Located along the Western side of the Greek mainland, the Ionian is made up of seven unique islands dotted along the beautiful coastline. From norther-most Corfu, just off the tip of Albania, down to Zakynthos which reaches as far as the Peloponnese near the Greek mainland, each island has a wealth of history, culture and tradition, which, coupled with stretches of some of the best beaches in Europe makes for a perfect holiday destination.
Meganisi is simply another world, tranquil, almost sleepy and very relaxing. Only twenty square kilometres in area, yet somewhat paradoxically named ‘large island’, Meganisi is an island which is often rejected in favour of its larger neighbour Lefkada, making it still blissfully unspoilt.
Reached by boat from Nidri, passing Skorpios, the contrast between the bustle of that busy resort and the quiet solitude of Meganisi’s lonely bays and traffic free lanes couldn’t be more marked. With just three or four villages, hardly more than hamlets in reality and almost no tourist development, this is the perfect island to escape from the stresses and strains of a busy life. Even the entrance to Vathi, the island’s main harbour is watched over by twin churches to bless those arriving and leaving.
Meganisi Island
Mythology tells us that King Tafios, a son of Poseidon, was the founder of the town of Tafion. Later, according to Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses gave his fleet to Mentor, the Tafion king at the time, when he left for Troy. Tafion is the island we now know as Meganisi. He would no doubt be comforted to see that there have not been a lot of changes to his beloved island since he was last there!
There are a number of beaches within walking distance of our accommodation. Spilia, close to the little port of Spartochori has a pebble strand, Ambelakia on the north coast is one of a string of beaches that can be reached by walking. Alternatively, caiques from Vathi can be taken there.
Spilia Beach, Meganisi
Another way to enjoy this remarkable island is to join one of the regular round island boat trips from Nidri which have the added attraction of visiting the famous shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis’ Island of Skorpios and the other smaller islands. Other boats visit Ithaka, Kefalonia and the inner islands on a regular basis.
Walking is excellent on the island and the only real method of travel to truly reveal the wonderful views and perspectives of the island and to visit the tranquil and uncrowded beaches that are dotted around the island. Below some of the pathways or monopaths, steep cliffs are honey-combed with caves, only accessible by boat, some even large enough, so the story goes, to hide submarines during World War Two. Meganisi is one of the most picturesque and peaceful islands in the Ionian, having a population of less than 2,000 it is also one of the smallest.
This is real Greece!
SPILIA
The smaller of Meganisi’s two ports, reached first when traveling by ferry from Nidri, Spilia is situated just in front of the charming village of Spartochori. Unlike the larger settlement of Vathi, Spilia is more of a landing stage than a port, situated on a pebble beach in the north of the island, but it is still an important part of the island, nevertheless, functioning as a gateway between Meganisi and Lefkada. It has a choice of three waterfront tavernas, and a short walk around the bay leads to a longer sandy beach with a further selection of snack bars. There is also an unofficial campsite by the bay, where shop and shower facilities can be found.
VATHIA
The largest of Meganisi’s two ports, Vathi is a charming and traditional fishing village, flanked with churches originally erected to bless all boats with safe passage to and from the island. Not much has changed here for hundreds of years and the main action still revolves around the arrival and departure of the daily ferry from Nidri to Lefkada.
View of Vathi harbour, from Villa Erato, Meganisi
Vathi has a selection of waterfront tavernas and cafés from which to watch the action in the harbour, and one or two have an excellent choice of freshly caught seafood dishes. Vathi is a good choice for an evening out, being easily accessible, round 10 minutes stroll downhill – although don’t forget that you will need to walk back up again to get home!
PAPANICOLIS CAVE
Like the fantastic landscape of the southern coast of her larger neighbour, Lefkada, Meganisi also boasts a rugged coastline of white rocks that give way to the fascinating Papanicolis Cave.
This stunning cave is situated on the south west coast of the island and accessible only by a winding footpath or by boat, but is well worth a visit – particularly enjoyable for those of you that have opted for motorboat hire, who will be able to enjoy the views from within the cave, where crystal waters allow the white rocks below to be viewed as deep as 20 feet down.
The cave is said to have been used as a safe haven for many sailors over the years, most notably during the World War II when a submarine was hidden here from the Germans and used as a base for carrying on operations against the occupying forces in 1941.
Papanicolis Cave, Meganisi
SPARTOCHORI
Tucked away behind the port of Spilia and high up on the cliff overlooking the bay on the north of the island, is the pretty village of Spartochori. Ten minutes’ walk from the port, this village although small, is full of traditional Greek charm and character, with excellent views over the water and out to the islands of Lefkada, Skorpios and Madouri.
The village has remained unchanged for many years, having only gained electricity in 1973, and until recent years the village had just two cars which served all of the inhabitants! Certainly not much has changed since then, as the roads are extremely narrow and much skill is required to manoeuvre anything more than a moped around the twisting roads and alleyways of the village.
It is much easier and probably more enjoyable to explore on foot, as tourism has done little to alter the character of this sleepy town – although in addition to the small selection of traditional tavernas and shops there is now one souvenir shop and a pizzeria.
An easy twenty-minute walk west along the new road from Spartochori will bring you to the excellent beach of Agios Ioannis. This is the best beach on the island and is the one place that you may be likely to find anything resembling crowds – although even here this is unlikely! There is a taverna on the beach.
TOP BEACHES IN MEGANISI
AGIOS IOANNIS
Agios Ioannis Bay, Meganisi
An easy twenty-minute walk west along the new road from Spartochori will bring you to the excellent beach of Agios Ioannis. This is the best beach on the island, and with its taverna is the one place where you may find something resembling a crowd – although even here this is unlikely!
FANARI
Fanari Beach, Meganisi
This picturesque pebbly beach with its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation, is located 3 km north of Katomeri. Fanari beach should be your first choice if you are looking for an isolated beach where you can swim and sunbathe in peace.
AMBELAKIA
This is the nearest beach to Vathi, situated on the north coast and only a 15-minute walk east of Vathi harbour. It is the largest beach on the island and boasts a good stretch of golden sand.
BARBAREZOU
Barbarezou beach, Meganisi
The beautiful and quiet beach of Barbarezou is situated 5 km east of Katomeri. Many people visit the beach by boat, although there is a road taking you to this pebbly cove.
PASOUMAKI
3 km northwest of Katomeri you will find the beach of Pasoumaki. This small cove, only a few minutes away from Vathi, is frequented because of its clear waters, natural shade and relaxing atmosphere.
SPILIA
This clean, pebbly beach is surrounded by greenery offering natural shade. It’s located at the far end of Spartochori bay and there you will find a few Greek tavernas to enjoy traditional dishes. From the village of Spartochori you can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire bay.
We love Meganisi! So much so we have one of the largest portfolios of villas on the island. We have a selection of small hotels and villas for which we can accommodate all types of guests from couples to multiple families, groups.
For more information about exploring Meganisi Island and our selection of villa holiday options, speak to our team on 0208 459 0777 or mail@ionianislandholidays.com.