Welcome to our village. Alexandros is formed of three villages close together high up on the flank of Mount Skaros on the verdant island of Lefkada. The villages are Alexandros itself, Kolyvata, and the tiny hamlet of Kiafa. Find an escape from the well-trodden tourist path, come and find the real Ionian Greece.

Welcome my dear friends. Welcome song sung in 1963 by Xenophon Vrettos from Alexandros.

Alexandros dates back to at least the 12th century, at its peak with a population of 600 people. During the middle of the 20th century the wine industry collapsed, the occupation, the civil war, earthquakes, and finally government policy took a heavy toll, almost to extinction. Alexandros was almost abandoned, with just a few villagers living amongst ruined houses. Trees and scrub grew on the old fields and vineyards.

However, then nature worked its magic and brought great beauty to the hills through what would now be called rewilding.   The old stone houses had been built strong and were recognized by incoming Greeks and foreigners as ideal places to restore.  The three villages of Alexandros were a haven of peace and beauty: hidden from the tourist development of the coast.

The cycle has now fully turned.   Many of the houses are restored and used either for permanent residents or for holiday and second homes.   This rebirth is not yet completed, roads and water supplies exist but need improvement.  But, perhaps as a result, the villages retain their original charm and character.   Recently this was recognized when the villages were granted “Traditional Village” status to ensure this authenticity will be preserved.

The old activities of the villages are also renewed.  A few vineyards have been replanted with wine being produced locally.  Traditional weaving skills have been rekindled and people now come to Alexandros to learn to weave.  The old village love of music and dance is shown in annual village festivals.   Much of this is driven by both village residents and the diaspora who return to their fondly remembered ancestral home.  If you do visit Alexandros, as we hope you do, you will find genuine authenticity in both the environment, houses and culture of traditional Greek village.   Alexandros is reborn.

We welcome you to visit the three villages. We have established two trails that take you round the villages, along with many points of interest giving you the story behind what you are seeing. Or just come and wander around the quiet streets, footpaths and fields. In the summer come along to our annual village feast. Or take part in one of the regular activities and workshops. Or maybe, just come here and find peace, as the current villagers do.