Island Hopping from Lefkada

Papanikolis sea cave: Archaeologists believe that the Cave of Papanikolis used to be the hideaway of a submarine. It is replete with many caves. Papanakolis Cave is ideally located on the island of Meganisi, which is a mere 12 nautical miles from Nydri village, Lefkada. The best way to reach the cave is by a boat cruise from Nidri and it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the cave.

This cave shot into prominence during World War II by virtue of being a secret hideaway for the submarine Papanikolis. The sheer magnitude of The cave is astounding. It is believed that the Papanikolis submarine would tuck up inside this mammoth cave after its blitzkrieg on the Italian armada. First-time visitors will live an awesome experience.

The remarkable Papanikolis Cave is actually the second largest cave in Greece. It is not an authentic sea cave, but a karst cave, and is presently partially inundated by the sea. This cave was much preferred by the ships that would drop anchor inside the cave during spells of inclement weather. This cave could easily accommodate even large shipping vessels with their flagstaff.

Spartochori village and the adjoined Spilia bay are located at the northern side of Meganisi, and they are highly exposed to the strong winds. The bay shelters fishing boats, yachts as well as passing flotillas.

The village lies around the natural port of Spartochori. It consists of stone-built cottages and traditional taverns untouched by the developments of the century. The high-cliff village, along with the deep blue bay presents a stunning panoramic view.

The village is colorful with whitewashed houses and courtyards filled with potted plants. There is a large variety of flowers in this small village. It has got a couple of markets and shops where you can get the locally produced agricultural products. The taverns offer you a delicious menu, mainly the fresh fish caught in the bay.

The spectacular Lakka beach with its amazing emerald waters is located on the eastern side of Lefkada. One of the best snorkel sites in the island

Skorpios island is located right across Nidri village in Lefkada. Despite its small size, this island has become a true legend due to its impressive history. Verdant and bursting with life, Skorpios has been transformed from a strip of land in an unspoiled Paradise to a hub for jet setters and celebs. And the power horse behind this transformation has been none other than the Greek tycoon, Aristotle Onassis!

Over the passing of centuries, Skorpios island has changed its identity. From the Venetians to local winemakers, the Italians and then after World War II a prominent family from Lefkada, the island has “matured”. And then, in the 1960s, Aristotle Onassis discovered this rare haven of serenity and natural bliss. Since it came to his hands, Onassis tried to make his dreams come true. Whatever he envisioned, he put his mind and effort into accomplishing. And for that, he invested substantial resources and time. Bringing sand from the shores of Salamina, he turned the coastline into beaches of soft, silky sand. And he planted thousands of trees, to create an evergreen oasis. It is no wonder that Skorpios has been declared Natura landscape.

Skorpios

Throughout the year, celebrities visited Skorpios to spend precious moments of relaxation and invigoration in an idyllic setting. Onassis had also built emblematic mansions and thus provided deluxe accommodation to his guests. Holidays in Skorpios, an experience to treasure! This was a place to meet with other celebrities and jet setters, a place where the hottest parties were held. And at the same time, a place to exchange opinions and get inspired.

Skorpios

Upon visiting Skorpios island in Lefkada, Jackie Kennedy fell instantly in love. This was the cherished Heaven she had been looking for. And after everything she had gone through, she found a shelter. Her marriage with Aristotle Onassis enabled her to spend more time in the island, isolated from everything that could harm her or the ones she loved. Even though it was a temporary, short-lived shelter, it was still invaluable.

Skorpios

As the years went by, Skorpios island became less and less prestigious. The family of Onassis had suffered severe hardships. There was no room for happy moments, parties and festivities. And the last heiress of the family’s fortune, Athina Onassis, wanted to detach herself from a gloomy future. So she had no second thoughts in selling Skorpios. The current owner is a Russian tycoon, businessman and investor. Dmitry Rybolovlev bought the legendary island for his daughter, Ekaterina. Restoration works have begun and the family of Rybolovlev has already donated a great deal of funds to Lefkada. A new page has turned for the island, hopefully even more dashing than the previous ones!

Skorpios

Although special permit is required to access Skorpios, travelers are welcome to gaze at its sparkling charms on board one of the cruise ships sailing daily from Lefkada to the smaller islands nearby. Sail away in searches and find yourself in a place of genuine beauty and timeless elegance…watching as the legend unfolds!

Skorpidi is a small island in the Ionian Sea located just north of Scorpio. It belongs to the group of islands Tilevoides and complex Prigiponisia. The island is privately owned and currently owned by the New Democracy MP Spilio Lebanon

Madouri is a small and very green island with large pine trees, which lies east of the larger island Lefkas or Lefkada. It is not far from the coast of Lefkas, opposite the village of Nidri or Nydri. The island is about 400 meters in diameter and overlooks Lefkas and other islands such as Skorpios and Skorpidi.