Storm and tornado in Lefkada and Porto Katsiki

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In September 2012 we found ourselves at the excellent Porto Katsiki beach in Lefkada. It is one of the most famous beaches in Greece and is a magnet for those lucky enough to find themselves on this beautiful Ionian island to enjoy the unique beaches (see our article on the beaches of Kotosikos, Greece). beaches of Lefkada) and more.

Although around 20 September the beach was crowded but fortunately there were enough places to spread our towel without being on top of other holidaymakers.

The sea, although choppy due to the mute wave that usually “hits” the western coast of Lefkada towards the left edge of the beach, was relatively clear and so I was able to enjoy the huge rocks that have been detached and fallen into the sea.

Just before I left the sea the light suddenly diminished and I realized that the first clouds had begun to occasionally hide the sun. Slowly the clouds began to increase and settle over the sea and Porto Katsiki and it didn’t take more than 10 minutes for the first raindrops to start.

This short time was not enough time as it turned out to prepare the beach visitors, especially psychologically, to pack their things and leave and as a result the departure was relatively disorderly as in summer storms the tension is quite strong and if you are not covered you get soaked to the bone.

We managed to hide in a spot under the steep rocks that give the characteristic unique view of Porto Katsiki.

In front of us the spectacle was unique as several kilometres in the distance we could clearly see a tornado which maintained its characteristic conical shape for at least 5 minutes. Afterwards and amidst loud booms and lightning we saw the changing colours of the sea and sky while the characteristic smell of rain gave another pleasant hit to our senses.

Within fifteen minutes the storm had “gone” and was followed more hesitantly but with a steady pace by the clouds it brought with it. In 20 minutes they had left us, giving way to the bright sun that took the opportunity to further illuminate our “air” that had been cleared by the rain a short time ago.

We found ourselves in Porto Katsiki almost alone as all the people had left because of the rain. So we had the rare luck to see and swim in Porto Katsiki with summer weather and almost no people. The storm “served us well” as they say as apart from the photographic material it gave us, it also gave us the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful ornaments of Lefkada in its rare and “personal” moments.

Map with the beaches of Lefkada

Photos from the storm in Porto Katsiki