Through this route, the visitor has the opportunity to see the beauties of the nature of South Lefkada, geophysical elements of the area, but also a unique monument of archaeological and religious interest.
From this route we move southeast to lowland areas. Through the springof Kerasia in Sivros and the path that leads to the twin village of Vournika, we drive to its southern neighborhoods and meet the public road that we pass vertically.
Our first stop will be the Kanali spring. The spring, recently renovated, is located at a rural location, between orchards and olive groves and refreshes us in its plane expanse. From the source we follow the rural road with SE direction. We pass by uniquely beautiful rural locations, observing the diverse flora of the area. We meet and proceed in parallel for a while with the public road that leads from Vournikas to the village of Kontaraina, to the crossroads that leads to the old monastery of St. Ioannis the Theologian in Rodaki (Ai-Giannis in Rodaki or Ai-Giannis o Sernikaris, for the locals ).
The church was built in 1654, on the ruins of an older Byzantine church which in turn was built on the ruins of an ancient temple. The existence of the ancient temple was proved by excavations in 1905 by the German architect, devotee of Lefkada and founder of the theory of Homeric Ithaca (who believed Lefkada was the kingdom of Odysseus), W. Doerpfeld. The findings testify that this is a temple that was probably dedicated, perhaps to the goddess Dimitra, goddess of the fertility of the earth. Holding the symbol of fertility, the following religious tradition then dedicated the church to Agios Ioannis the Theologian, giving him the name Sernikaris.
The church is built with many of the parts from the ancient temple, which can be distinguished both on the outside (masonry) and in its interior decoration. In the sanctuary, there are also frescoes of exceptional style, dating from the second half of the 17th century.
From this historical monument we return to the public road and continue even further south, to the rural path that we meet on our left, leaving the main road through the landscaped path we approach the only inexhaustible lake of the island. The lake is well hidden by reeds and it’s not visible. It hosts many species of birds and aquatic plants.
The route is circular with starting and finishing point the central square of Sivros (A. Panagouli Square). Residents of Sivros Stone Cottages start and end their hike from the property. Its total length is around 14 km and it takes about 05.00-06.00 hours to complete, while it is characterized with a level of B’ difficulty.
There is a choice for a light meal, for anyone who wishes so, at selected points of the route or for the guests of Sivros Stone Cottages at the garden after the end of the activity. Lunch is provided by collaborating local catering businesses with extra charge.
The routes are carried out by a collaborating local professional guide. The tour is in Greek or English and the guide has certified first aid skills and specific knowledge.
Our accommodation especially for its hiking guests, who want a guide, offers a 10% discount on their stay fees of the basic price and has also secured a 10% discount on guide services.
All protection and safety measures for covid-19 are strictly followed throughout the route.
Exercise in the natural environment requires special care to avoid minor accidents and is always done with the choice and personal responsibility of the participants.
Necessary basic equipment (trekking or sports shoes, sportswear, hat, 1 lt of water, snacks, mobile phone). The use of walking sticks is recommended.