Platyistoma: Monastery of the Red Church and sweeping views

Platyistoma lies in the densely vegetated central part of Lefkada, at an altitude of 480 metres. Two features make the place especially distinctive: the Monastery of the Red Church, with its story behind the name, and the sweeping view from an opening on the eastern side. From there, the view extends to the Prigiponnisia and the mountains of Aetolia-Acarnania. This provides a clear point of reference when choosing a location: you can consider whether scenery and a cultural heritage visit are among the holiday experiences you are looking for.

Scenery between dense vegetation and far-reaching views

The altitude of 480 metres and dense vegetation give Platyistoma a distinctive landscape. On the eastern side, the scene changes: between Skaros and Elati, a wide-open vista reveals the Prigiponnisia and the mountains of Aetolia-Acarnania. The landscape thus brings together two contrasting perspectives: the densely vegetated surroundings of central Lefkada and the open view from the eastern side. This creates a clear contrast to consider when choosing a location. Think about whether you are looking for a destination with a densely vegetated setting, the named viewpoint, or a combination of both.

The Monastery of the Red Church

The Monastery of the Red Church is part of Platyistoma and adds a cultural heritage visit to the scenic experience. Visitors can explore the enclosed grounds, the cells, other rooms and the main church. The visit therefore takes in more than just the main church: it also includes parts of the complex and other rooms. The name also has a direct connection to the building: the Red Church was named mainly for the red earth used as mortar in its construction. The story behind the name links a distinctive name to a specific building material. Those who enjoy discovering historical places through vivid details will find both areas open to visitors and an explanation directly related to the construction.

Festivals and cultural events

Platyistoma is also associated with specific festival events. The festival of Saint Paraskevi featured two evenings of celebrations and dancing. Hundreds of visitors attended a two-day folk music and dance festival in 2026. The festivals differ in their occasion: one is dedicated to Saint Paraskevi, while the other explicitly features folk music and dance. Dancing is part of both. If attending a festival is a factor in choosing your travel dates, check the dates for your desired period.

Platyistoma as a base for your holiday apartment

When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these features will matter most during your stay: the view as a scenic attraction or the monastery as a cultural point of interest. If you want both to shape your holiday, you can assess Platyistoma based on this combination. This way, you can start choosing a location by considering the experiences you want; then select an individual accommodation according to your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Katouna, Vasiliki, Athani, Poros, Katochori, Asprogerakata, Nikiana, Lefkas

Return to the main travel overview: Lefkada.