Getting here

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Travelling via Athens

This is a viable alternative to flying and a wonderful opportunity to see some of the countryside. Rates for a small car vary from 175 Euro per week in low season to 230 Euro per week in high. Several guests have simply rented a car at Athens Airport for a week, driven to us and safely left the vehicle in the hotel car park whilst out sailing for the week, returning the car to the airport to catch their flight home. The cost is comparable to two return flights. Please be aware that there is a rather stunning bridge that is crossed at Patra…an amazing feat of engineering but the toll is 11 Euro to cross.

Car hire

Car hire companies that operate form Athens airport:

• www.avis.gr
• www.budget-athens.gr
• www.europcar.com/
• www.hertz.gr
• www.sixt.gr

Heading south into the Central Peloponnese

Leave Athens early in the morning to the Corinth Canal via the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf. Pass by the Corinth canal (quick stop for pictures), then on to Epidavrus visiting the Ancient Epidaurus Theatre (amazing acoustics!!).

Proceeding on to Nafplio Town with it's Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the fortified islet of Bourtzi afloat in the middle of the bay (quick stop here). Then through the plain of Argos on to Mycenae. Visit to the Archaeological site - the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Palace and the tomb of Agamemnon.

Leave via Tripoli - Megalopolis to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Visit to the archaeological site in Olympia with the temple of Zeus, the temple of Hera, the altar of the Olympic flame, the Ancient Olympic Stadium and the museum of Olympia.

From Olympia to Patra across Europe's longest bridge, magnificent cable stayed piece of engineering and onwards to Lefkas!!

North via Delphi and Meteora

Depart from Athens via the National highway to Delphi, passing through the towns of Thebes, and the picturesque mountain village of Arachova, built on the south slopes of Parnassus, well known for its attractive hand-woven carpets, rugs and quilts, as well as for its wine and cheese (quick stop).. Delphi is known in ancient times as the navel of the world.

Pass by Castalia Spring, visit at the archaeological site the Temple of Apollo and the Museum of Delphi, with it's spectacular finds, including the bronze Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos.

Depart for Kalambaka, a small town situated at the foot of the astonishing rock formations of Meteora. Visit Meteora. Amidst striking scenery, perched on huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless monasteries where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.

From Kalambaka head to Ioanina, a very beautiful city with a rich and interesting history. It is situated on the shores of the charming lake Pamvotida, or as it is known today, the lake of Ioannina.

An overnight stop en route from Athens to Lefkada

Kalavrita, a charming, highly picturesque village situated a slight way into the mountains on the south side of the Corinth Canal. Lots to do and see and a village with a tragic history.

Getting to Lefkas from Athens via coach

There are several air conditioned coaches per day to/from Athens, and the journey time is about five hours. There are no toilets on the coaches, however they do make a 20 minute stop half way through the journey. The coach fare from Athens to Lefkas is about 30 Euros.

In Athens you take the coach from the Kiffisus Bus Station. Coaches to Lefkas leave at 7.00, 13.00, 16.30 and 20.30 from bay 39. The coaches from Lefkas to Athens (Kiffisus Bus Station) depart at 9.30, 12.30, 16.30 and 17.15 from bay 4.

You can call the bus station in Athens on 0030 210 515 0108 and give your name, time and date of travel. A ticket will be reserved for you (remember to book a return ticket). You pay upon collection of your ticket.

A taxi between the Kiffisus Bus Station and the New Athens Airport costs about 35 Euros and takes about 40 minutes (depending on traffic). Taxi fares may be higher between midnight and 06.00am.

There is a new public bus service between the airport and Kiffisus bus station. The route number is 93. It departs from outside arrivals at the airport, every 40 - 90 minutes depending on the time of day or night. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs about 3 Euros.

"Lefkas" in Greek is "Λευκαδα" and you will see that on the buses.

The buses from Lefkada to Athens depart at 9.30, 12.30, 16.30 and 17.15.

Stopping enroute

If you need to stay overnight at Athens before onward travel to Lefkas the Peris Hotel (tel: +30 22940 83763) is an inexpensive option (low season 50EC a night for two, including breakfast and airport transfers). Please note, this is only a good option when in transit and not for you if you wish to spend a few days exploring Athens as it is out from the city centre.

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Getting To Lefkas via Corfu

We have had several guests that have chosen to fly to Corfu then take the ferry to Igmounitsa on the mainland and then catch the local bus to Lefkas.

During the months of May to September the ferries run hourly. Depending on the ferry the journey time is from 1 ½ hour- 2 hours. In 2009 there was a ferry that departed at 8.30am called “ Ano Hora II”. The approximate cost is 8 Euro per person one way.

The bus station in Igmounitsa is located directly behind the ferry terminal. Please note that there is only one bus a day from Igmounitsa to Lefkas and it departs at 11.15 am. The journey time is approximately 2 hours.

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Getting to TradeWinds from Lefkas Town

Once at Lefkas you may catch a bus to Nidri from the same bus terminal that the Athens bus arrives in. Buses depart…

Monday - Friday at 5.30, 6.15, 6.40, 7.30, 9.00, 10.15, 10.45, 11.30, 12.45, 13.15, 13.30, 13.45, 14.00, 15.30, 17.30 and 19.30

Saturdays at 7.30, 8.10, 8.20, 10.00, 11.00, 12.30, 13.30, 14.15, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30, 18.15 and 21.15

Sundays at 8.00, 13.15, 19.30.

Do not alight at the start of the town as we are located at the far end! Please ask the bus driver for Armonia Hotel. The pronunciation is very important as he may not understand you unless you say "ARE MON EE A".