Beautiful Melissa Gorge. Lefkada

 

If you have already visited Nidri waterfalls then your next date with nature should be Melissa Gorge. Winter is a great time to explore here after rain, as crystal clear waters are gushing through the gorge bed. Visit in summer and it will only be a trickle if not totally dry. 

DIRECTIONS. My car journey directions start at the Stop Cafe entering Lefkada town; turn left here following the main road towards Kavalos. Follow the sign for Faraggi Melissas on the main road until just before you reach a left bend in the road; take the right slip road immediately before the large white commemorative plaque on your right. Follow this road until you see the next couple of signs directing you to the right. We parked up on this junction as the road down into the gorge is not suitable for most vehicles. A high wheel based 4x4 is the only option but still not advisable.

ADVICE. Due to heavy rains you will need good footwear as the road accessing the gorge is wet (be prepared to get your feet wet in some places due to flooding), muddy and slippery and the limestone is crumbly underfoot. There are steps and plaka slopes throughout the trail and although there is wooden handrail fencing, these are slippery and wobbly in places. Don't be put off, its adventurous and definitely worth the effort.

On the walk to the entrance of the gorge look out for the old stone bridge. There is another deeper into the gorge.

The entrance reminds me of entering Yellow Stone Park or a Canadian town with its big wooden arch, but any signage long gone. 

Keep following the track from 'Nowhere' until you reach two signposts. Take the track to Kako Lagadi

This opens out into a small green field. We were greeted here by a herd of gorgeous goats.

Look for the pale green box and head towards this corner where you will see the ruins of an old water mill, a wooden bridge and fencing. Follow the path through the gorge along the river. 

Take time to connect to nature. The fusty, earthy smells of leaves and moss, cascading ferns, sprouting fungi. The babbling river that gushes and falls into limestone hollows. The damp, moist air of the woodland canopy and dewy mixed array of foliage. Stand still for a moment to catch a glimpse of wildlife. 

Keep following the path as it meanders over several wooden bridges crisscrossing the river. 

BEWARE. Several of the bridges are in need of repair with rotting or missing planks but with great views of the water below.

Take a little  rest outside another watermill built into the rockface then continue along the path.

This glorious trail ends at a dilapidated wooden shelter where you turn and retrace your steps, enjoying glimpses of anything you may have missed.

Our entire day covered 5 miles walking (11,000 steps).