτιο µÝρος της) µαζß µε το δικηγüρο Γεþργη Kατωπüδη και πÞραµε δýο γλυκÜ κουταλιοý (σταφýλι). Xωρßσαµε στην πüρτα του καφενεßου. Aυτüς τρÜβηξε κατÜ την εφορßα, κι εγþ πÞγα στο γραφεßο του δικηγüρου κ.?. Φατοýρου, πßσω απü το ιερü του Aγßου Σπυρßδωνος, Hýρα µüνο µÝσα τον δικηγüρο Σπýρο KονδυλÜτο κι ݵεινα µαζß του κܵποση þρα. Eν τω µεταξý πÝρασε η δασκÜλα Xρυσοýλα Mικρþνη, ποßα φþναξα και Þρθε µÝσα. Mεßναµε εκεß ßσαµε 20’, üτε ξαφνικÜ κÜποια ταραχþδης κßνηση ατüµων στο σοκÜκι αυτü µας Ýκαµε να προσÝξοµε. Mερικοßπερνοýσαν τρÝχοντας και τα λßγα µαγαζιÜ που Þταν εκεß Ýκλειναν. PωτÞσαµε τι συµβαßνει και µας εßπαν «κατεβαßνουν οι χωριÜτες». MπÞκαµε πÜλι στο γραφεßο, üπου µεßναµε λßγα λεπτÜ. Eν το µεταξý ο θüρυβος εßχε σταµατÞσει. Aποφασßσαµε να βγοýµε Ýξω. Στην Πλατεßα εßχαµε συγκÝντρωση, και στον εξþστη της? ηµαρχßας (νüτια οικßα της Πλατεßας) µιλοýσε ο Θεüδωρος Πετοýσης, ενþ µια µαýρη σηµαßα (ποδιÜ κÜποιας γυναßκας, üπως Ýλεγαν Ýπειτα) ανݵιζε σ’ Ýνα µπαστοýνι. Müλις φθÜσαµε, ακοýσαµε κÜτι ασαφÞ περß δηµοκρατßας. O λüγος του Πετοýση Þταν περßπου: «EσÜς, που δουλεýετε και µεταβÜλλετε τα τσουγγριÜ των λευκαδßτικων βουνþν σε αµπÝλια, που κÜνουν το γλυκü κρασß για να το πßνουν Üλλοι, πεινασµÝνοι και διψασµÝνοι Λευκαδßτες, σας απÜτησαν κÜποτε οι βουλευτÜδες σας πως θα ενδιαφερθοýν και κοντÝψατε τüτε να τους πιστÝψετε. AλλÜ τßποτα δεν Ýγινε και σÞµερα αντιµετωπßζετε την πεßνα. Kαλοýµε τους Aντιπροσþπους µας, να µας βοηθÞσουν, Üλλως να παραιτηθοýν. ΣτÝλνοµε στη KυβÝρνηση, στον Πρωθυπουργü, στον υπουργü Eσωτερικþν, στον υπουργü Oικονοµικþν και στους Aντιπροσþπους ΛευκÜδος το εξÞς ψÞφισµα, το οποßο σας καλþ να εγκρßνετε (χειροκροτÞµατα): «Σýσσωµος Λαüς ΛευκÜδος συνελθþν πανδÞµου συλλαλητηρßου ζητεß την υποστÞριξιν του µοναδικοý προúüντος του του κρασιοý. AναµÝνει εν υπαßθρω και θα προτιµÞση να πεθÜνη απü σφαßρας στρατοý µÜλλον Þ τη πεßνα». Kαλþ üλους σας να αναµεßνητε απÜντησιν και να µη φýγετε».

OµÜδα τις κατÝλαβε το Tαχυδροµεßο. O Λαüς εσκορπßσθη στην Πüλη. ¹ταν οπλισµÝνοι µε µπαστοýνια, ßσως εßχαν και πιστüλια. Tο µεσηµÝρι Ýφυγα για το χωριü. Tο βρÜδυ της KυριακÞς (29-9-1935), παραµονÞ του Συλλαλητηρßου, συγκÝντρωση Ýλαβε χþρα στους Σφακιþτες. MετÝσχον εκεß συγκεντρωθÝντα üλα τα χωριÜ της ΛευκÜδος, πλην TσουκαλÜδων (λßγοι πÞγαν µÜλλον ως θεατÝς). Eκεß πÞγε ο υποµοßραρχος της XωροφυλακÞς ΞωµεριτÜκης και τους µßλησε, µÜλλον για να κερδßση καιρü, νÜρθη η δýναµη απü την ΠρÝβεζα. Tον συνÝλαβαν και τον ανÜγκασαν να κατεβÞ πεζüς αλλÜ δεν τον κακοποßησαν.

Tο απüγευµα της 30ης Σεπτεµβρßου τους µßλησαν διÜφοροι ρÞτορες. ¸νας εξ αυτþν Þταν ο Ξενοφþν Kοýρτης, υπÜλληλος του T.A.O.Λ.

Eκ µÝρους της KυβερνÞσεως εξηπατοýντο διÜ της µεθüδου της αναβολÞς απü τις 4 το απüγευµα στις 7 και απü τις 7 για το πρωÀ. Eν τω µεταξý εστÜλη δια νυκτüς κÜποιος υπενωµοτÜρχης (Λυκοýδης, εκ KÝρκυρας) εις ΠρÝβεζαν, ζητþν ενßσχυση. Eκεßθεν δια µÝσου Aκτßου εστÜλησαν 30 νεοσýλλεκτοι στρατιþτες κατÜ τη νýκτα. Tην πρωÀαν της 1ης Oκτωβρßου ωµßλησε εις τους συγκεντρωθÝντας εις την Πλατεßαν ΛευκÜδος ο παπÜς KτενÜς, εκ KαρυÜς, üστις þρισε ως τελευταßα προθεσµßα την 7η µ.µ. της αυτÞς ηµÝρας, προθεσµßα εντüς της οποßας θα απÞτουν τη λýση των ζητηµÜτων τους. Eις επßµονον απαßτησιν του πλÞθους να ορισθÞ προθεσµßα µÝχρι 4 µ.µ. απÜντησε «και ως τüτε και ως τις 7 τßποτε δεν θα γßνη». Tüτε το πλÞθος εξαγριωµÝνο þρµησε προς κατÜληψη της Aστυνοµßας. Oι 30 στρατιþτες üµως εßχαν καταλÜβει και οχυρωθÞ εις το µεταξý οικßας AρταβÜνη και Mπýρας Σßδερη (οικßα TσαρλαµπÜ) σοκÜκι, üπου εßχαν στÞσει πρüχειρο οδüφραγµα εκ λßθων. Oι στρατιþτες διετÜχθησαν να πυροβολÞσουν. Kαι εκεßνοι επυροβüλησαν µεν αλλÜ εις τον αÝρα. Tοýτο φαßνεται üτι εξþργισε τινÜ των χωροφυλÜκων (εκ του αναφερθÝντος Λυκοýδη) üστις αποταθεßς εις τινÜ στρατιþτην εξ Iωαννßνων νεοσýλλεκτο, της κλÜσεως 1935β, τον διÝταξε να πυροβολÞση. O στρατιþτης απÞντησε «¸λα εσý που εßσαι παλληκÜρι να τουφεκßσης στα ßσα» (ειρωνικþς). O χωροφýλαξ θυµþσας επυροβüλησε τον ατυχÞ στρατιþτην διÜ του πιστολßου και τον πÝτυχε εις το στüµα, της σφαßρας σταθεßσης εις τον λαιµüν του ατυχÞ. Oýτος µετεφÝρθη εις τον Nοσοκοµεßον, υπο δýο λοýστρων, µικρþν παιδιþν, καταλαιπωροýµενος. AλλÜ δýο εκ του πλÞθους ανÝλαβον τελικþς να τον µεταφÝρουν εις το Nοσοκοµεßο (ο Πρüεδρος της Kοινüτητος TσουκαλÜδων Eπαµ. PοντογιÜννης και ο Aγροφýλαξ Παýλ. ΣταµατÝλος). O στρατιþτης κατÜ τις πληροφορßες του ιατροý Kουκουλιþτου Nßκανδρου Þτο εκτüς αµÝσου κινδýνου, πλην τþρα που γρÜφω αυτÜ (3 Oκτωβρßου) πληροφοροýµαι üτι ο στρατιþτης απεβßωσε. Tο απüγευµα η κατÜσταση Þτο µÜλλον Þσυχος. H αστυνοµßα εßχε κλεισθÞ εις το TµÞµα. Tην µεσηµβρßαν üµως (δεν γνωρßζω ακριβþς πüτε) µßα επιτροπÞ αποτελοýµενη εκ των Ξεν. Γρηγüρη (ιατροý), Hλßα Bεργßνη και Θεüδωρο MαυροµÜτη, µετÝβη εις ΠρÝβεζαν ßνα συζητÞση µετÜ του ΦρουρÜρχου ΛαυρÜνου (Λευκαδßου) περß της καταστÜσεως και ζητÞσει την βοÞθειÜ του προς διευθÝτησιν της καταστÜσεως.

Tο απüγευµα επÝστρεψαν Üπαντες οι ανωτÝρω ως και ο ως Üνω Φροýραρχος µετÜ του διοικητοý XωροφυλακÞς Iωαννßνων, του συνταγµατÜρχη MελÜ. Mια µεγÜλη οµÜς πολιτþν (χωρικþν) µε üπλα µετÝβη εις παραλßαν ßνα εµποδßση την τυχüν αποβßβασιν στρατιωτþν εκ ΠρεβÝζης ερχοµÝνων, οχυρωθεßσα εις τα βαρÝλια του οßνου, που Þσαν εις τον µþλον, και ݵενον εκεß. H συνοδεßα των ανωτÝρω αξιωµατικþν εβÜδισε προς την Πλατεßα ΛευκÜδος, üπου εßχαν συγκεντρωθεß οι χωρικοß, οµοý µε πολλοýς επαγγελµατßες Λευκαδßους. Eνþ Ýνας ναýτης του Λιµεναρχεßου ΠρεβÝης µετÝβη απü οπßσθιο σοκÜκι εις την Aστυνοµßα και ενþ Üρχισε να οµιλÞ ο ιατρüς Γρηγüρης εκ του εξþστου της δηµαρχßας, ριπαß πολυβüλου (Þ οπλοπολυβüλου) ηκοýσθησαν, üπερ µετÝδωσε τον πανικüν εις τους κατοßκους. Aι βολαß ερρßφθησαν εκ του παραθýρου της Aστυνοµßας, του βλÝποντος δια του στενοý σοκακßου του µεταξý οικßας AρταβÜνη και Φαρµακεßου KαββαδÜ, εις την Πλατεßαν, εις τον τüπον της συγκεντρþσεως. Eφονεýθησαν δýο πολßτες (ο µαθητÞς Γεþργιος Pεκατσßνας, και Ýτερος εφονεýθη πυροβοληθεßς απü το οπßσθιο µÝρος του αστυνοµικοý τµÞµατος, ενþ ευρßσκετο εις τα προς τον µþλο σοκÜκια). Eπßσης, εκτüς των ανωτÝρω, εφονεýθησαν τινÝς, αγνοþ για την þρα πüσοι. Oι χωρικοß κατÝλαβον τα πÝριξ της Πλατεßας, πολιορκÞσαντες τους αστυνοµικοýς εις το TµÞµα των, αλλÜ εßχαν Ýλλειψη φυσιγγßων, καßτοι εßχον το πρωú εφοδιασθÞ οπωσδÞποτε, σπÜζοντες τα καταστÞµατα του ΣκεπετÜρη και Γρηγ. BλÜχου (TαµπÜρου). ¶λλοι εζητοýν βενζßνη ßνα θÝσουν πýρ εις το αστυνοµικü τµÞµα. Mερικοß αργüµισθοι εκτýπησαν τους χωρικοýς και τους κατεπρüδιδαν üλας τα κινÞσεις εις την αστυνοµßαν. Πολλοß χωρικοß Ýφυγαν διÜ τα χωριÜ των. ¶λλοι ݵενον. Tην νýκτα της 2ας προς την 3η Oκτωβρßου στρατüς εστÜλη απü IωÜννινα – ΠρÝβεζα – ¶ρτα και κατÝλαβον την ΛευκÜδα δια πολυβüλων και την απÝκλεισαν. ¼σοι χωρικοß ευρÝθησαν εκεß συνελÞφθησαν (απüγευµα 3ης Oκτωβρßου ηµÝρα Πݵπτη.

ΠΗΓΕΣ ΑΦΙΕΡΩΜΑΤΟΣ:

www.ionianpress.gr

www.kolivas.de

www.lefkadaslowguide.gr

Αρθρο της Μυρσßνης Τσßγκου στο www. lefkadaslowguide.gr

www.lefkaditikigi.gr

www. keosoe. gr/enoseiseas/lefkada/enosi_leykada.html

www.siflogo-lefkada.gr

www.vertzamo.gr

www.mylefkada.gr

kourtisgiorgos.blogspot.com

To Βιβλßο του Κωνσταντßνου Γ. ΘωμÜ "Οι ΤοπικÝς Ποικιλßες της ΛευκÜδας"`

www.tanea.gr

2012-12-28




Aeronautics

 

In the town of Lefkada you will find an Aeroclub operating from 1999. The official name of the club is “Aeroclub for aeronauts of Lefkada” and its aim is to spread the “athletics of the sky” and to contribute in the protection of national wealth.

Its members, except from the recreation flights with ultra light aircrafts, perform an important work for the society as volunteers of fire search, dealing with emergencies situation and aerial photography for the aims of General Secretariat for Civil Protection or the local authorities.

The Aeroclub, from its foundation, participates in all championship’s games, organised every year from the Hellenic Aeronautical and Airsport Federation supervised by the General Secretariat for Sports with a great number of successes.

The Aeroclub seats in the town of Lefkada and offers a hangar, a runway for take off and landing of 400 meters length and 20 meters width.

On the base of this runaway have been performing many aircrafts’s visit from abroad, which contribute to the international publicity of the island.

They have already been performed visits from Czehia, Italy, France and Germany. Many photos of the emergency runaway have been published in many specialised websites, with comments like “You could land to Lefkada, take your bath towel and walk 50 meters long to some of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters of Lefkada.

Aeroclub offers to the lovers of sky, magical summer holidays with a flight over the paradise island of Lefkada. If you fly high in the skies, you will definitely live an unforgettable experience full of beauty and dreams…

For those who wish to get more information regarding the way they could reach Lefkada by their private aircraft or arrange for a flight over the island, they should e-mail to skiadaresis@hol.gr or contact 6999902424.




Walking rides

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The mountainous area of Lefkada is full of canyons, ravines, springs, rich vegetation, rare flowers and scenic pathways ideal for long walks and excursions in the nature.

The pathways of Skaros Mountain with the beautiful forest of Velanidias, the Melissa Gorge in Sfakiotes, the canyon of Dimosari, the waterfalls of Nydri in a green and cool place and the forest of Dafnis in Sivros, will create a breathtaking excitement to those who will decide to explore Lefkada by taking a long walk.

Near Lefkada’s town, you could take magical walks around the Lagoon to the south side of Lekada’s town, the olive grove, Fryni and Apolpena to the monastery of Faneromenis.

 

 

Specifically, the most amazing walking rides of Lefkada are:

  1. From the village Chortata, to Stavrota (altitude 1.141 m) and the tableland of Englouvis.
  2. From the village Aghios Elias to Stavrota and the tableland of Englouvis
  3. From Englouvi to Aghios Donatos
  4. From Nikiana village to Skaros
  5. From Vlichos to the area of Geni and Aghia Kiriaki
  6. From Nydri to the canyon of Dimosari
  7. From Kavalos to the Melissa Gorge
  8. From Karya to the field of Karyas - H.C of Aghios Ioannis
  9. From Fryni of H.C of Faneromenis
  10. From Charadiatika to the Canyon of Alatros
  11. From Paleokatouna to Niochori
  12. From Vournika to the H.C of Aghios Ioannis in Rodaki
  13. From Sivros to the Cave of Karoucha
  14. From Marantochori to Amousa
  15. From Dragano to Gialos
  16. From Athani to Egremni
  17. From Aghios Petros to Roupakia
  18. From Spartochori of Meganissi to Aghios Ioannis
  19. From Katomeri of Meganissi to Atherinos
  20. Lefkada - Castle - Gira - Lefkada (a route including the lagoon in Lefkada’s municipality)
  21. From Kalamos to Episkopi

Information:
Helmut Karcher
Lefkada
31082 Fterno
Τel:2645095689 6934135513
E-mail: helmut@h-karcher.de
Web Site: www.h-karcher.de




Riding

 

In the plain of Vasilikis and in the olive grove of Lefkada’s town, you could find many riding schools, offering unforgettable horse rides.

Magical places for riding are the field of Vassilikis and Aghios Petros to Aghios Ioannis Rodaki, the lake of Marantochori, the area of Roupakia etc.
You could also ride to the magical pathways over the church of Aghios Ioannis Antzousis in the area of Aghios Ioannis next to the town of Lefkada.

Outside of Lefkada’s town, in the village of Apolpena, there is an area of 100 sq m with an organised riding farm where the lovers of Natural Horse Riding, could take lessons and enjoy the mountain and sea. The riding lessons last 45 minutes with aravanika Greek horses and include theory and exercises in a fenced place of 1 sq.m.

Full equipment is offered and a basic requirement for an inexperienced rider is the participation of the horse’s preparation.
Every ride lasts 3-4 hours, depending on the program.

 

The programs of the ride are basically 2:


Ride on the mountain: Apolpena - Melissa Gorge - Tsoukalades (Aghios Georgios) - Apolpena.
Ride on the sea: Apolpena - Fryni - Aghios Ioannis - Fryni - Apolpena

Informations

    • Aramis Farm,
      Apolpena of Lefkada (3km from town)
      Phone: 2645026190, 6938816164

 

  • "NIKOS" Farm, Drakodaeidis Nikolaos,
    Agios Petros of Lefkada
    Phone: 6947 951356
    Email: info@sdtech.gr



Parapente

 

Parapente name comes from the French word parachute and pent. It is the simplest way of flight.

The pilot takes off from a hill and uses the wind draughts in order to prolong his flight by gliding before landing.

In Lefkada, parapente is performed with a double parachute and an experienced pilot.

If you decide to live this experience, after your unforgettable flight, you should definitely land to Kathisma, one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.

Information
E-mail: skiadaresis@hol.gr or Tel no: 6999902424




Mountain Bike

 

The island offers and mountain bike experience. The inland of Lefkada is full of green colours with high mountains and scenic villages, magical pathways…

You could find many organised clubs all over the island, offering mountain bike experience. In the town of Lefkada, Nydri and Vassiliki, there are many bike rentals where you could find the necessary equipment for riding around the island.

With a simple bike or a mountain bike you could follow the riding pathway from the field of Vassiliki and Aghios Petros to Sivros, Kontarena, Lake of Marantochori and the mountainous ride of Athani, Chortata and Nikoli.

You could also ride to the Melissa Gorge in Sfakiotes, in the village of Charadiatika with its springs and its canyons, the canyon of Dimosari with its divine waterfalls, the forest of Dafnis and the springs of Kerasias in Sivros, ideal places for mountain bike.


Photos




Cycling

The island of Lefkada is a magical place for cycling.
Starting from the island’s capital, Lefkada, you can travel easily around the town and the suburbs. Ride around to the historic centre and to the paradise beaches close to town…

A unique ride of beauty is the round route of the lagoon from the Venetian Castle of Aghia Mavra, passing through the magnificent beaches of Gira, Mylous, Aghios Ioannis, around the town of Lefkada.

Also you could ride to the town’s olive grove down to the village of Fryni and the historic monastery of Faneromenis, located at the top of a hill continuing to Tsoukalades and Aghios Nikitas.

The island offers also, a mountain bike experience. The inland of Lefkada is full of green colours with high mountains, scenic villages and magical pathways…

You could find many organised clubs all over the island, offering mountain bike experience. In the town of Lefkada, Nydri and Vassiliki, there are many bike rentals where you could find the necessary equipment for cycling around the island.




Water sports - Games

 

16 km from the town of Lefkada, in cosmopolitan Nydri, you can find a well organised Water Sports Centre, with expertise, experience and complete modern equipment. You could learn waterskiing, paragliding over Skorpios island and try your efficiency in “puffy sports” like fly-fish, banana, crazy sofa, big mable etc.

On the south of the Island, at 38 klm from the city of Lefkada, lies the bay of Vassiliki, which apart from a surfers’ paradise it has on its West leeward side “lakelike conditions” during the whole day. These conditions are ideal for water skiing and wake board. On this side of the bay, in an environment where all safety rules are kept, there is a water sports center that initiates the visitors to the secrets of waterskiing and those of the wake board. Even those that are not sports fans can have fun with the tubes, the banana and the fly-fish or can see the bay from above and enjoy a unique experience with parasailing.




Diving

 

The underwater paradise world of Lefkada, offers unforgettable experiences to the lovers of diving.
Seated in Nikiana and Nydri, organised Diving centres are operating in Lefkada, arranging diving excursions. The diving centres offer all the diving opportunities with an escort of qualified divers and specialities: First dive, discover scuba, diving of any kind, first aid lessons. Together with these excursions, organise activities of: seaside cleaning, underwater cleaning, exploration of flora and fauna etc

For the comfort and the security of the students, offer, for those who have their own equipment, a secured place for the protection of private equipment.

If you wish to explore and enjoy, for the first time the magic of underwater world without being obliged to attend the full training program, you could attend lessons of diving in a pool, theory and sea diving.

During these courses, students gain important expertise and very useful information about the underwater flora and fauna of Mediterranean Sea and Lefkada.

Information

Phone/Fax: 26450 72105

Phone: 697 75 76 555

e-mail: ch.chalikias@lefkasdivingcenter.gr

Web site: www.lefkasdivingcenter.gr

 

Photos from " Lefkas Diving Center "

 




Sailling

 

Sailling Rally Ionian

 

The number of visitors enjoying the beauties of Lefkada by sail boat grows each year. The modern marina of Lefkada, can host 620 boats.

The island of Lefkada holds many pleasant surprises for the modern explorer, with its magnificent bays, traditional fish villages and its white sandy beaches accessible only by boat.

The Prigiponissia islands, opposite Nydri, with their central island Skorpios of Aristotle Onassis, excite with their uniqueness and natural beauty, those who prefer to sail. A little souther, Meganissi offers privacy with its thousands of bays forming fine small fiords.

 

Further south, you will find another 2 small islands, Kalamos and Kastos with breathtaking peaceful beaches and sea caverns.

The west of Lefkada offers unforgettable memories and excitement. Sandy beaches, small in length surrounded with pine trees, composing paradise.




Kite Surf

Myloi is the only registered beach exclusive to Kite Surfers. Situated right next to Agios Ioannis beach, it enjoys fantastic winds. The Kite Surf Open tournament is often hosted here. Adrenaline peaks, as the mistral wind blows and kite surfers reach 30-40 mph.

Kite surf sport

Kite surf is a combination of windsurfing, water ski, wakeboard and paragliding. It could, in a way, be the next evolutional step to windsurfing. The surfer uses a small board and navigates holding a boom, which is connected with long cables to the kite. The basic characteristic of kite surf is the addition of the 3rd dimension to sailing. The surfer can use the kite’s upward pull to perform high jumps and impressive manoeuvres.

This is what differentiates kite surf from the rest of the water sports, where the rider uses either the board’s pull (wakeboard or waterski) or the sail’s pull (windsurf) to manoeuvre in a limited fashion. Other water sports do not have the advantage of long cables (20-30meters) and a kite up in the air to pull the surfer upwards.

Kite surf’s advantages

The kite surfer does not have to chase the wind. From 2-3 bft someone could perform high jumps and impressive manoeuvres. At 15-30 metres above sea, where the kite flies, the wind blows 40% stronger than at sea level, giving to the surfer, the ability to kite with no apparent wind. Kite surf is quite easier than other water sports to master.

It takes about 2-3 hours with an instructor to learn the waterstart and begin to kite surf. Kite surf equipment is small in size and weight and less expensive than windsurfing equipment. The 4 line kites with the capacity of dewpower system are wide in use. One kite is equal to 3 windsurf sails in power delivered. Kite surf is the only sport offering the uniqueness of the 3rd dimension.

For more information about kite surf, please visit www.kitesurfing.gr




Wind Surf

During the summer months the Ionian Sea, is “cooled” by thermal winds (mistral). The winds together with the morphology of the area offer great statistics of wind and allow surfers to “take off” with new tricks and manoeuvres.

From midday on, both in Vassiliki and Agios Ioannis beaches, thermal winds increase steadily until late afternoon.

In Vassiliki the phenomenon is impressive. During mornings the closed bay area is ideal for beginners, since there are no waves and the water is quite shallow. After midday, the direction of the wind (Eric) changes and the sea becomes rough, giving the all clear for a wave fight. The wind statistics of this beach are impressive: May - 15 days of wind, June - 20, July - 25, August - 20, September - 15. Wind speed ranges from 4 to 7 and even 8 bft in good days. Vassiliki is an ideal surf place for slalom and freestyle of side shore conditions. There you will find many windsurfing schools and specialised shops.

Agios Ioannis beach, on the north side of the island, near Lefkada’s town, enjoys similar wind statistics offering different conditions water. Wave lovers will adore this beach. The waves are amazing for those who seek great excitement. We would also like to note that surf is an ideal sport for winter time.

You can find more information about the Wind Surf Festival held annually at Vassiliki, at www.vassiliki-watersports-festival.com .




Sports

 

Public and private sports facilities are available in Lefkada, for any kind of sport.

Important sports events are:

LEFKADA GREEN SEMI MARATHON

The 21,097m Green Semi Marathon takes place in Lefkada on the last Sunday of May each year. The route consists of 17 km around the lagoon of Lefkada which is protected by the Natura Treaty, and 5 km around the periphery of the town. A public 5km race for novice runners and walkers of all ages, and a 1,000m race for students take place at the same time as the Green Semi Marathon.

VASSILIKI WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL

The International Regatta and the Vassiliki Water Sports Festival take place every year in Vassiliki at the end of June. Athletes from Europe, the USA and Australia compete for 3 days in the Yacht, Catamaran, Windsurf & Laser Dinghy Classes, enjoying fantastic sailing in the beautiful bay of Vassiliki. Parallel events and happenings are not to be missed!


LEFKADA MOUNTAIN BIKE OPEN RACE

The LEFKADA MTB OPEN RACE, an open mountain bike race is organized every April. It takes place in and around the villages of Sfakiotes, at a 400m altitude, 9 km away from the town of Lefkada. The race begins and ends at the central square of Lazarata village. Each lap is about 17 km long and the total race is 35 km, all through forest paths, agricultural roads and village alleys.




Festivals of the island

 CULTURAL FESTIVALS 


MUNICIPALITY OF LEFKADA

Lefkada had been the first to present the institution of “Festivals of Speech and Art” (1955) and the International Folklore Festival (1962), which are still alive, developing the oldest Heptanisian tradition. These institutions have been embraced from the local society. Theatre, music, paintings and photos exhibitions, conferences, nights of poetry, concerts, ballet, serenades, varkarolas, chorus nights, combine every summer and strengthen the cultural tradition of Lefkada. In August, the streets are full of dancers from all over the world, dancing and singing in the central market of the town. The festivals offer to the audience, unforgettable memories. One of the most breathtaking had been the time that the great Maria Kallas, had performed in 1964.

MUNICIPALITY OF KARYA

The lentil festival in Aghios Donatos: In the church of Aghios Donatos, on the 7th of August, the well known festival, takes place. The housewives of the village cook in a traditional way the lentils of Englouvi, in huge pots and serve the guest together with olives and salted sardines. The representation of the Lefkaditian traditional wedding: The Lefkaditian wedding comes alive following all stages: match making, hair, yeasts, wedding ceremony, beds, and feast.

The festival of Riganada: It has been taking place since 1983 in the main square. Riganada is served to the people, a snack but very delicious and aromatic food. It’s wet traditional bread from the village with oil, salt and oregano.

MUNICIPALITY OF SFAKIOTES

Festivals of wines: have been taking place since 1983, every August in the main square of Frya with the homonym historic well. The festivals are offering nights of folklore, demotic music, dance and exhibitions of local traditional products and folklore handicraft

Ta Ai Gianniou ta Lamparda: The festival has been taking place every year on the 24th of June in Pinakochori village. The festival presents customs, folklore and demotic music.

MUNICIPALITY OF MEGANISSI

The feast of sardine: Organised at the end of July, in the square of Vathi, with a traditional orchestra, roasted fishes, mainly sardines and plenty of local wine.

Chess night: Organised at the beginning of August in Katomeri- in the main square or in Spartochori, former building of KEFO, with the participation of one chess expert.

MUNICIPALITY OF APOLLONIA

Folklore: threshing, representation of ceramic south Lefkaditians tiles.

MUNICIPALITY OF ELLOMENOS

Folklore and customs of Katochori

 

2009 Summer Celebration Program

 

2006 Celebration Program

E-mail: info@lefkasculturalcenter.gr
WebSite: www.lefkasculturalcenter.gr




Festivals of Speech and Art

The festivals of Speech and Art have been first organised in 1955. The planning, organisation and the performance are developed by the Cultural Centre of Lefkada. The programme includes all forms of art. All the performances have been taking place in the summer time. Together with the Athens Festival is one of the oldest cultural institutions of Greece.

During these years, many well known foreign musical groups and chorus, composers, solists and bands have been performing. In August of 1964, the great Maria Kallas sang and amazed everyone.

Maria Kallas

 

Κallas & Onasis

 

In theatre, the most well known Greek and foreign companies have been performing. In literature and speech, many well known poets, lyrics, novelist, critics of art, scientists, researchers have been participating.

In dance, many Greek and foreign groups have presented their work. New millennium, met the “Festivals of Speech and art” in its 50th year of life. A very long progress with a cultural action and the highest service of spiritual quality.

Institution of “Festivals of Speech and Art” had been an influence that gave a wide recognition to the island, placing it as one of first cultural chapters of Greece.

Today, at the beginning of the new millennium, we aim at the continuous upgrade of the festivals and seek of alternative ways to constitute a solid and modern infrastructure.

The Festivals of Speech and Art are a well know, established cultural institution and a creative basis of cultural offer.

Information
Cultural Centre of Lefkada’s Municipality
1, Aggelou Sikelianou & Nikou Svoronou, 31100 Lefkada
Tel no: 2645026635, 26711 Fax: 2645026715
E-mail : lefkasf@otenet.gr, info@lefkasculturalcenter.gr
WebSite: www.lefkasculturalcenter.gr




International Folklor Festival

International Folklore Festival has been organising for 45 years. It’s an institution that promotes, since its foundation in 1952 from Antonis Tzevelekis until nowdays, the idea of peace, friendship, fraternity and solidarity of the people worldwide, with folklore forms of art, dance and music. This is achieved with the rich tradition and the recognised folklore codes of expression and communication.
International Folklore Festival of Lefkada is the most ancient cultural constitution of our country, in dance and music of the traditional heritage worldwide with Pan Hellenic and international recognition.

From the language of fantasy and creativity, people of the world meet for 45 continuous years, in August, in Lefkada exchanging their precious heritage: The creations of spiritual and artistic expressions according to their tradition. In order to continue, and from the language of creation and cooperation, do have the right to be different.

Art softens the political, economical and cultural differences. The Festival takes place on the last week of August (from a Sunday to Sunday), starting with a huge parade of peace and friendship, the evening opening celebration (1st Sunday) with the few minutes presentation of the groups, their formal presentation, during week and the magnificent ending ceremony, the exchanges of gifts and the dance of peace.

Participations:

For the last 4 decades, in Folklore Festival have participated hundreds of groups from all over Europe and Greece. We could mention thousands of foreign and local artists: dancers, musicians, singers etc.

 

Volunteer work:
For the procedure of organisation hundreds of young people from the town of Lefkada, 15-18 years old participate as interpreters, escorts, guides.

Festival’s areas:
1962-1982: Main Square
1983-1989: Marka’s square
1989-1998: Castle of Agias Mavras in Lefkada
1999-2002: West Coast - Cultural Centre
2002-up to date - to the courtyard of the Primary School of Lefkada

Festival’s organisers (1962- up to date)
1962-1965’s commission - Association of Lefkaditians, Orpheous of Lefkada, Municipality of Lefkada, eminent people of Lefkada.
Person in charge: Antonis Tzevelekis
1966-1967 Hellenic Organisation of Tourism
1968-1973 Municipality of Lefkada
Person in charge for the programme: Giannis Athiniotis
1974 It didn’t take place because of Cyprus incidents
1975-1978 Municipality of Lefkada
Person in charge: Antonis Tzevelekis
1979- up to date Cultural Centre of Lefkada’s Municipality

Information
Cultural Centre of Lefkada’s Municipality
1, Aggelou Sikelianou & Nikou Svoronou, 31100 Lefkada
Tel no: 2645026635, 26711, Fax 2645026715
E-mail: lefkasf@otenet.gr, info@lefkasculturalcenter.gr
WebSite: www.lefkasculturalcenter.gr




Traditional Recipes

You can taste the traditional recipes of Lefkada:




Local traditional products

TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS OF LEFKADA

The wines of Lefkada

 

A very important part of the cultural heritage of Lefkada is its traditional cuisine and its traditional products.

Honey from thyme which grows in Dragano and Athani, pasteli and mantolato, soumada( refreshment from bitter almond), liqueur like rozoli, mint, rose, traditional ladopitta (oil pie), ladokouloura (oil rolls), oil from the perennial olives, avgotaracho from lagoon’s ivari, white and red wine are products from the land of Lefkada.

A variety of “berjami”

 

Especially, wine which is produced from a rare variety of “berjami” or barzamino, (which was probably brought from Venetians in 1684) and cultivated in the Municipality of Sfakiotes, Karya, Apollon and Ellomenos of 200 m to 700 m altimeter, is considered one of the best varieties of our country.

Other varieties of Lefkaditian wine is giomatari, black sweet, keropati, white and lagkero, soft and mild wine. The viniculture from ancient years was one of the most profitable and favorite agricultural occupations, mainly on the highlands and less on the plain side of the island. Many ancient writers were referring to the Lefkaditian wine like, Plinios, the senior (23-79 bc) and Athineos (160-250 ac) in his work “Deipnosophistae”.

Soumada

 

In Lefkada, the Union of Agricultural Association was founded in 1915 with the name TAOL, offering exclusively products from Lefkada like red and white wines produced mainly from the grape varieties “Vardea” and “Berjami” as well as the finest virgin olive oil.

 

 

Traditional products of Lefkada

 

 

The visitor is astonished by the local handicrafts, textiles and well known Lefkaditian needleworks of unique beauty. Karya’s needleworks, well known as “Karsaniki velonia” (stitch) are exquisite, with a special artistry compared with any other place in Greece. It is an art created exclusively from the women of Karya, which was also took its name.

You can, as well admire the knitting of dentelle usually white in different sizes, even for blankets with designs, originated from the Byzantine period.

The fishes and the sea products of Ionian Sea are also of the finest quality.




ÐáñáäïóéáêÝò ÓõíôáãÝò

 ΠαρακÜτω μπορεßτε να πÜρετε μια γεýση απü παραδοσιακÝς συνταγÝς της ΛευκÜδας:




Ôï óáëÜìé ËåõêÜäïò êáé ôá ìõóôéêÜ ôïõ

Του Ηλßα Π. ΓεωργÜκη

ΤΟ ΜΥΣΤΙΚΟ: Το μικροκλßμα της ΛευκÜδας δßνει το μοναδικü Üρωμα και τη γεýση στο σαλÜμι αÝρος (¼λη η διαδικασßα για την παρασκευÞ του σαλαμιοý στο www.delimari.gr).

Το σαλÜμι ΛευκÜδας καθιερþθηκε πλÝον ως Ýνα βιοτεχνικü προúüν διεθνοýς φÞμης στους κýκλους της γευσιγνωσßας και των ντελικατÝσεν. Και ασφαλþς -μαζß με τις περßφημες φακÝς ΕγκλουβÞς- εßναι Ýνα απü τα πιο αντιπροσωπευτικÜ προúüντα της ΛευκÜδας. Εßναι Ýνας πεντανüστιμος μεζÝς. Οι μερακλÞδες κüβουν λεπτÝς φÝτες σαλαμιοý για να συνοδεýσουν το κρασß, το οýζο Þ το τσßπουρο. Επßσης, για κολατσιü συνδυÜζεται υπÝροχα με ντομÜτα, τυρß, λÜδι και ρßγανη Þ σε σÜντουιτς μαζß με Üλλα υλικÜ.

 

Η πατÝντα θεωρεßται ΙταλικÞ και εικÜζεται üτι μεταφÝρθηκε απü τους κατοßκους του Burano της Ιταλßας οι οποßοι μετοßκησαν τη ΛευκÜδα και Þταν οι πρþτοι που το παρÞγαγαν.

Οι κρεοπþλες φτιÜχνουν το φημισμÝνο σαλÜμι αÝρος και λουκÜνικα απü χοιρινü. Το σαλÜμι ΛευκÜδος, με ελαφρý Üρωμα σκüρδου και ολüκληρους κüκκους πιπεριοý, ταξßδευε απü παλιÜ και Ýξω απü το νησß.

Η διαδικασßα ξεκινÜ με την αποστÝωση του φρÝσκου χοιρινοý κρÝατος και με την παραδοσιακÞ απονεýρωση και απολßπωση «με το χÝρι». Με αυτü τον τρüπο το κρÝας γßνεται κιμÜς οπüτε ξεκινÜ η ζýμωση με κυβÜκια λßπους, αλÜτι, πιπÝρι, σκüρδο, ζÜχαρη και νιτρικÜ Üλατα και στη συνÝχεια με το μεßγμα που δημιουργεßται γεμßζονται τα Ýντερα. Το σαλÜμι εßναι φυσικÞς ωρßμανσης οπüτε στη συνÝχεια τα Ýντερα κρεμιοýνται για να ωριμÜσουν για διÜστημα 8 Ýως 18 ημερþν, ανÜλογα τη διÜμετρο και τις καιρικÝς συνθÞκες.

ΣυστατικÜ:
Νωπü χοιρινü κρÝας 80 %, λßπος χοιρινü, αλÜτι, πιπÝρι, σκüρδο, ζÜχαρη. Αντιοξειδωτικü: ερυθορβικü νÜτριο. Ενισχυτικü γεýσης: γλουταμινικü μονονÜτριο.

ΣυντηρητικÜ:
Νιτρþδες νÜτριο, νιτρικü κÜλιο. Το σαλÜμι διατηρεßται στους 4 – 15 βαθμοýς Κελσßου της συντÞρησης για 4 μÞνες üταν εßναι συσκευασμÝνο αεροστεγþς και για 3 μÞνες σε μορφÞ χýμα (üχι σε αεροστεγÞ συσκευασßα) τυλιγμÝνο με χαρτß κουζßνας και αλουμινüχαρτο.

Και στις δýο περιπτþσεις μπορεß να συντηρηθεß στην κατÜψυξη για 1 Ýτος.

Ο Ηλßας ΜαμαλÜκης για το σαλÜμι ΛευκÜδας

ΠατÞστε εδþ

ΣΗΜ: Οι ενδιαφερüμενοι μποροýν να προμηθευτοýν το σαλÜμι ΛευκÜδας απü τα σοýπερ μÜρκετ Þ με παραγγελßα (με αντικαταβολÞ) σε μια απü τις 4 παρακÜτω παραδοσιακÝς βιοτεχνßες που λειτουργοýν στη ΛευκÜδα:

1. ΣΑΛΑΜΙ ΝΤΕΛΗΜΑΡΗ

ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟ
Διεýθυνση: Φýσσες ΛευκÜδας, 31100 ΛευκÜδα
ΤηλÝφωνο: 26450 29444
Fax: 26450 29454
Web-site: www.delimari.gr
E-mail: info@delimari.gr

ΠΡΑΤΗΡΙΟ
Διεýθυνση: 8ης Μεραρχßας 2, 31100 ΛευκÜδα
ΤηλÝφωνο: 26450 23431

2. ΑλλαντοποιÀα «Δ. ΠΟΛΥΧΡΟΝΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Α.Ε.»

Φýσσες – ΛευκÜδας
Τηλ. Παραγγελßας / Fax: 26450 21092

Κεντρικü ΚατÜστημα ΛευκÜδος:
Ι. ΜελÜ 180, ΛευκÜδα
Τηλ. Παραγγελßας: 26450 22424

ΥποκατÜστημα Αθηνþν (χονδρικÞ διÜθεση):
Γ. Κολοκοτρþνη 42 & ΜινιÜκ, ΚουκÜκι
Τηλ. Παραγγελßας / Fax: 210 9249375
e-mail: dpolych@otenet.gr

3. ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΙΑΚΗ ΑΛΛΑΝΤΟΠΟΙÚΑ «ΜΠΑΛΩΜΕΝΟΣ»

ΥΠΕΥΘΥΝΟΣ: ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΛΑΚΑΣΗΣ
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4. ΑΛΛΑΝΤΟΠΟΙÚΑ «ΙΩΒ ΜΑΛΑΚΑΣΗΣ»

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ΠΡΟΔΡΟΜΟΣ & ΘΩΜΑΣ ΜΑΛΑΚΑΣΗΣ Ο.Ε.

ΠηγÞ: Ηλßας Π. ΓεωργÜκης




Ëåõêáäßôéêç êïõæßíá ôïõ Çëßá ÃåùñãÜêç

Λευκαδßτικη κουζßνα

 

ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΘΗΚΕ: ΠαρασκευÞ 02 Σεπτεμβρßου 2011

 

¸τσι- και λüγω δουλειÜς- Ýχω μια εμπειρßα γευσιγνωσßας, διαπιστþνοντας οτι οι ταβÝρνες που αξßζουν με σýγκριση ποιüτητας-τιμþν στην Αθηνα-ΠειραιÜ, ειναι μετρημÝνες στα δÜχτυλα. ΦυσικÜ το ßδιο ισχýει και στη ΛευκÜδα οπου(ευτυχως) κρατÜει ακüμη μια ποιüτητα και λογικÝς τιμÝς παρüλο την τουριστικÞ εισβολÞ. Το θÝμα μας πÜντως, σημερα, ειναι η Λευκαδßτικη κουζßνα.
 
 

Και αρχßζω με μια δÞλωση του Ηλßα ΜαμαλÜκη (το 2008): ''Η ΛευκÜδα εßναι Ýνα ιδιüμορφο νησß, εßναι και δεν εßναι νησß. ¸χει ßσως τις τρεις καλýτερες παραλßες της Μεσογεßου, του κüσμου ολüκληρου, με μια ποιüτητα τοπßου μοναδικÞ. Εßναι αλÞθεια üμως üτι γευστικÜ δεν σηκþνει κÜτι κοσμοπολßτικο. Απü την Üλλη ο καθημερινüς επισκÝπτης δεν μπορεß να βρει εδþ παραδοσιακÜ φαγητÜ εκτüς ολßγων εξαιρÝσεων. Αυτü που πιστεýω üτι χαρακτηρßζει ßσως γευστικÜ την ΛευκÜδα εßναι μüνο το σαλÜμι. ¸χετε βÝβαια και εξαιρετικÝς φακÝς που τις μαγειρεýετε με τον δικü σας τρüπο και κοστßζουν πιο πολý και απü το κρÝας. Πιστεýω üτι το θÝμα της κουζßνας θÝλει λßγο προσοχÞ. ¸χουν συνηθßσει στην υπÜρχουσα κατÜσταση και δýσκολα γßνονται αλλαγÝς».

Αυτα λÝει ο Ηλßας ΜαμαλÜκης -τον οποßο η ΛευκÜδα πρεπει να τον ευγνωμονεß για τις φοβερÝς τηλεοπτικÝς εκπομπÝς του για το νησß. Και απορþ κι εγω γιατß οι τοπικÝς ταβÝρνες δεν εχουν λευκαδßτικα φαγητÜ. Για παρÜδειγμα ο μπακαλιÜρος μπιÜνκο αλλα και οι σουπιÝς με πατÜτες στην κατσαρüλα μαζι με το χταπüδι γιουβÝτσι ειναι καταπληκτικÜ πιÜτα τα οποßα ομως δεν σερβßρονται στη ΛευκÜδα. Οπως δεν σερβßρονται üστρακα, αχινοσαλÜτα αλλα και γουβιοß αυγοκομÝνοι. Ειδη που μας γυρßζουν στην παιδικη μας ηλικßα και τωρα τα απολαμβÜνουμε στην περιφημη ψαροταβÝρνα του ´Κολλια'' στην ΑθÞνα μαζι με ζαργÜνες, χÝλια, γουβιοýς, αυγοτÜραχο, φοýσκες, χÜβαρα, πετροσωλÞνες αλλα και πßνες.
 
 
 
Και... αφÞνω την εκλεκτÞ Λευκαδßτισσα Εýη ΒουτσινÜ (μαγεßρισσα–συγγραφÝας) να ξετυλßξει τη δικÞ της Üποψη για την Λευκαδßτικη κουζßνα:

'' Η παραδοσιακÞ μαγειρικÞ της ΛευκÜδας ασκοýνταν αδιÜλειπτα σε üλο το νησß μÝχρι και τη δεκαετßα του ’60. ΜÝχρι τüτε η επικοινωνßα με την υπüλοιπη ΕλλÜδα Þταν δýσκολη και συνεπþς η μαγειρικÞ στηριζüταν στα τοπικÜ προúüντα. ΚαταρχÜς, πρÝπει να διακρßνουμε τη μαγειρικÞ της χþρας (της πüλη της ΛευκÜδας) απ’ αυτÞ των χωριþν. Στην πüλη οι κÜτοικοι Þταν ψαρÜδες, μικροÝμποροι, επαγγελματßες στην πλειονüτητÜ τους και δεν εßχαν δικÝς τους καλλιÝργειες.

Τα υλικÜ του μαγειρÝματος, üπως και το ψωμß, τα αγüραζαν. Μüνο Ýνας μικρüς αριθμüς αρχüντων (μεγαλÝμποροι και κτηματßες) εßχε μεγαλýτερες δυνατüτητες επιλογÞς. Στα χωριÜ τα νοικοκυριÜ Ýπρεπε να εßναι αυτÜρκη, εφüσον οýτε μαγαζιÜ υπÞρχαν οýτε χρÞματα. Οι αγρüτες χωρικοß πουλοýσαν τα προúüντα της παραγωγÞς τους Þ τα αντÜλλασσαν με Üλλα. Κýριο προúüν του νησιοý εßναι το λÜδι (50% των καλλιεργοýμενων εδαφþν).

Επßσης, παρÜγεται καλü κρασß απü ντüπιες ποικιλßες αμπÝλου και λßγα δημητριακÜ – σιτÜρι κυρßως που μüλις επαρκοýσε για το ψωμß. ΕπειδÞ το νησß εßναι ορεινü με ελÜχιστα επßπεδα σημεßα, οι καλλιÝργειες γßνονται σε αναβαθμοýς (σκÜλες), που υποστηρßζονται με πÝτρινες λιθιÝς οι οποßες δßνουν μια χαρακτηριστικÞ ομορφιÜ στο τοπßο. Συγχρüνως, αποκλεßουν και τη δυνατüτητα οποιασδÞποτε μηχανικÞς καλλιÝργειας. Λüγω του περιορισμÝνου εδÜφους και της Ýλλειψης νεροý οι καλλιÝργειες λαχανικþν εßναι πολý περιορισμÝνες. Το ßδιο ισχýει και για τα üσπρια. ΣυνÞθως μαγειρεýουν χλωρÜ τα κουκιÜ, τα φασολÜκια και τα αμπελοφÜσουλα κ.λπ. και ξεραßνουν τα υπüλοιπα τον χειμþνα. Στο οροπÝδιο της ΕγκλουβÞς, σε Ýνα τοπßο μοναδικοý κÜλλους, υπÜρχουν τα αλωνÜκια της φακÞς. Τüσο στην ΕγκλουβÞ üσο και σε üλη τη ΛευκÜδα, τη φακÞ τη μαγειρεýουν με σκüρδα και ρßγανη και την κÜνουν πηχτÞ σαν κρÝμα. Τα λαχανικÜ εßναι λßγα αλλÜ νüστιμα. Μαγειρεýονται με πολλοýς τρüπους, κυρßως üμως γßνονται λαδερÜ. Στα χωριÜ, üπου το λÜδι προÝρχεται απü την οικιακÞ παραγωγÞ, συχνÜ προσθÝτουν και λßγο «ωμü» σε κÜθε πιÜτο.
 

Στην ουσßα, η θρεπτικüτητα του λαδιοý εξισορροπεß την Ýλλειψη σε ζωικÝς τροφÝς. Στη χþρα τα λαχανικÜ αγορÜζονται απü τα μανÜβικα Þ απü τους πλανüδιους που, με γαúδουρÜκι φορτωμÝνο με κοφßνια, περνοýν απü τα σοκÜκια διαλαλþντας την πραμÜτεια τους. Πρüκειται κυρßως για παραγωγοýς με περιβüλια γýρω απü τη χþρα. Τα Üγρια χüρτα εßναι Üφθονα τον χειμþνα λüγω των ατÝλειωτων βροχþν. Στα χωριÜ τα μαζεýουν μüνες τους οι γυναßκες, ενþ στη χþρα κυρßως τα προμηθεýονται απü τις ΒλÜχες ΣαρακατσÜνες που ξεχειμωνιÜζουν με τα κοπÜδια τους στον ¶γιο Νικüλαο της Ακαρνανßας και Ýρχονται στη ΛευκÜδα περπατþντας με τα χüρτα φορτωμÝνα σ’ Ýνα μεγÜλο τσουβÜλι στην πλÜτη τους.

Οι πßτες στην πüλη δεν εßναι τüσο συνηθισμÝνες, ενþ στα χωριÜ αποτελοýν Ýνα συνηθισμÝνο και εýκολο φαγητü. Εκτüς απü τη λαχανüπιτα με μυρωδÜτα Üγρια χüρτα, αξιοσημεßωτες εßναι η ρυζüπιτα, η μακαρονüπιτα (με αυγÜ, γÜλα, λÜδι και τυρß) και το μπριÜνι, μια πßτα απü χοντρÜ πρÜσινα κολοκýθια. Χüρτα βραστÜ Þ κουνουπßδι Þ λÜχανο μαζß με τηγανητÜ λιανþματα (μικρÜ ψÜρια) εßναι Ýνα πολý δημοφιλÝς και εýκολο φαγητü. Τα ψÜρια εßναι Üφθονα, κυρßως στη χþρα üπου εκτüς απü τη θÜλασσα υπÜρχει και το ιβÜρι με σημαντικÞ παραγωγÞ εκλεκτþν ψαριþν. Μαýρες σκορπßνες βραστÝς με το ζουμÜκι τους και μπüλικο κρεμμýδι, ψαρüσουπες, χÝλια στο φοýρνο με κρεμμýδια και δαφνüφυλλα, παλαμßδες Þ μουξινÜρια με σκüρδο, πατατοýλες και ρßγανη στον φοýρνο και στερÜδι (αρσενικüς μεγÜλος κÝφαλος του ιβαριοý) μαγειρευτü με λαδολÝμονο τον χειμþνα και αγουρßδα το καλοκαßρι, εßναι μερικÜ απü τα πιο νüστιμα πιÜτα! Απü το θηλυκü του κÝφαλου παρÜγεται το αυγοτÜραχο. ΨÜρια και θαλασσινÜ απολαμβÜνουν üλα τα παρÜλια χωριÜ, ενþ εßναι πιο σπÜνια στα ορεινÜ.

Ο παστüς μπακαλιÜρος και οι παστÝς σαρδÝλες υπÜρχουν παντοý, καθþς εßναι αγαπημÝνη λιχουδιÜ üλων των κατοßκων. Τα θαλασσινÜ μαλÜκια και τα üστρακα εßναι ιδιαßτερα γευστικÜ: ΣουπιÝς μαγειρεμÝνες με το μελÜνι τους γαρνιρισμÝνες με ρýζι, μακαρüνια Þ πατÜτες, χταπüδια μαγειρευτÜ Þ ψητÜ στον φοýρνο, καλαμαρÜκια μαγειρευτÜ με ρýζι Þ τηγανητÜ. ¼στρακα, μýδια, χÜβαρα (αχιβÜδες) και καποσÜντοι (χτÝνια) συνÞθως με ρýζι αφθονοýν την περßοδο της ΜεγÜλης ΣαρακοστÞς. Τα üστρακα οι ντüπιοι τα προμηθεýονται και απü την ΠρÝβεζα, απü την εκλεκτÞ παραγωγÞ του Αμβρακικοý, ενþ Üλλα θαλασσινÜ, üπως αχινοß, προσφορßτοι κ.λπ. καταναλþνονται μüνο ως ορεκτικÜ, üταν υπÜρχουν στην αγορÜ του νησιοý, μια και δεν εßναι εýκολο να καλýψουν τις ανÜγκες μιας πολυμελοýς οικογÝνειας. Τα φροýτα εßναι λιγοστÜ, ανÜλογα με την εποχÞ. Θα βρεßτε σýκα και την ντüπια ποικιλßα των επιτραπÝζιων σταφυλιþν «πατρινü», μπüλικα κυδþνια και αμýγδαλα, ελÜχιστα üμως εσπεριδοειδÞ, κυρßως στον κÜμπο του Νυδριοý. Επßσης, ιδιαßτερα γευστικÞ εßναι μια ειδικÞ ποικιλßα αχλαδιοý (οι ονÜδες) με καφÝ και ζουμερÞ σÜρκα, κÜποια ορεινÜ μÞλα και τα μικρÜ μυρωδÜτα πεπüνια που Ýρχονται απü την ΠερατιÜ και την ΠλαγιÜ (την απÝναντι κοντινÞ ακτÞ της Ακαρνανßας) με το μονüξυλο, λüγω Ýλλειψης δρüμου. Ευπρüσδεκτο δþρο για τα παιδιÜ παλιÜ Þταν οι μπανÜνες που Ýφερναν οι μεγÜλοι απü την ΑθÞνα. Τα κρεατικÜ μαγειρεýονταν κατÜ κανüνα με ζυμαρικÜ, ρýζι και πατÜτες Þ ως σοýπες.

Στα χωριÜ το κρÝας καταναλþνεται σπανιüτερα απü ü,τι στη χþρα üπου υπÜρχουν κρεοπωλεßα και μπορεß κανεßς να το αγορÜσει üποτε θÝλει. Οι κρεοπþλες φτιÜχνουν το φημισμÝνο σαλÜμι αÝρος και λουκÜνικα απü χοιρινü. Το σαλÜμι ΛευκÜδος, με ελαφρý Üρωμα σκüρδου και ολüκληρους κüκκους πιπεριοý, ταξßδευε απü παλιÜ και Ýξω απü το νησß. Στα χωριÜτικα σπßτια Ýχουν πολλÝς φορÝς δυο-τρεις κατσßκες και καμßα προβατßνα για το γÜλα των παιδιþν και το τυρß του σπιτιοý. Για οργανωμÝνη κτηνοτροφßα δεν μποροýμε να μιλÞσουμε.

Μüνο στο οροπÝδιο, στους ΣκÜρους, υπÞρχαν μικρÜ κοπÜδια, αλλÜ η παραγωγÞ τους ßσα που καλýπτει τις τοπικÝς ανÜγκες. Εκτüς απü τα κεφαλοτýρια μπορεß να βρει κανεßς και σφÞνα στα μπακÜλικα της πüλης, Ýναν τýπο (πρüβειας κυρßως) φÝτας απü την απÝναντι ακτÞ. Στα χωριÜ δεν υπÜρχει η πολυτÝλεια του ζαχαροπλαστεßου! ΠÜραυτα, τα σπßτια Ýχουν üλο τον χρüνο πετιμÝζι, σουτζοýκια, λιαστÝς μουσταλευριÝς και συκομαγßδες, πßτες απü ξερÜ σýκα με αμýγδαλα και μπαχαρικÜ που τις κρατοýν τυλιγμÝνες σε αμπελüφυλλα. Στη χþρα, εκτüς απü τα καφενεßα üπου μπορεß κανεßς να βρει και γλυκÜ του ταψιοý, υπÜρχουν δýο τοπικÜ ζαχαροπλαστεßα με εξαßρετα γλυκÜ, μπακλαβÜ, κανταÀφι, γαλακτομποýρεκο, κοπενχÜγη, αμυγδαλüπιτα και πολλÜ Üλλα ηδονικÜ αλλÜ και αυθεντικÜ κωκ, που üποιος τα δοκßμασε τα Ýχει αποθησαυρßσει στη μνÞμη της καρδιÜς. Τυπικü αναψυκτικü αποτελεß η σουμÜδα (συμπυκνωμÝνο σιρüπι απü πικραμýγδαλα) που δροσßζει τους περιπÜτους του κυριακÜτικου απογεýματος μαζß με τα αρωματισμÝνα με κüλιαντρο παξιμαδÜκια.

Το παστÝλι με αμýγδαλα και το μαντολÜτο (νουγκÜ) με μÝλι και αμýγδαλα εßναι αποκλειστικüτητα των κουρÝων, καθþς τα φτιÜχνουν οι ßδιοι και η συνταγÞ τους παραμÝνει επτασφρÜγιστο μυστικü. Τα πουλοýν τυλιγμÝνα σε σελοφÜν, Ýξω απü τα κουρεßα, σε μαρμÜρινο τραπεζÜκι, αραδιασμÝνα μÝσα σε γυÜλες, σε δυο μεγÝθη. Εν συντομßα αξßζει να αναφερθοýμε και στα μικροπρÜγματα που πωλοýνται στην πüλη της ΛευκÜδας ως σνακ. Τον χειμþνα μπορεß κανεßς να βρει μικρÜ βρασμÝνα καβοýρια απü το ιβÜρι, ζεστÜ γεμÜτα αυγÜ.

Την Üνοιξη, βρασμÝνες μικροýτσικες Üγριες αγγινÜρες, τις κουκοýτσες. Το καλοκαßρι εκτüς απü τα γνωστÜ πανελληνßως ψητÜ καλαμπüκια, μπορεß κανεßς να αγορÜσει μικρÜ ματσÜκια απü ρεβιθιÝς με χλωρÜ καταπρÜσινα ρεβßθια εδþ κι εκεß. ΚαταλÞγοντας, θα Þθελα να σημειþσω üτι η ΛευκÜδα με το ιδιαßτερο τοπßο και το μοναδικü φως της, που το ýμνησαν ο Σικελιανüς και ο Βαλαωρßτης, Ýχει μια Ýντονη γευστικÞ ταυτüτητα, ανÜλογη με την πνευματικÞ και λαúκÞ παρÜδοσÞ της''. Αυτα εγραψε η Ευη ΒουτσινÜ με το εκπληκτικü της βιβλßο για τα Λευκαδιτικα μαγειρÝματα.
 
 
 
. Και ιδου τωρα μερικÝς απü τις παραδοσιακÝς συνταγÝς και γεýσεις της ΛευκÜδας:

•ο κüκκορας μακαρονÜδα

•το φρυγαδÝλι (συκþτι στην σοýβλα)

•τα λαδοκοýλουρα

•η αλιÜδα (σκορδαλιÜ)

•τα λαθßρια (Þ λαθοýρια)

•η σαλαμοýρα

•οι κολοκυθοκορφÜδες (κολοκυθοανθοß με σκüρδο, πατÜτες και ντομÜτα)

•τα τσιγαρßδια (ποικιλßα απü χüρτα, τσιγαριστÜ)

•ο βακαλÜος βραστüς με πατÜτες και κρεμμýδια (μπακαλιÜρος ΜπιÜνκο)

•η ριγανÜδα (βρεγμÝνο ψωμß με ρßγανη, αλÜτι και λÜδι/ξýδι)

•η αυγüπιτα (πßτα με αυγÜ και τυρß)

•το σοφιγÜδο (μοσχαρßσιο κρÝας με κυδþνια)

•το σαβüρο (ψÜρια με σταφßδες)

•το κυδωνüπαστο (γλυκü κυδþνι με αμýγδαλα)

•η χαβαρüσουπα (χÜβαρα - εßδος αχιβÜδας - με ρýζι)

•η μαριδüπιτα

•σουπιÝς με σπανÜκι

•κουνÝλι στιφÜδο

ΜερικÜ απü τα τοπικÜ και παραδοσιακÜ προúüντα της ΛευκÜδας εßναι τα εξÞς:

•η λαδüπιτα (χουσμερß), λευκαδßτικη πßτα με κýρια συστατικÜ το αλεýρι και το λÜδι, χρησιμοποιεßται και την ΠρωτοχρονιÜ ως παραδοσιακÞ Βασιλüπιτα.

•το ροζολß, πρüκειται για Ýνα λικÝρ σε κßτρινη απüχρωση

•οι φακÝς ΕγκλουβÞς, που παρÜγονται στο ομþνυμο ορεινü χωριü της ΛευκÜδας

•το σαλÜμι και τα λουκÜνικα ΛευκÜδος

•μÝλι απü θυμÜρι, που παρÜγεται στα χωριÜ ΑθÜνι και ΔρÜγανο στον δρüμο προς την παραλßα Πüρτο Κατσßκι

•παστÝλια και μαντολÜτα

•σουμÜδα, πρüκειται για αναψυκτικü με πικραμýγδαλο

•ελαιüλαδο

•κρασß απü την σπÜνια ποικιλßα σταφυλιþν Βερτζαμß

•αβγοτÜραχο, απü το ιβÜρι της λιμνοθÜλασσας
 
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ΛΕΥΚΑΔΙΤΙΚΕΣ ΣΥΝΤΑΓΕΣ:

1. Λαδüπιτα:

•ταψß Νο 32

•3 ποτÞρια λÜδι

•3 ποτÞρια νερü

•2 ποτÞρια ζÜχαρη

•σησÜμι, κανÝλλα, αμýγδαλα ασπρισμÝνα ολüκληρα

•1 κιλü περßπου αλεýρι

•1 χοýφτα σιμιγδÜλι

ΒρÜζουμε το νερü με τη ζÜχαρη για 10 λεπτÜ και το φυλÜμε να εßναι ζεστü.

ΒÜζουμε το λÜδι (αφοý κρατÞσουμε δýο δÜκτυλα απü το τρßτο ποτÞρι) σε ρηχÞ κατσαρüλα στη φωτιÜ να κÜψει. Κατüπιν ρßχνουμε σιγÜ-σιγÜ το αλεýρι, τüσο þστε να γßνει Ýνας πολý πυκνüς χυλüς και ανακατεýουμε διαρκþς με ξýλινη κουτÜλα Þ σπÜτουλα πÜντα πÜνω σε μÝτρια φωτιÜ μÝχρι να πÜρει χρυσüξανθο χρþμα. ΠροσθÝτουμε τüτε σιγÜ-σιγÜ το ζεστü σιρüπι και συνεχßζουμε το ανακÜτεμα μÝχρι να απορροφηθοýν τα υγρÜ. Γßνεται Ýνας τρυφερüς χαλβÜς. Τον στρþνουμε στο ταψß αφοý το πασπαλßσουμε με σησÜμι και τον πατÜμε για να ισιþσει η επιφÜνειÜ του. Πασπαλßζουμε με σησÜμι, χαρÜζουμε την πßτα σε φελιÜ (ρüμβους) και μπÞγουμε απü Ýνα αμýγδαλο στο κÜθε φελß. ΨÞνουμε σε μÝτριο φοýρνο, για μια þρα περßπου. ΔοκιμÜζουμε με Ýνα μαχαßρι αν ξεκολλÜει η ζýμη απü τα τοιχþματα του ταψιοý. Τüτε η πßτα εßναι Ýτοιμη. Πασπαλßζουμε με κανÝλλα και λßγη ζÜχαρη. Την κüβουμε üταν κρυþσει. (ΠΗΓΗ: «Λευκαδßτικη Κουζßνα-Τα ξορÝξα της νüνας, τα μαγεριÜ της βαβÜς», της Τοýλας Σκληροý).

2: ΣουπιÝς στο μελÜνι τους με ρýζι: Αυτü το εßδος μαγειρÝματος θα σας θυμßσει το ιταλικü ρυζüτο. Μüλις μαγειρευτεß, πρÝπει να σερβιριστεß μÝσα σε 10-15´. Μπορεßτε να μαγειρÝψετε τις σουπιÝς και το ρýζι να το προσθÝσετε λßγο πριν το σερβßρισμα. Στη ΛευκÜδα αυτü εßναι Ýνα κýριο πιÜτο που συνοδεýετε απü μια φρÝσκια σαλÜτα εποχÞς. Η δοσολογßα εßναι για 4 Üτομα. ΥλικÜ:

1 κιλü σουπιÝς καθαρισμÝνες - τα μελÜνια χωριστÜ

1 κρεμμýδι τριμμÝνο

2-3 σκελßδες σκüρδο

1 κρασοπüτηρο εκλεκτü ελαιüλαδο

λßγο αλÜτι και μαýρο πιπÝρι

300 γραμμ. ρýζι Üσπρο (καρολßνα Þ αρμπüριο)

Για στüλισμα:

λßγες φÝτες κüκκινης πιπεριÜς και μαúντανü

Διαδικασßα:

Κüψτε τις σουπιÝς και πλýνετε καλÜ. ΑφÞστε τες στο σουρωτÞρι να στραγγßξουν. Σε ρηχÞ κατσαρüλα βÜλτε το λÜδι και σοτÜρετε τις σουπιÝς μαζß με το κρεμμýδι. ΜετÜ προσθÝστε το σκüρδο, το πιπÝρι και τους σÜκους με το μελÜνι (τους οποßους θα τρυπÞσετε) και βραστü νερÜκι για να μαγειρευτοýν οι σουπιÝς. ΠρÝπει να μεßνουν με τη σÜλτσα τους. Μπορεßτε να τις σερβßρετε πÜνω σε Üσπρο ρýζι. Επßσης, μπορεßτε να προσθÝτετε 700ml νερü και ½ κουταλÜκι αλÜτι και, üταν κοχλÜσει, να ρßξετε το ρýζι πλυμÝνο. ΑνακατÝψτε και αφÞστε το να απορροφÞσει το νερü. ΔοκιμÜστε και προσθÝστε üσο πιπÝρι σας αρÝσει. Σκορπßστε στην επιφÜνεια τον ψιλοκομμÝνο μαúντανü και την κüκκινη πιπεριÜ για ομορφιÜ.

3. Κοτüπουλο στη τσερÝπα(ΛευκÜδα)

11/2 κιλü πατÜτες

1 κοτüπουλο τεμαχισμÝνο

5,6 σκελßδες σκüρδο
 
χυμü απü 2 λεμüνια

χοντρü αλÜτι

πιπÝρι

3,4 ολüκληρες ντομÜτες 1 κοýπα λÜδι

1 μπþλ μαιντανü ψιλοκομμÝνο μισÞ κοýπα ελαιüλαδο 2 ντομÜτες μισü κουταλÜκι ρßγανη 1 κουταλÜκι σÜψιχο (Þ θυμÜρι) μαúντανü.

Τρßβετε τις ντομÜτες μÝσα στο ταψß. Στο ßδιο ταψß, ψιλοκüβετε το σκüρδο, προσθÝτετε το λÜδι, 1 κουταλÜκι πιπÝρι, 2 κουταλÜκια αλÜτι και Ýνα μικρü μπολÜκι μαιντανü ψιλοκομμÝνο, το χυμü απü τα δυο λεμüνια και ανακατεýετε τη σÜλτσα. ΠροσθÝτετε τα κομμÜτια απü το κοτüπουλο και ανακατεýετε να πÜρουν απü τη σÜλτσα. Καθαρßζετε τις πατÜτες, τις κüβετε κυδωνÜτες, τις ρßχνετε στο ταψß και το βÜζετε να ψηθεß για περßπου μια þρα. Η νοστιμιÜ του πιÜτου οφεßλεται στο τρüπο ψησßματος. Το αρωματικü σÜψιχο δεν κυκλοφορεß στην υπüλοιπη ΕλλÜδα. Μπορεßτε να το αντικαταστÞσετε απü Üλλο μυριστικü.

4. ΜπακαλιÜρος με Üσπρη σÜλτσα:

1 μÝτριο φýλλο μπακαλιÜρου υγρÜλατος.

2 κιλÜ πατÜτες

2 μÝτρια κρεμμýδια

4 σκελßδες σκüρδο

χυμüς απü 3 λεμüνια

1 νεροπüτηρο λÜδι

αλÜτι.

Ξαρμυρßζετε το μπακαλιÜρο τουλÜχιστον για Ýνα 24/ωρο αλλÜζοντας το νερü κÜθε δυο þρες.

Ξεφλουδßζετε τις πατÜτες και τις ρßχνετε σε μπολ με νερü. Καθαρßζετε τα κρεμμýδια και τις σκελßδες σκüρδου. Κüβετε το μπακαλιÜρο με ψαλßδι στη μÝση (τον ανοßγετε), κüβετε και αφαιρεßτε τα φτερÜ, την ουρÜ, τον χωρßζετε στα δυο και αφαιρεßτε τη εσωτερικÞ μεμβρÜνη απü το στομÜχι του). Τον τεμαχßζετε. ΣÝνα μπþλ χοντροκüβετε τα κρεμμýδια αλλÜ και το σκüρδο. Κüβετε τις πατÜτες κυδωνÜτες και στßβετε 3 λεμüνια κρατþντας το χυμü τους. Σε μια κατσαρüλα, ρßχνετε Ýνα νεροπüτηρο λÜδι, προσθÝτετε μÝσα τα κρεμμýδια, τα σκüρδα, τις πατÜτες, λßγο πιπÝρι, και ανακατεýετε. Τα αφÞνετε για λßγο να σωταριστοýν και ρßχνετε μισÞ περßπου κανÜτα νερü, ßσα ßσα να σκεπαστοýν. ΠροσθÝτετε Ýνα Ýνα τα κομμÜτια του μπακαλιÜρου, προσθÝτετε λßγο ακüμα νερü και αφÞνετε το μπακαλιÜρο να βρÜσει ξεσκÝπαστος και σε δυνατÞ φωτιÜ για περßπου μισÞ þρα. Αφου ολοκληρωθεß το μαγεßρεμα, ρßχνετε το χυμü λεμονιοý, αναταρÜσσετε τη κατσαρüλα να πÜει παντοý, αφÞνετε να πÜρει μια ακüμα βρÜση και κατεβÜζετε τη κατσαρüλα απü τη φωτιÜ. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ΠΗΓΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΦΙΕΡΩΜΑΤΟΣ:

http: //www. eliasmamalakis.gr

http: //www. lefkadaslowguide.gr

http: //www. lefkada-ionio.gr

«Λευκαδßτικη Κουζßνα-Τα ξορÝξα της νüνας, τα μαγεριÜ της βαβÜς», της Τοýλας Σκληροý

- «Χρþμα ΛευκÜδας». Ντßνα Φßλιππα, διατßθεται απü το Τypo Center (τηλ.
 
26450-23.805) και τα βιβλιοπωλεßα της ΛευκÜδας.

-''Λευκαδßτικα μαγειρÝματα'' - Γεýσεις, αφηγÞσεις και Ýθιμα στον κýκλο του χρüνου- απο την Ευη ΒουτσινÜ.




Ausflüge das ganze Jahr in LEFKAS

 

Verbringen Sie bezaubernde 3-Tag auf der schönen Insel Lefkas. Entdecken Sie die Lagune und den Kanal der, Lefkada mit dem Ionischen Meer verbindet mit dem See-Kajak. Entdecken Sie die Schlucht der Bienen und zu Fuß zu den Wasserfällen von Nidri und natürlich den Geschmack der lokalen traditionellen Speisen in gebirgigen Lefkada.

Tag 1 (Freitag)
Check in Lefkada Hotel Aigli

Tag 2 (Samstag)
Am nächsten Morgen nach dem Frühstück führt unser Guide Sie zu den Ausgangspunkt des Kajak und es folgen theoretische und praktische vorbereitungen, natürlich im Wasser. Dann werden wir unsere Erkundung in den östlichen Ufern des Lefkada beginnen. Wir sorgen für ein Picknick und schauen nach Zugvögen in der Lagune und ruderten um die Burg von Santa Maura.
Am Abend besuchen wir im Dorf, Chortata in der tavena T'aloni um die lokalen Delikatessen Lefkada zu probieren. Übernachtung in unserem Hotel.

Dritter Tag (Sonntag)
Heute verbringen wir den Tag mit der Erforschung von Lefkada. Wir besuchen die Schlucht der Melissa. Sie liegt etwas außerhalb und nördlich des Dorfes Kavalos wo wir ein Netz von Pfaden und Wanderwegen finden. Hier, in der Melissa finden viere Ruinen der kleinen Dörfer, alte Mühlen, viele steinerne Brücken, Brunnen und Quellen wie die "Spilia", aus der fliesst kristallklares Wasser und die Besucher können ihren Durst löschen, sich auszuruhen und  beruhigen. Unser nächster Halt ist am Wasserfall in Nidri. Wir gehen, in unberührter Landschaft neben dem reißenden Strom, der dem berühmten  "Dimosaris." Wir werden unser Auto am Eingang der Schlucht abstellel und zu Fuß, durch steile Felsen und fließendes Wasser, bis wir den großen Wasserfall zu erreichen. Hier noch ein letztes Picknick.
Ende des Programms

Inklusive
- 3 Tage - 2 Nächte
- In einem Luxus-Hotel Übernachtung mit Frühstück
- 2 Picknicks, 1 Abendessen
- Erfahrene Führer Trekking Hellas
- Die notwendige Ausrüstung Kajak.
- Jeep (optional gegen Aufpreis)

Preis
200 Euro / Person (im Doppelzimmer)
Mindestteilnehmerzahl von 4 Personen

 

Uitstapjes het hele jaar door in Lefkada


 

Breng een charmant 3-dagen op het prachtige eiland Lefkas. Ontdek verbindt de lagune en het kanaal, Lefkada en de Ionische Zee met de zeekajak. Ontdek de kloof van de bijen en wandeling naar de watervallen van Nidri en natuurlijk proeven van de lokale traditionele gerechten in bergachtig Lefkada.

Dag 1 (Vrijdag)
Check in Lefkada Hotel Aigli

Dag 2 (zaterdag)
De volgende ochtend na het ontbijt onze gids leidt u naar het beginpunt van de kajak en volgde de voorbereidingen theoretische en praktische cursus in het water. Dan zullen we beginnen onze verkenning naar de oostelijke oever van Lefkada. Wij bieden een picknick lunch en kijk na Zugvögen in de lagune en peddelde rond het kasteel van Santa Maura.
In de avond bezoeken we het dorp om monster in het refrein Tata tavena T'aloni de lokale delicatessen van Lefkada. Overnachting in ons hotel.

Dag drie (zondag)
Vandaag brengen we de dag met de exploratie van Lefkada. We bezoeken de kloof van Melissa. Het ligt net buiten en ten noorden van het dorp Kavalos waar we een netwerk van paden en routes. Hier, in de fours Melissa vinden ruïnes van de kleine dorpjes, oude molens, veel stenen bruggen, putten en bronnen als de "Spilia" van die uitmondt kristalheldere water en de bezoekers kunnen hun dorst lessen te verwijderen, te kalmeren en te ontspannen. Onze volgende stop is bij de waterval in Nidri.We gaan in de ongerepte natuur langs de ruisende beek, die de beroemde "Dimosaris".Wij doen onze auto bij de ingang van de kloof abstellel en te voet, door steile rotsen en stromend water, totdat we bij de grote waterval. Hier is een laatste picknick.
Einde van het programma

Inclusief
- 3 dagen - 2 nachten
- In een luxe hotel met bed & breakfast
- 2 picknicks, 1 diner
- Ervaren leider Trekking Hellas
- De nodige apparatuur kajak.
- Jeep (optie tegen meerprijs)

Prijs
200 € / persoon (dubbele bezetting)
Minimum van 4 personen

 

Escapade hivernale à Lefkada - excursions pendant toute l’année à Lefkada

HEBDOMADAIRE

Profitez d'une aventure magique de 7 jours dans la belle ville de Lefkada. Découvrez le lagon et le canal qui relie Leucade à la mer Ionienne, en kayak de mer. Explorez le bien connu «Gorge Melissa» et trek à travers les cascades de Nidri. Goûter la nourriture locale traditionnelle de Lefkada à  Chortata dans la taverne t'Aloni.

Hébergement
The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat  

Durée
7 jours - 6 nuits

Activités
5 jours en kayak de mer au nord et la côte est de l'île de Lefkada

INCLUS:
- L'hébergement 6 nuits BB
- Excursions en kayak 5 jours -
- Tous les kayaks et les équipements nécessaires
- Guide professionnel de kayak d'Hellas Trekking
- Frais de scolarité
- Transfert de et vers l'aéroport
- Des  et 1 dîner

PRIX:
620 € par personne
Participation minimum: 4 personnes

WEEK-END

Profitez d'une aventure magique de 3 jours d's dans la belle ville de Lefkada. Découvrez le lagon et le canal qui relie Lefkada à la mer Ionienne, en kayak de mer. Explorez le bien connu «Gorge Melissa» et trek à travers les cascades de Nidri. Goûter la nourriture locale traditionnelle de Lefkada à  Chortata dans la taverne t'Aloni.

Jour 1 - (vendredi) Arrivée à Lefkada
Arrivée à Lefkada et hébergement  à l'Hôtel-The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat (www.theaigli.gr ou tél 2645026271 www.1800.gr)

Jour 2 - (samedi) site voir en kayak de mer

Le matin après le petit déjeuner, notre guide vous conduira au point de départ de votre aventure en kayak de mer, où vous allez parcourir la mer des instructions de base du kayak à la fois théoriques et pratiques.
Nous allons alors commencer notre exploration de la côte Est de Lefkada.
Nous allons ensuite s'arrêter pour un pique-nique et chercher des oiseaux migrateurs dans le lagon. Nous retournons au long de la côte du château de Agia Mavra. Au soir, nous allons visiter le village traditionnel de Chortata où nous allons goûter la cuisine locale traditionnelle de Lefkada à la taverne t’Aloni.

Jour 3 - (dimanche) Les attractions de la campagne de Lefkada

Aujourd'hui, nous allons passer la journée à explorer Lefkada. Nous allons visiter la gorges Melissa situé juste en dehors et au nord du village de Kavalos Là, nous trouverons un réseau de chemins et sentiers  randonné. Dans la gorge, vous trouverez des ruines diverses, des anciens moulins, des ponts de pierre, des puits et des sources comme la "Cave" d'où jaillit d’ eau cristallines et les visiteurs peuvent étancher leur soif, calmer et reposer.
Notre prochain arrêt est la cascade de Nidri. Nous commençons par le trekking à travers le paysage naturel préservé par le flux sauvage de la fameuse cascade Dimosari. Nous allons garer notre voiture à l'entrée de la gorge et le traverser à pied en passant par les falaises abruptes et l'eau courante jusqu'à atteindre la grande cascade Dimosari. Nous allons continuer avec un pique-nique.

INCLUS:
- 3 jours = 2 nuits
-Hébergement en hôtel de luxe, petit déjeuner inclus
- 2 pique-niques
- Guide expérimenté de Hellas Trekking
- Location de kayak et de tout l'équipement nécessaire
- Jeep (facultatif)

PRIX:
€ 200 par personne
Participation minimum: 4 personnes

GETAWAY IN INVERNO LEFKADA - TUTTE LE ESCURSIONI ANNO IN LEFKADA


SETTIMANALE

Godere di una magica avventura di 7 giorni nella bella Lefkada. Esplorare la laguna e il canale che collega Lefkada al Mar Ionio, kayak da mare. Esplora il ben noto 'Api Gola' e trekking attraverso le cascate di Nidri. Gustare la cucina locale tradizionale villaggio di Lefkada in T'Aloni taverna in Chortata.

Alloggio
A Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat www.theaigli.gr

Durata
7 giorni - 6 notti

Attività
5 giorni kayak da mare a nord e ad est della costa di Lefkada

INCLUSI:
- 6 pernottamenti BB
- 5 giorni gite in kayak
- Tutti i kayak e le attrezzature necessarie
- Guida kayak professionali da Hellas Trekking
- Tasse
- Trasferimento da e per Aeroporto
- Pranzo leggero e 1 cena

PREZZO:
620 € a persona
Minimo di presenze: 4 persone


WEEKEND

Godere di una magica avventura di 3 giorni nella bella Lefkada. Esplorare la laguna e il canale che collega Lefkada al Mar Ionio, kayak da mare. Esplora il ben noto 'Api Gola' e trekking attraverso le cascate di Nidri. Gustare la cucina locale tradizionale villaggio di Lefkada.

Giorno 1 - (Venerdì) Arrivo a LEFKADA
Arrivo a Lefkada e sistemazione in Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat (www.theaigli.gr o www.1800.gr tel 2645026271)

Giorno 2 - (Sabato) VEDERE SITO KAYAK DA MARE
La mattina seguente dopo la colazione, la nostra guida vi condurrà al punto di partenza della vostra avventura kayak da mare, dove si percorrono mare kayak istruzioni di base sia teorica che pratica.
Ci sarà poi iniziare la nostra esplorazione delle coste orientali di Lefkada.
Si fermerà poi per un picnic e guardare per la migrazione degli uccelli in laguna. Ci sarà poi pagaia la linea di costa dal castello di Santa Maura. In serata visita al villaggio tradizionale di Chortata dove potremo gustare la cucina locale tradizionale di Lefkada in T'Aloni taverna.

Giorno 3 - (Domenica) VEDERE SITO DI CAMPAGNA LEFKADA
Oggi passeremo la giornata esplorando Lefkada. Visiteremo situato a nord 'La gola Bees' del villaggio di Kavalos.
Lì troveremo una rete di sentieri e percorsi trekking. Nella gola si trovano le rovine vari, vecchi mulini, ponti di pietra molti pozzi e sorgenti come 'Spilia', da cui sgorgano acque cristalline e dove i visitatori possono dissetarsi e rilassarsi.
La nostra prossima tappa è alle cascate di Nidri. Cominciamo da trekking attraverso il paesaggio naturale incontaminato dai torrenti selvaggi del famoso Dimossari. Noi parcheggiare l'auto all'ingresso della gola e attraversarla passando piedi attraverso ripide scogliere e acqua corrente fino ad arrivare alla grande cascata e la laguna. Continueremo con un pic-nic.

INCLUSI:
- 3 giorni = 2 notti
Sistemazione in hotel di lusso, colazione inclusa
- 2 pic-nic
- Guida esperta da Hellas Trekking
- Kayak noleggio e tutte le attrezzature necessarie
- Jeep (opzionale)

PREZZO:
200 euro a persona
Minimo di presenze: 4 persone




Painting holidays with Barbara

 

What makes a painting holiday with us so special?

 First of all, it is a wonderful way to relax, and enjoy the lovely Greek way of life from an active angle. While painting you will probably see a new side of things, challenge yourself, your talent and curiosity. The course gives you plenty of time to explore. Any requests you have we will try to answer, or help you out, may they be of artistical or practical nature. We think you will meet new friends and love to share the secret of our little paradise with you. Partners will find there is a lot to do and discover.

 Dont worry about talents or shortcomings, gentle guidance will bring out the best of you, beginners will be surprised and stimulated, advanced will find a sparring partner and able to share views and discover new. All this against the setting of the Ionian sea, the very same one where Odyssea sailed, his island Ithaka can be seen on a clear day against the horizon! Daily temperatures are not too hot as we are situated on the northwest of greece, opposite Italy.

 The painting courses have a duration of five days (no classes on saturday and sunday), or a shorter course of 3 days. Classes will be ± 3 1/2 hours every morning. The rest of the day is free, for other activities, continue painting and to enjoy the surroundings. The group will be limited to ± five people so that individual attention can be given to everyone. You can also organise your own group and contact us to find a suitable schedule. We have basic study materials e.g. pens, charcoal, soft pencils (2B or 4B) and/or pastels. For painters we have oils, acrylics, watercolours, canvas, board or paper and brushes. We will provide drawing boards, white spirit and stools. If you want more advanced materials, please bring your own extra's. Barbara de Machula (46) is a first degree dutch art teacher who studied in Amsterdam at the art university, teaches all painting and drawing techniques, also skilled herself in making stained glass, mosaics and jewelry, as well as graphic design and illustrations. She has a nice studio on the mountain, called "the Gorgona", named after the seducing mermaid of Odyssea.

A warm and friendly approach and love of people is obvious. She has a vast experience with teaching adults as well as adolescents and never pushes one to uncomfortable demands.

Mal Urlaub mit Barbara

Was macht ein Mal Urlaub bei uns so besonders?

 Zunächst einmal ist es ein wunderbarer Weg, um sich zu entspannen und genießen Sie die schöne griechische Lebensweise von einem aktiven Winkel. Während des Malens wird man wahrscheinlich sehen, eine neue Seite der Dinge, fordern Sie sich, Ihr Talent und Neugier. Der Kurs gibt Ihnen genügend Zeit, um es zu erkunden. Alle Anfragen, die Sie haben werden versuchen wir zu beantworten, oder Ihnen zu helfen, sie können von künstlerischer oder praktischer Natur sein. Wir denken, dass Sie neue Freunde kennen und lieben werden, die das Geheimnis unseres kleines Paradieses mit Ihnen teilen. Partner zu finden und es gibt eine Menge zu tun und zu entdecken.
 

Don‘t worry über Talente oder Defizite, sanfte Führung bringt das Beste von dir, Anfänger werden überrascht und angeregt werden, von der Erweiterten hilfe eines Sparringspartners und in der Lage sien, Ansichten teilen und neues zu entdecken. All dies gegen die sicht auf das Ionische Meer, das gleiche, wo Odysseus segelte, man kann seine Insel Ithaka an einem klaren Tag gegen den Horizont zu sehen! Die Tagestemperaturen sind nicht zu heiß, da wir uns an der Nordwestküste Griechenlands, gegenüber Italien befinden.
 Die Malkurse haben eine Laufzeit von fünf Tagen (kein Unterricht am Samstag und Sonntag) oder eine kürzere Strecke von 3 Tagen. Der Unterricht dauert ± 3 1 / 2 Stunden jeden Morgen. Der Rest des Tages ist frei, für andere Aktivitäten, auch weiterhin der Malerei und die Umgebung zu genießen. Die Gruppe wird auf ± fünf Personen beschränkt werden, so dass individuelle Aufmerksamkeit für jeden gegeben werden kann. Sie können auch Ihre eigenen Gruppe und mit uns Kontakt auf, um einen geeigneten Zeitplan zu finden. Wir haben grundlegende Studienmaterialien z. B. Stifte, Kohle, weiche Bleistifte (2B oder 4B) und / oder Pastellkreiden. Für Maler haben wir Öl, Acryl, Aquarell, Leinwand, Karton oder Papier und Pinsel. Wir bieten Reißbrett, Testbenzin und Stühle. Wenn Sie mehr fortschrittliche Materialien wollen, bitte bringen Sie Ihre eigenen Extras.

Barbara de Machula (46) ist im Erststudium eine niederländische Kunst Lehrerin, die in Amsterdam an der Kunstuniversität studiert hat, lehrt alle Mal-und Zeichentechniken, auch qualifizierte sich bei der Herstellung Glasmalerei, Mosaik und Schmuck, sowie Grafik-Design und Illustrationen. Sie hat ein nettes Studio auf dem Berg, genannt "die Gorgona", nach der verführerischen Meerjungfrau von Odysseus benannt.
Ein warmes und freundliches Ambiente und Liebe zu den Menschen ist offensichtlich. Sie hat eine große Erfahrung mit dem Unterrichten Erwachsene als auch Jugendliche und nie schiebt man unbequeme Forderungen.

Schildervakanties met Barbara

Wat maakt een schildercursus bij ons zo bijzonder?

Allereerst, is het een prachtige manier om te ont­spannen en van het mooie griekse leven te genieten op een actieve manier.Terwijl je schildert krijg je waarschijnlijk een andere kijk op de dingen. Daag jezelf uit, je talent en je nieuwsgierigheid. De cursus geeft je genoeg tijd om te onderzoeken. Alle ver­zoeken zullen wij proberen in te willigen, of te hel­pen, of ze nou van artistieke aard zijn of practische aard. We denken dat je snel nieuwe vrienden zult maken en willen graag het geheim van ons kleine paradijs met je delen. Voor partners is er genoeg te doen en ontdekken.

Maak je niet druk over talent of gebreken, geduldige begeleiding zal het beste in je naar boven brengen, beginners worden verrast en gestimuleerd hun gren­zen te verleggen, gevorderden vinden een gelijk­waardige partner en worden geprikkeld hun zienswi­jze te delen en nieuwe inzichten te krijgen. Dit alles tegen het decor van de Ionische zee, dezelfde die bezeild werd door Odysseus, zijn eiland Ithaka kunt u op een heldere dag aan de horizon zien liggen! De dagelijkse temperaturen zijn niet te heet omdat we in noordwest griekenland zitten, tegenover Italie. De schildercursussen duren 5 dagen (in het weekend is er geen les), of een kortere cursus van 3 dagen die op woensdag begint. De klassen zijn ± 3 1/2 uur iedere ochtend. De rest van de dag is vrij, voor andere bezigheden, of om door te schilderen, of te geni­eten van de omgeving. De groep wordt beperkt tot ± vijf mensen zodat iedereen individuele aandacht kan krijgen. Je kan ook je eigen groep samenstellen, neem contact met ons op om een planning te maken. We hebben een basis aan studiematerialen zoals pen, houtskool, zacht potlood (2B of 4B) en/of pastelkrijt. Voor schilders olieverf, acryl, aquarel, doekjes, board of papier en penselen. Wij hebben tekenbor­den, stoelen en terpentine. Wil je uitge-breider werken, breng dan eigen materialen mee.

Barbara de Machula (48) is een gediplomeerd eerstegraads tekenlerares. Zij studeerde in Amster­dam op de kunstacademie, onderwijst alle teken- en schildertechnieken, maar maakt ook glas in lood, mozaiek en sieraden, grafisch werk op de computer en illustraties. Ze heeft een leuk atelier op de berg, genaamd “de Gorgona”, de verleidelijke zeemeermin uit het verhaal van Odysseus. Zij heeft een warme en vriendelijke benadering en houdt van mensen. Ze heeft een uitgebreide ervaring met het onderwijzen aan zowel volwassenen als jongeren, en stimuleert mensen hun kennis te vergroten, maar nooit met dwang.

Peinture et vacances avec Barbara


Ce qui rend un séjour de peinture avec nous si spéciaux?

 Tout d'abord, c'est une merveilleuse façon de se détendre et profiter de la belle manière grecque de la vie sous un angle actif. Alors avec la peinture, vous verrez probablement une nouvelle facette des choses, relevez le défi, votre talent et votre curiosité. Le cours vous donne beaucoup de temps à explorer. Toutes les demandes que vous avez, nous allons essayer de répondre, ou vous aider, qu'ils soient de nature artistique ou pratique. Nous pensons que vous allez rencontrer de nouveaux amis et vous allez partager le secret de notre petit coin de paradis avec vous. Vous trouverez qu'il ya beaucoup à faire et à découvrir.

 Ne vous inquiétez pas des talents ou des lacunes, avec des conseils on fera ressortir le meilleur de vous, les débutants seront surpris et stimulé, les avancés trouveront un partenaire d'entraînement pour partager et découvrir de nouveaux points de vue. Tout cela contre la mer Ionienne, celui-là même où Odyssée navigué, son île d'Ithaque peut être vu par temps clair à l'horizon! Les températures quotidiennes sont normales car nous sommes situés sur le nord-ouest de la Grèce, face à l'Italie.

 Les cours de peinture ont une durée de cinq jours (pas de cours le samedi et le dimanche), ou un parcours plus court de 3 jours. Les classes seront ± 3 1 / 2 heures chaque matin. Le reste de la journée est libre, pour d'autres activités, continuer à peindre et à profiter de l'environnement. Le groupe sera limité à ± cinq personnes afin que l'attention individuelle peut être donnée à tout le monde. Vous pouvez également organiser votre propre groupe et contactez-nous à trouver un calendrier approprié. Nous avons du matériel d'étude de base par exemple stylos, fusain, crayons mous (2B ou 4B) et / ou pastels. Pour les peintres, nous avons des huiles, des acryliques, des aquarelles, des toiles, du conseil ou du papier et les pinceaux. Nous fournirons planches à dessin, le white spirit et de tabourets. Si vous voulez des matériaux plus avancés, s'il vous plaît apporter votre propre equipement supplémentaire. Barbara de Machula (46) est un enseignant du premier degré de l'art hollandais qui a étudié à Amsterdam à l'université d'art, enseigne toutes les techniques de peinture et de dessin, également qualifiée elle-même dans la fabrication du verre teinté, des mosaïques et des bijoux, ainsi que la conception graphique et les illustrations. Elle a un joli studio sur la montagne, appelée "la Gorgone", nommé d'après la sirène qui a séduit Odyssée.

Une approche chaleureuse et conviviale est évidente. Elle possède une vaste expérience avec l'enseignement des adultes ainsi que les adolescents et ne pousse jamais personne à  sentir inconfortable.

Pittura vacanze con Barbara


Ciò che rende una vacanza in pittura con noi così speciale?

 Prima di tutto, è un modo meraviglioso per rilassarsi e godersi il bel modo di vita greco da un angolo attivo. Mentre la pittura è probabile vedere un nuovo lato delle cose, mettetevi alla prova, il tuo talento e curiosità. Il corso ti dà un sacco di tempo per esplorare. Eventuali richieste che avete cercheremo di rispondere, o aiutarli fuori, siano essi di natura artistica o pratico. Pensiamo che si possono incontrare nuovi amici e l'amore di condividere il segreto del nostro piccolo paradiso con voi. Partner troverete c'è molto da fare e scoprire.

 Non preoccuparti di talenti o mancanze, per soave tirerà fuori il meglio di te, i principianti saranno sorpresi e stimolati, avanzati troveranno uno sparring partner e capaci di condividere punti di vista e scoprire nuovi. Tutto questo contro l'impostazione del mare Ionio, quello stesso dove Odyssea navigato, la sua isola Itaca può essere visto in una giornata limpida contro l'orizzonte! Temperature giornaliere non sono troppo calde, come ci si trova a nord-ovest della Grecia, di fronte l'Italia.

 I corsi di pittura hanno una durata di cinque giorni (senza lezioni il sabato e la domenica), o un corso più breve di 3 giorni. Le lezioni saranno ± 3 1 / 2 ore ogni mattina. Il resto della giornata è libero, per altre attività, continuare a dipingere e dove godersi l'ambiente. Il gruppo sarà limitato a ± cinque persone in modo che l'attenzione individuale può essere data a tutti. È inoltre possibile organizzare il proprio gruppo e contattateci per trovare un programma adatto. Abbiamo materiali di studio di base ad es penne, carboncino, matite morbide (2B o 4B) e / o pastelli. Per i pittori abbiamo olii, acrilici, acquerelli, tela, tavola o carta e pennelli. Forniremo tavole di disegno, spirito bianco e sgabelli. Se si desidera che i materiali più avanzati, si prega di portare il proprio extra. Barbara de Machula (46) è il primo insegnante di arte grado olandese che ha studiato ad Amsterdam presso l'università d'arte, insegna tutte le tecniche di pittura e disegno, anche abile nel fare se stessa vetrate, mosaici e gioielli, così come la progettazione grafica e illustrazioni. Ha un bel monolocale sulla montagna, chiamata "la Gorgona", dal nome della sirena seducente di Odyssea.

Un approccio caldo e accogliente e l'amore della gente è evidente. Ha una vasta esperienza di insegnamento con adulti e adolescenti e uno non spinge alle richieste disagio.

ΔιακοπÝς ζωγραφßζοντας με τη Barbara


Τι κÜνει τις διακοπÝς ζωγραφßζοντας τüσο ξεχωριστÝς;

Πρþτα απ 'üλα, εßναι Ýνας θαυμÜσιος τρüπος για να χαλαρþσετε και να απολαýσετε τον υπÝροχο ελληνικü τρüπο ζωÞς απü Üλλη οπτικÞ γωνßα. Με τη ζωγραφικÞ θα δεßτε πιθανþς μια νÝα πλευρÜ των πραγμÜτων, αμφισβητþντας τον εαυτü σας, το ταλÝντο και την περιÝργειÜ σας. Τα μαθÞματα ζωγραφικÞς θα σας δþσουν αρκετü χρüνο για να εξερευνÞσετε. Σε üλες τις ερωτÞσεις σας καλλιτεχνικÞς Þ πρακτικÞς φýσεως εμεßς θα προσπαθÞσουμε να απαντÞσουμε και να σας βοηθÞσουμε. Πιστεýουμε üτι θα ανταποκριθοýμε στους νÝους φßλους μας με αγÜπη και θα μοιραστοýμε το μυστικü του μικροý παρÜδεισοý μας μαζß σας. Για τους υπüλοιπους  υπÜρχουν πολλÜ να κÜνουμε και να ανακαλýψετε.

Μην ανησυχεßτε για ταλÝντα Þ ελλεßψεις, η Þπια καθοδÞγησÞ μας θα βγÜλει Ýξω τον καλýτερο εαυτü σας, οι αρχÜριοι θα εκπλαγεßτε και θα αρχßσετε να δημιουργεßτε, ανταλλÜσσοντας απüψεις και ανακαλýπτοντας νÝες. ¼λα αυτÜ με τη θÝα του Ιονßου πελÜγους, που ο ΟδυσσÝας, κατÝπλευσε στο νησß της ΙθÜκης και μπορεßτε να τη δεßτε στο βÜθος του ορßζοντα! Οι θερμοκρασßες την ημÝρα δεν εßναι πολý υψηλÝς, διüτι βρισκüμαστε στη βορειοδυτικÞ ΕλλÜδα, απÝναντι απü την Ιταλßα.

Τα μαθÞματα ζωγραφικÞς Ýχουν διÜρκεια πÝντε ημερþν (υπÜρχουν μαθÞματα ΣÜββατο και ΚυριακÞ), Þ και μικρüτερη διÜρκεια 3 ημερþν. Τα μαθÞματα διαρκοýν ± 3 1/2 þρες κÜθε πρωß. Το υπüλοιπο της ημÝρας εßναι ελεýθερο, για Üλλες δραστηριüτητες, να συνεχßσετε τη ζωγραφικÞ Þ να απολαýσετε το περιβÜλλον. Η ομÜδα θα πρÝπει να περιορßζεται στα ± πÝντε Üτομα, þστε η δÝουσα προσοχÞ να μπορεß να δοθεß σε üλους. Μπορεßτε επßσης να οργανþσετε τη δικÞ σας ομÜδα και να επικοινωνÞσετε μαζß μας για να βρεßτε το κατÜλληλο πρüγραμμα. ¸χουμε βασικÜ υλικÜ μελÝτης π.χ. στυλü, κÜρβουνο, μολýβια μαλακÜ (2Β Þ 4Β) και / Þ παστÝλ. Για ζωγρÜφους Ýχουμε λÜδια, ακρυλικÜ, ακουαρÝλες, καμβÜ, χαρτüνι Þ χαρτß και βοýρτσες. Θα σας παρÝχουμε πßνακες, white spirit και σκαμπü. Αν θÝλετε πιο προηγμÝνα υλικÜ, παρακαλεßστε να φÝρετε τα δικÜ σας. Η Barbara de Machula (46 ετþν) που εßναι καθηγÞτρια της ολλανδικÞς σχολÞς καλþν τεχνþν και σποýδασε στο ¶μστερνταμ στο πανεπιστÞμιο εικαστικÞς τÝχνης, διδÜσκει üλες τις τεχνικÝς ζωγραφικÞς και σχεδßου. Επßσης, ειδικεýεται σε βιτρü, ψηφιδωτÜ και κοσμÞματα, καθþς και γραφικü σχεδιασμü και απεικονßσεις. ¸χει Ýνα ωραßο στοýντιο στο βουνü, που ονομÜζεται "η Γοργüνα", το üνομÜ του απü την σαγηνευτικÞ γοργüνα του ΟδυσσÝα. Η ζεστÞ και φιλικÞ προσÝγγιση με αγÜπη για το συνÜνθρωπο εßναι δεδομÝνη. ¸χει επßσης μεγÜλη εμπειρßα με τους ενÞλικες στη διδασκαλßα καθþς και στους Ýφηβους και ποτÝ δεν Ýχει υπερβολικÝς απαιτÞσεις απü τους αρχÜριους κατÜ τη διÜρκεια του μαθÞματος κÜνοντÜς τους να νοιþθουν Üβολα.




Corporate responsability

At the Aigli, we recognise that delivering the highest quality service means doing so in a way that demonstrates corporate responsibility – responsibility to our guests, fairness in how we treat our staff, support for the wider community, and care to ensure that we minimise our impact on the natural environment. 

To this end, we have created a corporate responsibility team, which draws on staff from across the hotel.  The team is led by a member of our executive committee, and champions action and monitors performance. A focus of our launch effort has been to communicate the importance of sustainable development to our staff.

We are backing awareness-raising with practical action. We have, for example, taken a wide range of steps to minimise our environmental footprint.  One important initiative has been the launch of a study being carried out by independent experts to understand and measure our baseline carbon emissions. 

In other areas, we have introduced taps which reduce water consumption and carried out a phased introduction of energy efficient light bulbs. We are monitoring and analysing the savings this is delivering. We have introduced the use of high-quality hybrid cars for guest transportation. We have a recycling effort under way covering a range of materials used in the hotel.  We are also working with suppliers to communicate our environmental and social goals to ensure that our aspirations are reflected in the goods and services we buy and the suppliers we work with.

We also seek to make a positive contribution to the community. As well as initiatives like providing food and hotel linen to needy groups. This initiative, provides opportunity for young people from disadvantaged areas to receive training in our industry. Many of those who have been involved in the programme have gone on to take jobs with us, or within the wider hotel industry.

ΕταιρικÞ ευθýνη

Στo Aigli, αναγνωρßζουμε üτι η παροχÞ των υψηλÞς ποιüτητας υπηρεσιþν σημαßνει την απüδειξη της εταιρικÞς ευθýνης - την ευθýνη για τους επισκÝπτες μας, τη δικαιοσýνη στο πþς αντιμετωπßζουμε το προσωπικü μας, την υποστÞριξη για την ευρýτερη κοινüτητα, και την προσοχÞ για να διασφαλßσουμε üτι θα ελαχιστοποιÞσουμε τις επιπτþσεις μας στο φυσικü περιβÜλλον. 

Για το σκοπü αυτü, Ýχουμε δημιουργÞσει μια ΟμÜδα ΕταιρικÞς Υπευθυνüτητας, η οποßα αντλεß το προσωπικü της απü üλο το ξενοδοχεßο. Η ομÜδα με επικεφαλÞς Ýνα μÝλος της εκτελεστικÞς επιτροπÞς μας, συντονßζει τις ενÝργειες και παρακολουθεß την απüδοσÞ τους. Η εστßαση των προσπαθειþν  μας Ýχει στüχο να μεταδþσει τη σημασßα της βιþσιμης ανÜπτυξης στο προσωπικü μας.

Εßμαστε ευαισθητοποιημÝνοι μÝσω της πρακτικÞς δρÜσης. ¸χουμε, για παρÜδειγμα, εφαρμüσει Ýνα ευρý φÜσμα μÝτρων για την ελαχιστοποßηση του περιβαλλοντικοý μας αποτυπþματος. Μια σημαντικÞ πρωτοβουλßα Þταν η Ýναρξη μιας μελÝτης που εκπονεßται απü ανεξÜρτητους εμπειρογνþμονες για την κατανüηση και τη μÝτρηση των εκπομπþν του Üνθρακα. 

Σε Üλλους τομεßς, Ýχουμε εισαγÜγει τις βρýσες που μειþνουν την κατανÜλωση νεροý και πραγματοποιÞσαμε τη σταδιακÞ εισαγωγÞ των ενεργειακÜ αποδοτικþν λαμπτÞρων. Παρακολουθοýμε και αναλýουμε τα αποτελÝσματα αυτÞς της εξοικονüμησης. ¸χουμε εισαγÜγει τη χρÞση υβριδικþν αυτοκινÞτων για τις μετακινÞσεις των επισκεπτþν. ΚÜνουμε μια προσπÜθεια ανακýκλωσης, καλýπτοντας Ýνα ευρý φÜσμα υλικþν που χρησιμοποιοýνται στο ξενοδοχεßο. Εßμαστε, επßσης, σε συνεργασßα με τους προμηθευτÝς μας για να συμμετÜσχουν στους περιβαλλοντικοýς και κοινωνικοýς στüχους μας και να διασφαλßσουμε üτι οι φιλοδοξßες μας αντικατοπτρßζονται στα αγαθÜ και τις υπηρεσßες που αγορÜζουμε.

ΕπιδßωξÞ μας επßσης εßναι να συμβÜλουμε θετικÜ στην κοινüτητα. Καθþς και πρωτοβουλßες üπως η παροχÞ τροφßμων και λευκþν ειδþν σε απüρους. Η πρωτοβουλßα αυτÞ, δßνει την ευκαιρßα στους νÝους που προÝρχονται απü μειονεκτοýσες περιοχÝς να λαμβÜνουν εκπαßδευση σ’ εμÜς. Πολλοß απü εκεßνους που Ýχουν συμμετÜσχει στο πρüγραμμα εργÜζονται Þδη στον ευρýτερο ξενοδοχειακü κλÜδο.

Unternehmen Verantwortung

Im Aigli, erkennen wir, dass die Bereitstellung der Dienstleistungen höchster Qualität bedeutet dabei in einer Weise, dass unternehmerische Verantwortung zeigt - Verantwortung für unsere Gäste, Fairness im Umgang mit unseren Mitarbeitern, die Unterstützung für die breite Öffentlichkeit, und darauf achten, dass wir unsere minimieren Auswirkungen auf die natürliche Umwelt.
Zu diesem Zweck haben wir ein Corporate Responsibility Team, das Personal schöpft aus dem Hotel geschaffen. Das Team wird von einem Mitglied unseres Vorstandes geführt und Champions Action und überwacht die Leistung. Ein Schwerpunkt unserer Einführung Anstrengungen sind unternommen worden, um die Bedeutung der nachhaltigen Entwicklung auf unsere Mitarbeiter zu übertragen.
Wir setzen auf Sensibilisierung mit praktischem Handeln. Wir haben zum Beispiel eine Vielzahl von Maßnahmen ergriffen, um unseren ökologischen Fußabdruck zu minimieren. Eine wichtige Initiative ist die Einführung einer Studie, die von unabhängigen Sachverständigen durchgeführt, um zu verstehen und messen unsere Baseline Kohlendioxid-Emissionen.
In anderen Bereichen haben wir Hähne, die Reduzierung des Wasserverbrauchs eingeführt und führte eine schrittweise Einführung der Energiesparlampen. Wir beobachten und analysieren die Einsparungen dieser liefert. Wir haben die Verwendung von hochwertigen Hybrid-Autos für die Gäste Transport eingeführt. Wir haben ein Recycling-Bemühungen im Gang, die eine Vielzahl von Materialien in das Hotel verwendet. Wir arbeiten auch mit den Lieferanten, um unsere ökologischen und sozialen Ziele zu erreichen, um sicherzustellen, dass unsere Bestrebungen in den Waren und Dienstleistungen, die wir kaufen und den Lieferanten mit denen wir arbeiten  reflektiert werden.
Wir versuchen auch, einen positiven Beitrag für die Gemeinschaft zu machen. Sowie Initiativen wie die Bereitstellung von Speisen und Hotelwäsche für bedürftige Gruppen. Diese Initiative bietet Chance für junge Menschen aus benachteiligten Gebieten der Ausbildung in unserer Branche zu erhalten. Viele derjenigen, die in dem Programm beteiligt waren, haben auf die Arbeitsplätze bei uns zu gegangen, oder im größeren Hotellerie.

Onze verantwoordelijkheid

Bij Aigli erkennen wij dat het leveren van de beste service met de hoogste kwaliteit op een manier moet worden gerealiseerd die onze verantwoordelijkheid reflecteert. Verantwoordlijkheid naar onze gasten,

eerlijkheid hoe we ons personeel begeleiden, in­tegriteit naar de samenleving en respect voor onze natuurlijke omgeving. Wij hebben hiervoor een speciaal team, de teamleider is deel van ons bestuur. Het functioneren van het hotel en haar medewer-

kers wordt getoetst aan de hand van bepaade criteria, die onze verantwoordelijkheid waarborgen. Hiermee willen wij het functioneren van het hotel op de lange termijn veilig stellen. De bewustwording voor het welzijn van natuur en milieu wordt in de praktijk gebracht met een bewust gebruik van middelen die het mileu ontlasten, en het tegengaan van verspil-ling en belastende zaken. Wij zijn initiatiefnemers van een studie door onafhankelijke experts om onze uitstoot van koolstof te meten en te verminderen. We hebben kranen en sanitair geinstalleerd die spaar­zaam werken op het waterverbruik en wij hebben energiebesparende verlichting. Wij volgen de be­sparingen en effecten die deze maatregelen met zich meebrengen.

Wij hebben het gebruik van hoog kwalitatieve hybride auto’s geintroduceerd om onze gasten te ver-voeren. We recyclen zoveel mogelijk materialen bin­nen het hotel. Wij kiezen de meest milieuvriendelijke leveranciers en communiceren met onze leveranciers zodat de goederen en diensten die wij afnemen, zo milieuvriendelijk mogelijk zijn geproduceerd. Wij proberen een positieve bijdrage te leveren aan de samenleving, met initiatieven zoals zoals voedsel en linnen verstreking aan behoevende groepen. Wij bie­den training aan aan jonge mensen uit achtergestelde omstandigheden, veel van deze deelnemers aan ons programma hebben werk bij ons gevonden, of elders in de hotel industrie.

 La responsabilité de la société


À notre hôtel, nous reconnaissons que la prestation des services de haute qualité, est une preuve de la responsabilité d'entreprise - responsabilité envers nos clients, l'égalité dans la gestion du personnel, le soutien à la communauté, et l’attention pour la minimisation de notre impact sur l'environnement naturel.

À cette fin, nous avons créé une équipe de la responsabilité d'entreprise, qui tire son personnel de tout l'hôtel. L'équipe est dirigée par un membre de notre comité exécutif qui coordonne les activités et surveille leur performance. Le but de nos efforts vise à communiquer l'importance du développement durable à notre personnel.


Nous soutenons la sensibilisation à l'action pratique. Nous avons, par exemple, pris un large éventail de mesures pour minimiser notre empreinte environnementale. Une initiative importante a été le lancement d'une étude menée par des experts indépendants pour comprendre et mesurer nos émissions de carbone de base.

Dans d'autres domaines, nous avons introduit les robinets qui réduisent la consommation d'eau et nous avons effectué l’introduction progressive des ampoules écoénergétiques. Nous surveillons et analysons les résultats de cette épargne. Nous introduisons l'utilisation de voitures hybrides pour la circulation des visiteurs. Nous faisons un effort pour recycler, couvrant un large éventail de matériaux utilisés dans l'hôtel. Nous avons également une collaboration étroite avec nos fournisseurs afin de participer à des objectifs environnementaux et sociaux et pour assurer que nos ambitions se reflètent dans les biens et services que nous achetons.
Notre but est aussi de contribuer positivement à la communauté. Ainsi que des initiatives comme la fourniture de nourriture et linge d'hôtel aux groupes qui ont besoin. Cette initiative, fournit l'occasion pour les jeunes  provenant des quartiers défavorisés de recevoir une formation dans notre hôtel. Ceux qui ont participé au programme travaillent déjà chez nous ou dans l'industrie de l’hospitalité.

Responsabilità aziendale


Al Aigli, ci rendiamo conto che offrire un servizio di alta qualità significa farlo in un modo che dimostra la responsabilità aziendale - responsabilità verso i nostri ospiti, correttezza nel modo in cui trattiamo il nostro staff, il supporto per l'intera comunità, e la cura per garantire che minimizzano i nostri impatto sull'ambiente naturale.

A tal fine, abbiamo creato un team di responsabilità, che attinge a personale di tutta l'hotel. Il team è guidato da un membro del nostro comitato esecutivo, e campioni di prestazioni azione e monitor. Un focus del nostro sforzo di lancio è stato quello di comunicare l'importanza dello sviluppo sostenibile al nostro personale.

Noi sosteniamo di sensibilizzazione con azioni concrete. Abbiamo, per esempio, preso una vasta gamma di misure per minimizzare il nostro impatto ambientale. Una importante iniziativa è stato il lancio di uno studio portato avanti da esperti indipendenti per capire e misurare le nostre emissioni di carbonio di base.

In altre aree, abbiamo introdotto rubinetti che riducono il consumo di acqua e realizzato l'introduzione graduale di lampadine ad alta efficienza energetica. Stiamo monitorando e analizzando i risparmi di questa sta dando risultati. Abbiamo introdotto l'uso di auto ibride di alta qualità per il trasporto degli ospiti. Abbiamo un impegno di riciclaggio in corso che coprono una gamma di materiali utilizzati in hotel. Stiamo inoltre collaborando con fornitori di comunicare i nostri obiettivi ambientali e sociali per garantire che le nostre aspirazioni si riflettono nei beni e servizi che acquistiamo e fornitori con cui lavoriamo.

Cerchiamo anche di dare un contributo positivo alla comunità. Oltre a iniziative come fornire cibo e biancheria albergo a gruppi bisognosi. Questa iniziativa, offre l'opportunità per i giovani provenienti da aree svantaggiate a ricevere una formazione nel nostro settore. Molti di coloro che sono stati coinvolti nel programma sono andati a prendere i lavori con noi, o nel settore alberghiero più ampio.




Thimari

Thimari is gourmet restaurant placed in one of the stone walk alleys of the historical center of Lefkada and a few meters away from our 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat. Thimari also is the Greek word for thyme, which explains the state of our garden (planted with fresh herbs and colourful flowers). Pay us a visit and try for yourslves the tranquillity of the traditional alleys and the small selection of dishes which we cook fresh every day. The highlights of our cuisine are: fresh pasta prepared every day, fresh herbs from our garden, fresh fish according to the will of the sea and the lack of microwave ovens...

ΘυμÜρι

Το ΘυμÜρι, Ýνα υψηλÞς γαστρονομßας εστιατüριο σε Ýνα απü τα πÝτρινα σοκÜκια του ιστορικοý κÝντρου της ΛευκÜδας βρßσκεται σε απüσταση λßγων μÝτρων απü το 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat μας. ΘυμÜρι εßναι επßσης η ελληνικÞ λÝξη για το θυμÜρι, το οποßο εξηγεß την κατÜστασητου κÞπου μας (φυτεýεται με αρωματικÜ φυτÜ και πολýχρωμα λουλοýδια). Επισκεφθεßτε μας και ηρεμÞστε στο γραφικü σοκÜκι απολαμβÜνοντας την μικρÞ ποικιλßα ολüφρεσκων εδεσμÜτων που μαγειρεýουμε κÜθε μÝρα. Τα κυριüτερα σημεßα της κουζßνας μας εßναι: φρÝσκα ζυμαρικÜ που παρασκευÜζονται καθημερινÜ, φρÝσκα βüτανα απü τον κÞπο μας, φρÝσκα ψÜρια, σýμφωνα με τη θÝληση της θÜλασσας και την απουσßα φοýρνου μικροκυμÜτων...

 

Ο κατÜλογüς μας / Our menu

ΣαλÜτες / Salads

 

ΠρÜσινη και κüκκινη λüλα, φρÝσκο κρεμμýδι, καρýδια, πεκορßνο Αμφιλοχßας και βινεγκρÝτ λιαστÞς ντομÜτας

 

Green and red lettuce, spring onion, walnuts, pecorino cheese and vinaigrette of sun-dried tomatoes

 

NτομÜτα με παξιμÜδι, κÜπαρη, κατßκι Δομοκοý και καραμελωμÝνα κρεμμýδια

 

Tomato salad with caper, katiki cheese, barley rusks and caramelized onions

 

ΛÜχανο, καρüτο, κüκκινη πιπεριÜ, ψητü προσοýτο και βινεγκρÝτ με μÝλι και μαýρο πιπÝρι

 

Cabbage and carrot with red pepper, roast prosciutto, vinaigrette with honey and black pepper

 

ΟρεκτικÜ / Appetizers

Ψητü μανοýρι με σÜλτσα απü ξερÜ σýκα και οýζο

 

Grilled manouri cheese with figs and ouzo

 

ΦÝτα σε φýλλο κροýστας με μÝλι και σουσÜμι

 

Feta cheese in honey and sesame gratin 

 

ΜαριναρισμÝνες φακÝς με φρÝσκο κρεμμýδι, σýγκλινο ΜÜνης και καραμελωμÝνα κρεμμýδια

 

Marinated lentils with spring onion, seasoned pork and caramelised onions

 

ΦÜβα με καπαρüφυλλα

 

Fava with caper leafs

 

ΦιλετÜκια κοτüπουλου σε κροýστα δημητριακþν με σÜλτσα πιπεριÜς Φλωρßνης

 

Chicken fillet with cereal crust served with red pepper sauce

 

ΠανσÝτα σχÜρας με σÜλτσα απο μπαλσÜμικο ξýδι και πιπεριÝς Φλωρßνης

 

Grilled pork belly slice with balsamic vinegar sauce and red peppers

 

Μýδια αχνιστÜ με τζßντζερ

 

Steamed mussels with ginger

 

Γαρßδες σαγανÜκι

 

Shrimps with fresh tomato sauce and feta cheese

 

Κυρßως πιÜτα / Main Dishes

Μοσχαρßσιο φιλÝτο με σÜλτσα θυμÜρι και πουρÝ πατÜτας

 

Beef fillet with thyme sauce served with potato purée

 

ΑρνÜκι στη γÜστρα με πουρÝ πατÜτας και σÜλτσα δενδρολßβανο

 

Lamb with rosemary sauce served with potato purée

Μπριζüλα χοιρινÞ με λαδολÝμονο ντομÜτας και κυπριακÝς πατÜτες

 

Marinated pork t-bone with olive oil, lemon and fresh tomato sauce served with Cyprus style fried potatoes

 

Κοτüπουλο φιλÝτο σχÜρας γεμιστü με τυρß chèvre, σαλÜτα ρüκα, ξυνüμηλο και λαδολÝμονο βανßλιας

 

Grilled chicken fillet with chèvre cheese, rocket and sour apple salad dressed with vanilla and lemon olive oil

Χειροποßητες ταλιατÝλες με μανιτÜρια porcini, κολοκýθι και κρÝμα γÜλακτος

 

Home made pasta with porcini mushrooms, zucchini and fresh cream

 

Χειροποßητες ταλιατÝλες με μýδια, γαρßδες και κρüκο ΚοζÜνης

 

Home made pasta with shrimps, mussels and Greek red saffron

Χειροποßητες ταλιατÝλες με μπουκιÝς μοσχαρßσιου φιλÝτου, μανιτÜρια porcini και δυüσμο

 

Home made pasta with beef fillet, porcini mushrooms and fresh mint

 

Επιδüρπια / Desserts

Μους σοκολÜτας

 

Chocolate mousse

 

Μους μασκαρπüνε με γλυκü ντομÜτα

 

Mascarpone mousse with sweet tomato preserves




ÅêäñïìÞ ìå Jeep óôï ÖáñÜããé ôçò ÌÝëéóóáò

 Η προσφορÜ περιλαμβÜνει:

-διανυκτÝρευση με το μοναδικü πρωινü μας στις υπερποκυτελεßς σουßτες μας

-πλοýσιο Picnic στο φαρÜγγι δßπλα απü το ποτÜμι

-περιÞγηση 4Χ4 στο ΦαρÜγγι της ΜÝλισσας (με üχημα 4χ4 δικü μας)

 Απü 75 € το Üτομο! (ελÜχιστη συμμετοχÞ 2 Üτομα)

  Jeep Tour of the Bee Gorge

The offer includes:

-accomodation with our unique breakfast in our luxurious suites

-delicious Picnic in the canyon beside the river

-4x4 tour of the Bee Gorge (with our Jeep 4x4 vehicle)

  From 75 € per person! (minimum participation 2 pax)

 Jeep-Tour in der Melissa (Biene)-Schlucht

 Das Angebot beinhaltet:
-Übernachtung mit einem einzigartigen Frühstück in luxus Suiten
-ein reiches Picknick in der Schlucht am Fluss
-4x4 Tour durch die Schlucht Melissa  (unser Fahrzeug)
 Ab 75 € pro Person! (Mindestteilnehmerzahl von 2 Personen)

Jeep Tour met Melissa (bij) Gorge

  Het aanbod bestaat uit:
-Bed & Breakfast in een unieke luxe suites
-Rich picknick in de canyon op de rivier
4x4-tocht door de canyon Melissa (onze auto)
  Vanaf 75 € per persoon! (Minimaal 2 personen)

Jeep Tour à la gorge de Melissa (abeille)

L'offre comprend:
-Logement avec notre petit déjeuner unique dans nos suites luxueuses
-Pique-nique délicieux dans la gorge au bord de la rivière
-4x4 tour à la gorge de Melissa (avec notre Jeep 4x4)
   À partir de 75 € par personne! (minimum de participation 2 pax)

Tour in jeep della gola di Melissa (Ape)

L'offerta comprende:

-dormire con la nostra colazione unica nella nostra suite di lusso

-Delicious picnic nel canyon lungo il fiume

-4x4 giro della Gola di Melissa (con veicolo Jeep nostri 4x4)

   Da 75 € a persona! (Minimo di partecipazione 2 pax)

 




The Aigli, 1800 is the first green wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Lefkada

 

The award of the Green Key – Eco Label International Quality Brand by FEE (Foundation for the Environmental Education) was a great success and recognition for the environmental work of “The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat”.

Green Key is a global symbol of quality, environmental training and ecological management (eco-label) of the hotel units participating in it and the national operator in our country is the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature.

With consistency and focus on environmental protection issues, The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat contributes towards the purity of Lefkada, and carries the message of ecological conscience to customers, partners, suppliers, the hotel’s staff and the local community.

This is why The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat gained the trust of the National Judgment Committee and is included in the few hotels of the country that act as examples for their environmental policy.

Die Aigli, 1800 ist das erste grüne wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Lefkada
 
Die Verleihung des Green Key - Eco Label International Quality Brand von der FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education der) war ein großer Erfolg und Anerkennung für die Arbeit für den Umweltschutz "das Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat".

Green Key ist ein weltweites Symbol für Qualität, Umwelt Ausbildung und ökologische Bewirtschaftung (Umweltzeichen) der beteiligten Hotels in diesem und dem nationalen Betreiber in unserem Land ist die Griechische Gesellschaft für den Schutz der Natur.

Mit Konsequenz und Konzentration auf Fragen des Umweltschutzes, das Aigli 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat gegenüber der Reinheit Lefkadas, und trägt die Botschaft des ökologischen Gewissens zu Kunden, Partnern, Lieferanten, das Hotelpersonal und die lokale Gemeinschaft.

Deshalb ist das Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat gewann, das Vertrauen des Nationalen Urteil Committees und ist in den wenigen Hotels des Landes, enthalten die als Beispiele für ihre Umweltpolitik dienen.

De Aigli, 1800 is het eerste “groene”wine & gourmet luxury retreat in Lefkas.

De groene sleutel prijs- Eco Label International Quality Brand by FEE (Foundation for the Environ­mental Education) was een groot succes en erken­ning voor het werk tot behoud en verbetering van het milieu van “de Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat”.

Green Key is een wereldwijd symbool van kwaliteit,

milieu-training en ecologisch beheer (eco-label) en de nationale operator in ons land is de Griekse Vereniging voor de Bescherming van de Natuur.

Met de consistentie en het focus op bescherming van het milieu, draagt de Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat bij aan de zuiverheid van Lefkada, en draagt de

boodschap uit van het ecologische geweten aan klanten, partners, leveranciers, personeel van het hotel en de lokale gemeenschap.

Dit is de reden waarom de Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat het vertrouwen kreeg van het Nationaal Oor­deel Comite en is opgenomen in de lijst van weinige hotels van het land die als voorbeeld kunnen dienen voor hun milieubeleid.

Aigli, 1800 est le premier  wine & gourmet luxury retreat vert à Lefkada

L'attribution de la Clé verte (Green Key) - Eco Brand Label de qualité internationale par la FEE (Fondation pour l'Education à l'Environnement) a été un grand succès et une reconnaissance pour le travail environnementale de notre 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat.

La Clef Verte est un symbole mondial de qualité, d'éducation environnementale et de gestion environnementale (éco-label) pour les hôtels participant à ce projet avec operateur la Société nationale grecque pour la protection de la nature.

Avec une concentration constante sur la protection de l'environnement, the Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat  contribue à la pureté de Lefkada, et porte le message de conscience écologique aux clients, partenaires, fournisseurs, personnel de l'hôtel et la communauté locale.

C'est pourquoi Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat a gagné la confiance du Comité national de jugement et est inclu dans les hôtels Grecs qui sont les exemples pour leur politique environnementale.

Il Aigli, 1800 è il primo wine & gourmet luxury retreat verde a Lefkada

Il premio del Green Key - Marchio di Qualità Eco Label International dalla FEE (Fondazione per l'Educazione Ambientale) è stato un grande successo e riconoscimento per il lavoro ambientale della "Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat".

Green Key è un simbolo globale di qualità, la formazione ambientale e gestione ecologica (eco-label) delle unità alberghiere che vi partecipano e l'operatore nazionale nel nostro paese è la Società ellenica per la protezione della natura.

Con coerenza e attenzione agli aspetti di protezione ambientale, la Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat contribuisce alla purezza di Lefkada, e porta il messaggio della coscienza ecologica a clienti, partner, fornitori, il personale dell'hotel e la comunità locale.

Ecco perché il Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat conquistato la fiducia del Comitato Nazionale di giudizio ed è incluso nella pochi alberghi del paese, che agiscono come esempi per la loro politica ambientale.

 




The Aigli, 1800... ôï ðñþôï ðñÜóéíï wine & gourmet luxury retreat óôç ËåõêÜäá

 

ΜεγÜλη επιτυχßα και αναγνþριση του περιβαλλοντικοý Ýργου του "The Aigli, 1800"wine & gourmet luxury retreat η βρÜβευση της ξενοδοχειακÞς  μονÜδας με το ΔιεθνÝς Βραβεßο ΣÞμα Ποιüτητας Green Key- eco label του Ιδρýματος ΠεριβαλλοντικÞς Εκπαßδευσης ( Fee – Foundation for the Environmental Education).

Το Green Key αποτελεß, παγκοσμßως, σýμβολο ποιüτητας, περιβαλλοντικÞς εκπαßδευσης και οικολογικÞς διαχεßρισης (eco label) των ξενοδοχειακþν μονÜδων που συμμετÝχουν σε αυτü με Εθνικü χειριστÞ την ΕλληνικÞ Εταιρεßα Προστασßας της Φýσης.

Με την συνÝπεια και την προσÞλωση του σε θÝματα προστασßας του περιβÜλλοντος, το The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat συμβÜλλει στην καθαριüτητα της ΛευκÜδας και μεταφÝρει το μÞνυμα της οικολογικÞς συνεßδησης σε πελÜτες, συνεργÜτες, προμηθευτÝς, το προσωπικü του ξενοδοχεßου , και την τοπικÞ κοινωνßα.

Γι’ αυτü το λüγο το The Aigli, 1800 wine & gourmet luxury retreat κÝρδισε την εμπιστοσýνη της ΕθνικÞς ΕπιτροπÞς Κρßσεων και συγκαταλÝγεται μÝσα στις λßγες ξενοδοχειακÝς επιχειρÞσεις της χþρας που αποτελοýν παρÜδειγμα προς μßμηση ως προς την περιβαλλοντικÞ τους πολιτικÞ.




Greek Easter Celebration Package / Ôï Ëåõêáäßôéêï ÐÜó÷á- ôïõ Çëßá Ð. ÃåùñãÜêç

Celebrate the Greek Easter with friends and family at the Aigli from 100 euros per night !

 Unique settings and rejuvenating spring breeze will make this Easter break unforgettable.


Package includes :

  • Accommodation in luxurious room with private balcony and city view.
  • Traditional Greek sweets and candle in the room.
  • Church service at Mitropolis, few meters away from the hotel.
  • Daily Greek traditional Nona's (grandmother in greek) breakfast made with local products.
  • Early check in at 10:00 and late check out at 17:00 free of charge

This offer has a 3 nights stay restriction.

Rates include taxes.

For any further information regarding our Easter festivities, please call our Reservations Department at +30 69 8 69 60000 .

 

”ΑγιÜζι ουρÜνιας ομορφιÜς γιαλßζει στα μαλλιÜ του… ΜακριÜ χτυποýν καμπÜνες απü κρýσταλλο: Αýριο, αýριο, αýριο, το ΠÜσχα του Θεοý!” (ΟΔ. ΕΛΥΤΗΣ).

iliasgeorgakis ΠÜσχα. ΠÜσχα στη ΛευκÜδα. ΜοσχοβολιÝς στον αÝρα. ΜÜραθος, μυρτιÝς, αγρÜμπελες, κρßνοι, παπαροýνες. ΞωκλÞσια, αγριολοýλουδα. Η μυρωδιÜ του κεριοý καθþς λιþνει στην πασχαλινÞ λαμπÜδα. Η ανθισμÝνη φýση.

Τα χελιδüνια. Ο Ýρωτας. Τα κüκκινα αυγÜ. Οι ασβεστωμÝνες αυλÝς. Ο οβελßας. Οι χαρμüσυνες καμπÜνες. ΠÜσχα στη ΛευκÜδα. Στην Κυρα ΦανερωμÝνη, στους Αγßους Αναργýρους, στην Παναγßα των ΞÝνων. Οι φßλοι, οι παλιοß συμμαθητÝς. Βüλτα στο ΚÜστρο και στη Γýρα. ΑγνÜντεμα στον Αη ΓιÜννη. ΠερισυλλογÞ στο ηλιοβασßλεμα. ΔραπÝτευση στα καταπρÜσινα περιβüλια. Στους λουλουδιασμÝνους αγροýς. Το φωτισμÝνο χαμüγελο της Μυρτþς. Η χαρÜ του Παναγιþτη. Το “κομμÜτι”. Ο κατανυκτικüς ΕπιτÜφιος. Η χορωδßα του ¶γιου ΝικολÜου. Με την απουσßα του πατÝρα για πρþτη χρονιÜ απü τη χορωδßα. Η παρÜδοση. Οι προσδοκßες. Τα üνειρα. Οι ελπßδες.

ΠÜντως θα Þταν παρÜλειψη να μην αναφερθþ στα ΠασχαλινÜ Λευκαδßτικα Ýθιμα: Το ΜεγÜλο ΣÜββατο, νωρßς, το πρωß, οι γυναßκες βγαßνουν στο παρÜθυρο και «ρßχνουν το κομμÜτι» στο δρüμο. Πετοýν δηλαδÞ Ýνα πÞλινο αγγεßο, πιÜτο, λαγÞνι, μπüτη και στην ανÜγκη Ýνα κεραμßδι Þ κÜτι γυÜλινο – γενικÜ Ýνα εýθραυστο δοχεßο που γßνεται κομμÜτια. Τα συντρßμμια του σκεýους δεν κÜνει να τα μαζÝψουν την ßδια μÝρα. Το κομμÜτι -λÝει η παρÜδοση- το ρßχνουν για να σπÜσει η θλßψη, η ησυχßα και το πÝνθος της ΜεγÜλης ΕβδομÜδας. ¾στερα, με το χτýπημα της καμπÜνας, βγαßνει η ΦιλαρμονικÞ στους κεντρικοýς δρüμους της πüλης και παßζει εμβατÞρια.

Την ΜεγÜλη ΠαρασκευÞ στην πολη -τα παλιÜ χρüνια- λειτουργοýσαν üλες σχεδüν οι εκκλησßες της πüλης και Ýβγαιναν περισσüτεροι επιτÜφιοι. ΚÜποτε οι επιτÜφιοι Ýβγαιναν τα ξημερþματα του Μεγ. ΣαββÜτου. Αργüτερα, γινüταν «συνÜντηση επιταφßων» στην Πλατεßα. ¼ταν περνοýσαν οι επιτÜφιοι απ’ την Πλατεßα, οι φιλοπαßγμονες «ΜπρανÝλοι» αφορμÞ Þθελαν για ν’ αρχßσουν τα πειρÜγματα προς τις Üλλες ενορßες. Μüλις Ýφτανε ο κÜθε επιτÜφιος στην πλατεßα, ακοýγονταν τα παρακÜτω επιφωνÞματα: Για τον επιτÜφιο του Αγßου ΜηνÜ: Τσαφ – τσουφ (επειδÞ στην περιοχÞ εßχαν τα εργαστÞρια τους οι «χÜβροι», οι σιδηρουργοß). Για του Αγ. Γεωργßου και του Αγ. Δημητρßου (απü τα «ΨαρÝικα», με τους πολλοýς ενορßτες, ψαρÜδες): Γαρßδα – γαρßδα! Για την ενορßα των ναυτικþν, τον ¶γ. ΧαρÜλαμπο: ¼ρτσα – Μπüντζα Þ Αμüλα σκüτα! Για της Αγ. ΠαρασκευÞς, με τις φιλüκαλλες ενορßτισσες: Οι φκιασιδοýδες Ýρχονται! Για την ενορßα της «μεγαλοοικογÝνειας» ΤσαρλαμπÜ κ.Ü., τον ¶γ. Σπυρßδωνα: Τα ψηλÜ καπÝλα! Και για τη Βαγγελßστρα: Ωχ! Βαγγελßστρα μου.

 




Saint Valentine

Naughty Valentine's Nights

Valentine's is the perfect time to treat your partner to an intimate and seductive night away. Need inspiration to spice up your trip?
Feel the Saint Valentine and live your Romance...Indulge yourselves with a specially designed VIP package, which offers use of a luxury within a 60km radius, personal concierge service, choice of private dining, dedicated staff and many other little luxuries. Other romantic packages include candlelit a la carte dining, Aigli's full traditional greek breakfast as well as chilled champagne, strawberries and hand made chocolates on arrival. Honeymooning couples can stay in the Rose Honeymoon Suite, which boasts a separate drawing room, dining area and your own private turret complete with a spacious inside heated Jacuzzi.




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