The Ionian Islands, which are situated in the north in Greece have lush vegetation and endless forests: Lefkada is also one of the greenest islands. Therefore lush pine and olive forests, vivid flowers are very common in every corner of Lefkada Island, and there can be seen a lot of different species of plants in the forests and near the houses as well.
The green hills and the vegetation of the island are due to high humidity and a proximity to the Ionian Sea.
Most of the year, even in the driest summer days the trees, bushes and of course the flowers of Lefkada Island are living and vibrant. There are only a few bare mountains without plants, but these places are the highest places, including Lefkada’s highest peak called Stavrota, near to Vasiliki and Agios Petros.
When we discover the amazing landscapes and green hills of the island, we will see numerous olive forests and several kinds of firs everywhere. The most common local flowers are oleanders, bougeanvilleas, cyclamens, geraniums, goat’s beards, mallows, asphodels, but there grow several other beautiful and fragrant species. The pleasant weather of Lefkada is especially good for these flowers, so the plants can bloom for a long time during the year, from march until the end of summer.
You can find also an ancient oak forest on the heights Mount Skaros (Skaron Andron). The magical area of Skaros Forest was highly esteemed by both the Turks and the Venetians. Mount Skaros is located in the eastern part of Lefkada, behind Nidri, but the road leads from Nikiana village to there.
Palm trees are not common, but near some beaches and in some gardens of apartments there grow some. Some of the largest palm trees can be seen in the port of Nidri, while in other ports olive trees and tamarisks are much more frequent.
Date palms in Nidri
The mountains are famous from old plane trees, which grow often in the main squares of the traditional mountain villages. The big plane trees on the squares of Karya, Egklouvi and other old mountain villages belong to the oldest plane trees of the island. Locals appreciates plane trees very much, because they provide natural shades for large areas, making ideal conditions during warm days.
Planes of Karya
Lefkada Island has many vineyards, where the local farmers produce wines in excellent quality. In the western side of Lefkada there some apiaries, because the bees especially likes the mediterranean trees and flowers. The Lefkadian farmers produce large quantities of high quality honey, and of course the visitors of the island can buy these fine products in the villages. The primary distributors for the most delicious honey and other bee products are local families in Dragano and in Athani villages.
The olive oils which are produced in Lefkada, are also made in premium quality. Local extra virgin olive oils are made with traditional techniques, which guarantees the best taste and healthy nature. You can buy and taste the local olive oils in small kiosks, next to roads when you drive to Porto Katsiki beach or to Gialos beach, and of course in several markets of the island. From small bottles to larger cans the local farmers sell in many sizes their olive oils, which are recommended to buy.
We must mention the other excellent products made from olive, such as olive soaps and wide range of beauty products for skin care.