Meganisi
Meganisi island is a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, a small paradise for utter relaxation, sea cove exploration and authentic Ionian experiences.
Discover Ionian’s hidden gem
Meganisi island is a hidden gem in the Ionian Sea, a small paradise for utter relaxation, sea cove exploration and authentic Ionian experiences. A virgin location that makes you feel that time has stopped. It is full of greenery, still undeveloped with whitewashed, picturesque little villages, numerous small pebble beaches, most of them within easy reach from the main seaside road and wonderful, calm coves to explore. It has only c. 1,000 inhabitants living in 3 colorful villages, with a genuine typical Greek atmosphere, each one showcasing its own traditional character. Picturesque Spartochori and Katomeri villages enjoy stunning sea views from high up, whereas Vathy village is located by the seaside, where many private yachts and fishing boats moor.
Looking at its geography, this is the largest of a cluster of islets called “Prigiponisia” (princess islands), also including the legendary Onassis’ Scorpios Island, Scorpidi, Sparti, Madouri, Heloni and Tsokari. They are all part of a greater cluster of small islands between Lefkada island and the mainland, called “Tilevoides”, which, amongst others, also include Kalamos, Kastos, Arkoudi and Atokos islands. Their name is owed to the ancient people of Tilevoes or Tafioi, who were mainly pirates who used Meganisi as their base.
Rest assured that Meganisi is an island where you will enjoy authentic Ionian experiences and absolute peacefulness, away from mass tourism. If you are a fan of wild nature, this is the place to be as you can walk the island, but if you are a fan of the sea, you can enjoy amazing boat trips around it or around nearby greenwashed islets, a must-see during your stay on the island. Dining is at its finest, with a selection of nice restaurants and tavernas. Spilia and Vathy are more for seaside dining, whereas the inner villages of Spartochori and Katomeri are more for trying out traditional tavernas.
Looking at other points of interest, Meganisi hosts the second largest cave in Greece, which took its name from a famous Greek submarine (called Papanikolis) that used to find shelter here during WW II. The cave is 30 meters deep, and it even has a small hidden beach that can only be reached by boat. One of the most important churches in Meganisi is the small church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Baptist), located on a pebble beach on the western side of the island. The church was probably built before 1477 AD and rebuilt in 1800.
Meganisi Beaches
Fanari beach
One of the most popular on Meganisi, approx. 10 minutes’ drive from the villa. Fanari is set in a small sheltered, northeast facing bay and backed by pine-clad hills. The beach is mainly pebble and some fine grit; you might almost call it sandy in places. There are sunbeds and parasols available for hire and a beach bar/café serving snacks.
Limonari beach
There is a road from Katomeri down to the beach. If you are walking, please keep in mind that there is no shade on the road, and it is a steep walk back up the hill from the beach. At peak times, there is a small cantina but no sunbeds. Limonari is ideal for snorkeling past the rocks at the edge of the beach. Further along from the beach, there are several rocky ledges dipping into the sea, ideal as your own private sunbathing platform.
Ammos beach
Small beach, with sunbeds and sun umbrellas, just before Vathy village, on the way from Spartochori to Vathy from the seaside.
Spilia beach
Located on the north coast at the far end of Spilia Bay, about 1km from the harbor and directly below Spartochori. One of the best, and one of the prettiest beaches on Meganisi, Spilia is a long deep, stretch of white pebble and shingle with a waterfront taverna and a café/ bar. Sunbeds are set out in the summer season, and a line of tamarisks along the middle of the beach provides a little natural shade.
Nylec beach
At 150m from the villa. Villa Erini has access via the locked gate of the beachfront piece of land. If you have not been handed the keys by us, you may still have access by using the gate at the stairs in the middle of the plot, which is not locked. There are no amenities, so you should take your own refreshments, etc.
Herniades beach
At 350m from the villa. From our little road o back to the main road, turn left to the west, keeping the sea on your right. Walk about 250m, and you will find a somewhat widened road to the left. This is the parking area for the beach; the path is on the right through some trees. There are no amenities, so you should take your own refreshments, etc.
Ammoglossa
Located on the West coast of Meganisi, a spit of tiny white pebbles attracts many visitors in the summer. The bushes to the right of the beach provide shade during the midday heat. There are no amenities, so you should take your own refreshments, etc.
Agios Ioannis beach
Agios Ioannis beach is midway up the west coast of Meganisi, directly opposite Lefkada. It took its name from the chapel of Agios Ioannis, which is found close to the beach. It is a long, narrow, white stone and pebble beach with wonderfully turquoise waters and skirted by trees.
Bereta beach
On the island’s tail, Bereta beach can be reached only by boat. It has beautiful clear turquoise waters, and a variety of different types of fish is found in the rocky areas on either side of the beach. Be careful when climbing in, as the rocks are jagged and slippery. Sea shoes recommended. No amenities. Mornings are a good time to go while the sea is calm before the afternoon meltemi winds.
Local airport is Aktion or Preveza (PVK), otherwise, Athens Int’l Airport. Access to Meganisi island is via Nidri Village, Lefkada island via a 25 min ride through a ferry to Spilia port, from Nidri village, usually 4-5 times per day. No prior purchase of ticket is needed, the ticket is paid within the ferry. Ensure you are there well ahead of time at the queue for the ferry during peak time. There is always the option to take a sea taxi to take you from Nidri to Spilia port, we can help arranging a sea taxi for you.
Ferry times differ according to the day and month
| Health center, Katomeri | +302645051304 |
| Health center, Spartochori | +302645051032 |
| Pharmacy, Katomeri | +302645051200 |
| Police, Meganisi | +302645051406 |
| Taxi | +306977057611 |
| Emergency number (Police, Fire brigade, Ambulance) | 112 |
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