A hike around the three Alexandros villages visiting several points of interest on the way. The trail is mostly on quiet roads and unpaved track with a short section on a monopati climbing up on stony ground. Wear shoes suitable for off-paving conditions. Also wise to carry some water. Allow an hour plus stops.
The trail is marked with an arrow on a green circular marker. For part of the route in the trees it shares another path marked with red/orange paint on the rocks.
You need a car or taxi to get to Alexandros.
Taverna and accommodation in Kolyvata. Accommodation in Alexandros.
The trail starts by the old schoolhouse on the way into Alexandros village as you come from Lefkada Town. There is plenty of room for parking. Take a look at the schoolhouse and the windmill up on the low hill. When ready walk along the road into Alexandros village.
Shortly after the first bend to the right you pass Agios Demetrios church up on the right. Continue to where the road turns left close to a group of houses and enters the Village Square. Take a short detour to look around the traditional homes of the village. Agios Spiridon church is also in the square.
After looking around go back to the road where you entered the square and head right downhill. After a few more houses you cross the small agricultural plain and head out of the village. Just past the village exit sign you pass a track going off left.
You will shortly go down that track, but it is well worth walking a hundred metres further to see the small church of Panagia Alexandritissa. Just past the church nestles the hamlet of Kiafa up on the low hill in the trees.
Return to the track going left (now right) and head off down the track. Keep right at both forks, heading downhill through the wonderful pine forest. After 300m you pass a cave in the trees on the right.
You start to descend a little steeper. Keep left on the track where it hairpins left and then right ignoring the side turnings. You soon cross a small bridge across a stream and start to climb. Almost immediate there is another track going sharp left, take that track. There is a small brick blockhouse on the left. This part of the trail has red painted markers to show you the way.
Keep on through the trees keeping right at the fork. Eventually the track goes over a stream. Cross over (there is rarely much water) and keep on the path going straight across the clearing. You will go up the hill straight ahead, but take a while to look at the shady Spring on the left side of the clearing.
When ready follow the path going up the rocky slope ahead of you. The red painted blobs help show the way. Take care on the slope but it is a pretty easy climb up. At the top the path continues straight on through the trees.
Ignore any turnings left or right, and keep straight on until you pass into some houses. Follow the path as it climbs a concrete ramp into the centre of Kolyvata. Take a while to look at this charming village.
When ready continue on the road where you entered the village as it winds around a few curves and comes to a junction. Off right is the road to Nikiana, but you keep left and walk another 300m back to the schoolhouse where you parked your car.