VATHY bay and harbour in MEGANISI ISLAND (LEFKADA)
Vathi is a cute little port on the Northeast coast of Meganisi. It is popular among boaters since it is located in a sheltered position at the end of a picturesque inlet. It has quay and a few waterfront tavernas that are ideal for eating fresh fish and other local delicacies. It has ferry connection with Lefkada (Nidri)........GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MEGANISI: Meganisi is a tiny island located 4 n.m. from Nidri port (see separate listing) at the eastern side of Lefkada island. In Greek Meganisi means "large island" but paradoxically it overs only 19.85 sq. km. It is presently inhabited by approximately 1500 permanent residents and has been inhabited from time immemorial. Mentioned as far back as Homer's time this island has a long history.... Visiting Meganisi is like taking a step back in time. The island is unspoilt, charming and beautiful. There are numerous bays to explore, some caves to snorkel in and villages to amble around.....The two main harbours of Vathi and Spilia (see separate listing) offer safe moorings. Each has waterside tavernas. Above these two harbours are the quaint villages of Katomeri and Spartohori. A labyrinth of tiny lanes and alleyways form a maze of whitewashed houses and courtyards full of tin-potted plants. Picturesque churches occupy sites with the best sea views and a few tavernas offer tasty meals......Meganisi is very popular among boaters because it has marvelous beaches with calm crystal turquoise waters and the famous Papanikolis marine cave.....Nowdays residents harvest the olive trees, milk their sheep and feed their chicken. In bygone years these villages were the centres of activity. ...Everybody joined in with the olive harvest to make oil to sell and corn was grown and milled in one of the many windmills to make flour. Nowadays, olive oil is made on the island but in smaller quantities and produced by machine instead of donkeys. Flour is no longer made so all that remains of the windmills are the round stone built towers that balance on hilltops and capes.......Katomeri is only 1 km inland from Vathi but offers a taste of 'real Greece'; a truly traditional village with a few friendly tavernas, a bakery, and a tiny petrol station. A road from Katomeri leads to the beautiful bays of Limonari and Elia. The beaches at Limonari and Elia are some of the most stunning on the island.
Photos provided by Alan Ramsay.