Lefkada
A truly beautiful undiscovered island in the Ionian Sea
Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, with an area of 295 sq km, is the fourth largest of the Ionian Islands and has a coastline of 117 km. The easy access to the island across a floating bridge has made it a favourite with holidaymakers. The floating bridge is an excellent feat of engineering and can raise both ends and swivel round on its axis to allow yachts and fishing boats through the channel to the main harbour and down the East coast. This lovely undiscovered island offers fabulous unspoilt beaches all along its coastline and is a boater’s paradise with its multitude of satellite islands. Some of the best known beaches are Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, Pefkoulia. The Prinigponisa satellite islands are Scorpios, owned by the late Aristotle Onassis, Meganisi, Sparti and Madouri owned by the late national poet Aristotle Valaoritis.
The island of Lefkada is lesser known as a holiday destination to a wider audience in comparison to neighbouring Corfu, Paxos and Cephalonia. This of course has ensured that it has maintained much of its character and traditional Greek identity. There are plenty of attractions even for the more discerning traveller. The impressive green landscape offers many beautiful walks for all levels and there is a very good book that can be bought locally with tracks to follow. The long white beaches of the west coast are perfect for sun worshippers and family days out, and the crystal clear waters of the small coves on the east coast are a snorkeler’s paradise. Beautiful old churches dotted around the island, museums in Lefkas Town and archaeological sites close by are great for those looking for a bit of culture whilst on holiday. Lefkada also hosts one of the most famous International Folklore Festivals in Greece during the month of August.
Lefkada town
Lefkas Town, 12 mins drive, is the main commercial centre. There is a quayside road south of the causeway entrance with a busy marina. The High Street runs through the centre of town and is also known as the ‘Pazari’, this is the main street for shopping and cafes. A mid-morning coffee in the square is ideal for a break and a perfect opportunity to see the Lefkadians in ‘action’! The architecture has been mainly influenced by the Venetians and the post Byzantine traditions but also by the Turkish and the English. The houses in the main part of the town are two storey buildings, very closely packed, without yards or gardens and with narrow alleyways running between them. It is lovely to walk around the back streets of the town where you are also more likely to see the typical Lefkadian houses wrapped in brightly painted corrugated iron.
Geni, 20 mins drive, is a pretty little coastal village on the east coast with an abundance of great fish tavernas located on the water’s edge.
Nidri, 10 mins drive, is the primary holiday resort on Lefkas. There are a variety of tavernas, restaurants and cafes here, also a handful of bars and a couple of nightclubs. The majority of shopping and tourist facilities are on the main street. On the seafront, known as the ‘Paralia’, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Pringiponissa islands – amongst which is Scorpios, owned by the Onassis family.
Ag. Nikitas, 30 mins drive, on the north-west tip of the island, is a pretty little village surrounded by fabulous beaches such as Pefkoulia, Kathisma and Kalamitsi. The nucleus of the village has been placed under preservation order, thus maintaining the traditional Ionian ambience.
Nearest destinations
Useful distances
Syvota Bay, 30 mins drive, is in the south-east at the head of a large bay and has an outstanding natural harbour. Syvota is wonderful for an evening meal with great fish tavernas by the sea.
Vassiliki, 35 mins drive, in the south is a self-contained tourist resort with a full range of facilities. The harbour is lined with restaurants and cafes and the main street has a fair number of shops. Many sailing companies operate from here and you may hire windsurf boards on a daily or hourly basis. Vassiliki has a ferry port operating a service to Cephalonia and Ithaca.
Motorboat hire is a must as it can open up a realm of uninhabited beaches and coves. The motorboat includes the provision of a map of the boating area, buoyancy aids, flares, oars and anchors. Detailed instructions will also be given for operation and mooring and a full local back-up service is provided. There are many small deserted coves on the coast and excellent snorkeling areas where you can enjoy the local marine life such as Sea Urchins, Sea cucumbers, Red Star Fish and when overturning stones or rocks perhaps you may find Brittle Starfish or even Octopus!
- Airport: Preveza (PVK) – 30 klm
- Barpub: NV Beach Bar – 500 m
- Ferry: Nidri – 7.1 klm
- Train: Thessaloniki – 385 klm
- Motorway: Mainland – 30 klm
- Restaurant: Nikiana – 750 m
- Beach: Nikiana Beach – 195 m