The small and pretty village of Kolyvata. Although small Kolyvata has always been prominent on Lefkada. It contains the rich and powerful St George’s Monastery and is the gateway to the old forests of Skaros mountain.

Today it contains Maria’s taverna, a tiny centre of wonderful Greek home-cooking. Maria cooks delicious but simple traditional Greek food – generally only in the evenings. She is often cooking and serving herself, maybe with one or two of her family to help, so it is a very personal and friendly service. Don’t go there without booking by phone in advance as she can rarely accommodate those that don’t. Maria’s taverna has featured on Greek TV with a famous chef, and even European royalty have been spotted there. But don’t expect chic – it is rural simplicity and just delicious.