Meganisi, “The big island” in Greek is actually one of the smallest, unless greatness here refers to its beauty and tranquillity. The verdant landscape and turquoise bays fringed by pebbled beaches, lie just  a few nautical miles away from the bustle of Lefkada’s main resort, Nidri.

With a local population of around 1,000, Meganisi is a haven for walking along virtually traffic-free lanes, coming upon hidden coves and quiet beaches or finding a shady glade amongst the olives to while away a hot afternoon, the silence broken only by the sound of goat bells across the valley and a view of a white sail on an azure sea.

An equally enjoyable way of exploring the island is to take the ferry back to Nidri and then choose one of the many excursion boats that circumnavigate both Meganisi and the island of Skorpios. The rugged coast is home to numerous large caves some big enough to sail into, and secluded bays, the most popular of them being Ambelakia which attracts a number of yacht flotillas.

There are three settlements, Spartochori, Katomeri and Vathi, which is considered to be the most picturesque village on this beautiful, unspoilt island. The beaches of Agios Ioannis, Fanari, Spilia, Limonari and Barbarezou are the most frequented, however due to the available accommodation on Meganisi being so limited, the beaches do not lose their virgin nature.

If your idea of the perfect holiday is freedom from stress, beautiful surroundings, a friendly truly Ionian welcome and sheer relaxation then the “little big island” has to be the number one choice.