By Nicolas Bard

In the lush mountainous hinterland of Lefkada, well hidden in the arms of Mount Elati and at an altitude of about 750 meters, the Englouvi is built.

It is the most mountainous village on the island, but also of the entire Ionian region, and is known for the production of lentils, a crop that is particularly favored there by both the microclimate and the territory of the area.

Englouvou is one of the oldest and most historic villages in the village, which still maintains the authentic Lefkadian identity today, without being influenced by the immense tourism development. Away from the bustling beaches, and after going uphill through a picturesque route overlooking the Principality, the village will be revealed in front of you. The Englouvi is full of stone -built houses, arched gates, cobbled streets and a small but highly picturesque square full of plane trees and mulberries. The church of the village is dedicated to Saint George.

The main occupation of the inhabitants of the village is the cultivation of the well -known lentils, which is rightly considered the best and most delicious in Greece, as well as viticulture. Just above the village, at an altitude of 900 meters, is the chapel of Agios Donatos, which celebrates every year on August 7th. The day before there is a big festival in the area and the Englubissana housewives cook in their own, traditional way lentils in large slices, and take the whole world with olives, pastries and plenty of wine. If you are lucky, you may also see some woman wearing the traditional Lefkadian costume, a picture that will take you to another era.

Opposite Agios Donato there is a series of cold water wells, while in the wider area you will see Alonia, Windmills, as well as the special settlement of the walks that are a key element of local history. The “walks” are only in this part of the island, and their construction was imposed by the specific conditions of cultivation in the area. Inside each walk there was a small household to serve the growers, who lived there all summer. The strolls are small, vaulted stone -shaped stone houses, and in the old days were the second home of the lens growers. In fact, during the summer the plateau was full of life, as the whole village was moving there!

Four kilometers away from Englouvi is the traditional Archontochori of Karya, where it is worth making a stop. The large square with the centuries -old plane trees, the historical churches and the famous embroidery is a trademark of this mountainous settlement, which today measures 429 permanent residents. In the picturesque Karya you will find traditional textiles and embroidery, made for centuries using a special technique, the so -called Karsani stitch. Still, every summer there is the traditional event of the “rustic wedding”, which attracts a multitude of people. The sights of the village are naturally included in the church of Agios Spyridon, in the center of the village, with its imposing bell tower (late 19th century), and the monastery of St. John the Baptist, dating from 1605.

Lefkada is an island of great contrasts and magically combines the dipole mountain and sea. The east side of the island is lush with more “steep” beaches, while the west is adorned by wild, steep slopes and exotic beaches, and inside the island there are dozens of traditional villages and settlements “drowned” in the green, which refer to the mainland. At any time and moment you can take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the other find in a mountainous, traditional village, to eat in a tavern under a vineyard. The only sure thing is that the island will enchant you, and you will promise to return there!