Profitis Ilias (Ιερός Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία) is tiny Greek church in Lefkada Island, Greece, which has one of the best panoramic views on the island. The church is located in the mountains of Lefkada, just a few kilometers away from Karya village, which is famous for its lace making traditions.
Profitis Ilias (or known as Ekklisia Profiti Ilias of Lefkada) is a top attraction of the island due for the panoramic lookout, but it’s worth to know that the road which leads here is very narrow and steep.
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Where to find the Church of Profitis Ilias and the lookout in Lefkada Island, and how to access
The Church of Profitis Ilias is located in the heart of Lefkada Island, approx. 22 kilometers away from Lefkada town, and 22 kilometers away from Nidri. The nearest villages are Karya and Egklouvi from here, literally the church was built in the mountains between these two villages.
Before you reach the small building of Profitis Ilias church on a top of a mountain, you will meet former NATO bases and radar stations, which are surrounded by fences.
You have to know the last road section which leads up to the Church of Profitis Ilias is very narrow, which means you have to drive carefully! This is a typical mountain road with a lot of curves and narrow sections. At the last section the quality of the road is quite some poor, so driving a car is recommended for experienced drivers. Next to the church there is a small parking lot, which can be used for 4-5 cars maximum at the same time.
What to see when visiting Profitis Ilias in Lefkada Island
The Church of Profitis Ilias is best known for its exceptional views in Lefkada Island, because the chapel was built on the highest spot of the east coast, and a only a few peaks are higher in the southern areas. The whitewashed walls of the church are surrounded by a small garden, which is literally the lookout. Inside the church building you can see the frescoes and relics, which are dedicated to the namesake Prophet Elias.
And why is Profitis Ilias listed by some travel guides as one of the best sights in Lefkada? Because of those amazing views! You can see the surroundings of Nidri and the small islands on the sea: Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri, Kastos and Kalamos all can be seen well. In the north you can see the area of Lefkada town and the lagoon, Preveza and its airport, and even Ambracian Gulf in the distance.
Below the church there can be seen Egklouvi village, which is one of a traditional mountain villages in Lefkada island with old stone houses and narrow streets. We suggest a trip to the Church of Profitis Ilias primarily when the weather conditions are good in Lefkada Island, on a sunny and clean day. When the days are cloudy or rainy, unfortunately you can see much less of the landscape.
The bell, which can be seen in the small bell tower of Profitis Ilias, was used for decades to signal fire on the island. It’ worth to know in this are drones are officially forbidden, due military reasons.
The celebration at the Church of Profitis Ilias is held on 20th of July in every year. If you would like to visit this attraction in Lefkada, the distances from some villages are the following: Nidri 22 km, Vasiliki 23 km, Agios Nikitas 18 km.
Info box
- Known as: Ekklisia Profiti Ilias, Church of the Prophet Elias, Ιερός Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία
- Location: Karya 310 80, Greece
- Coordinates: 38.738482, 20.647260
- 22 km south from Lefkada town
- Facilities: small parking lot
- Accessibility: by car, by motorbicycle or by quad (recommended for experienced drivers due to poor road conditions)
- Entrance fee: none (free entrance)
