Athani Αθάνι | |
|---|---|
  Athani | |
| Coordinates:38°40′N20°34′E / 38.667°N 20.567°E /38.667; 20.567 | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Ionian Islands |
| Regional unit | Lefkada |
| Municipality | Lefkada |
| Municipal unit | Apollonioi |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
• Community | 172 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
Built on a steep incline on the south-west coast of theGreek island ofLefkada, the village ofAthani (Greek:Αθάνι) is the southernmost major populated region of the island accessible by sealed road. It is the nearest village to the famed beach ofPorto Katsiki.
The first inhabitants of Athani were fromItaly and was first nameAzani (Αζάνι). Around 1490, the Spanish speakingJews arrived in Athani.
From the 1950s until the late 1960s, a significant part of the population emigrated overseas or to the major regional centers within Greece. It has recently been discovered by Europeans and its dwindling population is gradually being fortified by new "blow ins". These new residents make Athani their temporary home during the summer months, leaving the cold and harsh seasons to the local diehards.
Athani is highly regarded forhoney as well as its views over theIonian Sea.
It suffered minor damage during the October 2003 Lefkada earthquake.[2] A 6.5 magnitude earthquake on 17 November 2015 severely damaged property and killed a woman.[3]
| Year | Population | Community population |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 232 | - |
| 1991 | 204 | - |
| 2011 | 204 | 213 |
| 2021 | 167 | 172 |