Greece remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, attracting visitors in their millions. Last year, some 40 million descended on the country, as Greece’s tourism sector continues to recover from the pandemic.
One of the country’s biggest attractions is its islands, which number up to 6,000, according to some estimates. The islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Zakynthos attract the lion’s share of tourists. However, they can suffer from overcrowding, particularly at the height of the busy summer season.
One island, though, provides a welcome escape from the crowds, offering a mixture of pristine sandy beaches and charming hamlets.
Meganisi is a gem in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its crystal clear waters, tranquil bays and stunning scenery. Its coastline is dotted with a variety of white sandy beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
Only twenty square kilometres in area, it has just three or four villages and is reached by boat from Nidri. Most visitors arrive at Vathi, a traditional fishing village flanked by churches originally built to bless all boats with safe passage.
The port town has a selection of waterfront tavernas and cafes, some of which offer an excellent choice of freshly caught seafood dishes. A short walk from the port is the village of Spartochori, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area from its perch atop a cliff.
The village has remained unchanged for many years, gaining electricity as late as 1973 and, until recently, boasting just two cars that served all of the inhabitants.
From the village, tourists can walk to Agios Ioannis – the best beach on the island, complete with its own little taverna. Meganisi also boasts a rugged coastline of white rocks that give way to the fascinating Papanicolis Cave.
This fascinating cave is situated on the south-west coast of the island and is accessible only by a winding footpath or by boat. During World War II, a submarine was hidden from the Germans in the cave, which was also used as a base for carrying out operations against the occupying forces in 1941.
Meganisi scores highly on TripAdvisor, with many travellers raving about their visits. One wrote: “A lovely island with very laid back atmosphere. Lovely people, friendly and helpful. The island is pretty with nice villages. Good food. No discos!! Tourists mainly consist of sailing individuals or sailing groups doing island hopping.”
