Lefkada Salt Pans Walk

 

This is a pleasant flat walk around the saltpans (salt flats) of Lefkada, suitable for elderly, wheelchairs/pushchairs. 

Saltpan History

The first saltpans (salt flats) had been constructed by the Franks of Tokkous, in the early part of the 15th century with an expanse of 500,000 sqm. They were composed of 26 pans. supplying salt to the market of Venice and other cities in North Italy and Central Europe. They stopped producing in 1948

The second salt pans of Alexandros were constructed by Venetians of Morozini, in 1688 at the present day village of Karyotes, across the islet of Forti (Fort Alexandros) and measured 54,000 sqm with 34 pans. The salt pans of Lefkada supplied a great quantity of quality salt but ceased production in 1989. Protected from the waves, they were open spaces with dazzling sunlight and dry summers. The sea water quickly evaporated, leaving the salt at the bottom of the pan, preserved for a few days and then carried on the shoulders and heads of the workers, to the huge central pile for refinement and collection at the end of August. The work was very hard and dangerous for women workers, carrying barefoot 25-30 kilos.

Today the saltpans/wetlands are are amongst the most important habitats for birds. There is a hide perfect for any twitchers on the island.

This photo was taken from the elevated position of the castle ruins in May 2021. 

You can reach the remains of the saltpans of Alexandros if you turn left on the way to the beach of Karyotes, a little before the middle of the village. There are spaces to park along the waters edge.

 

Along the road there is the small chapel of Agios Panteleimon and a picnic shelter/benches, ideal for a rest; a moment to sit breathing in the salty air or listen to the sounds of seagulls.

The area is also popular with anglers. There are several remains of what were once fisherman's huts.

Little fisherman's boats can be seen dotted along the walk.

Even the imposing electricity pylon has a sense of art about it.

This is a low impact walk that can be as long as walking all the way around the salt flats or just walking for a short distance and turning to return the way you came.