Μεγανισση
Heading south (160 degrees), the sea is calm. We raise the jib to catch the few knots of wind, though it gradually diminishes. Thirty years ago, this was a sailor’s paradise. Massimo and his son, who was about to turn 13 in 1989, stopped here for the first time. Λυγιά (Lygia) is a small fishing harbor on the eastern coast of Lefkada. One day, I will return in the off-season to delve into the stories and knowledge of the people who live here.
We continue on our course; ahead of us lie Sparti and then Skorpios.
The green slopes down to the sea, and like atolls, the small islands emerge from the water, while boats move at different speeds: motorboats, sailboats, fishermen’s vessels, ferries, and even boats towing water sports equipment.
The jib is lowered, but we still rely on the engine to proceed. The sea resembles a silent, almost living surface, with waves smoothed into an oily sheen by the absence of wind.
We reach Meganissi and anchor in a quiet bay where I now listen to the cicada singing in the grove before me.
It’s true—cicadas sing until you look at them!
Lygia’s Quiet Charm
Lygia remains a hidden gem on Lefkada’s eastern coast. Known for its authentic fishing village atmosphere, it’s a place where life unfolds at its own unhurried pace. Returning off-season would indeed offer a deeper connection with the locals and their stories, as the bustle of tourists fades, revealing the island’s true character.
Sparti and Skorpios
Sparti and Skorpios are part of the Prigiponisia (the "Prince Islands"), a cluster of verdant islets dotting the Ionian Sea. Skorpios, once the private retreat of the Onassis family, is a place steeped in glamour and intrigue. Its lush vegetation and secluded coves make it an enchanting sight, even from a distance. Sparti, quieter and less known, complements this idyllic scene with its own unspoiled charm.
The Magic of Meganissi
Meganissi, with its labyrinth of bays and coves, is a sailor’s dream. Known for its tranquility, the island is a haven for those seeking refuge from the busier spots of the Ionian. Listening to the cicadas in such a serene setting highlights the connection between nature and solitude, a hallmark of the Greek islands.
The Song of the Cicada
The notion that cicadas stop singing when you look at them is a delightful mix of observation and myth. These creatures, long celebrated in Greek culture, symbolize summer, vitality, and even immortality. Their rhythmic song creates a backdrop for reflection, much like the sea itself.
La porta del paradiso dei velisti
