It is very common for a Greek village to change its name over the years and centuries. Many events contribute to this, such as a person who played an important role in the course of the village or some other historical event. One such case is a village in Etoloakarnania which, apart from changing its name, has other stories to tell. The reason for Mikra Palukova which is now called Lefka. It is a small and green mountain village of Nafpaktos which even managed to come alive again after a serious incident that happened there. And that is that much of it once “sank”, and suffered serious subsidence. However, today the picture is very different, and the village is a small gem for the area. A village drowned in greenery and beautiful nature.
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Mikra Palukova: The village that once “sank” but was reborn
The village of Lefka is called Mikra Paloukova after the liberation in 1835. Under this name, it remained for about 100 years specifically until 1927 it was renamed to Lefka. It is a small village in the Municipality of Nafpaktia as its population according to the last census is only 116 inhabitants. In fact, far fewer live. A small and beautiful place was built at an altitude of 1,080 meters on the slopes of Mount Oxia. Its wild and rich nature is justified by the fact that it is one of the most mountainous villages of Aitoloakarnania.
The event that marked this beautiful Greek village took place in 1850. It was when the ground subsided in the village, resulting in the sinking of almost all houses during the winter rainfall. Residents of the village participated both in the Revolution of 1821 and also in the Balkan Wars and the Occupation.
However, this image that marked the village in 1850 has completely changed today. The residents of the village and those who come from there and live far away do everything to keep it alive and tidy. The trademark of the village is the three-day festival on July 26, on the day of Agia Paraskevi.
Mikra Paloukova: The beautiful and picturesque villages of Aitoloakarnania
The villages of Aitoloakarnania may not be as famous and touristically developed as others, but if you are there you will notice something. They stand out because they are traditional and picturesque. They are the villages where you will meet pure, hospitable inhabitants. The classic Greek village with the square and the café. Whatever time of year you go you will see nature at its best.
It is one of those cases where the destination gives you exactly what you are looking for on an excursion. Peace and quiet! And you get closer to nature and people. You leave full of new energy and love for these small corners of Greece.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mikra Palukova was renamed to Lefka in 1927, about 100 years after the liberation in 1835. The name change was part of a common practice in Greek villages to update their names based on historical events or other significant reasons. The village is located in the Municipality of Nafpaktia in Etoloakarnania.
In 1850, Mikra Palukova experienced a catastrophic ground subsidence during winter rainfall, which caused almost all houses in the village to sink. Despite this disaster, the village was eventually reborn and restored by its dedicated residents and those who migrated away but remained committed to keeping their village alive.
Lefka, formerly known as Mikra Palukova, is a small mountain village in the Municipality of Nafpaktia in Etoloakarnania, Greece. It is situated at an altitude of 1,080 meters on the slopes of Mount Oxia. According to the last census, the village has only 116 inhabitants, though the current population is even smaller.
The trademark festival of Lefka is a three-day celebration held on July 26, dedicated to Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi). This annual event is an important tradition that reflects the community's cultural heritage and brings residents and visitors together.
Villages in Aitoloakarnania like Lefka are special because they offer authentic Greek village experiences with traditional charm, picturesque landscapes, and hospitable locals. They feature classic Greek village characteristics such as town squares and cafés, abundant natural beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can connect with nature and experience genuine Greek hospitality away from crowded tourist destinations.
