"HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Salt production here dates back to the Byzantine Era (most likely during the 12th & 14th centuries). Thereafter, it was expanded under the Venetian rule of Corfu at the end of the 14th century.

For centuries, it was the largest salt-winning area on the island, with at least 80 salt wells, several salt warehouses, corridors, and ditches.

From 1681, the salt flats were leased by private citizens, but under British rule, the state took back control over the facilities in 1890. Later, the Greek state monopoly invested in the systemization of its operations and drastically increased the production output.

From 1944 until 1988, the salt pans were leased to a commercial party that operated under the supervision of the state.

In 1988, production was halted, and the Lefkimmi Salt Flats were closed. In 1993, the ownership was handed over to the former Municipality of Lefkimmi. Over time, nature started to take over the area, and the salt pans started to digest in the natural environment.

As a result, the area has been slowly eroding into the sea. The area now looks more like a marshland with a diverse ecosystem.

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MY PERSONAL REVIEW - JUNE 2025

This is my favourite area to visit in this area of SE Corfu, the Lefkimmi Region. I'm lucky enough to have stayed in this area for well over 5yrs now.

When you visit you really get a sense of the sheer age of the site, it's scale and some idea of the "salt extraction & processing industry" that was here for almost 800 years !!!

Nowadays, it's a haven for nature and the diverse wildlife that now call it home. Add to this the fact that some of the buildings have been preserved and sensitively restored.

These include one of the large stone built storage warehouses. There's also the "Levy or Duties House" where those that removed salt from the area paid for the privilege. This is now used as an educational establishment.

Local Corfiat school children and others from further afield visit to be educated about this areas industrial past in a real and immersive setting.

The Greek Orthodox church cum chapel also remains restored on site. Between these historic buildings and the salt flats themselves is a modern circular open seated presentation and performance space.

Accessed immediately off from this developed and built area are the remains of the salt flats themselves. Nearest are the ones bordered by short stone walls where the sea water was contained.

The sun was then allowed to do its job and evaporate the majority of the water to produce as crystalline salt laden residue. This was then shoveled by hand into sacks and/or metal carriages. Remains of these metal carriages remain on site today.

The "flats" closer to the sea had wooden walls. Sea water at high tide flowed into them and was "captured". Water was then directed from one "enclosure" to its adjacent more inland neighbour by opening sluice style gates.

There are paths that still exist between the matrix of enclosures. This means you can walk in amongst the network and really fully appreciate the sheer scale of the operation.

The very best of all this is that the place is remote, rarely visited and consequently incredibly quiet and peaceful.

At certain times of year different bird species occupy the flats including flamingos which are prevelant across many of the Ionian Islands.

This truly is a very special place and very worth a visit."

Dave Lainton

"Worth of visit, maybe nothin very special, but place has definitely a kind of climate. Lots of birds, nice view, place to have a walk, picturesque marina nearby"

Bartek Łatka

"Amazing for a walk, but really nothing special, some trails are bit dangerous. There are some birds and waste."

Daniel Sencisin