A visit in Karya is recommended in Lefkada Island if you would like to discover something different and more traditional, slightly further away from the coastal tourist resorts. This region is famous for its lace making traditions and embriodery in Greece, which is introduced by the local folklore museum as well.

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Where to find Karya in Lefkada Island, and how to get there

Karya is located in the heart of the Lefkada Island, approx. 15 kilometers away from the capital, 13 kilometers away from Nidri, 14 kilometers away from Agios Nikitas, and 29 kilometers away from Vasiliki. The routes from Lefkada town, and from Nidri are scenic and mountanious, but don’t be afraid: the roads which lead here are wide at most places, just quite winding.

It’ doesn’t matter from which direction you arrive, the road leads through the central parts of Karia. Most of the free parking lots of Karya are situated in the north side of the village, but there can be find paid parkings as well, which are situated slighty nearer to the center of the village (next to the main square and the church).

Public buses arrive to Karya from the bus station of Lefkada town, therefore this villege can be reached not just by cars or scooters, but by local buses as well. Buses run between the capital and the village 3-4 times a day, depending on current schedules.

What to find in Karya, top features and attractions to visit

The mountainous areas of Lefkada Island are maybe not as popular such as Nidri, Agios Nikitas or other seaside resorts, but there are several great reasons to visit Karya. First of all, this attractive travel destination has mountainous atmospheres: when we are looking around, we can see only beautiful hills and valleys of the area.

The entire region of Karya is surrounded by extremely lush vegetation – on the hills of Pyrgos thousands of pines and junipers grow. Old plane trees provide natural shades on the streets, which are very pleasant during summer heat. In summer months local air temperatures of Karia are always slightly cooler than the hottest areas of the coastline, but the sun shines strong as well.

When we just drive through the center, we meet the large and spacious main square of Karya, where the oldest and highest plane trees of the village grow. The central square with old planes is the heart of the village, surrounded by traditional restaurants and coffee bars – from May to September months all of these are open, and wait for guests with delicious hot meals and snacks.

The best restaurants in Karya which are recommended by guests are The Crazy Goat (known as Pardalo Katsiki or Παρδαλό Κατσίκι in Greek) and Taverna Eleni. These taverns are situated in the corners of the central square, in the shade of plane trees, with desks and chairs for their guests.

The main street in Karia is dedicated for a few souvenir shops, small sized supermarkets and embriodery shops. The local traditional shops sell primarily handmade laces and wood carved objects, some of these were made locally, by the residents of the village. Nowadays embroidery is not as popular activity as it was a few decades ago, but some locals are still made beautiful laces and carpets, which can be find in markets.

Sight and attractions of Karya, which are worth to see

The streets of the village are filled by a lot of traditional houses made by stone and wood. The main square belong to the best local sights and attractions in the mountanius region of Lefkada, where the biggest plane trees, and local traditional restaurants are situated. Most of the streets in Karya are narrow with some hidden gems, such as old churches, and ruins of old windmills.

An important sight of Karya near the village center is Agios Spyridonas church, situated on the southern side, just a minute walk away from the main square.

One of the museums in Lefkada Island is waiting for visitors in the village, dedicated to the show the old traditions and folklore of Karya. Maria Koutsohero Museum, or simply as Karya Folklore Museum can be visited in the north outskirts of the village, there is a junction from the main road to here.

One of the best attractions can be find approx. 7 kilometers away from the village, where Ekklisia Profitis Ilias offer exceptional panoramic views to the island and to Ionian Sea. This attraction belongs to the best lookouts in Lefkada Island, but you have to know the last road section is narrow and steet up to the tiny Monastery. Near Profitis Ilias a former radar station offer an another great viewpoint, above the hills of Egklouvi village.

The museum for local folklore and traditions of lace making in Karya

The folklore museum of Karya is known as Maria Koutsohero Museum, which is a small private museum located on the north side of the village. It is literally a traditional home with an area of 250 m2, which is dedicated to show the local traditions and the life in the past.

The museum of Karya got its name from Maria Koutsohero (Maria Stavraka), who lived in Karya. She brought back the embroidery technique of old times, and combined it with a completely novel technique. This is called as a unique Karsaniki stitch, a one hand embroidery. The figures and designs of Karsaniki stitch were primarily inspired from the nature, for example from shape of trees and its leafs.

Karya Folklore Museum opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00, entry fee / ticket: approx. 4 Euro / person

Photos and other infos

• Known as: Karia, Καρυά
• Population: 590
• Facilities: supermarket, restaurants, ATM, apartments, coffee bars, souvenir stores, pharmacy, bakery, free and paid parking lots, museum
• Nearest beaches: Nikiana beach (13 km)

Shops and supermarkets in Karia
Taverns in Karia
What to do
Center of Karia with best sights
Street with old houses
Bakery in Karia

• Reasons to visit Karya in Lefkada

mountain atmospheres
old traditions and local folklore
lace making
nice town square with large plane trees
folklore museum
– Cons

lies far from the Ionian Sea