Meganisi, Island in Lefkada Regional Unit, Greece.
Meganisi is an island in the Lefkada region positioned between Lefkada and mainland Greece, stretching across roughly 20 square kilometers. Its coastline features deeply indented bays and caves, with traditional villages scattered across the hillsides.
Homer's Odyssey referred to this island as Taphos, named after the son of Poseidon who governed the region according to ancient tradition. This mythological connection shaped the island's identity from classical times onward.
The villages of Vathy, Katomeri, and Spartochori display traditional Greek architecture with whitewashed houses and narrow lanes. Fishing and olive cultivation remain central to daily life, shaping how the island looks and functions today.
The island is reached by ferry from Nydri port on Lefkada, with crossings taking about 25 minutes. Visitors should expect limited facilities and are best served by exploring independently by scooter or on foot.
The Papanikoli Cave on the western coast is Greece's second-largest sea cave and once served as a hiding place for submarines during World War II. Visitors can only reach it by boat, discovering a lesser-known chapter of the island's past.
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