It’s easy to see why Lefkada is a favourite among tourists with its crystal-clear waters, beautiful landscapes and friendly people. However, this island’s profile is not limited to being just another popular tourist spot by the sea. Lefkada is also known for its delightful local delicacies such as premium olive oil, sweets and renowned wines. The island has significant local production and high-quality local products, some of them based on recipes rooted in ancient times, making it a true gastronomic paradise. Indeed, since 2014 it has been host to the Lefkada Gastronomy Festival, where one can savour local produce and ingredients, discovering a broad variety of tastes. Here we list the products you should definitely not miss.
The Wine
Wine production on Lefkada has been an active part of community life since ancient times, and the vine and grape were depicted on various ancient coins. Furthermore, the physician Apollodorus mentioned in the 3rd century BC that the island’s wine was the best in the world. Since time immemorial, the cultivation of grapes has been treasured and uninterruptedly continued in Lefkada, and during the Venetian occupation the economy of the island was mainly based on exporting wine and olive products to neighboring Italy. Vertzami and Vardea stand out as the most popular varieties, followed by the Mavrodafni, Malagouzia, and Patrinio.
Today, there are five wineries operating in Lefkada, with “Karsaniko”, “Lefkaditiki Gefsi”, and “Siflogo” being well worth a visit. As the island values its produce, wine festivals are also held in some of the island’s villages.
The Oil
With olive trees covering vast expanses of the island, it was quite inevitable that Lefkada’s oil would become well-cultivated and well-known. Like its wine, oil cultivation dates back to antiquity, as evidenced by archaeological and historical findings. During the 1960s and 1970s, 1.123.000 olive trees were recorded on the island, with the most common variety being the white or “Aprolia” olive. You may also encounter the black “Mavrolia” variety at higher elevations. In the village of Syvros, it’s worth visiting the “Fabbriaca” Olive Museum, which takes visitors on a journey through the world of the island’s olive varieties and its oil production history.
The Legumes
The island has several types of legumes (including beans and chickpeas) but the best known are undoubtedly the lentils and the grass pea, called “lathiri”. Every year on August 6th, a Lentil Festival is held at the Agios Donatos plateau, with numerous foods prepared by locals to showcase this variable product. The “Englouvis” lentil variety is well-known throughout Greece, so if you’re visiting the island, be sure to bring back a packet (or several) of these popular and delicious lentils. As its name reveals, this type of lentil is harvested on the western plateau of Englouvis, the island’s highest village. In fact, it seems that during prehistoric times there was a wetland there, which has been drained. Lathiri, on the other hand, is a type of legume produced near Karya. It is an organic product, as it is grown without the use of pesticides and fertilisers. It’s easy to cook and has several beneficial properties for the digestive system.
Honey
Equally well known is the island’s thyme honey, which is produced in the southwest of the island. In Paliokatouna, for example, there is the ‘Honey 51’ apiary run by Vassilis Soldatos, which can be visited by appointment. Every August there is a Honey Festival in Dragano, where visitors are offered various honey-based delicacies. Besides, the island is known for its pasteli, as well as for a local nut “mandolato”.
Salami and Sausages
Lefkada has been producing salami since the times of the Venetian era. Legend has it that Italian master craftsmen travelled there to teach locals the art and practices of salami making. The processing is carried out using top-quality ingredients and the island’s climate contributes greatly to a famous product made exclusively in Lefkada. As the sausage process is similar, it was a one-way street to start its production.
Lefkaditiki Ladopita
Lefkaditiki Ladopita is a local sweet that has become known throughout Greece. The dessert is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and olive oil and is flavoured with orange and cinnamon. It is then topped with a sprinkle of icing sugar, giving it a sweet and delicate taste. The origin of Ladopita dates back to ancient Greece and is a true representation of the country’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll find it all around the island in bakeries and patisseries, and even in some of the most popular tourist hotspots. This sweet is considered a symbol of happiness and is commonly served at weddings and baptisms. However, it is also served as a special New Year’s treat.
Rozoli Liqueur
Completing our list is the traditional Rozoli liqueur, which is traditionally used in baking, or sipped as a drink. The combination of alcohol with cinnamon, fruits and cloves gives it a rich taste and distinctive aroma. Its dates back to the Venetian era and it is considered one of the most popular products enjoyed by visitors to the island. You will find it sold everywhere, in bakeries and patisseries, and it it often served in the island’s touristy hotspots.
Lefkada is also well-known for many other delicious products such as avgotaracho (bottarga), soumada (a drink made from bitter almonds), as well as its juicy oranges and lemons. Whether you’re looking for gifts for loved ones back home or simply want to indulge in some of the best flavours the island has to offer, be sure to seek out these delicacies during your visit.
Read also:
Wineries, Vines and Wines on the Ionian Island of Lefkada
Lefkada: Hotels & Retreats on the Ionian Island of Poets
