Lefkada Trails- Moderate

Meganisi Mountain and Beach Loop

Get the best of two worlds with this loop around a mountain on Meganisi island, starting high level with sweeping views, then back along the coast with coves and beaches. Starts and ends at the port where ferries arrive from Lefkada. Get a morning ferry over, do this walk, and take the late afternoon ferry back to Lefkada. Make sure you leave time for a swim and a fish supper, whilst waiting for the ferry back.

The walk is quite long but along easy tracks and then a road. As always take lots of water. Also your swimming clothes and a towel. It is possible to shorten the walk back, bypassing the walk along the coast. The trail is suitable for a mountain bike, and bikes can be rented in Nidri and Spartochori.

13.5km. 10km if taking a shortcut to Spartochori.
550m ascent.

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Take the ferry across to Meganisi from Nidri. It runs a few times a day with enough time between morning and later afternoon crossings to do this hike.

Tavernas in Spilia, the Meganisi ferry port. Accommodation and tavernas in Spartochori.

The route starts from Spilia port on Meganisi island where the ferry docks from Lefkada. The ferry runs from Nidri, most of the year three to five times a day – usually with morning and late afternoon ferries. It takes just 20 minutes and is very cheap for foot passengers. Just walk on and pay on board, no need to book. > Check online for the timetables that change every month. There are tavernas in both ports so easy if you have time to kill.

When you come off the ferry, head left on the road as it runs around the bay and starts to climb. After 300m there are some steps on the right that takes a shortcut across the zig-zags of the road. There are then another set of steps doing the same further up. You end up, either by road or steps, in a little square in the village of Spartochori, with great views back to Lefkada.

Take the road going up from the square, take the first fork right, then the second left until you reach the main road running through Spartochori with a few shops. Go left along the main road to a T junction where you go left then immediately right. Keep going straight on to a fork by a builders yard where you go right on the smaller road.

Keep going straight on and forking right, and the small road becomes a track, leaving Spartochori behind. The track runs for 3km down the eastern side of Meganisi, high up on the hill. You climb up further and both the track and the views get better and better. You run through ancient olive groves within water shaped limestone rocks. You get views first north over the mainland, then south east towards the Corinth Gulf, then south down the long tail of Meganisi. This part of the walk is stunning. Part way there is a metal gate across the road. It is easy to untie the rope and open – make sure you close and retie, it keeps animals in.

Shortly after passing the southmost point you pass the track that runs down the long tail of the island. This trail does not go that way as it is only there and back and about 7km each way. Feel free to divert if you are uber fit, otherwise continue on the track as it turns back north.

The start of the track down the long tail of Meganisi. We don’t go that way today, but you should be safe if you walk. It is a dead-end so allow time if you do venture down.

On the west side of the island you run into increasing signs of villa building projects. Unfortunately, this rather detracts from the ambience for a short section. After 1km you get to a fork where the road going left is new tarmac and the right track climbs up. We are going to go left to get down to the coast road, but the right fork is a track going straight back to Spartochori making a shortcut back to the ferry.

Walk left along the new road for 1.3km until you get to a road junction. Go left down the hill (if you go right it is a second shortcut to Spartochori along a road). After a few zig-zags down you reach the sea near a pretty church, a coffee bar and a pebbly beach. When you are ready take the road going right along the coast.

Walking back along the coast road with many great swimming spots.

You follow this coast road now right back to the ferry, 4km. It passes a series of beaches, big and small, as well as beach bars and small tavernas. They are only open in season, but very nice if so. If you walk out of season then it will be quieter but you need to take your own picnic and drink. Take your pick of wonderful places to swim in the clear waters.

After about 3km you get to the headland just before the ferry port. The road heads inland a little, though with nice trees for shade. There are three short climbs, the last one being the longest (don’t worry you are nearly there). At the top of the last hill the road forks – go left and back down and around to the ferry. If you go right it takes you to Spartochori.

The road at the first of three short climbs.

In the bay just past the ferry terminal are several tavernas – all good. A great place to wait for the next ferry. Also a great beach where you can swim safely (marked so boats can’t run you down). Don’t swim where the boats sail or dock.

Vasiliki-Roupakias Valley Loop

A hike from the Vasiliki beach town along tracks up into the olive trees and pine forests along the valley leading up to Mount Elati. The halfway point is the almost abandoned village of Roupakias with its pretty church and a rock ravine cut by the river. The trail then heads back to Vasiliki along quiet roads in the base of the valley.

The route is pretty easy along tracks and quiet roads with some gentle hills. It would make a good mountain bike route too. There is quite a lot of shade but, as usual, carry plenty of water. There are quite a few turnings on the trail so we advise, as always, to download the GPX file into your phone app, so you can easily follow along. Route “R” signs mark all but the last section of the trail.

12.5km moderate
360m ascent.

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Frequent bus to Vasiliki from Lefkada Town. Walk from Vasiliki to the start of the trail – or park your car at the start.

Plenty of tavernas and accommodation in Vasiliki, it makes a good base for the south of the island.

The trail starts 1km from the centre of Vasiliki, easily walked if you are staying in the village. Take the small road turning up the west side of the river running down the centre of the valley (near the Wildwind hotel). After 700m a track goes off left by a white shrine. There is space to park a car taking care not to block any access. The trail starts up the track.

Start of the trail turning off the road by the white shrine.

The route has been well signed by the Vasiliki mountain race organisers. So, for almost all of this trail you will follow the red route “R” signs and red painted dots and arrows. As far as Roupakias you also follow the very clear signs saying “Race”. The race was the 2025 42km marathon from Vasiliki – but take care as race routes sometimes change – while route “R” is less likely to change.

The trail soon becomes pretty and rural running through old olive tree groves and then pine forest. At a T junction bear right and immediately right again at a fork. At a cross roads bear right yet again. After 1km you come to a white painted plane tree in the middle of a track junction with a spring running from the rock behind.

Pass a spring with its white painted plane tree.

Keep straight on up the track passing to the left of the spring. For the next 1.5km keep straight on along the wonderful track. It climbs gently as the scenery becomes better and better. Some of the olive trees are huge and must be many centuries old. The views of Lefkada’s highest mountain Stavrotas, across the valley, become closer and grander. This flank of Stavrotas, with huge screes, thrown up by the geological fault running along the west of Lefkada, is too unstable to be climbed safely, but looks magnificent.

After 1.5km you reach a quiet road. Turn left and climb up a few zig-zags of the road. After about 400m another track goes off right heading directly at Stavrotas. Take the track and enjoy the view.

Turn off the road. Views of Stavrotas mountain across the valley.

The track continues for another 1.5km running across the hillside going gently up and down as it heads along the side of the valley. Ignore all turnings and keep straight along the main track. You pass a huge boulder sitting on one edge at the side of the track.

Shortly after the boulder the track becomes a little narrower and part overgrown, but the way through is clear. The track becomes wider again and joins another track coming in from the left. Head right down the slope. After 300m going down take a sharp left. Continue again through huge pines, climbing again a short way until meeting a quiet road. Turn right down the road. After 250m you pass a very pretty church as you start entering the ruined buildings of Roupakias.

Pass the Roupakias church as you enter the village.

Just past the church you reach the bottom of the valley and loop start heading back down the valley. After 100m you pass a few buildings on the right that are still occupied, along with a fine wooden signboard for Roupakias. On the left opposite the sign is a bridge over the stream, well worth a short detour to view the gorge below. The “Race” signs leave us here crossing the bridge.

Beware, there is no handrail or parapet of any kind, just a big drop to the worn rock gully and pools below. If you have young children grab their hands. For much of the second half of summer the stream is dry – in early summer it is possible to swim in some of the pools. There is a track to the river a few hundred metres downstream of the bridge down the road. Take great care on the rocks.

The Roupakias ravine viewed from the bridge, dry at the end of the summer.

Returning back across the bridge, head down the valley on the road. It zig-zags a couple of times and then runs straight down the valley for about 3km. It is very quiet and rural. Eventually the road turns sharp right and then left again after 200m. The road starts to pass various villa building projects. Keep going for another 1km. A sign for route “R” indicates right – but we now leave those signs behind -so go straight on instead. After another 400m take the road fork right. After another 1km the road turns sharp right at a huge double electric pole and transformer – take the track going half-left instead. After 200m you reach a track cross roads beside a smaller single electric pole – go right following the metal fence.

Approaching the track crossroads with single electric pole and metal fence.

Follow the track as it wiggles left and right ignoring the minor turnings into fields and yards. You pass some huge piles of concrete demolition so keep your eyes on the mountains and trees. After 300m or so you return to a road – turn left and follow it.

Keep on the road for 1km through more building projects (perchance finished when you do this walk). You return to the white shrine box at the start of this trail. If you didn’t park your car here keep on for another 700m to the main Vasiliki road.

Eglouvi to Agios Donatos and the lentil fields loop

High above Eglouvi lie the wonderful and unique lentil fields that produce the famous Eglouvi lentils (now DOC protected). Next to the traditional threshing floors is the tiny church of Agios Donatas. Nearby are old stone volti shelters. This route follows the traditional monopati used by villagers over centuries to reach the lentil fields. You can return back the way you came or follow this trail as it explores the lentil fields before descending a gorge back down to Eglouvi.

The first part of the trail up to Agios Donatos is well shaded and possible on a hot day, albeit better evening or first thing. After that there is infrequent shade, but not much ascent. There is no water on the trail.

6.8km.
365m ascent.

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There is an infrequent bus to Eglouvi from Lefkada Town.

Tavernas and accommodation in nearby Karya. Tavernas in Eglouvi.

The trail starts in Eglouvi square where are several tavernas. Water from the tap by the plane tree. Go 50m back downhill to the road junction where a paved path climbs steeply to the left. The trail to Agios Donatos is signposted on the wall.

You are going up the M3 to Agios Donatos

You will mostly follow the blue paint blobs, except for a few key sections described below, so don’t follow them without consulting this text. The many coloured routes are each different distances in the Eglouvi mountain races held each year. The village runners have kept these trails open over the years and we are grateful to them. For full continuous guidance download and use the GPX file on your phone or GPS device.

At the forks go left, right, left. Follow the blue paint. Walk up the road towards a church and cemetery and go right up the monopati just before you reach them.

After a short climb behind the cemetery keep right up the steep concrete track. You join a road for a brief way (left then right) and continue up the monopati.

Follow this wonderful monopati as it climbs gently in the shade of trees tended by previous generations. A truly stunning path that used to be the main route between village and the high lentil fields.

After a while you cross the road again, left then right. After 200m the path opens out approaching the top where it forks. Fork right, this time following red not blue paint. The blue returns just after this fork.

Just after the fork you reach the Ag Donatos church and lentil threshing floors. Behind are rock shelters used in ancient times by the lentil workers. If you are here in the evening of the 6th August each year there will be a lentil festival in full swing with a church service, a thousand people queuing for lentil soup and sardines, and late night music and Greek dancing.

You can simply retrace your steps back down to Eglouvi, many do and it is a good short trail. But the lentil fields are worth visiting too with wonderful views and many wild flowers. The best are in spring and autumn, but even in high summer there are many rock flowers unique to this high plateau.

After looking around, take the track on the opposite side of the road behind the threshing floors following the blue paint marks. Keep left at the fork and climb the low hill.

To your right is an expanse of lentil fields running across and up Stavrotas mountain. If you are here in spring or late autumn this will be green and full of wild flowers and the yellow flowered lentils. In mid summer it will be brown, but still wild and beautiful. The lentils are an important crop with high quality bringing high prices. This preserves traditional life and keeps at bay the Faustian pact of tourist “development”. As a hiker you can appreciate without disrupting.

Ignore turnings into fields and keep straight on the track up the hill. The track ends just before the hill top and becomes a monopati.

The monopati climbs to the top of the hill running right along the low ridge giving little view vignettes in all directions. Look back down to Donatos threshing area and onwards to Mega Oros and Agios Ilias. The path drops off the ridge down to a track. Go first right then almost immediately right.

Join a track, going briefly right, then left.

The track runs through fields then over a low ridge whereafter are views north towards Paxos and sometimes Corfu. Descend the valley keeping on the main track. The track starts to ascend the valley side, steep and gravelly at first. After going over a low ridge you meet a track where you turn left.

Follow the track ignoring field turns and gradually ascend. At the top of a hill turn right and then fork left heading towards the golf-ball shaped radar base.

The track goes off right at the top of a hill.

When the track goes right a monopati goes left straight up the hill. Follow the monopati over a rocky hill and down to the road as it skirts a big quarry. The monopati becomes a track just before reaching the road.

Go left for a short way to the junction where the road goes right up to Profitas Ilias church on the mountaintop. If you have energy it is worth a detour. The trail takes the track going sharp right down across the quarry at the road junction. The blue markers go a different way, but indistinct red markers show your way now.

The track down over the quarry starts at the road junction.

Follow the track as it bridges huge gravel diggings keeping to the right where it forks. You are heading for the stream exit at the bottom right. You join a red yellow painted track as it comes in from the right. Keep down along the dry stream-bed. The blue paint markers re-join too from the left, and the multicolour trail descends towards Eglouvi.

As the stream gorge gets deeper keep to the right side and follow the very clear good path down the gorge. Eglouvi appears below and the Micky Mouse ears of the old NATO microwave relay base are up to your right.

Join the road at the bottom at a hairpin bend. Head down left to the next hairpin where you go straight on along a track towards houses. A paved path goes sharp left down between houses and descends steeply to where you started.

I can strongly recommend the tavernas, you may see Trish and me sitting there post-hike. If you want to try the lentils they sell them, both in packets for you to take home or as various dishes to taste here. They sell out quickly after the late-July harvest, although they save some for the kitchen for you to taste. Beware fakes if you buy them elsewhere.

Vafkeri lower loop

A wonderful loop walk above Nidri taking you up to the pretty mountain village of Vafkeri, past the charming Agios Asomati monastery and back down by a different track. Along the way are wonderful views back to Nidri and beyond to the islands and Inland Sea.

This makes a great day walk on the mountain above Nidri – through thick forest and across steep slopes. The walk is on a very good track for all but one short section washed away by the rain. There is a taverna at Vafkeri at about half-way along the trail (reports Aug 25 that it is now closed, hopefully not for long).

The trail can be extended along the high level track to Neochori and back to Nidri that way, or as far as Alatro. If on foot from Nidri I suggest getting a taxi to the start and then walk back via Neochori. This is also a route for a mountain bike ride if you can get past the rain damaged section, or if you avoid that by routing via Neochori or Alatro.

8.75km (or 14km via Neochori back to Nidri) moderate
630m ascent.

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You need a car or taxi to take you to the start. It is 6km up from Nidri.

Accomodation and taveras in Nidri. Also a taverna in Vafkeri.

The trail starts 5km up the road from Nidri to Vafkeri – just after the big zig-zag section. You pass one or two villas beside the road and a concrete track goes off left, signposted to several villas. Park without blocking anything and take the concrete track.

The concrete track goes left off the Nidri-Vafkeri road.

After a short distance there are two forks one after another – keep right at both towards Villa El Aquila. Keep climbing up the concrete track. After 850m the concrete track goes up left to the villa itself and an unsurfaced track continues right. The unsurfaced track starts to climb zig-zags up through the rocks and trees. After 1km you start to come into Vafkeri village. Keep going straight on into the village, past a church on your left into the village centre. There is a taverna in the village where you can take a refreshment break.

Just as the track starts to descend steeply a concrete and stone track goes off left sloping down to the road. Go down to the road and turn left.

The concrete and stone track sloping left from Vafkeri just before joining the road.

The road goes round bends to the right then the left to a big spring area on the left with a road going left immediately after. Take that road signposted to “Monastery of the Taxiarches” (another word for Archangel Michael). The spring has some old stones where villagers used to wash clothes, worth a quick look.

Walk up the quiet road through peaceful forest for 1.5km until you get to the semi-abandoned monastery (in the trees off to the left). It is very pretty and worth a short diversion to look around, or even a picnic (leave no litter, OC). If you pass on the 6th September the church will be open for services.

After looking at the monastery continue on the road, through vineyards, for 700m until an unsurfaced track goes off sharp left just after a bend to the right. Go down the track.

An unsurfaced track goes off sharp left after a bend right.

You now start to descend back towards Nidri, with the path zig zagging down the very steep slope. You get great views ahead.

The track zig zags down the steep slope back towards Nidri.

After 1km the track reaches a saddle below a low hill, where there is a junction with another track going sharp left. Take the track left. (If you go straight on you come to another track junction above Neochori – and back to Nidri by an alternate route – or on along the high-level track as far as Alatro).

This trail goes left and down. After going round a few more zig-zags you reach a section where a stream has gouged away a big section of the track. On foot it is possible to get past keeping to the left and climbing down.

The stream has gouged away the track, but still passable on foot.

Continue down the track keeping right, right then left until you reach the road where you started.

If you haven’t got a car or taxi arranged, it is 5km to Nidri downhill all the way along the road. If walking to Nidri it is less road-walking, and nicer, to take the Neochori alternative route.

Red Church – Skaros – Kolyvata loop

The Trail of the Three Monopati. Climb up Skaros mountain from the Red Church above Nidri. This routes forms a loop following three classic monopatis. Combined with the views from the top of Skaros it is one of the best medium length trails of eastern Lefkada.

11km.
436m ascent.

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You need a car or taxi to get to the start of the route at the Red Church.

Taverna in Kolyvata.

Make sure you take plenty of water. The trail is reasonably long and challenging. The trail is marked with red-orange markers along most of the route. At times you have to watch for them carefully. Don’t confuse with red lichen rings that can be similar. However, as always, we recommend you follow the GPX trail on your mobile phone.

The trail starts at the Red Church or Monastery of Evangelistria just off the road up from Nidri towards Platistoma and Karya. Park in plenty of space in front of the monastery. With your back to the monastery head left across the lawn to a track starting to climb up through the trees. You soon pick up the trail of orange/red blobs that take you to the top of Skaros.

The lawn in front of the monastery where this trail starts.

After climbing for 500m as the track forks right and then left you soon come to a monopati heading right just before the track curves left.

A monopati heads off right as the track curves left

This monopati was recently cleared and restored by the Nikiana mountain runners and it is a beauty. It climbs up along a wall with wonderful shade from the overhanging trees. It crosses a small ravine and then traverses up and across through the trees. Eventually you meet a track where you turn left up the slope. Climb up the track. After 500m the view starts to open out on the right down to Nidri and the Inland Sea.

After 500m views open up on the right down to Nidri.

After almost a further 1km a path goes off right where the track hairpins left beside a wood electricity pole. Take the path up the steep slope up to near the top. Follow the path to the top near the telephone antenna.

Amazing views down to the Inland Sea and the mainland beyond.

Take a while looking at the wonderful view down the east coast of Lefkada. Stand where Odysseus did. When you are ready, head back down the track behind the masts. After a short distance the trail of orange/red blobs goes off right down a path – do not follow them, rather keep on the track. It joins another track at a T junction where you go right. Follow the wonderful track as it threads between the Skaros peaks and huge oak trees.

The track descends down a concreted section to a high meadow with metal goat huts and tracks heading off right. Ignore the turnings and keep straight on. The track climbs a little until you reach a large orange/red arrow pointing up a path heading into the trees up left.

A big red arrow shows the monopati going left in a corner of the track

Take that path and start to follow the orange/red blobs again. The path climbs up and passes over a ridge before dropping down and right down the far side of the hill.

The monopati descends though the Skaros forest

The track descends for 1.5km down a long stone ledge for much of the way. This is the second classic monopati on this route. You get great views ahead of you down to Kolyvata, Alexandros and over to Karya, with Profitas Ilias mountain behind. Eventually you pass a tiny monastery on your left and reach a road. Cross the road and continue on the path on the other side. After 300m you reach a track where you go right down towards a church and then take the track running down the left of the church. Keep straight on down heading into the houses of Kolyvata. The track runs down some stone steps going right and then turns left between two houses down to a road.

The path comes out onto the road between Maria’s taverna and a house.

The house on the right is Maria’s Taverna. If open this is a good place to stop for refreshment. If you want food you normally have to phone ahead and book. Maria runs the taverna by herself. If you do eat, the food is delicious.

Turn left along the road, past the small parking area, and down the path heading down a ramp straight ahead.

The trail leaves Kollyvata along a slowly descending path

Keep going down and the path soon starts to descend quite steeply into a small ravine. Keep an eye out for the orange/red markers and you won’t get lost. At the bottom you cross the stream and start to climb up more gently though the wonderful pine forest. The path becomes a track.

The track turns left twice and starts to head down the left side of a deepening gorge. At a fork turn right and start to descend again. After a while the path narrows. After 200m turn off left into the trees. Watch the red markers. Be careful as I’ve found the markers switched around (joke?). The arrow should point left and the cross should be on straight ahead.

The turn left to enter the tree lined path

The trail enters a delightful wooded section with the path threading around and under the thickening trees. The third classic monopati runs through the trees with the trees forming a tunnel over the path. An amazing path.

After a descent a similar path joins from the right. Go left and exit the forest. Cross a track and follow the path through to the open area where the Red Church is on your left.

A big shoutout to the Nikiana based Lefkas Trail Run> who cleared all three of these wonderful monopati. Their work keeping Skaros trails open has been consistent over the years. We wouldn’t be able to do this website without them.

Nidri – Dimosari waterfall – Neochori loop

Hike from the port of Nidri, to the nearby Dimosari waterfall at Rachi, and then up the hills coming back down through the pretty Neochori village. You can use this route just to go to the waterfall and then back to Nidri – or hike up above Nidri for great views. Most of the route is shady running through trees. You need good walking shoes both for the clamber over rocks to reach the waterfall and for the short very steep ascent going up from the waterfall path.

11.8km
406m ascent
Moderate (Easy if just going to the waterfall).

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Nidri is a good base to stay in Lefkada. Many boats moor on the town quay. There is a regular bus from Lefkada Town.

Numerous hotels, tavernas and accommodation in Nidri.

The walk starts from the port in Nidri near the statue of Onassis. Head 50m south along the quayside and then right through the alley to Nidri main street. Cross the main street and take the road opposite with a small yellow sign to the “waterfall”.

Take the road from Nidri high street following the small “waterfall” sign.

Keep going straight up the road, past a parking area, until you reach the Nidri bypass. Carefully cross this road (cars go very fast) and take the road on the other side, to the right of the coffee shop. You keep straight on along this road following occasional signs to the waterfall. Keep straight on through the small Rachi village. Pass olive and lemon groves, a small football pitch, and a delightful stream – until you get to the waterfall parking area. If you are driving to Nidri you can park here as an alternate start for this trail.

Head up the path past the Plane Tree café and shop (a nice peaceful spot for a refreshment break) and on up the path towards the waterfall. The path runs over and under impressive big boulders until it reaches the waterfall. People bring swimming costumes and swim in the pools. It can get quite busy in summer. After enjoying the waterfall head back the way you came until just before the Plane Tree café.

Very steep path heading up on left of large water tank

Just before the Plane Tree café, as you head back from the waterfall, there is a large concrete water tank on the right of the track. On the left side of the tank a path starts climbing straight up the very steep slope. There is a rope to help with the first steepest part. It is a bit daunting but the very steep bit is short and you soon join a wonderful monopati to take you safely up through the remaining cliffs. If you can manage the start you will have no problems with the rest.

The monopati climbs up out of the waterfall gorge.

The monopati climbs up and out of the waterfall gorge until it meets a track. Turn right up the track and go for about 200m until another grassy track goes right into an olive grove. Follow the track through a few hairpin bends until you reach a quiet road. Turn left and follow the road going under a massive plane tree near a spring.

The road passes under a massive plane tree near a spring

Follow the road until you reach a T junction with a larger road. Turn right about 50m and take the first unsurfaced track going left slightly up by a house. After 50m the track forks and you take the left fork. The track traverses across the hill through the trees with great views down to Nidri. After 500m the track forks again, take the left track going slightly down almost parallel to the right-going track. After 80m the track turns into a rough path over rocks descending towards a stream in the trees. Cross the stream and take the path going up the opposite bank (marked by blobs of red paint). The path wiggles through the trees to a more open olive grove. Head diagonally up and left until the path becomes a track again. That track joins another and then traverses across the hills above Nidri.

The track traversing towards Neochori with great views down to Nidri

Ignore turnings save for one upward zig zag until you reach Neochori village. After the first few houses you reach the village hall on your left. Immediately after the hall take the road left. This runs down to a pretty church where you turn left again following the road running down from Neochori. Follow the road as it sweeps round to the right and then takes a first hairpin left. Fully around the hairpin a monopati heads right steeply down from the road (ignore the larger track at the hairpin itself). The monopati runs down below the road until it ends at a concrete track. Go right down the steep slope to a track at the bottom, where you go left. The track soon rejoins the road and heads down though the village of Paleokatouna (Ag. Christopher on some maps).

When you reach the taverna take the small road going right (appears straight on as the road turns left). Walk straight down the road going slightly right, then left, then left again (although generally straight on). You meet the main Lefkada-Vasaliki road at the Nidri bypass turning. Take the road heading directly into Nidri and then the first track off right heading down to the sea. Go left and follow the road back into Nidri along the waters edge to your starting point.

Syvros Springs Pathway

A beautiful loop between Syvros and Vournikas and the lush valley that surrounds them; above Vasiliki. The walk passes several springs, streams, waterfalls, and old water mills (the water runs all year). This superb classic route has been recently cleared and revived by the Antelikos Sivros Cultural Club led by the inspiring Vasilis Deftereos. They will happily guide you round and tell you the history of this ancient part of Lefkada. Do not miss the chance of walking with them.

The Springs Pathway is now marked with clear signs. Confusingly the route had been marked using red paint several times taking different routes each time. Most recently a mountain race was run using part of the route. The best advice is to ignore the red painted blobs and arrows at the junctions of roads and tracks, often they point in completely the wrong direction. The new signs make the trail much easier to follow. Still a good idea to have the GPX trail in your phone GPS map app too. Also ignore old signs showing the whole trail on an arial photo map – it has changed since then.

One of the new signs that mark this “official” route.

The route is well shaded for most of its route and so can be used in all but the hottest mid-summer days. For optimum shade start at 9am or earlier. It is easily shortened if you don’t want to climb up to the highest spring or prefer to miss the steepest paths. You do need good walking shoes and carry a bottle of water, which you can replenish as you pass the springs (apart from the few specifically marked as do-not-drink).

7.8km
512m ascent
Moderate.

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You ideally need a car or taxi to reach the start of the trail. There is an infrequent bus to Syvros.

Tavernas and accommodation in Syvros and Vournikas.

Start from the Syvros village square. There are tavernas to take refreshment before you start. Head off on the road heading up to Agios Ilias on the north side of the square up the right of the old schoolhouse. At the first turn of the road to the left take a track going off right. After a short distance fork right and then fork left. You re-join the Agios Ilias road up right for a few metres and then take another track off right. Follow the track keeping right at each of two forks until you reach a large, paved area with a spring in an alcove of the wall and a delightful small waterfall over mossy rocks.

The first spring beside a large, paved area.

There is an option here to considerably shorten the trail and skip the steep mountain section and the highest springs. Go up the path passing directly up and behind the spring and take the track direct to the Gazina Spring (below). From there pick up the rest of this trail. You will miss two great springs and fantastic views, but it makes a much easier trail.

For the full trail, after admiring the spring, head back almost the way you came but keeping right going up the hill. After 100m a track forks off right. After a short distance the track hairpins right and a path continues straight on through an olive grove. The path rejoins another track where you keep right. Follow the track as it crosses a ford where gravel has been taken for local building projects. A track goes right just after the ford and climbs to where a path goes off left following up the course of a stream.

The start of the path heading up along a (usually dry) stream. The red arrows are safe to follow.

For this path only you can safely follow the red arrows and blobs climbing up the hill. You meet a track where you continue to follow the red arrow right. After a short distance you meet another track where you go left up the steep slope.

Keep on climbing the hill until an almost parallel track to your right finally joins the path you are on. Keep on up for 100m until there is a group of plane trees to your left. In the midst of the trees is a very welcome spring. This is the highest point of this trail. Stop for a while drinking the clear water.

The highest spring on the trail and the welcome shade of the large plane trees.

After a break head back down the track you came up but this time keeping on the left-hand parallel track as it heads down and across the steep hillside. This section gives you fantastic views over the Vasiliki valley. The track passes some goat sheds up on the left but keep going down and across the slope.

The track traversing down the steep hillside with views of the Vasaliki valley. Note the welcome shade provided by an early start on this route.

The track becomes less clear as it traverses across the hillside. After about 1km the track becomes a monopati and becomes very steep and scrambly. Take care. Ignore paths heading down the hillside and keep going across the slope.

Eventually you meet a path with marked yellow blobs going left straight up the hill – don’t go up, keep going across and slightly down. After about 200m you arrive at the Klimatsa Spring with two white columns in the water. This spring is very pretty but the water is currently not safe to drink. The Klimatsa Spring is associated with ancient pagan rites here and on a nearby rock.

Pretty Klimatsa Spring with two white columns. You arrive down the track on the right and leave down track on the left.

Take the path going back past the spring on the downhill side. Follow a track threading between the old stone buildings of Vournikas, some sadly derelict. It is safe to follow the red paint blobs for this section. Reach a surfaced track and almost immediately the covered Gazina Spring beside a cool pond. Take a look at the stone basins that were used to wash clothes. The water is very good to drink.

The covered Gazina Spring and pond with old stone clothes-washing basins.

After refreshing take a path that goes off down directly below the pond. There are steps at first and then a surfaced footpath. The footpath becomes a surfaced track. Almost immediately turn left and then right. Join a tarmacked road zig zagging down the hill. After two zigzags a track goes off right. After 300m the track crosses another road and then continues down the hill. Just after crossing the road a track goes off left. Go 70m down that track to the Kanali Spring before returning and continuing down the track to the right.

The track is concreted for most of the way. It descends a valley down to another tarmacked road. This is the lowest point of the Springs Walk. Follow the road right as it goes up for about 200m. On the right is a track signposted to the Daphne Spring.

The track goes off right signposted to the Daphne spring and waterfalls.

Take the track, past another spring, and keep right as it becomes a path, crosses a wooden bridge, and goes up the right bank of a stream passing several waterfalls. This section of the trail is very pretty.

Several pretty waterfalls along the path at Daphne spring.

Climb up beside the stream on this magical path through the trees with wild-flowers and wildlife. After 1.5km you reach a paved area and then climb some steps to a roadway.

Follow the road up right for 200m to a track going off right. Take the track keeping left until you rejoin the road again just before it passes back to the Syvros village square. This is where you started. Take more refreshment at the taverna.

A huge thanks to the A ntelikos Sivros Cultural Club, especially Vasilis Deftereos who inspired this trail. They reopened this trail and regularly take groups around giving a fascinating description of the village, wildlife and fauna. Take a look in their small museum too if you get the chance (in the old schoolhouse at the start of this trail). You can also learn Greek dancing at their weekly evening session.

Klousouria Gorge loop from Agios Ilias

Follow an old monopati down into the Klousouria Gorge below Agios Ilias. Superb old monopati that navigates down past rock pinacles into this impressive gorge. Explore the gorge upstream for a while before following the monopati up the other side and looping back through the forests above Syvros. Runs back up to Ag Ilias by a different route.

I think this gorge is in some ways more impressive and has better views than the Mellisa Gorge, which appears in more tourist guides to Lefkada. However the steep drops are not fenced off so not as safe with young children.

4.8km
280m ascent
Moderate.

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You ideally need a car or taxi to reach the start of the trail. There is an infrequent bus to Syros from Lefkada town from where you walk up to Agios Ilias

Taverna and limited accomodation in Agios Ilias. More of both in Syvos.

Start off from the taverna in Agios Ilias. Plenty of places to park the car without blocking the road or side tracks. Head up the road following the sign to Eglouvi and Karya.

After a short distance pass a church and monument on the left, go round a bend, and meet a road junction where the road divides into the one-way system to navigate the narrow roads through the village. Take the turning left going against the flow of cars (and so this time NOT the road signposted to Eglouvi and Karya).

Turn left to walk the wrong way up the one-way road for cars

Keep going following the road a few hundred metres up a steep slope to a flatter part just after a bend right. After 40m there is a concrete track off left next to a phone/power wood post.

Turn left at the track by the wooden pole

Keep walking down the track ignoring turnings to a gate across the track with a sign “Leader II”. At this point a monopati starts down the left side of the fence leading from the gate. Take this monopati. At first the monopati keeps close to the fence as it passes around the compound. The fence has barbed wire and an electric wire running along the top (don’t touch it!!). Don’t worry as you will soon leave this unpleasantness behind. There may be a metal “gate” to untie, open and leave as found.

As the monopati leaves the fence it starts to drop steeper into the gorge ahead. Very soon fantastic views open up to the left with some wonderful rock pinnacles framing the gorge below. Descend steeper dropping slightly right down along the ledges taken by the monopati where you eventually reach the bottom with a bridge across the stream.

Looking up the gorge from near the bridge

You will eventually take the monopati across the bridge that goes slightly right up the other side of the gorge, but before you go that way explore the gorge upstream. The stream will be dry in summer making this easy – but take care if water is flowing. Don’t do this if heavy rains or thunderstorms are likely as the gorge fills quickly. Go up as far as you wish (and water permitting) – the sides getting more precipitous the further you go. After seeing enough head back to the bridge. If you only came for the gorge then go back up the way you came down – but if up for the full loop head up to the right from the bridge.

Climb up through the trees on a widening monopati until you reach the top and meet a track. Go left around the vineyards, past an olive grove and under a tall fig tree. Starts to descend for 1km working around the low hill to your left. You get some great views over the trees to Syvros and the Vasiliki valley. Ignore the turn off right sharp and go straight on heading back to Agios Ilias village.

Head along the track across the slope for another 1km until you meet a ford. The track crosses the ford and heads off right. The ford is over the lower part of the gorge you crossed higher up, at the bridge. It is possible to go back up the gorge along the stream bed (if it is dry). There are a few rock climbs up waterfalls so you need to be happy using your hands and feet. Far easier is to continue along the track.

Go past a church on the left of the track

After a short distance you pass a church on the left. Keep going to meet another track. Turn left straight up the steep concrete track. At the top the track joins the road just below Agios Ilias. Turn left and go uphill until you reach the taverna where you parked your car. One of the big hairpins can be cut across by an initially concrete track.

Lefkada Trail day 5 Ag. Ilias to Ag. Petros

The trail is the fifth part of the Lefkada Trail running from the base of Stavrotas over to the start of the long tail of Lefkada down to the south. The walk crosses the Vasiliki valley descending down past the magical springs and waterfalls of Syvros before climbing back up to Ag. Petros. This sets you up for the final day of the Lefkada Trail day 6 Ag. Petros to Cape Doukato.

The trail is along unsurfaced tracks and paths for much of the route – with just a few kilometres on very quiet roads.

9.8km
300m ascent
Moderate.

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Tavernas and limited accommodation in Ag. Ilias and Ag. Petros. Vasiliki and Syvros have much more.

You really need to use a taxi or have a friend/partner that drives.

Day 5 of the 80km Lefkada Trail.
Day [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

The trail starts where we left off day 4 outside the taverna in Ag Ilias (just below entering the narrow one-way system within the main village). Head down the road towards Syvros. After 400m the road curves to the left where a log-clad house is on the right. Just before that house a concrete track goes right running down behind the house and becoming an unsurfaced track.

The track goes right off the road behind the log-clad house.

Keep right at the fork and continue until you re-join the road. Cross straight over the road and take the unsurfaced track heading down. Keep right descending down the track. For a short distance the track almost re-joins the road on the right, but continues on down. A section of the track is part-overgrown but continues as an easy path before becoming a track again. The track descends steeply on a few zig-zags until it reaches a less-steep section. On the right of the track is a large plane tree and the topmost Syvros spring. You can stop here for a rest and the water is pure and delicious.

The highest Syvros spring under the huge plane trees

Continue down the track you left to enter the spring. After 100m a second track forks right (running down just below the lefthand track gradually getting wider apart). The righthand track is less distinct so look carefully. Where you see some metal-sheet goat-sheds up to your left a track goes sharp right. After 50m a path descends straight down left. There are a number of red paint marks to follow from this point, but many of the red arrows point back the way you came (ignore that fact). Descend the steep track (take care) along a stream bed (with water in winter). At the bottom you pass a junction and then meet a track fording the stream to the left. From this point stop following red marks, and take the track left and down.

After 200m from the ford a path forks off to the left. Take the track through olive trees keeping right at the second fork until you meet a track. Go left along the track for 150m to the second spring. This one too is good to drink. There is usually a waterfall over the moss beside the path – very photogenic.

The second spring in Syvros. The mossy waterfall is behind the wall.

Head back on the track almost the way you came, but taking the track going left and down across the slope. After 200m turn left to a T junction where you go left again. Round a bend past an old watermill you re-join the road briefly. Turn left down the road and then immediately left again on another track. Keep right then left continuing down until you join the road again. Follow the road a short distance into Syvros village square with its water channels and tavernas. Time for a coffee or more.

When ready leave the square along the road to the right from where you came into the square. Go around the corner of the schoolhouse building and after 50m take the track going left. If you reach the post office you went too far. Down the track keep right and then right again. You soon re-join the road going left down hill. Just past the car service yard a paved path heads off left down to Daphne Spring.

Keep going down the Daphne Springs path for about 1.5km past the spring itself followed by several waterfalls and cascades. The path is delightful. Just below the last waterfall the path crosses a wooden bridge. Note there is another wooden bridge just before the real one leading to a dead-end. After the bridge head down left past a final spring until you re-join the road.

Bridge across the stream after the last waterfall (looking back the way you came).

Turn left down the hill, then round a right hand bend to a junction where you turn right (signposted to the cemetery). After 0.5km keep left at the road fork. After a further 1km the road turns sharply to the left and a track goes right (almost straight on).

A track goes off right on the corner of the road.

Take that track going left at the immediate first fork then turning right a little further on. Straight on until it re-joins a road. Go right along the road as it gradually climbs up the valley. After 1.2km the road passes some huge olive trees and an unsurfaced track heads off left up the valley through some trees. Take that track and climb up towards Ag. Petros.

The track goes left off the road just after some large olive trees.

Keep right and then left, generally keeping to the track zig-zagging up through the woods. When you reach a road go right and then straight up, ignoring turnings, up the very steep road into Ag Petros itself.

Here you join the main road down the west of the island. There are tavernas as well as some accommodation for the night.

Tomorrow is your last day on the Lefkada Trail.

Lefkada Trail day 3 Karya to Eglouvi

This walk runs between the mountain villages of Karya and Eglouvi. It climbs over Profitis Ilias which is a church set on a mountain top with one of the best views in Lefkada. Warning – there are hundreds of churches on peaks in Greece called Profitis Ilias. This is the 1,009 metre peak just SSW of Karya. The trail then descends down the other side to the village of Eglouvi. The trail is along monopati and unsurfaced tracks for almost all of the route.

6.3km
560m ascent
Moderate.

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Accommodation and tavernas in Karya. Tavernas and limited Aaccommodation in Eglouvi

Infrequent buses to Karya and Eglouvi from Lefkada Town. However you really need to use a taxi or have a friend/partner that drives.

Day 3 of the 80km Lefkada Trail.
Day [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

The trail is the third part of the Lefkada Trail. It is a relatively easy short day on the Lefkada Trail – but then tomorrow, day four, is one of the hardest. You can walk it as a stand alone and walk back a different route to Karya. It is a steep climb up Profitis Ilias mountain and a steep rocky descent to Eglouvi.

Start from the town square in Karya, with all the nice tavernas and the shade of the plane trees.

Start of trail up hill between spring and bakery

This trail is marked as M4 from Karya – with red markers and arrow signs for most of the way. Go up the steep path/ narrow lane in the north west of the square, by the drinking well. There is a good baker as the path starts where you can get cheese pies for the top.

Follow up through the steeply climbing streets going straight up – but bear a little left at first and then a little right. The path narrows and reaches a turning right up stairs. The M4 red arrows show you the way.

At top of stairs you reach a road. Turn right and go a short distance to a monopati heading up the hill left.

The first section of monopati leaving the road.

The monopati zig zags up the hill passing through ruined stone buildings and past a small church. The path then goes left to meet a road on a sharp bend. Go up the road until a T junction where you turn right. Very soon a monopati starts up the hill on your left.

Second monopati leaving the final bit of road out of Karya

Follow the really nice monopati up the mountain. It passes a wonderful natural amphitheatre full of olive trees. Keep going up through some rocky outcrops (but with a good path to keep you safe). The path is well marked by red-yellow paint marks.

As you come to the top of the hill another path joins from the right. The markers now become red-yellow-blue. At the top go left following the markers (there is a less distinct path continuing straight on down to Eglouvi direct).

When you reach the top of the ridge the vista west will open up. Below you is a quarry and over beyond that to the left is the old American communications base. Follow the red-yellow-blue markers up along the ridge until you reach a road heading up the mountain. Go left up the road.

Old American communications base above Eglouvi

Climb the twisting road up towards the top of Profitis Ilias. The odd car ventures up here, but it is being undermined by the quarry, and difficult to pass. As a walker you won’t have any problem. Stick to the road all the way to the top.

Reach the mountain top and the very pretty church of Profitis Ilias with its amazing views in all directions. Many describe this spot as being close to heaven. You can see all of the Inland Sea from here – on a clear day to the entrance of the Gulf of Corinth.

Church of Profitis Ilias looking back over the last half of this trail

Note that this peak is a drone-free zone. And you can see why many would fly drones here if permitted.

Looking down to Eglouvi and your destination for today

Head back down the road you came up. After about 100m there is a large red and yellow arrow indicating a footpath off left. Descend that path down towards the quarry. The path skirts a small field and then almost gets back to the road. Instead go straight down the slope left. The path is clearly marked with red and yellow paint markers.

Cross the quarry keeping to the path. At the bottom you meet another path coming from the right. You head down the dry streambed to the left. Again, follow the painted markers.

The junction of the A3 (coming from Profitis Ilias) and M4 (going to Karya)

The path becomes steep and rocky so take care. As it steepens the path takes the right hand side of the stream or gorge.

The path eventually meets a road on a hairpin bend. Go down left towards Eglouvi. After a short way paint markers show a path leaving the road and running down into the village. Take this path following back down the A3 trail. If you miss the path the road goes to the village too.

The start of the A3 trail in Eglouvi – or end of this trail for today.

Eglouvi village has three or four tavernas in the main square up a little on the right. Sit in the shade of a wonderful plane tree and relax. There is some accommodation in the village and an infrequent bus to Lefkada Town. Day four of the Lefkada Trail will take you up over Lefkada’s highest mountain and down to the south of the island.