Lefki
Situated at an altitude of 160m., with a distance of 14 km.
on the road going north from Vathy, lies the quaint village
of Lefki.
Built
on the west slope of the mountain Neritos, there is an extensive
view of the opposite island of Cefallonia and the channel
between the two islands. Lefki was inhabited in the 16th century,
when a group of people moved there from the village of Anoghi,
to cultivate the fertile land, and be near the sea but safe
from the pirates, who still controlled the channel.
Although Lefki lies very close to Stavros, the main village
of northern Ithaca, it flourished in population and business.
The first years of this century, there were more than 400
people residing in over 100 houses, a primary school was functioning
and numerous businesses of commerce and trade prospered. With
the population declining over the years, due to many people
emigrating to other countries, today only 70 people live in
the village with cultivation being their main activity.
Because of its important geographical position, during the
occupation of the Axis Forces, Lefki was used by the National
Resistance as a center for transportation of fighters and
guns.
The
earthquakes of 1953 ruined all the buildings of the village.
Rebuilding was started at once with financial aid sent from
the relatives who emigrated, and from England which had officially
adopted Lefki.
At the foot of the village there are paths that lead down
to several beaches which are all excellent for swimming, are
filled with trees and have wells with clean water. The way
down to these beaches is a very pleasant and easy walk.
|