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Meganisi is one of the lesser-known Ionian islands, and it remains wonderful unspoilt and untouched by mass tourism. Brightly coloured fishing boats are dotted along the coastline and, seen from above, the island is the deepest shade of emerald green. The labyrinthine Northern coastline of the island is full of little inlets and pebbly coves – the lack of sandy beaches here keeps crowds away and creates the perfect conditions for those dazzlingly clear waters. Mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey under its original name, “Taphos”, its people were accomplished seamen and merchants. Having been under Corinthian, Roman, Venetian, Turkish and French rule, there are many different influences here and the history of the island is rich and fascinating.
At only 22 square kilometres and located just off the Southeast coast of Lefkada, its perfectly positioned for island hopping. It is incredibly verdant, with cypress, pine and olive trees growing in abundance. The zig-zagging coastline of the North means there are so many beaches to explore – most can be reached by car but there are some hidden ones only accessible on foot or by boat making them all the more special and secluded.
Seafood is abundant and delicious in Meganisi. The sweet taverna-lined harbour in Vathy is a great place to head to for dinner. Almost all the tavernas are family run and have been in the same family for many generations - the hospitality and pride in what they serve is unrivalled. The verdant, fertile soil means that a variety of vegetables are grown here, so expect a lot of local produce when dining out. You’ll find the traditional Greek flavours of honey, almond and thyme, delicious olive oil and soft, crumbly feta. At one of our favourite spots in Vathy, there are no menus – the owner comes to each table personally and lets you know what is on the menu that day, talking you through each dish and making welcome suggestions based on your preferences. This is delicious, fresh Greek food at its finest. We’d highly recommend the catch of the day with baked fennel and tomatoes, washed down with a cool glass of Greek white wine.
Life here is lived at a slow pace. The island is perfectly peaceful – bustling enough to warrant interesting people-watching at your morning ‘kafenion’ visit, but quiet enough that no-where is ever too busy and there’s always a very good chance you’ll have the beach to yourself for your morning swim, even in the height of the summer. You’ll find no trace of mass tourism here – this is a true, authentically Greek experience and all the better for it. Head down to your favourite pine-fringed beach before exploring the little boutiques in Vathy.
There’s a range of water sports available on the island, including paddleboarding and scuba diving. We have some great contacts for boat hire here too – take a boat with a skipper and visit nearby Lefkada or Kalamos for a spot of lunch!
Nights here are gentle. There’s a relaxed, romantic buzz at the bars and tavernas, with their gingham-clothed tables spilling out on to the harbourside. Sunsets here are divine – time your pre-dinner drinks perfectly and watch the marina become bathed in that beautiful, golden-hour light.
The tavernas are open late into the evening, so stay awhile after dinner and talk the night away over a delicious digestif.
If there is anyone in your group desperate for a livelier scene, there is a great bar on the waterfront in Vathy that serves a great range of delicious cocktails and often has live music during the summer months too.
If you’re wanting sunshine, then head to Meganisi in the main summer months of July & August, when there is almost unwavering sunshine and sea temperatures upwards of 23 degrees centigrade. Spring and Autumn can also be wonderful times to visit, but it's just worth being aware that the weather can be a little more changeable, with a greater chance of rain – the main reason why the island is kept so beautifully green! Rain tends to blow over quickly here though, and there are some wonderful walking and cycling routes that are great for the shoulder months when the temperatures are a little cooler.
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