The Gold Book of Lefkada | Page 81

EXCURSION TO PRIGKIPONISIA (PRINCE ISLANDS) Numerous small islands, real floating paradises, are to be found near Lefkada. They are definitely worth visiting and you can do it by taking a small boat from Nidri (but also Mitikas). These are the famous “Prigkiponisia”, which are close to each other and share picturesque harbors, pine-covered slopes, blue-green beaches. The cluster includes the islands Meganisi, Scorpios, Skorpidi, Sparti, Madouri, Heloni and Tsokari. The Prince Islands, belong to the Televoides Island Complex, includ- ing the islands of Kalamos, Kastos, Arkoudi and Attokos. SCORPIOS The most famous of the islands of Lefkada thanks to its cosmopolitan history. Verdant scenery, insuperable beauty and seductive waters, it was the paradise on earth of Aristotle Onassis, who acquired it in 1963. There today we can find the grave of the ship owner, as well as those of his son Alexander and his daughter Christina. In 2012, it passed to the hands of Russian tycoon Dimitri Ribolovlev as a gift to his daughter. MEGANISI One of the largest islands of Lefkada, is an oasis for the senses. In 20 square kilometers of land, there is so much beauty “packed” that the eye can barely take it all in. Lacy coasts, turquoise waters, traditional settlements – The permanent residents of Meganisi live in three villages: Katomeri, Spar- tochori and Vathi. Spartochori, built in the green, above the port of Spilia, features a breathtaking view. Following a path, you reach the unexplored Cave of Cyclop. This heavenly island, overlooking Scorpios, boasts excellent accommodation, tav- erns and rooms to let, a beach bar and, of course, hospitable inhabitants. Tip: Get to know Meganissi’s “fjord” with its dream beaches and picturesque coves. It is con- nected by ferry to Nidri with daily itineraries lasting approximately 25 minutes. KALAMOS The greenest island of Greece is mountainous with wild nature, emerald waters and traditional settle- ments. In close proximity to Mitikas of Aitoloakar- nania, the beautiful land dot enchants for the end- less green as it is filled with all kinds of plants: olive trees, koumaria (arbutus unedo), shrubs, pines sprouting between the rocks and reaching the sea ... Kalamos during the Ottoman domination was a refuge and a base for fighters such as Th. Kolokotronis and L. Katsonis. Nowadays the few inhabitants living in the four settlements welcome visitors with warmth and love. KASTOS Kastos is also a paradise on earth, with a single settlement and just a handful of inhabitants, about 50, keeping their household in picturesque stone houses built around the harbor. In the sum- mer, the place livens up with visitors who swarm the taverns and the enchanting beaches with the extraordinary waters. The breathtaking fishing vil- lage features accessible beaches, Fokotrypa cave, country chapels, olive groves with centuries-old olive trees, windmills. Tip: It is also connected by boat to the coast of Mitikas. 81