Meganissi Lefkas

island report and Meganissi map

Meganissi island Lefkas

MEGANISSI is a small, picturesque islet about 6km south-east of Lefkas. Although one of the smallest of the Ionian Islands it is also one of the most attractive and is included in the brochures of several major UK tour operators.
Meganissi is about 20kmsq and is carpeted in lush vegetation. There are three main villages on Meganissi island - Vathy, Katomeri and Spartohori.
Vathy is the main ferry port of Meganissi although and there are also boat moorings at Spartohori (Spilia). The car ferry 'Meganissi' runs a shuttle service between Nidri, on the mainland, and both Spilia and Vathy on Meganissi. There are usually three sailings daily and the journey time takes about 20 minutes.
Vathy is set at the end of a long sheltered inlet and has several waterfront tavernas, a couple of music bars and some small shops. The village of Katomeri is about 1km inland from Vathi and has good tavernas and a bakery and wonderful views over the bay.
Tracks from Katomeri lead to other bays of Limonari and Elia, both of which have small but very pleasant beaches.
Spartohori is another attractive village of picturesque stone-built houses, perched high on the cliffs above Spilia Bay. Spilia means cave in Greek, and the bay takes its name from the many caves that can be found around here. Spartohori has two mini-markets, some shops and tavernas.
You can take the road or some steps down to Spilia harbour from Spartohori. The port here is very popular with yacht flotillas and so there are more tavernas than you might expect in such a small place.
At the end of Spilia bay is another small but pleasant beach with a waterfront taverna.