Lefkada is not only about summer, vacation, crystal waters and adventure!

The area of Lefkada is really famous for some delicious traditional local products which are also very unique!

Today, we are going to share information about some local foods and drinks from Lefkada island.

All of those are definitely worth trying. But be careful, there is a huge possibility to get addicted! They are very delicious! 

The famous Lentils of Englouvi

The most famous and wanted LENTILS of all over Greece is cultivated here in the village of Englouvi. No pesticides are being used, 100% natural product. It's excellent taste and unusual "appearance" brought it big popularity.

The difference from other lentils is very obvious - Englouvi lentils has seeds of at least 3 different colors- red, black, brown- looks like a mix of few types of lentils.

But it's not If you are coming to Lefkada around 7th August, you are lucky enough to visit the festival of Agios Donatos (takes place in the church with the same name).

Ladies of the village will cook the traditional lentils soup (also called Fakes).

The local olive oil

Lefkadian OLIVE OIL. Everyone knows that Greek olive oil is the best in the world.

The quality of the soil, weather conditions and centuries of cultivating tradition help to create legendary quality and taste. Together with vineyards olive trees occupy the huge part of the island and used for importing as well.

Lefkada is a home of 2 types of olives- Asprolia (Lefkolia) -white type and Mavrolia- black type.

We recommend to all you guys to visit a museum of olives "Fabbrica" in Syvros village- here Greek secrets of olives and olive oil are revealed for you.

You can buy oil in any local stores, just ask for local production.

The local wine

Lefkadian WINE. There's a historical fact, that the wine from Lefkada was considered to be the best in the world by a Roman doctor Apollodorus in 3rd century BC.

The local vineyards as the history passed had occupied the huge part of the island and the wine was used for export as well.

There were ups(beginning of 20th century - when French vineyards were destroyed by phylloxera fly) and downs(end of 19th century when Lefkadian vineyards were devastated by peronospora) for the wine industry in Lefkada, but the 2nd WW had brought tragical consequences to wine producing- vineyards were abandoned and used for different purposes.

Now the wine industry gets more attention again, and many tourists are in love with local wine traditions. You may be interested to visit one of local Wine Festivals- in Pigadisani near Karya village, in Apolpena and Fryas.

In all tavernas, you will also find Lefkadian wine and you can visit our local wineries to buy some wine for your friends or family as a present.

 

The Lefkadian HONEY

Is traditionally produced from thyme (thimari in Greek) which creates a specific taste and flavor.

Mostly the southern and south-western areas are famous for honey production. If you are a honey-lover you will be interested to visit the honey tour at Meli 51 apiary.

You will be guided through the long history of beehives to the modern tradition, then you will see the process of creating the honey by the bees, try the local honey and will be able to buy some for you.

 

LADOPITA (olive oil pie)

Very popular local desert with a set of simple ingredients but giving an excellent taste. You can find it in tavernas and bakeries (fournos- in Greek).

Local SAUSAGES, SALAMI

Famous for its rich taste and high-quality meat. The history of production takes it's beginning from the times of the Venetian empire.

Italian artisans used to teach locals the art of hand-making salami from fresh pork.

The tradition became popular and until now you can enjoy these excellent local specialties.

ROSOLI (orange and cinnamon liqueur) the Traditional Drink of Lefkada

Also has Venetian roots and has a honey-yellow color with distinctive orange and cinnamon taste