Alexandros: Hiking, Village History and Culture

Alexandros is a destination for travelers who appreciate hiking trails, village history and culture as themes for their trip. The village, located on Mount Skaros, is connected to a historic change: many years ago, its residents moved to the coastal area of Nikiana for their livelihood and development. The village’s history therefore extends beyond its mountain setting and also connects it to the coast.

Village History and Surroundings

Another historical story leads to a cave between Nikiana and Alexandros. There, three holy fathers founded the first Christian hermitage on Lefkada in 325. Alexandros was probably named after one of them. The cave is in the area around the village; the residents’ move, by contrast, directly connects Alexandros with the coastal area of Nikiana. The local village history and the religious history of the surrounding area can thus be understood as two distinct connections.

Landscape on Mount Skaros

The Skaros Forest is also part of the area around Alexandros. The forest features oak trees and rock formations, as well as views of the Prigiponisia islets. The forest path is just before the village. The surroundings therefore offer a tangible connection to the landscape as well as the village’s history.

Hiking Trails Around Alexandros

The “The Three Villages” hiking trail runs around the three villages of Alexandros, mostly along quiet roads and unpaved paths. A short section of the monopati climbs over rocky ground. Arrows on green circular markers indicate the route. One section through the trees shares its route with another trail, which is marked in red-orange on rocks. To navigate, be sure to distinguish between the markers: the green circular arrow markers indicate “The Three Villages”; the red-orange markings on rocks belong to the other trail that shares part of the route.

“Around Skaros Mountain” is a self-guided hiking trail around the three villages of Alexandros; it is moderately difficult and takes two hours. “The Three Villages” takes about one hour, plus breaks. For this trail, the surface and markings are described specifically, while “Around Skaros Mountain” is explicitly rated as moderately difficult. This makes it possible to compare the routes by duration and the features described for each. Markings may change and trail conditions may vary; check both on site.

Church and Weaving Classes

The Church of Agios Dimitrios in Alexandros contains icons. There is a restriction on visiting; check access on site. On the feast day of Agios Dimitrios at Easter, the church is filled with hundreds of people. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the exact date of the celebration in advance.

Weaving classes are held in the old schoolhouse of Alexandros. The classes last three hours. If you would like to take a class, check current availability in advance. The duration gives you a clear timeframe for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Aghios Petros, Perigiali, Vasiliki, Poros, Kalavros, Nikiana, Sivros, Athani

For the main travel overview: Lefkada.