The Ionian islands

The Ionian archipelago on the northwest coast of Greece consists of several large and dozens of small islands. The largest ones can be easily reached by air, boat or car. The largest, northernmost island is Corfu, which is densely populated and a flourishing mass tourism destination in the summer. The other islands are quieter. Lefkas, south of Corfu, is connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. The other larger islands Ithaca , Kefalonia and Zakynthos are situated to the south of Lefkas.

The Ionian islands are the greenest islands of Greece. They are blessed with magnificent mountain scenery, beautiful shores and golden beaches. The vegetation on the mountains and hillsides is lush and varied, with silvery olive groves and tall, elegant cypress trees. The olive has been the country’s most sacred tree and the basic source of income for many centuries. The islands’ olive oil is famous for its outstanding quality and fragrant aroma. People, who are well familiar with the Ionian archipelago, are particularly fond of the beautiful island of Lefkada or Lefkas.

Lefkada or Lefkas

The Ionian island of Lefkas on the northwest coast of Greece is ideal for holiday-makers who appreciate unspoilt nature and authenticity. The island offers rare beauty and evokes feelings that give meaning to life. The roads on Lefkas are almost never congested. Tourism does not dominate the island and crime is a rarity. Life is lived close to nature. Lefkas tourism concentrates on the rather run-of-the-mill resort town of Nidri and is relatively sparse on the rest of the island. Tourism has started to develop in recent years and the first five-star hotel opened its doors in 2004. The accommodations of House Of The Sea are available for rent in 2007 and offer natural beauty, luxury and class. This combination is new for Lefkas.

On Lefkas, nature lovers can find everything their hearts desire. That also applies to sailing enthusiasts, windsurfers and sun-worshippers. For centuries the island has been poor and rural life has remained virtually unchanged. In the mountain villages the visitor can still experience authentic country life. The rural population lives mainly from cattle, wine, olives, citrus fruit and delicious honey. The green inland hills boast a variety of trees, among which broad-leaved, cypress, pine and olive trees. The highest mountain peak is Stavrota with 1182 m. The panoramic views are incredibly beautiful. Along the coastline are high white chalk cliffs (lefkos means white), picturesque bays, lovely beaches and the sea is crystal clear and clean. Nights spent under a sky sequined with a profusion of brilliant stars are sheer magic.

Most of the island’s 22,000 inhabitants live in or around the town of Lefkas, which was seriously damaged during the 1953 earthquake. The town nevertheless has its charm. On weekends in the spring, summer and autumn the big town square is bursting with life and social activity until the early hours. In the square and the surrounding narrow streets, everyone is eating, drinking and enjoying the music. The typically Greek tavernas are very welcoming. Lefkas Town ’s lively port is home to hundreds of sailing vessels.

There are golden beaches on the west coast of Lefkas island where you will rarely see another footprint in the sand, as well as lively beaches with outdoor cafés and restaurants. Nidri, the island’s tourist centre, is a resort on the east coast of the island, south of Lefkas Town. It is a busy place with bars, tavernas, shops and one or two discos. Well worth considering is a boat excursion from the harbour to nearby islands. An enjoyable day excursion leaves at ten in the morning and returns at 18:30 hours, visiting seven islands.

The south coast of Lefkas is stunningly beautiful thanks to its proximity to the vividly blue sea and the view of the neighbouring islands. The beaches are quiet. Only the month of August can be a bit crowded. The villages are authentic and charming. Situated on the coast are the fishing village and harbour of Vasiliki, a small cluster of houses and tavernas by the name of Sivota and the ‘summer’ village of Poros Beach below the mountain village of Poros. Sivota is frequented by fishermen and sailing enthusiasts. There are welcoming tavernas that serve an excellent catch of the day and occasionally langouste. Vasiliki has boat connections to the southern islands. It is a lively place in summer, with many bars, tavernas and bayside terraces beneath old shady trees. Vasiliki buzzes with Greek conviviality. It is an ideal location for surfers because of its favourable breeze.

The coastal villages are very enjoyable in the spring, summer and autumn. Most tavernas and beach bars are open from mid-April until November. They serve delicious salads, fresh fish, sometimes lobster or langouste, local meat dishes or island rabbit. The food is simple but usually tasty and inexpensive. Local wines can be remarkably good. The Greek cuisine can be delightful. It is traditional and aimed at preserving the pure taste of the delicious local ingredients. It is a Greek custom to place a wide array of dishes on the table, with starters and main dishes remaining there throughout the meal. Everyone samples everything. It’s all very friendly and hospitable.

The larger supermarkets are well stocked. The bread is delicious, and the tomatoes, onions and other vegetables are bursting with flavour.

Sailing and motor boating

The Ionian islands are considered one of the most beautiful sailing regions in the world. It’s therefore not surprising that sailing is the main sport on Lefkas. Many sailing enthusiasts from countries other than Greece have made Lefkas the home harbour for their vessels, sailing the Ionian waters and far beyond. There is also a wide choice of sailboats to be chartered with or without crew. You can also book excursions on a fishing boat or charter a motor boat to explore the islands.

If you wish, we can organize the hire of your choice of sailboat with or without crew or other boat trips of one or more days. In addition, House Of The Sea gives you the possibility of a combined holiday: for example, one or two weeks of sailing in combination with one or two weeks of relaxation in one of the House Of The Sea accommodations. After that, you’re bound to feel totally energized and ‘reborn’. It is important that you discuss your wishes with us as early in advance as possible.

Excursions to other islands and the mainland

Lefkas is centrally located in the Ionian archipelago and lies near the mainland, which can be easily reached. It’s a perfect base for day trips. Trips of several days are sometimes advisable. This Greek region offers much to explore and is exceptionally beautiful. The people are warm and hospitable.

The nearby island of Corfu (590 km², 110,000 inhabitants) represents an exciting blend of the cultures that shaped its history: Venetian / Italian, French, English and Greek. This island, with its luxuriant vegetation, is visited by droves of tourists. In the summer, Corfu Town is a lively and charming capital with many ancient sites, narrow cobblestone streets and a bustling nightlife.

The other islands are more authentically Greek and quieter. Kefalonia (780 km², 33,000 inhabitants) is the largest Ionian island and has beautiful mountains, bays, beaches and picturesque villages. Roman, Venetian and Byzantine ruins give us a glimpse of the island’s past. There are as many villages as days in a year (365). Very charming and colourful is the fishing village of Fiscardo. It teems with beautiful outdoor cafés and restaurants, ideal for a drink, lunch or dinner. It can be quite crowded. Ithaca is a smaller island (96 km², 3,000 inhabitants). It is authentically Greek, still a little sleepy and very quiet. The islands south of Lefkas can easily be reached from Nidri or Vasiliki on a day excursion.

The mainland of Greece to the south of Albania is an interesting region and definitely worth a trip of several days. You can visit the pleasant provincial capital, monasteries on mountain tops and the famous mountain villages of Zagoria, which are partially deserted. The region is endowed with extraordinary natural beauty. Many endangered species can be found in the Vikos-Aoos Natural Park, among which the brown bear and lynx. In winter the mountains on the mainland are a popular skiing area. It is about a four-hour drive to the ski resorts of Zagoria, Metsovo or Karpenis.

Vicinity of House Of The Sea

House Of The Sea is situated on the magnificent bay of Poros Beach. The old mountain village of Poros is located on the opposite side, a landward extension of one of the two mountains bordering the bay. The House Of The Sea property lies above Poros Beach , almost entirely sheltered from view. Poros Village has a small supermarket and a taverna. Poros Beach has a few good and pleasant beachside tavernas where sunbeds and umbrellas are available at a small charge.

Sivota, only a short distance from House Of The Sea, is an agreeable place to visit from mid-April to November. There you can have lunch or dinner, buy food and a newspaper or sit at the captivating yacht and fishing harbour enjoying a cup of coffee or a drink. The local café-bar, which is frequented by yachtsmen, has a delightful harbourside terrace where you can relax and enjoy delicious ice cream. Vasiliki’s numerous bars and tavernas with outdoor seating areas have a very lively and convivial atmosphere during the summer season.