From Levkada to Dukatos. Inland and west coast. (Excursions by land).
24/05/2013 9:52:07
In the book of the Archduke were mentioned several valleys worth visiting in the center Levkada Island. In this first overland route through the city of Frias, in Sfakiotes, we went up Drimonas and Exhantia, climbing the mountain range that separates Exhantia of Karya, and drove several miles above the same, down to Korchata, and link up with some valleys southwest of Levkada, ending in the extreme southwest of it, cape Levkatas or Dukatos.
Around Levkada City is one of the three plains of the island. Then we began to climb some mountains towards Karya. From the first few corners we can see the city of Levkada, plain and lagoons.
We entered the Sfakiotes region and stopped at Fryas, attracted by some big bananas we saw in the square. There, it is the church of Agios Athanasios. We can also observe some groups of old houses built with stone.
Instead of continuing to Karya, we take the road leading to the west coast without reaching down the coast. Before passing through the village of Drymonas we see a magnificent view of the beach of Agios Nikitas. Also reaching Exhantia we also have a good view of Kalamitsi.
We stopped at Exhantia and calls our attention the church tower which is built with a metallic structure, presumably to resist the earthquakes that threaten the region.
From Exhantia we take the path to Karva climbing along the central mountain range dividing Levkada between east and west. We see beautiful dry stone walls. When the road runs along the north side we see beautiful views of Antipaxos, Paxos and Corfu.
Moving to the eastern side we can see the city of Karya. We continue climbing to the church of Prophet Ilias about 1000 meters high. From there we have magnificent views towards Levkada and, in the distant coast of Greece, Prevezza. We can also see Nidri area with Spartia islands, Mykonos and Meganisi.
Continuing along the upper part of the ridge we reach the church of Agios Donatos. This place is famous for the lentils produced there. We observed buildings, several centuries old, that were used to grow the lentils. We can also see the ruins of a windmill.
We start the descent towards the south to Hortata. After a few kilometers we see Vassiliki Bay, south of the island.
We arrived the village where we see Komilio church with its steeple and cross at the top.
We stopped in the village of Dragano to eat. This town is famous for its honey so we don’t miss the opportunity to try the dessert Greek yogurt with honey: delicious!
We continue south, passing Athani, and after a few kilometers we begin to see the Dukatos out in the distance. As we get closer the images become more impressive. From the cape we have a great view out to the island of Ithaca, which is one of our destinations this year.
We will spend yet another day routing by land on the island of Levkada, and then we’ll begin with the routes by sea.
