Nidri Lefkada

Nidri, sometimes spelt Nydri, is the island's main tourist resort and has an absolutely stunning setting at the mouth of the long and impressive inlet of Vlycho bay.
There is a spectacular view of the many tiny islands dotted around the turquoise blue sea, one of which is Scorpios, privately owned by the Onassis family.
Nidri (Nydri) has everything for a great seaside holiday - a great variety of eating and drinking options, lots of boat excursions, plenty of water sports. The beach could be better, but there are much nicer beaches close by.

Nidri (Nydri) was once the playground of billionaire Aristotle Onassis and until his death, the area remained quite exclusive and undeveloped. In recent years, however, it has grown into the island's biggest and liveliest resort with many bars and tavernas lining the sea front. Its popularity has a lot to do with the sailing fraternity, who have long made its safe harbour a necessary port of call when in these waters.

The seafront of Nidri is called Akti Aristoteli Onasi, after the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, and a statue of him looking out to his island of Skorpios dominates the scenery.

The area around Nidri (Nydri) is fairly flat and therefore ideal for cycle riding or walks through the olive groves to the Nidri Waterfalls. For the more energetic, fantastic views can be seen from the surrounding hills of Nidri, covered with wonderful wild flowers and blossoms in the spring and early summer months.

Nidri, like Lefkas Town, is one of the main yachting destinations of the Ionian Islands. Due to its location on the sheltered east coast of Lefkas (Lefkada), the sea is usually calm so therefore an ideal place to learn to sail. There is an annual regatta which is one of the biggest Yachting events in the Mediterranean, usually held during September. A truly spectacular sight!

Nidri has an interesting coastline full of sheltered and secluded bays. The beaches are of pebble although sand has been added in some places. Water sports of all kinds are widely available, including opportunities to sail and dive at the island's only Padi School of Diving. Another good beach is to be found at Dessimi, about 5 km south of Nidri.

There are also many boat trips available to explore the coves and bays in the area or alternatively, small motor boats can be rented.

The German archaeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld lived and died in Nidri (Nydri) and a statue was erected on the quayside,in his honour. Dorpfeld believed that Lefkas was in fact Homer's Ithaca. Near Nidri are the Bronze Age ruins he excavated, and which he believed supported his theory.

Just over 3.5 km from Nidri (Nydri) - an easy 40-minute walk and a pleasant place for a picnic - are the Dimosari Waterfalls, also called Vafkeri. There are two waterfalls, one small, one larger and more spectacular the higher you climb. Unfortunately during the peak months, the water becomes a mere trickle.

One of the group of islands that lies off Nidri (Nydri), Madouri has belonged to the Valaoritis family since the early nineteenth century. Aristotle Valaoritis (1824 - 1879) was one of Greece's foremost poets. The island is privately owned, but some years ago it made an appearance in the Billy Wilder film 'Fedora'.

Nidri (Nydri) has a good selection of bars and restaurants serving Greek, Italian and international food, plus a good choice of traditional Greek taverns. Most of these establishments are to be found along the waterfront. The resort has everything from cafes to music bars and two night clubs, open during the summer months only.
For a particularly good dining experience, head out to the hamlet of Perigiali, 1 km north of Nidri, where there is a restaurant serving top quality local products.

In Nidri (Nydri) there are two banks, ATM machines and several exchange bureaux.

There are three chemists, one doctor's surgery.

* Diving Centre
* Horse riding school
* Daily ferries to Kefalonia
* Numerous excursions to the nearby islands

There are dozens of supermarkets which during the summer months are open all day, from early morning until midnight.
There is also a variety of tourist shops and chic boutiques.