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Lefkimmi
Corfu
Most guides either ignore or
dismiss Lefkimi, but anyone interested in how a Greek town works
away from the bustle of tourism should not miss it. The charm
of the place, where donkeys are still occasionally used as transport
and some women retain traditional costume, lies in its resistance
to tourism, which is perhaps understandable as it is so close
to the excesses of Kavos.
Nonetheless, it can claim to be the second-largest town on the
island by some margin and is also the administrative centre for
the south of the island. Over one kilometre east lies Corfu's
second biggest port, while about 2km north the south's principal
salt pans are to be found |
Maps distinguish between Ano Lefkimi and
LEFKIMI proper, but in fact the two flow into each other and the
conurbation also incorporates the neighbourhoods of Potami and
Melikia. There are several roads into town from the startling
new stretch of sodium-lit dual carriage- way, which means traffic
for the port and Kavos can bypass the town entirely.
The first link road, which enters the northwestern suburbs around
5km from Perivoli village, soon reaches the centre of town, where
a left turn funnels traffic into a one-way system that loops back
northwest, while the main street winds downhill past the school
and town hall to the lower suburbs. |
The facades of the main street and surrounding
alleys are very attractive and it's a welcome change to see real
shops selling functional everyday items instead of tourist para-phernalia.
There's some fine architecture, including several particularly
imposing (but usually locked) churches: Agioi Anargiri with a
striking double belfry, and Agios Arsenios, whose vast orange
dome can be seen for miles around, pose proudly on raised platforms
at the upper end of town, whereas Agios Theodoros and its beautiful
cam-panile sit on a mound above a small village square, halfway
down the hill towards the canal.
While it's hardly Amsterdam, the canal that carries the River
through the lower suburb of Potami has some pleasant spots for
a drink or meal by the pretty bridge |
EROFILI HOTEL
Kavos, Lefkimmi 49080, Corfu island, Greece
Tel: +30-2662061600 Fax: +30-2662061611
E-mail: erofili1@otenet.gr
Manager: Mr Aspiotis Theodoros & Christos Co
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