Dukato Hotel

Architecture

by elgin99

The architecture of Lefkada was mainly influenced by the West civilisations and particularly by the Venetians.

In 1948, a major earthquake destroyed the largest part of Lefkada Island and for that cause, only a few of the architecture have survived.
Lefkada has also elements of the post-Byzantine traditions, you can see in churches.

Rachi Waterfall

by Jannice48

Rachi waterfalls, just outside Nidri are well worth a visit. A beautiful stroll through gorges and rock formations bring you to a picturesque waterfall and a pool brimming with wildlife whereas a climb of a few steps bring you to an even more impressive fall with a pool inviting enough to swim in.....and you can be assured we all did. Rachi literally means 'ridge' and it is not difficult to see why as you climb up the side of the Dimosari gorge. Allow yourself half a day for the waterfalls. The waterfalls are signposted from Nidri so follow the road that leads inland until you come to the village of Rachi where the road forks and you take the road to the right (there is a signpost directing you) and it should take you about 20 minutes to reach the waterfalls, take a drink with you although you can buy from the village

Lefkes...10 kilometres from Parikia (Paros)

by mapakettle

"Hills, and more hills"

Travel to Lefkes, located at the highest point of Paros in the center of the island, can be accomplished by car, scooter, or by bus. Expect a hot, crowded ride by public transport however, as most of the young passangers are heading towards the beaches on the opposite side of the island from Parikia.

"Rough, barren countryside..."

The bus travels through very rough, and windblown countryside, rather barren and bleak, winding its way up the 200 metres to reach Lefkes, the highest town on Paros.

This scenic village has a current population of 500 inhabitants, down significantly from the 2500 back in 1926. Modern day life elsewhere has drawn many of the younger folk away, which has allowed Lefkes to remain unspoiled by today's standards.

"Built rather amphitheatrically..."

The town was built in such a way around and up the sides of the mountains, rather like an amphitheatre. It had been the capital of Paros back when pirates ruled the seas, and this afforded the inhabitants the best protection in case of a raid.

Walking the village requires good sturdy shoes, a strong set of thighs, and a pronounced forward tilt to your body. Of course, you must remember to reverse the tilt when you go 'down' the other side of the hill.

We can't say that we found shopping, or even sightseeing particularly stimulating, because there is no actual centre as such, and next to no signage for hapless tourists to navigate with.

It is a pretty, well kept town to wander aimlessly through, but the sights can be toured within a couple of hours.

If you are using public transportation, the visit begins to feel too long and drawn out, and if you have young ones, or even teenagers accompanying you on your trek, expect some complaining within the first hour. This is no place to visit if you are pushing a stroller, or have a physical infirmity. The streets are too steep for comfortable traversing.