Karya of Lefkada, the famous Kefalochori of the island

Village of mountainous Lefkada, built at an altitude 500 m., about in the center of the island. You will come to relax under the plane trees with the running water, away from the intense tourist traffic of the island.

You will taste the local cuisine, you will buy traditional agricultural products from the local producers and you will admire the famous ones Karsanika Embroidery, made exclusively in Karya of Lefkada. is about 14 km from the city of Lefkada (20-25’) and will by local bus (daily itineraries from the city), by car, scooter, or with electric bicycles that you can rent on the island.

OR Καρυά, because of its position, has easy access from most beaches of the island, As the Seat, (D.), the Vassiliki and the mountain village Syvros (N.), the Nidri, the Perigali and Nikiana (A.) etc..

Stopping or parking cars is prohibited in the central square of the village (there are relevant signs), except scooters and bicycles.

Very close to the main you will find 3 parking lots, one is elementary (free) and the other two private (3 €, for all day stay).

KARYA - SIGHTS

Central square of Karya

With age-old plane trees and enough coolness, from the running water is ideal for coffee and lunch.

TAP WITH CURRENT DRINKING WATER IN THE VILLAGE

Folklore Museum of Karya, "Maria Koutsochero"

A house of his 1900 converted by the owner of Mr.. Theodore Katopodi, with a lot of passion and personal work, in Folk Museum. You will come to the Museum to see authentic Karsanika Embroidery, traditionally woven made on looms, knitwear, period furniture and old utility items. In the Folklore Museum you can buy handmade Karsanika Embroidery, knitwear, woven, carpets etc. (off the summer months from 9 am-9 pm, entrance 3 €, children up 12 years free, tel. : 26450 41590).

The Karsanic Embroidery or Karsaniki Stitch, known on the island and as embroidery of "Koutsocheros" is a traditional embroidery, with specific patterns, colored silk or cotton thread, without visible knots on the back.

Its history begins with 1912 with the creation in her Karya School Karsanikou Embroidery. The first embroiderer was Mary Stavraka or "Gossip», a woman from the village, petite, who had lost her right hand and invented this particular stitch so she could embroider. today Karsanika Embroidery continue to be created in Karya by a few women.

The Karsaniko Embroidery or Karsaniki Stitch Karyas Lefkada from 2019 has been included in National Index of its Intangible Cultural Heritage Greece (UNESCO). The 2020 were added to National Index two other elements of the island, the most sought after Lentils Enclosure and Porsaniko Knife by Poros of Lefkada, steel, with patterns on the handle and hard to find (information : http://ayla.culture.gr).

Echurches of Agios Spyridon with tall steeple (to feast on 11 August) and Saint Nicola's.

THE BELL TOWER OF SAINT SPYRIDON

CHURCH OF SAINT NICHOLAS

History House & Of Karya Culture

It is housed in the old primary school of Karya and every summer it takes place Children's Festival. You will see photos, medals, Karsanika Embroidery, woven, local costumes, old objects and a representation of it Village Wedding, "Bride's house". Unfortunately the Culture House it is not always open, so you should ask the locals.

Gramophone-Radio Museum

An interesting private collection housed in the collector's house. You will see more than 1200 objects, such as gramophones, radios, pompinophones (cinema machines), record player, jukebox etc. (open July - August, visitable after consultation with the owner, tel. : 6932 731892).

ΚΑΡΥΑ – FOOD

In the taverns of Karya you will have the opportunity to try local food and wines produced by them, such as :

-Lefkada oregano, an appetizer of stale sourdough bread, soaked in water, and oil on top, vinegar, salt, oregano. It is usually served with tomatoes, garlic, olives and salted sardines.

-lentil salad with the award-winning Lentils Enclosure.

OR Enclosure is the most mountainous village of Lefkada built in 730 m. on Mount Elati or Stavrota, N. of Karya. They are grown here, From the old years, the Lentils Enclosure which due to the microclimate of the area are considered the most delicious. The cultivation is done in plateau of Agios Donatos (2 Km. from Enclosure) which is full lentils and walks, the traditional stone buildings that served as storehouses for lentils, agricultural tools and animals.

in Enclosure, in the small church of Agios Donatos, at 6 August becomes the Lentil Feast, where you will have the opportunity to try the famous lentils. These lentils are sought after as they are only produced here (most gourmet restaurant chefs use Lentils Enclosure) and before you leave you must buy a bag from their place of production (you will also find at Καρυά). From Καρυά to go to Enclosure you will follow the District. Karyas-Syvrou Street (distance about 5'-10 ').

-salami and sausages of Lefkada, from the meat factories of the island (Job Malakasis, Delimari etc.), which are also supplied by the big super markets of the country. The recipe for air salami and Lefkada sausages comes from Burano, Italy and includes pork, salt, pepper, sugar and garlic.

They match perfectly with local wines and moonshine produced in Καρυά and the winery "Karsanikos Wine», of the Rekatsina family, (visitable by arrangement, https://www.karsanikos.gr).

-wines of Lefkada, from local varieties Vertzami (bright red), Vardea (white), Chlorine (white) etc.. They are produced in the wineries of the island but you will also find them in bulk in the taverns of Karya.

-fava of Lathiri, from the plant λαθύρι organically grown in "Meadow», that is to say plain of Karya,

Other local products worth buying are : Lefkada thyme honey, from the areas of Athani and Dragano, olive oil, roe from the lagoons of the island, Rosoli liqueur (of orange and cinnamon), Sumada drink (from bitter almonds), pastel and nougat, oil cookies and sweet oil pie.

You will find traditional products in the grocery store "To Katoi tou Lianou", in Karya, such as Enclosed Lentils, wine, honey and oil of their production, homemade liqueurs, fava from lathiri etc..

CELEBRATIONS-EVENTS IN KARYA

Representation of a Village Wedding, the 1^TheSK of August

A three-day event with the participation of the residents and includes all the customs of the traditional Lefkada wedding, like the bride's house, the dowry etc.. On the second day the mystery takes place, where the bride, the groom, the best man and the priest are on horses and are followed by the inhabitants with musical instruments. The wedding is performed in a traditional stone house and then follows a party in the square.

It is prepared on the third day, at the main square, the "wedding pie», where is oil pie Lefkada and shares with all visitors while the party continues (information : M / F Karya Lefkada Club "O Apollon").

Oregano Festival, on July

It is usually done in the main square but lastly the small one is chosen monastery of Agios Ioannis Baptist (1605) or Ai Giannis for the locals, in the "Meadow", at plain of Karya. The women of the village prepare the oregano early and offer it free of charge to the guests together with bulk Lefkada wine.

ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES IN KARYA

Hiking

From the central square of Karya following the old path (uphill, with marking, about 1,5 -2 km), you will reach the hill where you will see ruins from the old village of Karya, the Rekatsinata. OR Recastinata was recaptured by the inhabitants as its territory was fragile and dangerous.

Bicycle tour

In Karya you can rent electric bicycles and explore the village and the surrounding area on routes that cover distance 25-35 km, tel. : 6973 906449, https://www.lefkasadventures.com, Καρυά.

THANKS

We thank Mr.. Downstairs, owner of the Folklore Museum of Karya for his photographs and valuable help.