Meganisi

small island with pebbly beaches

Smooth sea

Meganisi

Meganisi (Meganissi) is one of the less known Greek islands. It is part of the Ionian group and lies close to the southeast coast of Lefkada so most people come for a day trip from Nydri which usually includes a tour of all the tiny islands around Lefkada. The conventional ferry travels about 30 minutes from Nydri to Meganisi.

Though smaller, Meganisi resembles much of Ithaca - green hills, rocky beaches and quiet villages (even one of the three villages of the island bears the same name as the capital of Ithaca - Vathy). The north part of the island is quite indented, with fjord-like inlets and rocky coves, and all the villages are located there - Spartochori, Vathy and Katomeri. Spartochori and Vathy are by the sea and they have more facilities for tourists like hotels and restaurants, especially Spartochori which also has a beach just below it - Spilia beach. The south part is not populated and ends with a long and narrow piece of land, resembling a tail. The island`s attraction is the large Papanikolis sea cave, accessible by boat.

All beaches are pebbly or rocky which contributes to the transparency of water that you will notice while on the island. The lack of fine sand guarantees lack of crowds even in July and August, and most of all those who are away from the villages. Except for Spilia, which has a taverna in the summer, the other organized beach is Fanari in the northeast - it has a small beach bar with sunbeds and parasols. The rest beaches of Meganisi have no facilities. Such are Megalo Limonari, Mikro Limonari and Agios Ioannis. Agios Ioannis is claimed to be the most beautiful beach of the island, long and narrow strip of pebbles with light and dark blue spots in the water, looking toward Lefkada and the islet of Thilia.

Hotels in Meganisi

highlights: small island with pebbly beaches, island in Ionian Islands, Greece

Destinations in Meganisi

Meganisi photo galleryx