Meganissi paradoxically means "large island". It covers 19.85 square kilometres and sits 4 nautical miles from the nearest port of Nidri, Lefkada. It is presently inhabited by approximately 1500 permanent residents and has been inhabited from time immemorial. Mentioned as far back as Homer's times, this island has certainly seen some history. One can easily imagine the pirates and invaders that once sheltered and conspired in the caves and the bandits that hid in the lush growth amidst the olive trees. When visitors are asked to describe Meganissi, the satellite island to Lefkada, they all say it is like taking a step back in time, unspoilt, charming and beautiful. This miniature Greek island is only 20 square kilometres in size and 4 nautical miles southeast from Lefkada and within easy reach by boat. There are numerous bays to explore, some caves to snorkel in and villages to amble around. The two main harbours of Vathi and Spilia offer safe moorings to local fishermen and sailors. Each has waterside tavernas to while away an hour or two whilst taking refreshment and "people watching". Above these two harbours are the quaint villages of Katomeri and Spartohori. A labyrinth of tiny lanes and alleyways form a maze of whitewashed houses and courtyards full of tin-potted plants. A handful of churches occupy sites with the best sea views and a few tavernas offer tasty Greek meals to visitors. Although the number of residents diminishes over the winter period, those that remain find plenty to do. There are still olives to harvest, sheep and goats to milk and chickens to feed. In bygone years these villages were the centres of activity. Everybody joined in with the olive harvest to make oil to sell and Corn was grown and milled in one of the many windmills to make flour. Nowadays, olive oil continues to be made on the island but in smaller quantities and produced by machine instead of donkeys. Flour is no longer made so all that remains of the windmills are the round stone built towers that balance on hilltops and capes, bereft of their sails and looking forlorn. Meganissi is a spectacular tiny island very close to Lefkada. It is very green, with crystal clear waters, simple, ideal for romance, honeymooners or for those who wish to get away from it all. The hospitable people, the peaceful way of living, the interchange of the scenery, makes it an ideal place for relaxed vacation. There are interesting and beautiful caves, Papanikolis is one of them, named after submarine sheltered during World War II. When visitors are asked to describe Meganissi, the satellite island to Lefkada, they all say it is like taking a step back in time, unspoilt, charming and beautiful. This miniature Greek island is only 20 square kilometres in size and 4 nautical miles southeast from Lefkada and within easy reach by boat. There are numerous bays to explore, some caves to snorkel in and villages to amble around. The two main harbours of Vathi and Spilia offer safe moorings to local fishermen and sailors. Each has waterside tavernas to while away an hour or two whilst taking refreshment and “people watching”. Above these two harbours are the quaint villages of Katomeri and Spartohori. A labyrinth of tiny lanes and alleyways form a maze of whitewashed houses and courtyards full of tin-potted plants. A handful of churches occupy sites with the best sea views and a few tavernas offer tasty Greek meals to visitors. Although the number of residents diminishes over the winter period, those that remain find plenty to do. There are still olives to harvest, sheep and goats to milk and chickens to feed. In bygone years these villages were the centres of activity. Everybody joined in with the olive harvest to make oil to sell and Corn was grown and milled in one of the many windmills to make flour. Nowadays, olive oil continues to be made on the island but in smaller quantities and produced by machine instead of donkeys. Flour is no longer made so all that remains of the windmills are the round stone built towers that balance on hilltops and capes, bereft of their sails and looking forlorn. A recently made road skirts the coast around the island making some of the little bays more accessible. However, the most secluded ones can still only be reached by boat. The nature in the centre of the island is best observed on foot. Paths and tracks twist across the island amongst the olive groves and maquis. The smell of pines and views of the mainland are spectacular. It is certainly the ideal location for a relaxing holiday away from the throng.