Profitis Ilias (or known as Ekklisia Profiti Ilias) belong to the top local attractions, due for its panoramic lookout, but it’s worth to know that the road which leads here is very narrow and steep.

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, 22 kilometers away from Lefkada town, and 22 kilometers away from Nidri. The nearest villages are Karya and Egklouvi – literally the church was built in the mountains between these two villages.

Before we reach the small building of Profitis Ilias church on a top of a mountain, we can meet former NATO bases and radar stations, which are surrounded by fences.

The last road section, which leads up to the Church of Profitis Ilias is very narrow, which means we have to drive very carefully. This is a typical mountain road, where lot of bends and narrow sections are typical. At the last sections the quality of the road is quite poor, so driving a car here is recommended primarily for experienced drivers. Next to the church there was built 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, mostly 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 the exceptional panoramic views! In the east we can see the region of Nidri, and the small islands near: Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri, Kastos and Kalamos. In the north the flat lands of Lefkada town and its lagoon, Preveza and its airport, and even Ambracian Gulf in the distance.

Below the church we can notice the tiny village of Egklouvi, which is one of a traditional mountain villages in Lefkada island, filled by old stone houses and narrow streets. The best periods to visit the Church of Profitis Ilias are primarily when the weather conditions are good in Lefkada Island, on a sunny and clean day. When the sky is filled by clouds, or the day is rainy, the visibility of the surrounding landscapes are much less great.

The bell of the church, which can be seen in the small bell tower of Profitis Ilias, was used for decades to signal fires on the island. As some road signs indicate, don’t fly with drones here, because it is 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, while Nikiana is 28 kilometers away.

Info box

• Known as: Ekklisia Profiti Ilias, Church of the Prophet Elias, Ιερός Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία
• Location: Karya 310 80, Greece
• 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)