Last month I had the delightful pleasure of a free guided tour from Andreas Dimitrakopoulos at Lefkada Micro Farm. I received the warmest of welcomes. (On arrival ring the little bell and be seated until greeted.)
I was amazed at Andreas's dedication and enthusiasm in sharing his abundance of inspirational knowledge of Greek horticulture and past times, organic farming and culture.... I felt drawn in, connected with nature and left feeling so excited about creating something productive on my own land.
Andreas's family has owned this land for almost a century. Abandoned for over 30 years, yet since 2020 Andreas has worked incredibly hard to create an open air museum, Lefkada Micro Farm. I won't tell you all of his story; I will let him share it with you when you visit him and his Mamma.
The farmland displays the traditional terrace drystone walling, Xerolithia. These walls help protect against flooding from the mountains rain, as the terraced slopes absorb rain and release it gradually, as well as against soil erosion.
At the same time they serve to bolster biodiversity, providing habitats for reptiles and insects. (See my detailed blog on drystone walling.)
You will learn about composting and herb gardens, how the land is irrigated during the long hot summers and how companion growing is beneficial to gardening/farming.
Enhance your senses, connect to Greek nature; not only will you learn how to grow fruits and vegetables and of course reap what you sow, but you will be rewarded with joy, peace, a connection with creation and balanced emotional wellbeing; a spiritual retreat.
There are some livestock; goats, chickens and rabbits who happily greet visitors.
A selection of products are available to purchase, such as olive oil, herbs and bio veggies, picking straight from the land to your table.
You can book a private meal (up to 5 guests), to enjoy a field, to oven, to dining table experience in the outdoor kitchen.
Andreas is both inspirational and passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills. He arranges all year round workshops, including being a farmer for the day, the knowledge of olives/ harvesting, breadmaking and educational school visits.
You can also support Lefkas Micro Farm by adopting an olive tree, by making a donation of money or offering your time, helping Andreas working on the farm.
Lefkas Micro Farm is still very much in its infancy. Andreas is creating many exciting future projects. If you have a skill or hobby, or would like to be involved in any of these projects, please get in touch.
We can see a wonderful 'like minded community' developing from this.
Lefkada Micro Farm
Open Mon - Fri 9am -2pm (wed 12.30 - 2pm)
Telephone. 698 111 5096
https://lekadamicrofarm.gr
Facebook Group Lefkada Micro Farm
Directions /Parking - Follow the Lefkada Micro Farm signs from the Nidri bypass through Rachi and follow the Vathkeri road. Park on the main road just before the entrance to the farm. (unfortunately the land adjacent to the farm is not owned by Andreas and therefore not available for parking.)
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