About  .  Contact  .  Donation Hidden for centuries beneath olive trees and encroaching modern buildings the theater is now a testament to the region’s storied classical past a geopolitically significant island off Greece’s western coast was settled by seafaring Corinthians in the 7th century BCE Because of its strategic position on significant maritime trade routes the island grew into a fortified polis with monumental public architecture carved into a hillside about 3 kilometers south of today’s city was constructed around the 4th century BCE at the height of Lefkada’s economic and cultural power Although German archaeologists Wilhelm Dörpfeld and E Krüger first discovered the theater back in 1901 and documented it in Dörpfeld’s Alt Ithaka in 1927 Forgotten for years—overrun by olive groves and makeshift storage buildings—it wasn’t until 1997 that the theater was rediscovered during geomorphological surveys conducted by the 12th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Olympia Vikatou of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aetoloakarnania and Lefkada Under the support of the Municipality of Lefkada The undertaking was considerable: olive trees had to be uprooted and several modern structures were demolished Archaeologists uncovered an exceptionally well-preserved cavea—the semicircular seating area—of 24 rows and 12 grandstands that could accommodate about 3,500 spectators Experts project that if the structure had been completed it would have seated as many as 10,000 or even 11,000 spectators is circular and 16.65 meters in diameter and is partially cut out of rock and bordered by decorative stonework Among the most intriguing finds are three lavishly decorated stone thrones featuring lions’ paws and sirens—they are believed to have been reserved for top-level officials or priests the lower sections of the theater are well-preserved this once-forgotten monument will become a landmark not only for archaeology enthusiasts but for tourists seeking a greater appreciation of the Ionian Islands’ ancient past and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()) Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab) Leave empty if the image is purely decorative Learn how to describe the purpose of the image (opens in a new tab). Leave empty if the image is purely decorative. GreeceChevron GettySave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links Lefkada remains crowd-free and uncommercialized (there are no international hotel brands here yet) It’s also a good jumping-off point for celebrity magnet Meganisi where you can visit Fish Taverna Errikos for lunch is on the remote western side of Lefkada and available to rent between early April and the end of October Available to rent between early April and the end of October Madreterra is situated on the remote western side of the island down a long windy road through olive groves (rent a small car for those hair-pin bends) Probably the most enviable place to stay on the island the stone villa has six bedrooms (two with sea views) and seven bathrooms meaning it can comfortably host up to 12 people Highlights include the infinity pool (with three different depths—ideal for kids) as well as a verdant fruit garden with lemon and apricot trees the beaches of Theotoko and Avali are just a ten-minute walk down the hill Our villa host Giovanna was always available on WhatsApp and helped with everything from supplying travel sickness pills and transporting a baby hedgehog we found to a local vet to booking restaurants organising boat trips and arranging a chef to cook for us—we were served a sunset feast of homemade pitta bread Menus cost from €25 to €35 per person plus a €200 chef fee A cleaner also comes daily (except Fridays) to lay freshly folded towels on the loungers A set of steps takes you to an outcrop where you can jump directly into the sea The interior design of the hotel is a little on the bland side but the likelihood is that for a summer vacation guests will be in the fresh air most of the time Dining options include a beach bar and a more formal restaurant with a cantilevered deck Bohemian Boutique Hotel is a rustic-minimalist independent offering that's great for solo stays due to the low square footage of the rooms Ideal for a short couple’s or solo stay in the old town, the Bohemian Boutique Hotel embodies rustic-minimalist design with exposed stone walls and each comes with a Nespresso coffee machine Named after the ancient Greek poet Sappho, this eight-room contemporary hideout is a few minutes from Agiofili Beach there are two types of suites available: one accommodating two adults and one child; the other a 650-square-foot space for four adults (there is an additional double sofa bed on the second floor) The former comes with private plunge pools while the latter has terraces with dining tables facing the sea There is also a glass-sided outdoor pool with loungers in the shallows Oikos Nostos has a sixty-foot-long infinity pool carved into the side of a hill and facing the Ionian Sea three bathrooms and a stunning 66-foot-long infinity pool carved into the side of the hill The single-level property has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Ionian Sea elegant sunbathing and shaded aperitivo areas as well as yoga mats for sunrise sun salutations Molos is a classic Greek taverna that serves freshly-caught seafood from the adjacent waters Positioned on a peaceful promenade by the sea, not far from San Nicolas Resort, Molos is a friendly taverna serving freshly caught fish (red mullet cuttlefish); flavorful pasta with aubergine and artichoke; and creamy feta cheese with honey one of my companions described the ceviche as the “best he’d ever had” Rachi's position on a hilltop gives the restaurant dramatic 180-degree views of the island and sea Without a doubt, the most cinematic outpost to eat at on the island, Rachi is a buzzing hilltop hotspot with 180-degree views of the island and sea On one side is a bar where you can start your evening with a sundowner (arrive in good time for sunset) Food is refined Greek and more pricey than more everyday tavernas Rachi is also the place to come for paragliding (see below)—and if you’re feeling nervous Avali Cantine's no-frills offerings and position on the beach where local paragliders land at the end of the day make it a favorite for end-of-day congregation Just a short walk from Madreterra Villa, Avali Cantine is one of those restaurants you could happily eat at morning it is a firm favorite among local paraglider instructors who all congregate here after their final beach landings of the day Seating is on a covered wooden deck jutting out over the cliff edge and there is a secret path to the beach (and outdoor showers) that guests can use Kids can help themselves to lollies and ice creams from a large chest freezer under the shade of a green parasol or you’ll have to walk up the hill to do a bank transfer from your phone when it comes to paying Positioned inland, Pardalo Katsiki is found in the rural village of Karya a place known for its needlework handicrafts and crops of lathyria beans On the menu of this quintessential Greek taverna you’ll find innovative dishes ranging from homemade sausage with peanut butter hummus to Manouri cheese with tomato gel alongside classics such as Dakos salad with carob rusk They also do triple cooked chips it truffle mayo Open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, Monato da Gusto leans more towards fine dining this time headed up by Millennial chef Theodore Tzavaras who specialises in elevated Mediterranean food the restaurant’s artfully presented dishes encompass fillet of freshly caught grouper with black-eyed peas and celery root purée Paragliding is a popular pastime on Lefkada because of the island's high elevations One of the most thrilling experiences to try on the island is paragliding thanks to Lefkada’s 3,200-feet-plus elevations The spot we’d recommend is 2200 feet high at Rachi restaurant which has a westerly-facing turf ramp for taking a running jump and instructors will film the whole flight for you with a selfie stick The flight takes about ten minutes and landings are on Kathisma beach (You can reward yourself with dinner at Monato da Gusto after.) Trident has been organizing boat trips off the coast of Lefkada since the 1980s and the company’s fleet of ribs accommodates seven to 12 people with an awning for shade and a cool box of drinks Highlights include swimming to the shores of Skorpios island Just speak to your captain about where you would like to go Headed up by Antonio and Christiana, Lefkada Adventures offers both guided and self-guided e-bike tours of the island for between €50 and €70 per person Excursions generally start and finish in Karya village meaning you can finish with a well-earned meal at Pardalo Katsiki Rides typically take four to six hours with a selection of easy medium and difficult routes through the mountains and has small white pebbles rather than sand The inaccessibility of Theotokos Beach means it attracts relatively few tourists and the coastline feels pristine and wild (you can drive windy road down.) There are small white pebbles here rather than sand and there is a path that allows you to walk about 40 minutes to the busier beach of Kathisma If you are looking for a snack or a cold drink Nektar Paradise is a tented beach bar that only takes cash Head to Lefkada Micro Farm to learn how to make Greece’s famous phyllo pastry pies The experience begins with coffee and a walk around the farm to learn about the produce that is grown there filling the long tubes of phyllo pastry with wild greens and goat cheese Classes last four hours and cost €80 per person As there are no direct flights to Lefkada's Preveza-Aktion Airport (PVK) from the United States, the easiest way for Americans to reach the island is via a connecting flight through London and more run flights that clock in at just over three hours in duration A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips A Guide to Korčula, Croatia Why Everyone Will Be Going to Osaka in 2025 A London Local’s Melting-Pot Itinerary for Food This New Eco-Cruise Through the Galápagos Takes Passengers On a Safari at Sea up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world the only known amphitheater on Greece's Ionian Islands is finally being unveiled Published: Apr 7, 2025written by Emily Snow archaeologists unearthed the remains of an ancient Greek amphitheater—the first of its kind to be discovered on the Ionian Islands The ancient Greek amphitheater stands on a hillside in Lefkada once a powerful city-state off the west coast of Greece Construction on the theater likely began around the 4th century BCE While the upper portion of the building has not been well preserved archaeologists have been able to study its cavea and the orchestra pit had been carved into natural rock in a perfect circle of about 54 feet in diameter construction on the theater appears to never have been finished the theater’s seating capacity might have been much greater A research team from the Ephorate of Antiquities of Aitoloakarnania and Lefkada has been working on the Ionian Islands excavation project for the past decade fully and harmoniously integrated into the geomorphology of the hill is undoubtedly the most important and imposing monument that has come to light in ancient Lefkada.” Lefkada was founded by the Corinthians sometime before the 7th century BCE. The ancient city’s strategic position along major sea routes contributed to its growth and economic success. It eventually declined with the rise of the Roman Empire The ruins of Lefkada’s ancient Greek amphitheater were first identified in 1901 by German archaeologist E The discovery was later noted by Kruger’s collaborator German archaeologists reburied the amphitheater after surveying it The general location of the theater was rediscovered in 1997 but systematic excavation efforts did not begin until 2015 with a careful examination of the site which had been obscured by olive groves and later structures—a process deemed “particularly difficult and demanding” by archaeologists the research team plans to survey the theater’s upper cavea and part of its stage They are also awaiting approval for plans to conserve the theater Emily is an art historian and writer based in the high desert of her native Utah In addition to writing about her favorite art historical topics she covers daily art and archaeology news and hosts expert interviews for TheCollector She holds an MA in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art with an emphasis in Aesthetic Movement art and science A 60-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a wildfire that broke out on Sunday on the Ionian island of Lefkada turned himself in after realizing authorities were on his trail he claimed he had been burning dry grass on his private field when the flames spread uncontrollably to nearby forestland Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by Monday morning Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox A large wildfire has broken out in a forested area south of Agios Nikitas prompting the evacuation of a nearby settlement Due to the fire front’s close proximity to Agios Nikitas the 112 emergency alert system issued an evacuation order shortly before 6 p.m. warning: “If you are in the area of Agios Nikitas Follow the instructions of the authorities.” there have so far been no reports of damage or any immediate threat to homes supported by 10 vehicles and one helicopter According to an update from the fire department at 6:40 p.m multiple scattered fire fronts and strong winds hampered efforts in the area a major archaeological discovery has unearthed one of the most important monuments ofancient Greece: the theater of Lefkada has been hidden for centuries under olive groves and modern buildings but it has finally found its precise location thanks to a series of excavations that have revealed the magnificence of a site that once dominated the city The discovery not only shed new light on Lefkada’s history but also helped rediscover its cultural and political importance in antiquity.Founded by the Corinthians before the end of the 7th century B.C. ancient Lefkada was a powerful city-state that thanks to its strategic location on the main sea routes established itself as one of the region’s economic and cultural powers Located at the northeastern tip of the island the city enjoyed privileged access to the sea which facilitated trade and communication with the rest of the Greek world allowed prosperity that was also reflected in its monuments The rediscovery of the theater of Lefkada was by no means simple there was little and fragmentary information about the site but these were covered up and forgotten over time thanks to a careful analysis of the geomorphology of the area and the surface remains supported by the Municipality of Lefkada and the DIAZOMA association despite logistical and environmental difficulties has finally allowed a site of inestimable historical value to be unearthed The actual excavations began in 2017 by the Superintendence for Antiquities of Aetoloakarnania and Lefkada thanks to funding from the Region of the Ionian Islands and the Municipality of Lefkada with the goal of recovering the large theater structure that dominated the ancient city and a number of other architectural elements emerged The work was not easy: in addition to the presence of centuries-old olive groves that had to be removed significant earthworks and the demolition of modern buildings that had encroached on the area were required which was identified as 12 grandstands arranged on 13 steps each initially thought to be about 3,500 spectators could reach up to 10,000-11,000 people with the expansion of the structure The theater of Lefkada is oriented northeast/southwest has better preserved the stone benches and steps allowing archaeologists to reconstruct the theater’s structure in detail is circular in shape with a diameter of about 16.65 meters and is surrounded by a stone frame that features ornaments in a wavy style Another fascinating feature is the discovery of three stone thrones suggesting the importance of the theater and its spectators probably representatives of the city’s ruling class is not exempt from damage due to the wear and tear of time and human intervention have had a negative impact on the state of preservation of the structure the monument has been carefully studied and restoration work has been planned that should ensure its preservation for future generations Culture Minister Lina Mendoni visited the site will allow the theater to be included in a co-financing program the site is ready to be recovered and restored The importance of this discovery is not only limited to the archaeological value of the site but also has cultural and tourism implications for the island of Lefkada the theater offers a unique opportunity to enhance the historical heritage of the area and attract visitors the theater becomes a landmark not only for archaeological enthusiasts but also for tourists who wish to learn about the history and culture of the Ionian Islands the Ministry of Culture and cultural associations has made possible the recovery and enhancement of this extraordinary site can become a center of attraction for the international public The rediscovery of the Lefkada theater is not only a victory for archaeologists an opportunity to better understand the life and culture of one of the most important cities of Greek antiquity The dates displayed for an article provide information on when various publication milestones were reached at the journal that has published the article activities on preceding journals at which the article was previously under consideration are not shown (for instance submission Journal of Food Composition and AnalysisCitation Excerpt :The powerful tool of class-modelling and its applications in food analytical chemistry are presented comprehensively in Prof 2017) and it has been discussed for the control of geographical origin of wines (Forina et al. Class-modelling has been successfully employed in previous investigations by some of us (Lymperopoulou et al. class-modelling has never been employed for identification of white wine substitution with inexpensive components All content on this site: Copyright © 2025 Elsevier B.V. makes for the ultimate sailing adventure around Greece’s Ionian Islands Meganisi is renowned for its sea caves.Photograph by James GreenByEmma MonkMarch 10 2025This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).“Ready to tack?” a voice shouts the sails flicker and the entire boat suddenly tilts sideways Dishes and bowls of fruit crash against each other inside the cabin I grab hold of the railing and laugh nervously but the smiles on my crewmates’ faces reassure me that this is a good manoeuvre is humming along to We Are Sailing by Rod Stewart We’re just one boat of the 11-strong flotilla — a convoy of nine other monohulls and a catamaran as well as a lead boat helmed by Sunsail’s local team We all met yesterday on the island of Lefkada (sometimes known as Lefkas) which sits in the Ionian Sea just off the west coast of Greece It has deep connections to Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey — German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld believed modern Lefkada was Odysseus’s ancient Ithaca the island draws visitors to its many interesting historical sites and to its golden bays for windsurfing and other watersports (These are the top 25 islands to visit by boat in 2025.) Retired PE teacher Apostolis is a Lefkada native.Photograph by James Green“The Ionian Sea is a paradise,” says Apostolis in a slow quiet places… I like this job and meeting different people from all over the world.” The 60-year-old Lefkada native spent most of his adult years teaching PE and worked as a skipper during the school holidays When he retired from teaching he continued skippering and now has clients that book with him time and time again Sailing south from Lefkada towards the smaller island of Meganisi the gentle wind blows us and we glide effortlessly along the calm which is notable for being the spot where Jackie Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis in 1968 Transformed from barren to verdant by the Greek shipping tycoon it’s still known as ‘Onassis Island’ nearly 50 years after his death (The Great Loop is the epic U.S. adventure you’ve never heard of) a rumoured hiding place of the eponymous submarine during the Second World War Eager to experience this history for ourselves we anchor Neifinn near the grotto and climb into the tender boat (dinghy) As we row closer towards the shadowed cave the temperature plummets and the cool stillness envelopes us The sound of the waves lapping against rocks echoes through the enormous cavern peak out just above the surface of the water We sit quietly for a few minutes to absorb the calm before heading back to the yacht grey cliffs and the intensely blue water swiftly conceal their secret hiding place once again Before following our flotilla from Vathi to the island of Kastos the next morning the lead boat announces over the radio that we’re going to have a regatta — but the lack of wind makes for a relatively slow race We bob around a little and that dreaded seasick feeling washes over me I pause to remember what I’d spoken about with Dee Caffari — an MBE and record-breaker for sailing around the world nonstop three times — who’s part of our flotilla she advised me: “Actively engaging in the activity really helps like driving or looking at the horizon or the sails you don’t have time to think about feeling sick.” Apostolis ushers me to the helm to pilot the boat He instructs me to keep my eye on a specific part of the jagged mountain top in the distance and guide the boat towards it The seasickness fades away and I take pride in my new entry-level sailing skills The waterfront of Lefkada town is bustling with restaurants and bars.Photograph by Jan Wlodarczyk a stone windmill-turned-taverna stands alone on the hill to the left of the bay I find mountain goats and cats to be the main inhabitants bar a small number of permanent residents who run the shops and tavernas A family of goats trot nonchalantly through the town square as I walk by When I make my way up the hill towards to the restaurant another goat watches me weave around the tiny prickly cactuses dotted on the pebble path We sit for dinner by the water at Taverna Belos joined by other crew members from the flotilla and admire the boats swaying softly in the tiny harbour I devour a plate of saganaki (pan-seared cheese) and a huge portion of fried calamari The rest of the menu is full of Greek favourites such as pork souvlaki A few hours of relaxed sailing from Kastos brings us to the town of Kioni on the island of Ithaca — just off the northeast coast of Kefalonia “The three most important sailing tips are: drink water drink coffee and smoke cigarettes,” Apostolis chuckles but before this… nothing.” I nod in agreement as I sip my freddo cappuccino Loïc and I decide to hike into the quiet hills to search for Kioni’s prominent lighthouses The punishing afternoon heat gets to us before we find them an elderly lady observes us from her porch and her face lights up when we greet her We thank her but persevere with our journey — we’re being treated to a hearty slow-roasted lamb kleftiko dinner at Calypso restaurant later anchored just off the beach of Mikros Gialos in southeastern Lefkada I dangle my feet in the cool water as I sit on the back of the boat Apostolis breezes towards me — clutching slightly stale bread in one hand I break up the offering and drop a piece in the water This must be the favourite meal of wrasses — a breed of shiny bright blue fish often found in these waters The entire school darts to each piece I toss (Why you should go beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece.) “People think a sailing holiday is all sailing, 12 hours a day, but actually, it’s more like moving your hotel room to a different location” Dee explains at dinner. “You can snorkel, swim, bike, discover the village, eat great food. You explore more of the destination in an enjoyable way and go to places that other travellers may not get to go to.” Her words echo in my mind as we stop at a secret beach before beginning our journey back towards Lefkada. There’s not another soul in sight. The turquoise water glistens in the sun as it gently rolls onto the shore. We have the whole white sand beach to ourselves. “Sailors are smart, quiet people,” says Apostolis. “We might look lazy, but we’re always watching: the wind, the sails, what’s on the horizon,” he trails off, raising the sails for our final day of sailing. “Slowly, slowly,” he directs an eager Loïc. “We have time. We’re never in a hurry.” I’d raised the anchor earlier, feeling fulfilled, like I was slowly getting the hang of sailing. I can feel the wind pick up and I know what’s coming next. I’m prepared this time — like the maids in Mary Poppins taking hold of all the valuables before the admiral fires his cannon. I grab hold of the loose items within arm’s reach and stand poised, ready to tack. and Lefkada suits all tastes with everything from authentic stone cottages to sleek modern complexes we’ve narrowed down this endless list of options with our picks of the best villas in Lefkada for your next visit ChortataIn a quiet unspoilt spot near the island’s west coast half-timbered cottage retains all the charm of Greek village life the cream-coloured kitchen sits beside a cosy sofa and dining table on the open-plan ground floor while the loft-style bedroom is tucked above on the mezzanine with sloping wooden ceilings and romantic voile curtains An uncluttered outdoor space lets the pool take centre stage as distant turquoise waters peer over low stone walls and white fences which surround the property for privacy Sleeps: TwoPrice: From around £103 per night sheer curtains draping across windows and beds and pastel pink furnishings subtly dispersed across its guestrooms This dainty home feels straight out of a fairytale but don’t let the modest interiors fool you - the view outside is one of the most impressive on the island perfectly placed to gaze upon the unique cluster of small green islands once owned by famous Greek businessman Aristotle Onassis Other amenities on the patio include a ping pong table a built-in stone barbecue and an infinity pool making this the perfect magical break for families Sleeps: FourPrice: From around £147 per night ApolpenaAs the only Airbnb Luxe on the island this hilltop villa earns a spot in the site’s premium tier of homes as well as a notable mention as one of Lefkada’s most lavish places to stay Eco-friendly and embracing its environment this home has wood-panelled ceilings and floorboards and panoramic window walls optimally placed to capture the Ionian Sea beyond Guests need not fight for the master bedroom either as all four bedrooms are king-size and ensuite - although one does boast a swish jacuzzi-style bathtub with water jets and extra room and the length in between lined with plenty of sunbeds and parasols for all Sleeps: EightPrice: From around £787 per night LigiaWhether on a couple’s getaway or a small family retreat this spacious villa is ideal for those with an eye for contemporary style Floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to the neat open-plan living space where swish design features include a matte black kitchen island and floating cantilever staircase leading to two airy bedrooms both ensuite and with postcard-perfect views of the Ionian sea Outside also offers an impressive array: a shaded four-poster day-bed sunken lounge area with an electric fireplace and a glamorous infinity pool connected to a plunge pool jacuzzi a ten-minute walk from the pebbly coastline and a 10-minute drive from Lefkada Town Sleeps: FourPrice: From around £439 per night the home strips back all the frills for a stay which feels truly traditional allowing the imposing stone walls to arrest attention inside and out sleeping arrangements include two ensuite bedrooms plus a sofa bed and extra single bed installed upon request There’s a lovely infinity pool on the veranda but its unique location on the cusp of Milos Beach means you’ll want to spend most of your time oceanside this sandy stretch is accessible only by a lengthy and rocky trek but the private path included with this home means you’ll be the first to lay your towels down on its best sunbathing spots Sleeps: SevenPrice: From around £366 per night SivotaSecluded in lush woodland hills yet just ten minutes from a quaint fishing village this coastal-country retreat blends the best of both worlds three bathrooms and two kitchens are spread across a two-floor main house and guesthouse while plush sofas and a picnic bench shelter behind grand stone arches in the open garden room - not to mention the generously sized pool surrounded with neatly trimmed shrubbery Wine aficionados can also take advantage of the optional in-villa service delivering a handpicked selection of regional wines to your doorstep Sleeps: SixPrice: From around £583 per night Sleeps: SixPrice: From around £147 per night, with a four-night minimum Source:  IDR Context: The first-ever ancient Greek theater in the Ionian Islands was discovered in Lefkada revealing significant insights into the region’s historical and cultural legacy About Ionian Islands: Google Map+ Google Map+ Google Map+ Google Map+ Google Map+ Google Map+ Insights IAS: Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation Contact Us: Call us at 080 69405205 (toll-free) Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to participate in the Scholarship Test This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page smaller crowds and off-peak prices to visit their favourite spots Slovenian Alps‘There’s a magic to sleeping surrounded by Alpine peaks when the snow starts to melt from the tops of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in northern Slovenia the whole of this mountain plateau blazes purple with flowering crocuses it’s a striking symbol of the Earth’s annual renewal This plateau is the closest you can get to Narnia on Earth it recalls the sacrifice of Aslan to bring Narnia back from its perpetual winter under the despotic rule of the White Witch the crocuses hail the arrival of a different holiday: Easter because parts of the Chronicles of Narnia film series were shot in Slovenia as were some episodes of the fantasy television series The Witcher based on the books by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski This high-altitude plateau is a vast undulating meadow that has served as a summer pastureland for herders since the bronze age as there were fewer bears and wolves around to threaten their cattle at such a height For two weeks in April the whole of this mountain plateau blazes purple with flowering crocusesIn the intervening years The herdsmen wear ponchos made from strips of resinous pine that repel water and make them look like Cousin Itt from The Addams Family and live in low-slung cottages that recall the Hobbit houses of Middle-earth They make a particular type of dried cow’s-milk cheese called trnič that is shaped like a breast; and play a game in which carved sticks are thrown to catch on to the branches of the dwarf pine trees View image in fullscreenA shepherd in traditional clothing in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps Photograph: Imago/AlamyThere’s a magic to sleeping surrounded by the Alpine peaks the absolute silence only broken by the occasional cowbell when families bring their Easter meal to church in baskets covered with a special decorative cloth to be blessed and afterwards the food forms part of an elaborate breakfast each component of which has a symbolic value linked to the Passion a national dessert which is usually prepared like a round bundt cake filled with walnuts Smoked ham is linked to the body of Christ as do hardboiled eggs that are dyed umber using red onion skin and are meant to represent Christ’s wounds As an American expat looking for hybrid dishes I put all the ingredients between slices of potica and make a toastie Slovenians are so welcoming that you’ll find a warm greeting regardless of your background – and even if you insist on making irreligious sandwiches.Noah Charney ‘Walk until the dunes narrow to a sliver of sand fringed by the gleaming turquoise sea’ View image in fullscreenPlatja de Ses Illetes on Formentera Photograph: Alexandre Rosa/AlamySpring on the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands is the sweet spot: the superyachts and summer day trippers from Ibiza are yet to arrive the beaches are practically empty and there are blankets of wildflowers With its petite proportions and flat geography Formentera lends itself to biking or hiking There’s a network of more than 60 miles of well-signed “green routes” which means most of the island can be explored car-free At just 12 miles long and little more than a mile wide at its narrowest Formentera can easily be traversed on a bike in one day You can also walk the coastline beach to beach from the start of March until the end of May is transformed into a patchwork of bright red marigolds and mallow bindweed bloom between orchards of fig trees Spending a few days cycling or walking between beaches makes for a lovely breakReached via a green route to the north of the island is the spectacular saltwater lagoon of Estany Pudent where bird spotting is particularly good in spring flamingos and Eurasian teal stop by on the journey north after their winter breaks running farther north through the island’s rolling sand dunes a plant that has small pink flowers at this time of year and is rarely seen outside Formentera Keep going and the dunes narrow to a sliver of sand at Platja de Ses Illetes and from there it’s possible to walk along the white sands all the way until the island dissolves into the sea partly thanks to the cleaning action of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass that grows here and in spring it’s just warm enough for a dip Spending a few days cycling or walking between beaches such as Calo des Mort a crescent-shaped cove carved into the rocks the five-mile stretch of sand that runs along the south of the island View image in fullscreenCalo des Mort Photograph: Lunamarina/Getty ImagesFuelling these adventures will be necessary and in spring there are two food festivals on the island restaurants compete to make the best pintxos – small bites of deliciousness often served on sticks – while for the last two weeks in May restaurants showcase the best of local food with special fixed-price menus Expect dishes such as frit de polp (fried octopus) bullit de peix (fish stew with potatoes) and flaó (a fresh cheesecake dessert with mint) For easy exploring, stay in the centre of the island at Es Pas Formentera Agroturismo a family-run eight-bed hotel in a 200-year-old whitewashed farmhouse on an olive oil estate with an outdoor pool (doubles from €130 B&B) Hourly ferries run from Ibiza to Formentera enjoying ancient culture and delicious food’ View image in fullscreenThe Maiden’s Tower on the Bosphorus Photograph: Givaga/Getty ImagesStrolling through Istanbul in spring is a joy just as tulips are coming into bloom and before the energy-sapping summer heat starts to build There are endless options for urban rambling in this megacity absorbing ancient culture and enjoying delicious food but here are two favourites – one on the European side and one on the Anatolian side dress appropriately for the mosques and start early and walk for an hour or so in the direction of Bebek you’ll see anglers assembling to cast their lines photogenic yalis (Ottoman-era mansions) with their wooden latticed balconies which has been known for selling the finest marzipan in the city since 1904 It’s best to do this walk on a weekday as weekends in Bebek get crowded Take an afternoon ferry to Üsküdar (from Beşiktaş Karaköy or Eminönü) and first visit the Mihrimah Sultan mosque built in the 1560s for the 17-year-old Princess Mihrimah favourite daughter of Süleyman the Magnificent it often goes by the unassuming name of iskele (jetty) mosque and its stone exterior gives few hints of the vibrancy inside your eyes are drawn upwards to stained-glass windows as bright as fireworks and the simple elegance of mosque lamps hanging from a giant circular metal frame featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays serves excellent rice dishes: order the chicken liver pilav or chestnut tekke pilav – made with pine nuts and currants walk for 20 minutes up to the Atik Valide mosque (Old Queen Mother mosque) and marvel at the panel of floral Iznik tiles the sort you find yourself staring at until your eyes begin to swim It’s a wooden home converted into a guesthouse next to a charming tea cafe It’s an easy walk to the ferry and there is a nearby bus stop A three-night minimum stay starts from £169.Caroline Eden ‘Expect paths that are a delightful assault on all senses: a riot of colour and fragrance’ View image in fullscreenKathisma beach Photograph: Malija/Getty ImagesIt’s the colours that hit you on Lefkada with glossy green hills and electric blue seas shifting over white sand but it’s connected by a bridge to the mainland on Greece’s west coast We head up to the picturesque village of Eglouvi for a hike locals have been clearing ancient monopati – old paths and mule tracks summer is too oppressive for anything other than walking straight into the sea Expect paths that are a delightful assault on all senses seaview trails fringed with almond blossoms And wildflowers – tiny violets and pansies The tiny whitewashed church at the summit has stunning 360-degree views – the churches in Greece always bag the best spotsThe Eglouvi-Karya loop is a moderately difficult six miles, according to the excellent Lefkadatrails.com which provides free GPS hiking routes (its lively Facebook community organises everything from strolls to the whole 50-mile multi-day Lefkada trail) The full loop takes a few hours and gets steep so take a tiropita (cheese pie) along or cut the walk shorter and make time for lunch Greek tavernas can be a gamble in spring (many remain closed until Easter) but in Eglouvi you’ll find Lithanofli taverna under the shady plane trees you’re in lentil country; locals are proud of a special variety And don’t forget water – even in spring it gets hot After scrambling rocky outcrops and a fine-looking gorge we found shade in a damp pine forest and then stumbled through a lunar-like quarry before the final push up to the summit It was so beautiful that I forgot to moan about my feet has stunning 360-degree views (the churches in Greece always bag the best spots) so I enjoyed the heavenly views while massaging my calves View image in fullscreenWildflowers in Lefkada Photograph: CasarsaGuru/Getty ImagesMaybe I should have started with something easier This pretty village sits on the mountain slopes olive museum and proximity to stunning beaches (a joy off-season) Start local – Sivros is famed for beautiful clear springs, streams and waterfalls – or arrange transport to hikes elsewhere with Vasilis Deftereos, in whose lovingly restored stone cottage I’m staying (gardens with seaview, starting at €60 a night for a minimum three nights until May, sivroscottages.gr) Deftereos revived the idyllic Sivros Springs trail this path can be completed in a couple of hours The full 50-mile trail across Lefkada can wait.Susan Smillie ‘Galleries give you a chance to combine art with beaches and blooming sculpture gardens’ View image in fullscreenCherry blossom trees in Bispebjerg Cemetery Photograph: Roberto Rizzi/AlamyThere’s a curious day in the Danish calendar called Økodag “Dancing Cow Day” farmers let their organic dairy cows out of the winter barns and into the fields The cows are so happy that they buck and hop The dominant colour is bright yellow: pharmacy windows fill up with yellow adverts for birch pollen allergy medicines and daffodils start to nod their heads beside cycle paths There’s a bright energy in the air: we’re like the cows finding new things to do beyond our apartments where you can stroll beside the sea and catch a view of Sweden It’s easy to reach by metro from the centre of the city Springtime also sees a rebirth of ideas in the city’s art galleries and museums. Modern art galleries Arken and the Louisiana give you a chance to combine beaches and blooming sculpture gardens with exhibitions 150-stalls spread along the harbour in Islands Brygge which opens in April under a froth of white blossom Keep an eye out for rhubarb tarts and cakes that start to appear in bakeries in the gap between Mardi Gras, when they’re full of cream buns, and the strawberry cake favoured in summer. Also try the special malty Easter beer – I like the bar and brewery Brus which has a ridiculously wide selection of craft beers which has winding paths amid the blossoms and bulbs and a central cafe with views to the harbour.Laura Hall Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain In a quiet olive grove on the Ionian island of Lefkada, something remarkable has come to the surface — and it’s turning heads in the archaeological world researchers have uncovered an ancient Greek theatre the first ever discovered across the entire Ionian Islands nestled on Koulmos Hill just a few kilometres south of modern-day Lefkada town had been hiding in plain sight for centuries it wasn’t until a dedicated team led by Dr Olympia Vikatou took on the challenge that its secrets started to emerge the theatre is being hailed as one of the most important finds in the region a beautifully crafted structure with tiered seating and sweeping views over the surrounding landscape It might not have hosted applause for over 2,000 years — but it’s getting plenty now Very little was known about the site before the mid-2010s the last recorded excavation happened way back in the early 19th century and lasted only a few days Kruge made a brief attempt to locate the theatre any trace of the site vanished under thick layers of soil and olive trees when experts began to suspect the theatre’s location based on the shape of the terrain But it wasn’t until 2015 that proper digging began Early signs — like rows of carved seats and fragments of a stage — were promising the entire structure had been brought back into the daylight Among the more fascinating discoveries are parts of three elaborately carved stone thrones and even a siren — details that suggest they were once used by priests or important public figures The theatre was likely built in the 4th century BC at a time when ancient Lefkada was thriving with some researchers suggesting it could’ve seated up to 11,000 if construction had been completed as planned time wasn’t kind to the upper levels of the structure Centuries of human activity — from antiquity right up to modern farming — have taken their toll And when the Roman emperor Augustus founded the nearby city of Nikopolis leaving the theatre to slowly fade into history The location itself — perched on a hillside with panoramic views — makes it clear this was never just a place for entertainment but a cultural centre with pride of place in the ancient city The team behind the excavation includes archaeologists Vivian Staikou and Varvara Giza they’ve helped revive a monument that had been buried broken and almost completely forgotten — until now Stay tuned with Euro weekly news for more news from Greece Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish We tend to return home in dire need of a real break while family-friendly hotels have either been too expensive or a bit too "},"children":[]},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Hi-de-Hi"},"children":[]}]},{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" Last year the four of us went interrailing the constant novelty of which meant it was the closest we had ever got to everyone being happy most of the time "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Last year my daughter Beth turned 18 and realised she could leave “family” holidays behind As she revelled in the delicious limbo between A-levels and freshers week we planned our first trip together as two"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" adults Leaving my husband and 15-year-old son at home the two of us could immerse ourselves in our simple joint pleasures No more trying to meet four wildly different sets of needs "},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Lefkada a ruggedly mountainous mid-size Ionian island We both love the food and the slow pace of life in Greece having self-catered in Corfu and Paxos in recent years a short drive into the hills behind the marina village of Lygia we were set."}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"87fc963d-9085-4cce-a44f-eab7d02f7c11","display":"primary","caption":"Katie Kelly and her daughter The hotel is a half-hour southwest from Preveza airport on the mainland Once we left the island ring road and headed uphill towards Katouna Suites there were hairpin bends and a few white-knuckle moments — especially for me But part of my mission on this trip was to instil a few life lessons and being brave and facing your fears was lesson number one Luckily we were following our tour operator Simpson Travel’s concierge and made it to the hotel with no screaming from Beth considering how much I screamed while I was teaching her to drive."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Calling Katouna Suites a hotel does it a disservice We arrived to discover the recently completed suites all had balconies with mesmerising views looking back across the water to the mainland but while we did stash some pasta and other bits there in the end we used only the kettle and the bottle-opener during our week as going out was far more tempting."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A generous breakfast served in a poolside gazebo the next morning with a different hot dish and cake each day reading and chatting with the other guests who all seemed to be extremely well travelled It was so lovely to see Beth confidently chatting away and mining them for information Beth is well versed in ancient Greek history — informed by the Percy Jackson novels and Stephen Fry’s books on Greek myths — while my knowledge was largely based on having seen"}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Clash of the Titans"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" (1981) at least a dozen times in my youth Lefkada doesn’t make an obvious appearance in the big stories but the cliffs on the south of the island apparently offered Zeus a spot for resting between liaisons with unwitting women "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"In the morning Shaw who seemed to always be there when we needed her fixed us with her owly gaze and asked about our plans for the day She thrust a map into my hands and packed us off towards the island’s northwestern corner to investigate some Russian windmills and some very Greek beaches "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Beside some of the best-preserved windmills was a little bar explaining how Lefkada had the dubious honour of being traded between several nations over the centuries built in the 18th century during a period of Venetian rule but given names by the Russians during their short 19th-century occupation when wheat imported from Russia was milled on the island "}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"9547ba05-955c-4ce1-b09d-69608c433cf7","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Windy beaches and windmills make Lefkada a beautiful place to be","title":"Stone windmill on Gyra beach was gusty enough to be popular for kite sports particularly when the wind picked up in the afternoons."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd1","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The west coast road is strung with classically dreamy beaches — white sand chilled beach bars and lovely spots to enjoy the sunset but be warned that "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"katsiki"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" is Greek for goat and that this beach is accessed by steep steps The effort to reach it means it’s wise to stay for a while and get a shaded sunbed (about £8.50)."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Nearer to the hotel on the east coast road Beth and I found plenty of delightful spots to bob about in the Ionian a narrow strip of pebble and sand with delightfully little else."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"One evening Shaw asked if we would like to join her and the other guests for a kind of informal supper club at her friend’s property in the mountain village of Platistoma That evening 11 of us were seated under a vine-woven gazebo huge bowls of Greek salad and carafes of cold white wine Beth was soon deep in conversation with a pair of well-travelled retired couples — she has long loved the company of grown-ups and I felt proud watching her chatting away on a sunny day.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2Fmethode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F1edd68cb-3f53-485e-910e-162876871451.jpg?crop=5472%2C3648%2C0%2C0","ratio":"5472:3648","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Over chicken that we all agreed “tastes like chicken used to” and crispy hand-cut chips By the end of the evening Beth had become everyone’s holiday granddaughter."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd2","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"When it came to seeking out some culture we drove into the mountains to the old capital of Karya This charming town has plenty of shopping opportunities a huge range of items fashioned from olive wood shaded square was edged by tavernas — our pick for escaping the sun with a cool drink was Pardalo Katsiki (pardalo.gr) Just on the edge of town was the Folklore Museum a traditional house built into the mountainside looms and examples of exquisite hand-woven and hand-embroidered textiles The building was once a needlework school run by a seamstress so taught all her pupils to sew exquisitely using just one hand I can’t sew a name label onto a school blazer but it was impossible not to be moved by these examples of everyday life and labour We left the town with Beth confidently navigating for the first time then walked the five minutes up the hill into the village of Katouna a few houses huddled round a sleepy little square that comes alive with children playing in the evenings lamb shanks and a zingy salad of lentils from the nearby village of Eglouvi (mains from £11) where once we would have sought out an ice-cream parlour this time we finished with a very grown-up ouzo in the bar next door."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that my adult child likes a lot of the things I do but having spent nearly two decades working around the wildly vacillating holiday needs and desires of children which at very few points intersected with mine it was a glorious revelation to love doing the same things together the lack of need for emergency Calpol and no ruddy games of Uno made this a holiday that for once was genuinely restorative."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Katie Kelly was a guest of Simpson Travel which has seven nights’ B&B at Katouna Suites from £832pp the 15 Dodecanese islands lie in the country’s east and include colossal Rhodes and its smaller sisters Kos and Patmos naturally handsome and historic — they sit strategically on the ancient route from Asia to Europe so there’s more than enough to keep you busy between long sessions by the pool Which is why Sunvil’s new ten-day itinerary concentrates on three You’ll be ferried between the grand villas of Symi the climbing and diving mecca of Kaymnos and the retro Along the way you’ll be staying by the sea in small hotels with pools."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Ten nights’ B&B from £1,379pp popularised by the BBC series of the same name — Ikos Odisia has its own 420m beach backing onto hiking and cycling trails under cypress and citrus trees Rooms in the low-rise resort are decorated in pleasing natural neutral materials with terraces and are easily walkable to indoor and outdoor pools and play areas the Anne Semonin spa will have you for a treatment There’s scheduled entertainment at night but the most exciting perk is the complimentary Tesla for a day so you can drive nine miles into Old Town Corfu."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,852pp A 15-minute drive from the port (itself a 90-minute ferry ride from Corfu) Villa Lakka is reached down a narrow track hemmed in by olive groves it has a new pristine kitchen and bathrooms and two double bedrooms with views onto the 3.5-acre garden (one with outdoor access) The villa’s namesake village — and pebbly beach — is ten minutes away by car."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Seven nights’ self-catering for four from £2,742 (oliverstravels.com) consider the bang you get for your buck at Gundari on Folegandros Taking up 100 clifftop acres at the end of a single road the new resort shares space with a natural bird reserve and a cast of rare Eleonora’s falcons which you can watch from the cliff-edge spa Each of the 25 suites has its own infinity pool but there’s also a larger shared pool with a swim-up cocktail bar The restaurant’s produce comes from the property’s organic farm."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Seven nights’ B&B from £1,912pp (gundari.com) you can cut a swathe through northern Greece and get a bit of everything: ancient ruins Secret Escapes has marked out a route from the second city of Thessaloniki to the Ottoman and Byzantine settlements on Lake Pamvotida It loops back through Kalambaka for a detour to Meteora the Unesco site where medieval monasteries teeter on soaring outcroppings with plenty of opportunities for long swims and sundowners."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Seven nights’ B&B from £1,289pp splayed over a glassy bay on the Ionian edge of the Peloponnese has long since worked out the kinks from its 2022 launch bringing excellent taste to the grossly underrated Costa Navarino That means that life on the Wet Deck — a dappled breakfast terrace private beach club and sunset lounge — plays out like clockwork A hand outstretched from a sunlounger immersed in the enormous infinity pool will be grasping a glass of retsina within seconds Rooms are furnished with the expected combination of textural artisan design and luxury linens Everyone gets a view of the water and upgrades net you swim-up suites and villas with private pools A week here is just enough time to sample the waterfront agora to charter a boat and to take a cycle-hike excursion to the Kalamaris waterfall."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" Seven nights’ B&B from £1,261pp along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners Self-catering is too much like hard work"},"children":[]}]}]},"dropcapsDisabled":false,"expirableFlags":[],"keywords":{"type":"json","json":["this","under-the-radar","greek","island","is","perfect","for","a","mum-daughter","trip"]},"leadAsset":{"type":"id","generated":false,"id":"Image:baa52775-fb0b-4187-9caa-2ef3973e3da2","typename":"Image"},"relatedArticleSlice":null,"sharingEnabled":true,"savingEnabled":true,"standfirst":"Once her child turned 18 Katie Kelly decided to swap the family holiday for an adults-only break This swish resort on Lefkada was just the spot","slug":"lefkada-adults-only-hotel","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/europe-travel/greece/lefkada-adults-only-hotel-nlcf9r7kq","__typename":"Article"},"Image:baa52775-fb0b-4187-9caa-2ef3973e3da2":{"caption":"The west coast road of Lefkada is strung with dreamy beaches and ridiculously blue waters","credits":"Getty images","title":"Aerial view of a sailboat near a beach in Lefkada This swish resort on Lefkada was just the spotThe west coast road of Lefkada is strung with dreamy beaches and ridiculously blue watersGETTY IMAGESKatie KellySaturday January 11 2025 The TimesFamily holidays have never been something my husband and I or our two children have got to grips with while family-friendly hotels have either been too expensive or a bit too Hi-de-Hi we planned our first trip together as two adults in LefkadaLefkada is an island that you can drive to considering how much I screamed while I was teaching her to drive Calling Katouna Suites a hotel does it a disservice in the end we used only the kettle and the bottle-opener during our week as going out was far more tempting Katouna Suites is so much more than a hotelSTEPHEN HUGHESLovely as the hotel was Beth is well versed in ancient Greek history — informed by the Percy Jackson novels and Stephen Fry’s books on Greek myths — while my knowledge was largely based on having seen Clash of the Titans (1981) at least a dozen times in my youth Beside some of the best-preserved windmills was a little bar Windy beaches and windmills make Lefkada a beautiful place to beALAMYThe existence of windmills should have meant it was no surprise that this side of the island caught the breeze particularly when the wind picked up in the afternoons The west coast road is strung with classically dreamy beaches — white sand but be warned that katsiki is Greek for goat The effort to reach it means it’s wise to stay for a while and get a shaded sunbed (about £8.50) Nearer to the hotel on the east coast road a narrow strip of pebble and sand with delightfully little else One evening Shaw asked if we would like to join her and the other guests for a kind of informal supper club at her friend’s property in the mountain village of Platistoma When the heavens opened we picked up our tables and moved inside to a barnlike room filled with sepia photographs of unsmiling brides and grooms and decorative traditional details: a heavy woollen shepherd’s tunic hanging on the wall and an old olive press Agios Ioannis is gusty enough to be popular for kite sportsALAMYOver chicken that we all agreed “tastes like chicken used to” and crispy hand-cut chips By the end of the evening Beth had become everyone’s holiday granddaughter ruined villages and eventually a couple of bar stools by the sea On our last day we simply lounged and chatted with new friends by the pool this time we finished with a very grown-up ouzo in the bar next door Maybe it shouldn’t be a surprise that my adult child likes a lot of the things I do the lack of need for emergency Calpol and no ruddy games of Uno made this a holiday that for once was genuinely restorative.Katie Kelly was a guest of Simpson Travel which has seven nights’ B&B at Katouna Suites from £832pp including flights and car hire (simpsontravel.com) Sunvil cruises stop at Dodecanese islands including SymiA sleepier alternative to the ever-popular Cyclades Along the way you’ll be staying by the sea in small hotels with pools.Details Ten nights’ B&B from £1,379pp including flights into Rhodes and out of Kos and transfers (sunvil.co.uk) Ikos Odisia has its own 420m beachHEINZ TROLLOn a forested peninsula on Corfu’s charming east coast — this is Durrells country so you can drive nine miles into Old Town Corfu.Details Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £1,852pp transfers and checked baggage (baholidays.com) Villa Lakka has a 3.5-acre gardenThe rugged west coast of Paxos is known for its coves The villa’s namesake village — and pebbly beach — is ten minutes away by car.Details Seven nights’ self-catering for four from £2,742 (oliverstravels.com) Gundari on Folegandros is a 50-minute ferry ride from SantoriniIf a five-star designer suite with desert-isle vibes seems a tad out of your league The restaurant’s produce comes from the property’s organic farm.Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,912pp (gundari.com) Medieval monasteries teeter on outcroppings in MeteoraGETTY IMAGESUsing Mount Olympus as an orientation point with plenty of opportunities for long swims and sundowners.Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,289pp including flights and car hire (secretescapes.com) to charter a boat and to take a cycle-hike excursion to the Kalamaris waterfall.Details Seven nights’ B&B from £1,261pp Become a subscriber and Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X Lefkada warmly welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with a grand ceremony on Sunday afternoon at the Holy Monastery of Faneromeni The Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed at the Monastery by an honor guard As reported by the local media Metropolitan Theophilos of Lefkada and the Abbot of the Monastery extended a warm welcome to the Patriarch upon his arrival on the island the Patriarch was greeted by a government representative Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Zetta Makri to which the Patriarch responded from a specially arranged platform The ceremony outside the monastery culminated in the unveiling of a plaque dedicating a square to “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,” commemorating his visit a Doxology was held in the Monastery’s Katholikon the Patriarchate of Jerusalem solemnly celebrated the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women... Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos.. it was announced that two Roman Catholic institutions in Bavaria have decided to jointly.. A car once used by Pope Francis during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem is being transformed into a mobile.. the Monastery of Saint Vlash in Albania hosted a festal Divine Liturgy on the.. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over the festal Great Vespers at the historic.. (function() { window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { listeners: [] cb) { window.mc4wp.listeners.push( { event : evt callback: cb } ); } } }})(); © 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website These cookies do not store any personal information Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website and airport transfers to and from the hotel in Lefkada LefkadaStephen HughesKatouna Suites is a boutique hotel on the northeastern coast of Lefkada an Ionian island best known for its world-class beaches It’s an adults-only haven 8km from Lefkada Town where just ten contemporary suites ensure the utmost tranquillity whether enjoying a rejuvenating sleep or soaking up the sun beside the pool Rooms range from junior suites just above the pool level to penthouse suites boasting some of the island’s most spectacular the team has thought of everything the modern traveller requires for the ultimate stress-free escape LefkadaStephen HughesAfter continental spreads and fresh juices at breakfast inviting guests to dry off after dips in the infinity pool and settle in on the shaded terrace Barbeque nights bring traditional flavours and music to the intimate setting while the team is on hand to offer suggestions of the tastiest restaurants and cosiest bars nearby If modern living has led to aching muscles organise a session in the spa treatment room To be in with a chance of winning this prize answer the question below correctly and enter your details Sign up to The Daily for our editors' picks of the latest and greatest in travel A definitive list of the best Greek islands to visit this year Cheapest, nicest city breaks in Europe to add to your bucket list Take a look at the most beautiful small towns in the world 50 best things to do in Europe in your lifetime You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed ShareSaveCommentLifestyleForbesLifeThe Caribbean Of Greece, Lefkada Remains Delightfully Anonymous To Most AmericansByLauren Mowery Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights and sustainable living.Follow AuthorMar 24 04:41pm EDTShareSaveCommentThis article is more than 2 years old.Beautiful panoramic view on turquoise Katsiki beach many of them heading to the same island groups while ignoring the string of gems known as the Ionians are small and intimate which in turn preserves the sense of community created between locals and returning travelers the star power of Santorini and Mykonos overshadows other destinations in Greece just as worthy of travel media coverage yet persistently underrepresented I visited Lefkada last September to pick up a sailboat for a four-day trip through some of the smaller islands nearby had never heard of Lefkada and research yielded few words written in U.S Given the mythological status of the Ionians I expected a quiet destination worthy of a day or two before catching the boat getting to this Grecian paradise is simple drive 4.5 hours on a long toll road across the northern Peloponnese peninsula (yes lots and lots of tolls but credit cards are accepted) Warning: reserve a table long before your island arrival as these spots attract big crowds during the summer Second warning: don’t drink and drive (period!) but especially in the dark down the mountains Blue water turns a milky opal hue from the limestone content of Lefkada's sand and cliffs Breathtaking beaches are Lefkada’s calling card The island is home to one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean and that’s not hyperbole boasts lunar white sands framed by dramatic cliffs and a milky blue sea the color of opals the remote crescent of Egremni has become a bucket list stop for its iridescent blue waters lapping limestone cliffs backing a long sandy beach Experienced sailors refer to the Ionians as the bathtub of Greece. Calm waters provide ideal conditions for novice skippers or groups looking to sail with less work and more relaxing. Many Ionian charter companies operate out of Lefkada like Sail Ionian the family-owned company we hired a boat and French skipper through The island's unique wind conditions attract adrenaline junkies making Lefkada a premier destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding hosts a multitude of international competitions while the calmer waters of Agios Ioannis Beach offer an ideal spot for newbies to hone their skills and nature seekers head for the island’s craggy spine Lefkada’s verdant interior is carpeted in olive groves and rushing waterfalls like Dimossari waterfall on the outskirts of Nydri Family-run tavernas line the stone-paved alleys of Lefkada The boutique property opened in 2018 at the foot of Skaros Mountain near Nikiana village I rolled the dice on the choosing the property using Instagram In addition to fantastic food, the property offers a range of amenities and services including several pools, cabanas and a spa. Just enough, not too much. Modern rooms and suites, many with private pools and views of the water, feature organic textiles in soft earthen hues. Sophisticated, polished, but relaxed – exactly what you want from a holiday in the “Caribbean of Greece.” If Lefkada’s not on your travel list, that’s good news. The fewer who know about this gem in the Ionian Sea, the better. Now book your ticket and keep it to yourself. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site From James Bond-style islands to fancy restaurants, Hannah Stephenson lives an A-lister life without the enormous price tag Weaving through a maze of sun-kissed tables and sky-blue chairs, ebullient host Freiderikos Errikos leads me inside his eponymous family restaurant on the little-known Greek island of Meganisi to a wall of photos featuring famous diners who have graced his tables Amid the montage of framed snaps, Errikos is pictured smiling proudly with Hollywood actress Demi Moore Italian designers Georgio Armani and (the late) Roberto Cavalli as well as a host of Greek dignitaries worthy of the VIP status the picture wall commands We’ve anchored at Vathi, the pretty main port of this hidden Ionian gem off the west coast of Greece, reputedly a haunt for the rich and famous who moor their yachts nearby and arrive quietly to explore Earlier, we stop at a secluded pebble and sand beach on the island deserted apart from a smattering of empty sun loungers and a small bar where two young locals are serving ice-cold frappes and espressos for less than it would cost at a famous coffee chain at home Asking if any celebrities have visited their bar, they talk of Sarah Jessica Parker and show me a TikTok on their phone of rapper Travis Scott trying his hand at Greek dancing with the Meganisi locals Read more: The best hotels in Corfu for beachfront stays and boutique getaways My Gen Z kids are probably more impressed than me but leaving this under-the-radar celebrity haunt our skipper Dasos puts the throttle down on his rib to give us a tour of neighbouring Skorpios once the private island of late Greek shipping billionaire Aristotle Onassis (he married Jackie Kennedy there in 1968) now leased long-term by a Russian oligarch There’s a James Bond vibe to Skorpios – even the name sounds like it could come out of a movie – as Dasos points out the security men looking ominously at us plus the cameras at every possible entry point He tells us that when the oligarch is in residence security boats patrol the area to ward off unwanted visitors Enough of the drama. Meganisi is just a watery detour from where we are actually staying, on its larger sister island Lefkada, nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ because of its vivid blue waters and glorious beaches, but less well known than the popular Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Corfu and Zante Lefkada is the only Greek island which you reach by a causeway (via a small bridge) from Preveza airport on the mainland – so no ferry journey is needed to get here Read more: The perfect holiday destinations in Greece for every type of traveller In just half an hour you’ll find yourself on a verdant mountainous island awash with olive trees and tall skinny cypress thyme and olive oil are dotted along the roads Thanks to an abundant storage of underground water, coupled with historic mild rainy winters, Lefkada is unusually green in summer compared with the barren landscapes of the Cyclades islands including Santorini and Mykonos But it’s the beaches which really stand out – many accessible by land others easier to reach by sea – set against a backdrop of majestic limestone cliffs which has properties in both Lefkada and Meganisi Villas can be an economical option if you have grown-up kids who are working and you split the cost Read more: This region of Greece is beautiful, crowd-free and a Unesco site – and you’ve probably never heard of it Preveza is also served by budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet while Tui also offers competitive flight prices and if you shop around you can rent a car for a week in June for around £150 Heading past the famous Faneromeni Monastery in the north and 10 minutes from the more touristy capital of Lefkada Town we arrive in the traditional village of Tsoukalades where locals put the world to rights over strong coffee in simple workaday cafes and go about their business unfettered by hoards of holidaymakers Several bakeries offer homemade spanakopita (spinach and feta pie) and bougatsa (custard-filled filo pastry) for a few euros less than you’d pay for a couple of muffins in a British equivalent While it isn’t picture-postcard pretty – there are no whitewashed houses with eye-catching blue roofs – there’s a certain charm to a village that seems to have stepped back in time Tavernas here offer authentic dishes such as souvlaki Greek salad topped with slabs of feta cheese washed down with a glass of palatable local wine – a meal will set you back around £15 a head Read more: How an all-inclusive hotel helped me rediscover how to holiday Thrill-seekers can head for the more commercial centres of Vassiliki in the south and the tourist town of Nidri in the east which offers many boat trips from its small port More sophisticated Instagrammable cafes and restaurants have sprung up in pretty Sivota in the south as customers negotiate their acai bowls while admiring the yachts passing through the picturesque little harbour The west coast is windier but has the most spectacular beaches including Porto Katsiki although some are easier to access by boat The most stunning – and probably the toughest to reach – is Egremni in the south west a vast expanse of white pebble beach which sits below sheer limestone cliffs we walk a kilometre down a winding road to the steps Struggling back up those endless steps and the winding road at the end of the day we agree that a water taxi or boat from Nidri or Vassiliki would have been a less arduous way to experience this idyllic spot Read more: Greece island hopping – a guide to the best routes and how to explore Greek culture Boat hire on Lefkada is cheap and you can get to Meganisi in 20 minutes from Nidri. We rent a 30hp craft without a boat licence for €90 (£78) plus fuel costs (Ionian Boats) for up to six people complete with canopy and ice box to put our own drinks and food in Finding hidden coves and swimming off the boat in the waters around both Lefkada and Meganisi proves a highlight thanks to the lack of water traffic and the pristine Ionian Sea Dragging ourselves away from the sea for a morning we set out to explore the famous Dimossari waterfall nearby only to discover that in the height of summer the fall has run dry when the water is likely to be cascading and visitors can dip in the cooling pool at its base If you’re searching for real celebrity treatment on Lefkada you can find it. On our anniversary we blow the budget at an expensive, sophisticated hotspot, Amente There, we enjoy elegant cocktails and fine dine on scallops and black pork loin before being shown past the pool and the resident harpist to cosy viewing spots under the trees to watch the most spectacular sunset. We could have been in the Caribbean Read more: Best Greek Island hotels with 2025 prices from £648 for seven nights (based on five sharing); and eight villas on Meganisi from £748 for seven nights (based on six sharing) Read more: Best hotels in Rhodes – where to stay for stunning beaches and Old Town scenery Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":null,"description":"Egremni beach, Lefkada (Hannah Stephenson/PA)","caption":"Holiday bliss: Egremni beach, Lefkada explained how modern artists like Amedeo Modigliani and Barbara Hepworth were inspired by these antiquities Sun isn’t essential for enjoying these ruggedly beautiful British islands. Who needs Mustique when you have Bute, anyway? Oikos Nostos translates to a familiar sense of homecoming in Greek. It was also the name of the serene villa, which we had discovered through The Thinking Traveller and was to be our destination on Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. Timothy and I took the opportunity to drive the scenic route from Athens and were struck by the natural beauty of our surroundings Arriving at Oikos Nostos the panoramic views were breathtaking It felt meditative to watch sailing boats passing beneath throughout the day There is a soft elegance to the architecture of Oikos Nostos It feels contemporary and yet aligns with the natural landscape The transitional walls take the form sliding glass doors so that you always have a view of the Ionian Sea we enjoyed walking through the garden of lilac and blue wildflowers planted thoughtfully beneath the villa The infinity swimming pool with stunning views was often the focus of our day we further embraced the theme by watching the 1969 film La Piscine with Alain Delon and Romy Schneider our friends Alexander and Frederikke joined us from Stockholm We all shared a Nordic appreciation for the reviving temperatures of the Ionian Sea in the late spring We also had the opportunity to spend the day on a boat Our knowledgeable skipper took us around the neighbouring islands of Meganisi and Atokos It was blissful to dive into clear waters and swim into secluded coves lined with pebbles We also stopped at Skorpios where the luminary Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had previously lived and retreated Our peaceful evenings were spent walking around the local coastline and cooking for ourselves at Oikos Nostos There was also a wonderful corner of the garden amidst the wildflowers where you could enjoy an aperitivo The landscape architecture was considered with numerous places to entertain we sourced seasonal vegetables and fish from Ntouzos Fish Market The Thinking Traveller also arranged for local private chefs to cook for us one evening and it was a memorable experience we had the support of a knowledgeable local concierge named Cora The coastline of Lefkada is renowned for its exquisite beaches and some are more obscure than others She recommended the nearby Agiofili Beach and showed us how to navigate an unsuspecting route which eventually led us to a heavenly beach with pearlescent waters and pebbles underfoot The Thinking Traveller always ensured that our experience at Oikos Nostos on Lefkada was enchanting and yet deeply restful and restorative Once you are underway in good weather sailing can seem simple once the sails are up and trimmed to the wind "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"That’s how it was for us three freshly qualified skippers beating through deep blue water along the Ionian coast — friends in our early thirties with a chartered boat and no one else on board "},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Tom Charlie and I had all mucked about on boats for a decade serving as incompetent crew for my father on sailing trips around the Mediterranean other than how to lie down with a book in hand while occasionally pulling in a"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" line or letting out a sail We thought it about time we became more capable to enjoy the freedom of the seas for ourselves It’s where Marc Anthony gathered his men shortly before his decisive clash with Octavian for control of the Roman empire Cleopatra escaping with her fleet after Anthony’s defeat the republic in ruins."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Although there are plenty of places to achieve the day skipper qualification in the UK we had come to this area for a week in the spring to complete it in advance of our summer holiday the one island in the Ionian connected to the Greek mainland by a long causeway."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"We had stepped aboard tentatively on hearing that our instructor for the week was ex-military imagining long days scrubbing decks and being ordered to wake at 0600 hours But Craig Thornley turned out to be more of an intense wanderer who had gone from not knowing how to sail to being an instructor in five months getting to know a number of places to which we now planned to return Craig later told us he knew he could pass us within the first hour of meeting us; a show of confidence that wasn’t entirely warranted a hillside taverna a ten-minute taxi ride from Vlicho that was pleasantly busy and served delicious cuts of chicken and pork from an open grill (mains from £13; lefkadaopen.gr) moored in Vlicho harbour."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"We set out the next day as a trio bolting across the bay for a drink before sunset in Palairos where we had two more friends to meet who had signed up as crew under our nominal command with plans to alight on the nearby island of Ithaca within a day or two."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Leaving Vlicho was stress-free; we had simply motored out into open water The difficulties come when you have to go in or out of a bay You only truly discover who is able to command a boat when you get into the narrow marinas That’s when someone has to execute sharp turns in a fibreglass can three times the length of a car hit anything."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd1","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Despite that life at sea has been made much easier by the invention of an essential on-board machine: the AIS First made mandatory on large commercial vessels in 2002 it allow ships to view marine traffic in their area and to be seen by that traffic This live digital dashboard — a Google Maps for water — is only meant to supplement the careful study of a paper chart In small bays you use it to navigate between other yachts; at sea it alerts you to potential collisions with 400m tankers; and at night it will help you to discover the owner of the searingly lit superyacht anchored off shore."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Our C42 came with two other modern inventions: a self-furling mainsail and a self-tacking jib rather than falling down along the boom — was a welcome difference from our training boat The jib initially seemed like it would make sailing too easy In training we had tacked like mechanics in a pit; one of us steering the boat through the wind another releasing the windward sheet and a third pulling in the leeward line That synchronous dance was no longer necessary and it didn’t take long to realise how much we didn’t know On the second day we chased a strong wind down the mainland coast where a few sun-drenched homes dotted a shoreline of otherwise unbroken shrubs which pushed us obligingly along the coast We didn’t yet know that we were being overpowered; we had too much sail up to turn our boat away from a dawning encounter with jagged rock attempting to drive the boat out to sea like a car reefing our sails to control them."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"We anchored that night off Kastos a thin spit of an island with two neighbouring tavernas — one for fish El.a Café (£8; no website)."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A day later now a party of six having collected my girlfriend in Agios Nikitas on Lefkada I insisted we cross late in the day to Ithaca the island lacks some of the characteristics described by Homer — it isn’t the westernmost island in the Ionian for a start — but it is as captivating as anywhere in Greece Tourism hasn’t overtaken its population of 2,800 the best way to explore the island is by moped Vathy and Kioni."}}]},{"name":"inlineAd2","children":[]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"54f1880b-60a4-47d0-ae5d-a41f3e372f83","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Inside a C42 boat which can sleep up to eight people","title":"Interior of a sailboat and stairs to the cabins.","credits":"michael hartz photography","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F89efbd1e-8553-455c-9054-dd4bad7ad384.jpg?crop=5443%2C3629%2C0%2C0","ratio":"5443:3629","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":1,"relativeHeight":1},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"We sailed fast for Kioni catching the reliable wind that blows through the channel between the islands hitting 8.7 knots (10mph) — quite fast for our type of boat having pulled rank as the one who had procured the boat upending the normal system of majority rule on board."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The first warning came as we reached the shore Kioni was ringed by large hills and faced northeast which meant the sun was setting faster than we had planned for We were out of direct light by the time we reached the bay but we had come to an unmanned port that was pretty much full We found a solitary slot on the edge of town backing into the space as you would park a car You stop a boat by dropping anchor; in 10m of water But that only stops you going back once it bites; you still need to hold steady if you are near to any other boats wrapping them around rocks to create tension."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"What we hadn’t realised is that we needed to do that before backing into place We reversed in and promptly drifted into the boat on our starboard side rowing in as we had no time for them to affix the outboard motor When they told seasoned skippers in Kioni’s restaurants of our plight dropping half our anchor chain into Kioni’s narrow channel until the owner of a nearby boat asked what would happen if the wind changed “You’ll hit me,” he said drily."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"And so we made for Vathy so we motored down the coast under a starlit sky arriving at last to find plenty of water shallow enough for us to anchor in We came to rest in a ring of light from the shore and even though it was a quarter to twelve saganaki and tzatziki at a wind-beaten taverna Porto (mains from £12; portovathy-thassos.gr) This was the magic of having our own boat — we could always sail away and find somewhere new."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Two days later we rendezvoused with my father “do you have any idea what you’re doing?” By then we could say we just about did."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Harry Lambert was a guest of Sail Ionian which has seven nights’ charter for eight from £1,430 Six-night day skipper course from £1,170pp plus £265pp for the accompanying Royal Yachting Association theory course ("}}]},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"sailionian.com"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"http://sailionian.com/"}},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":") Fly to Preveza"}}]}]},{"name":"heading2","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Three more sailing trips "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"By Katie Bowman"}}]}]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Learn to sail: Portsmouth offering internationally recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualifications at both UK and overseas destinations If you want to get the certificate under your belt and worry about the holiday later consider Portsmouth Options run from a two-day beginner course through to competent crew (essential if you want to work on yachts yourself à la "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Below Deck"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":") to the week-long yachtmaster."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details "}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Two-day RYA start yachting course from £299pp including two nights’ accommodation you’ve got your qualifications but it’s your first trip sailing solo since you’ll sail alongside other boats and it offers the chance to socialise and compare notes each evening Seafarer runs week-long trips from May to October ticking off Mljet and Korcula in Croatia and as far south as Budva in Montenegro Yachts are three-cabin: big enough for a family holiday."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details "}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £1,839 a tank of fuel and crew assistance (seafarersailing.co.uk) Nautilus Yachting are the folks to call if you’ve always wanted to experience a Turkish gulet The beautiful traditional wooden sailing boats are fully crewed with an experienced captain and chef Captains are happy to show passengers the ropes and dictate routes Gulets sleep 8-22 people and often include windsurfers as well as snorkelling and fishing equipment."}},{"name":"break","children":[]},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Details "}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Seven nights’ gulet-only for eight from £9,100 including crew assistance (nautilusyachting.com) Fly to Bodrum"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Become a subscriber"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/"}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" and Mykonos"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This Greek island sits pretty in the middle of a fine collection of neighbours: Naxos Mykonos and Santorini"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This Greek island sits pretty in the middle of a fine collection of neighbours: Naxos Up-and-coming Paros is the"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This Greek island sits pretty in the middle of a fine collection of neighbours: Naxos Up-and-coming Paros is the one to watch —"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This Greek island sits pretty in the middle of a fine collection of neighbours: Naxos Up-and-coming Paros is the one to watch — it’s still"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"This Greek island sits pretty in the middle of a fine collection of neighbours: Naxos Up-and-coming Paros is the one to watch — it’s still sleepy but shows off luxurious hotels See photos of this family-friendly hotel and find details on rooms and suites location and deals.","slug":"princess-resort-skiathos-hotel-review","categoryPath":"/travel/destinations/europe-travel/greece/skiathos/princess-resort-skiathos-hotel-review-scbvfb3q9","__typename":"Article","summary({\"maxCharCount\":105})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be lazy days on a thickly-padded lounger with refreshing dips in the glittering Aegean?"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be lazy days on a thickly-padded lounger with refreshing dips in the glittering Aegean Or a morning in the"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be Or a morning in the pool before an"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be Or a morning in the pool before an early evening play"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be Or a morning in the pool before an early evening play session with"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"What’ll it be Or a morning in the pool before an early evening play session with your toddler in the on-site park Here are some lesser-known spots often visited by cruise 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port But choose an"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Popular Greek islands can easily become swamped by tourists during cruise season But choose an itinerary"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Popular Greek islands can easily become swamped by tourists during cruise season But choose an itinerary featuring some of"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Popular Greek islands can easily become swamped by tourists during cruise season our writer and his two mates skippered a yacht to see where the wind would take themLeflkada is one of the Ionian islandsGETTY IMAGESHarry LambertFriday March 07 2025 other than how to lie down with a book in hand while occasionally pulling in a line or letting out a sail Harry Lambert learned to sail around the Greek islandsWhen you land at Preveza Although there are plenty of places to achieve the day skipper qualification in the UK the one island in the Ionian connected to the Greek mainland by a long causeway We had stepped aboard tentatively on hearing that our instructor for the week was ex-military Harry and his friends chartered a Bavaria C42 boat• 12 of the best beach holidays in May with plans to alight on the nearby island of Ithaca within a day or two Leaving Vlicho was stress-free; we had simply motored out into open water In small bays you use it to navigate between other yachts; at sea it alerts you to potential collisions with 400m tankers; and at night it will help you to discover the owner of the searingly lit superyacht anchored off shore Our C42 came with two other modern inventions: a self-furling mainsail and a self-tacking jib The beach at PalairosGETTY IMAGESPlenty else would be which can sleep up to eight peopleMICHAEL HARTZ PHOTOGRAPHYWe sailed fast for Kioni upending the normal system of majority rule on board The first warning came as we reached the shore • 16 of the best quiet Greek islands We had expected to find a kindly mariner who would see us in wrapping them around rocks to create tension What we hadn’t realised is that we needed to do that before backing into place Harry and his friends hit 8.7 knots (10mph)MICHAEL HARTZ PHOTOGRAPHYWe made one last attempt to stay This was the magic of having our own boat — we could always sail away and find somewhere new Sail the Solent with SunsailSunsail’s schools are some of the best in the business à la Below Deck) to the week-long yachtmaster.Details Two-day RYA start yachting course from £299pp including two nights’ accommodation breakfast and lunch on board (sunsail.com) Joining a Seafarer flotilla is a social way to sailMICHAEL HARTZ PHOTOGRAPHYSo Yachts are three-cabin: big enough for a family holiday.Details Seven nights’ self-catering for six from £1,839 Nautilus Yachting’s Turkish gulets sleep up to 22 guestsGETTY IMAGESWith one and two-week charters sailing out of the gorgeous coastal hubs Bodrum as well as snorkelling and fishing equipment.Details Seven nights’ gulet-only for eight from £9,100 including crew assistance (nautilusyachting.com) Sign up for the travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X and Trikala have received the green light from the competent authorities to receive aid Tornos News systematically monitors and publishes investments in the hotel sector that are supported either by decisions of the competent Directorate of the Ministry of Development or by the Regions of the country the business plans of the groups according to decisions of the General Directorate of Development Laws and Foreign Direct Investments of the Ministry of Development are as follows: -Support for the investment plan of the company JURGEN IKE with the distinctive title VLIHO RESORT which concerns the establishment of a 4-star hotel in Vliho with a total eligible and subsidized cost of 3,499,655.93 euros -Support for an investment plan of the company HELLENIC AEGEAN HOTELS SA which concerns the complete modernization of the 4-star hotel OKEANIS with a total eligible and subsidized cost of 4,100,000 euros -Support for an investment plan of the company MARKOS AND DIMITRIOS MYKONIATIS OE which concerns the establishment of a 5-star hotel with a capacity of 5 suites of 10 beds in the location of Kakovolo in Ios with a total eligible cost of 1,003,244.06 euros and a total subsidized cost of 996,720.50 euros -Support for an investment plan of the company SEA VIEW DEVELOPMENT S.A. which concerns the establishment of a 4-star hotel with a capacity of 11 rooms of 50 beds in the municipal unit of Styre in Karystos with a total eligible and subsidized cost of 3,039,999 euros -Support for an investment plan of the company ANANTI S.A which concerns the comprehensive modernization of the Ananti Hotel located in the Trikala area of ​​Thessaly with a total eligible cost of 2,098,384.62 euros and a total subsidized cost of 1,865,346.39 euros ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development easyJet holidays | Fam trips to Santorini, Skiathos and Rhodes Chania: The next actions of the “Tourism Partnership” Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Three Greek beaches among the world’s 50 best – Triumph for the Ionian The “Typhoon” that saves the Greek coasts from garbage EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia CERT to manage Vasilitsa Ski Resort – Investment of over 20 million euros Is American tourism in Europe “slowing down”? What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome Juneyao Airlines: More direct flights from Shanghai to Athens in 2025 Alltours: Familiarization trip to Greece for 250 travel agents Nations Cup Beach Volleyball is coming to TUI Magic Life Candia Maris on May 16-18 Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Traditional Easter in Naxos: Unique Customs and Local Cuisine Annual revenue of over 43,000 euros for Airbnb in Mykonos and Santorini Destination Management and Promotion Organization established in Heraklion  Lyft steps up European presence with FreeNow acquisition Jet2: Four new Greek destinations from Luton in summer 2026 Athens is the new hotspot in Europe for hotel investments - the 8th most attractive city in 2025 Significant increase of over 18% in direct bookings at Greek hotels for Easter Short-term rental: 1.15 million available nights in March in Greece Accor's Handwritten Collection expands to Europe – The first Greek participation Ithaca is ready to welcome its visitors for Easter and the summer season Mirum Hellas: Donation of studies for the Agios Nikolaos Marina Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time PM at Axia discussion: Greece offering great investment opportunities in 2023 ATHEX chief: Venture Capital for 'new generation' digital fintech solutions Tri-city winter luncheon unites upstate New York Philoptochos chapters Priceless antiquities returned to the people of Greece at New York Consulate ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1 Bill lifting restrictions for Greeks voting from abroad greenlighted by majority vote China took part in 2nd Gastronomic Festival of Piraeus Traffic restrictions in Athens on Wednesday due to rallies Greek supermarkets record rise in value and decline in volume of FMCG sales OECD report: Greek economy stays resilient Minister: Greece has the highest rate of increase of available income German tourism: Advance bookings are the new "last-minute" Curtain Call for the 2025 Rethymno Carnival Promoting cycling tourism in Greek island of Tilos Greece is the fifth destination for Germans this Easter Impressive statue of Hercules unearthed in Philippi of Northern Greece UNWTO promotes people's role and MSMES as sector transformation agents World Taste Atlas: Greek cuisine is the second best on the planet Severe weather front to continue across Greece until Wednesday (video) Taxi drivers on 24-hour strike in Greece on Thursday Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry Meeting on Rhodes fire held by Greek Tourism Minister New publication: 'I am not Maria - I am Callas: Her real life and an eon of myths' Hellenic Film Society USA presents Maria by Callas at MoMI in New York With 227 inhabited islands in total and six main island regions, Greece offers almost too much choice. Lucy Thackray lays out some of the best routes to help you plan your next island-hopping adventure Greece’s wide scattering of differently sized, culturally distinct islands makes it a dream for a multi-stop trip. Come May and June with hops between different islands taking as little as 20 minutes Some islands are vast and ripe for exploring hire car or moped to get across their width you’ll simply find a bijou port and a forested interior fringed by rocky or sandy coves you can stroll to hushed beaches and sunkissed portside bars there are Greek Isles hotels that will seriously make you want to linger But where to start? Greece’s ferry networks are complex, with different services available at different times of year; it’s best to use a journey planner such as Ferryhopper.com to check ahead for timings and operators so leave plenty of time between your last ferry and your flight home – an easy (and stressful!) first-time mistake to make Read more: Forget summer holidays – this popular European capital is so much better in winter Close to the capital of Athens and its port these islands huddled around the Greek mainland are fab for a first go if you’re not sure island hopping is for you Spend a few cultured nights in the capital just over an hour away: here you’ll find a smart little red-roofed port topped with a clock tower and a handful of hotels and apartments then go off in search of the emerald waters at Love Bay Just a 35-minute boat ride from here is Hydra a tiny but glamorous speck which has attracted artists musicians and photographers since the Sixties then walk the coast road to find secret pebble bays or take a boat trip to its quietest corners car-free island where the 2021 film The Lost Daughter was shot tiny whitewashed churches and one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece; then take the three-hour catamaran all the way back to Piraeus for a flight out of Athens These undiscovered islands don’t get as much footfall as the Cyclades (below) so you can go in peak July and not feel too much of a crush historic Asomaton is within walking distance of the sights Read more: The best Greek island hotels for sea views and romantic retreats try the mellow Saga Hotel for a bougainvillea-draped pool the guesthouse Hydra Icons has 360-degree views from its rooftop Niriides Guesthouse is a chic three-star with a family-run feel Read more: Budget-friendly and blissfully crowd-free – why you need to head for the Greek ski slopes There are two key ingredients for a successful island-hopping adventure: cheap and plentiful flights into and out of your start and end point where the houses are tiny and whitewashed and the cliffs and bays dramatic and undeveloped there are UK flights to both Mykonos and Santorini – so compare prices and consider flying into one and out of the other You could start on Santorini for its jaw-dropping cliffside views taking the two-hour Seajets ferry on to Milos after two or three days Klima’s brightly painted fisherman’s houses are the top sight here too (this island is beach central) and take a boat to the Caves of Milos where you’re spoilt for pretty whitewashed villages to potter around (don’t miss Chrisopigi Monastery); then to Serifos an unspoiled spot with a particularly beautiful Chora You’ve just got time for a stop on Paros (a 55-minute service from Sifnos that appears from the end of April onwards) – which has a slightly more modern feel and a bit of nightlife – before a 40-minute boat on to Mykonos These islands fill up during July and August so go in early June or mid-September for the best combo of weather and quiet-ish landscapes the delightful Vasilicos guesthouse is family-run and tailored to you Read more: Best hotels in Santorini for luxury suites and sea views On Milos, Milos Summer Time is all cerulean-painted shutters and sea views; on Sifnos the Sigma Residences are the trendy pad du jour the team at the stylish Nostos Boutique Hotel will help you get out and explore the affordable Ayeri Hotel is slightly out of the port crush Marisso Hotel is a chilled overnight stop before a flight home Read more: The best cruises to see the Greek islands then spend up to a week seeing undeveloped beaches pine forests and gorgeous Venetian towns on this dazzling island forgotten-feeling speck of gorgeous wild beaches you could nip back to Kefalonia and fly home; or voyage 3hr 45m onward to Zakynthos home to some of the Ionians’ most beautiful beaches Snorkel with loggerhead turtles or take boats to vivid caves before flying home so go May to early June or September for the best chance of quieter bays and plenty of ferry seats chilled-out apartments like Santa Emelia cost from as little as £85 a night Read more: Best hotels in Mykonos, where to stay for beach views and private pools On Kefalonia, Anthi’s Beach Apartments fit in with the tranquil vibe of Fiskardo Korina Gallery Hotel is near the restaurants and boats of Vathy harbour Read more: This region of Greece is beautiful, crowd-free and a Unesco site – and you’ve probably never heard of it {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-2178491877","description":"Panoramic aerial view of the beautiful beach of Egremni on the island of Lefkada with fluorescent blue sea, Greece","caption":"Lefkada has mindblowingly beautiful beaches Lefkada has mindblowingly beautiful beaches Lucy Thackray lays out some of the best routes to help you plan your next island-hopping adventure A fire has broken out in a wood-processing factory on the island of Crete spewing a significant amount of soot and forcing authorities to send an SMS advisory to locals to stay indoors and shut their windows A total of 10 fire engines and 30 firefighters are operating to put out the fire in the industrial zone just outside the city of Iraklio ShareSaveInnovationScienceLefkada Earthquake Destroys Pristine Greek Beach - Before & AfterByTrevor Nace Egremni beach before earthquake (Credit: protothema.gr) Egremni beach was named as one of the top beaches around the world by CNN and was a favorite vacation destination for many Greek and European travelers The earthquake triggered landslides on the western coast of Lefkada a popular vacation destination and beautiful beach Thankfully this earthquake took place during the a winter month for the beach limiting fatalities There were two fatalities as a result of the earthquake one that was killed from the landslide hitting her house Lefkada earthquake epicenter (Credit: USGS) The earthquake off the coast of Lefkada was a result of a transform strike-slip fault proximal to the regional plate boundary between the Africa (Nubian) and Eurasia plates Strike slip faulting occurs when there is little to no vertical displacement and primarily horizontal movement The two sides of the fault move in opposite directions along the fault to relieve subsurface stresses The northward movement of the African plate in relation to the Eurasian plate acted to close the Tethys Sea and create what we now know as the Mediterranean Sea To get a sense for the dramatic change in the Egremni beach's landscape I've compiled a few before and after images You will notice that the before images have looming cliffs right behind the beach After the earthquake triggered a landslide on Egremni beach we can see boulders and debris littered throughout the previous beach Egremni beach post landslide (Credit: news.in.gr) Aerial view of landslide in Afales Bay on Ithaca you can watch a video of the landslide in action taken by a fisherman off the west coast of Lefkada It will likely take quite some time before the Egremni beach is naturally restored to a beach Erosion from normal waves and storms will winnow away the landslide material this process occurs over much longer timescales than the landslide that destroyed the beach This is the latest selection for our series on underrated destinations, It’s Still a Big World Having been born in Greece and lived all of my life here one might think that I have seen most of this beautiful country With around 100 inhabited islands (and more than double if we count the deserted islands which you can visit with your boat) and more than 15,000 km of coastline Greece offers a huge variety of beaches and crystal clear waters It would take me a lifetime if I were to visit a different place each summer Yet the islands in the Aegean Sea are usually the ones that attract most tourists and Crete being featured in most travel publications is not just those fancy islands where celebrities usually choose to go Though often neglected by international travel writers they are considered the country’s hidden gems golden beaches and the greenest landscape which you will hardly find in other islands Those are only a few good reasons to fall in love with them I’ve been meaning to travel to the area for so long but since I live in Athens traveling to the Aegean was always much easier To visit one of the Ionian islands means that you can either take a flight or you have to drive across the country and then take the ferry to the island of your choice it would be wise to do some island hopping as there are daily boat cruises that can take you to all the nearby islands as a half-vaccinated person in a country that not long ago reopened to travelers worldwide Especially now that the Delta variant is raging across the globe so I took the early morning bus from Athens and almost five hours later—with a couple of stops on the way—I was there What struck me the most upon my arrival was the huge labyrinth-like marina at the town of Lefkada It was full with hundreds of sailing boats of all sizes so many I swear it was the most I have seen in my life gathered in one place Lefkada has one of the longest and most modern marinas in the whole Balkans and that is why many prefer to sail there I was staying at the southern part of the island, so I had to take the local bus and literally cross the whole island, which took less than an hour, to reach Vasiliki, a small seaside village. It has an amazing view on the mountains of Ithaca, the beloved homeland of Odysseus Vasiliki is also considered a wind surfing heaven because of its ideal location and the winds that normally blow in the area the weather was perfect for a swim in the sea which was cold but refreshing after a long day I decided to start exploring it from the inside out One of the first places my friend Eleftheria suggested to visit were the waterfalls at Nydri the ground is very slippery” she warned me “The first time I went there I almost did a split.” After a 20-minute drive from Vasiliki you will find yourself in an oasis the microclimate there is different and much cooler because the pathway full of rocks leading up to the three waterfalls is indeed very slippery You can swim under the waterfall as it creates a small lake but be prepared as the water coming down from the hill is extremely cold even during the summer Despite the fact that I fell in love with the waterfalls nothing can be compared with the island’s beaches The reason anyone goes to Lefkada is to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Porto Katsiki and Agiofylli—to name just a few of the more than 15 beaches Egremni is considered as the most beautiful beach in Greece that was my plan for my second day on the island leaving further down other tourist favorite destinations such as the Maldives and the islands of Palawan and Samoa Looking down from the hill the incredible blue water of the whole Ionian Sea lays right in front of your eyes The sky and the sea become one; there is nothing to interrupt them in the horizon Once you park your car you have to walk for a bit less than a mile and then with the breath you have left but you don’t have the freedom to stay for as long as you like Be prepared to have enough water and food with you for the time you stay you often tune in to Italian radio stations on the car if you’re not a big fan of the Italian music you are going to have to bear it as Eros Ramazzotti or Raffaella Carra will definitely keep you company at some point on the way as the neighboring country is only a couple of hours away with a sailing boat Many of them have now bought property on the island which allows them to travel anytime they like The love of the Italians for the Ionian islands is not something new Lefkada was the last to fall under the Venetian occupation during the 18th century The Venetians stayed on the island for almost a century something that is reflected in the architecture of several buildings The Venetian architectural style is all over the Ionian islands with Corfu being the greatest example of it Today the island belongs to the Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev and his eldest daughter Ekaterina after they bought it on a long-term lease in 2013 It has always been a dream to visit the island but it’s impossible nowadays and I could only admire it from far away “I’ve been to Skorpios a couple of times” Eleftheria told me “When the island belonged to the Onassis family they used to allow people to visit one beach on it and swim there you can’t even go near the island with your boat” I packed my stuff and my disappointment at not being able to feel rich for a day and just before I hit the road again back to Athens I treated myself with a mouthwatering shrimp spaghetti enough to let the aroma of the anise-flavored Greek aperitif take me back to the seaside again The only thing that I regret is not having enough time to do a trip to the rest of the Ionian islands But now I have a good excuse to go back again soon Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here A 43-year-old Chinese woman drowned in a paragliding accident in Lefkada on Monday The woman drowned after she fell into the sea with her wing She had arrived in Lefkada with a group of tourists and decided to take a paraglider to fly above the west coast of the island For unknown reasons the woman fell into the sea off the coast of Agios Nikolas A boat in the area that witnessed her fall and a swimmer rushed to the scene the wing had dragged her into the sea and could not be rescued on time Her body was transferred to the Lefkada hospital Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.