Lefkimmi is Corfu’s second largest town and is a joy to explore.
Located in the southernmost part of the island and is about 40 km from the airport of Corfu.
Its narrow streets are lined with merchants’ mansions and cottages in various stages of renovation.
Sit by the river enjoying a meal or a drink and watch the world go by, then follow the river to the sea and have a swim.
There are several churches of interest here, including an Italianate one that dominates the upper town.
A well-signposted road leads to the small harbor of Alikes(saltpans), where until recently horses toiled bringing the salt from the salt flats here to be processed.
This has now stopped and the old flats are now a spectacular wildlife sanctuary where flamingos, egrets, and many migratory birds can be seen.
The harbor here is still a base for local fishermen who land their catch there, and the nearby beach has several basic tavernas that offer a real Greek welcome.
If you see people going out in the sea with rakes do not think they are mad, they are used to find the shellfish hiding in the sand.
The sea here is very shallow, warm, and sandy, perfect for children.
The large port of Lefkimmi, near the estuary of the homonymous river, has become the second port of operation in Corfu.
From here there is a daily ferry service to the port of Igoumenitsa on the opposite mainland coast, the distance is a bit smaller as well as the cost, this may be of interest for those who want to travel cheaper.
Lefkimi was the scene of an audacious rescue operation in World War 2 when a Lancaster bomber crashed.
Locals rescued the crew, hid them, and then led them across the occupied island to Kontokali where they were met by a British submarine.
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