Lefkada is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of the Ionians. It is the fourth largest island of the Ionians and has 117 km of coastline. The island has impressive landscapes, long golden beaches were the blue colour of the sea seems mixed with bleaching water, traditional villages, a charming capital, some animated beach resorts with many restaurants and bars, Byzantine churches, archaeological sites, perfect wind conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing and much more…Lefkada is a beautiful island that has much to offer to the visitors: whether one prefers peaceful holidays, educational or active ones, it is one of those top destinations…
Lefkada Greece or Lefkas is the fourth largest island of the Ionians after Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu. The island has an area of 303 square kilometres and a coastline of 117 km.
It has a population of approximately 22.000 inhabitants.The island is situated above the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaki and it is separated from the mainland (the prefecture of Etoloakarnania) by a narrow canal.The island is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge above the canal and a bridge above the lagoon.It is the only island of the Ionians that can be reached by road.Lefkada is a mountainous and fertile island covered on its major part with dense vegetation.
There are two peaks over 1000 m. The impressive landscapes it offers are one of the main reasons of its popularity.
The island has some endless white sandy beaches surrounded by impressive vertical cliffs. In some places, the water looks as if the blue colour of the sea has been mixed with bleaching water.The beaches that can be found in Lefkada must be the most impressive in Greece.Lefkada also has 10 satellite islands: Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Madouri, Skorpidi, Skorpios, Thilia, Petalou and Kythros. The most famous islet is Scorpios which is one of the very few private islands in Greece. It was purchased by the famous Greek ship-owner Aristotelis Onassis.
The island’s capital, also called Lefkada, is situated in the North-eastern part of the island. It is an interesting town composed of newly built interesting multicoloured wooden houses covered with metal sheets. This particular architecture is the result of the huge earthquakes that destroyed the major part of the island in1948 and 1953.
The island of Lefkada remains relatively undeveloped despite the fact that it must be one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. It is however very famous among the windsurfing and kite surfing fans for the reason that many beaches offer every day perfect conditions to practice these sports.The island is also famous for its sailing conditions. So, whether you would like a peaceful, educational or active holiday, Lefkada is an excellent destination that only awaits to be discovered…
BEACHES
Porto Katsiki is situated 40 km southwest from the capital of Lefkada Greece and is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.It is a long sandy beach surrounded by impressive vertical cliffs. The beach is only accessible by 80 small steps that go down the cliff. A car parking is located at the top of the cliff where snack bars are also located. Porto Katsiki is a popular beach and attracts thousands of visitors every summer.The beach can also be reached by caique (small fishing boat converted into tourist transportation for the summer) from Vassiliki and Nydri.
Mikros Gialos is one of the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada. It is situated 25 km south from the island’s capital, near the village of Poros. It is a long sandy beach with sun beds and umbrellas rentals, a taverna and some snack-bars.
Kathisma is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It looks as if the blue colour of the sea was just mixed with bleaching water. The beach is situated at 14 km east of the island’s capital near the village of Agios Nikitas. It is a long white sandy beach surrounded by impressive cliffs. The beach is fully organised with sun beds and umbrellas rentals and also air and water sport facilities. The area has several accommodations, bars and restaurants.
Pefkoulia is an impressivly wide beach situated at the North of Agios Nikitas, 10 km from the island’s capital. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada with waters of an amazing blue colour that almost looks white sometimes. The beach is easily accessible and gets overcrowded during summer time. The area also offers a couple of tavernas.
Vassiliki is situated 38 km south from the island’s capital. It is a picturesque fishing village located in a verdant area. The village is located in the bay of Vassiliki in front of a long pebble beach.The beach is famous all around the world for its ideal conditions for windsurfing and sailing, and also has water sports facilities and some windsurfing clubs rent material. The area offers a large range of accommodations, camping sites, tavernas, shops, café and bars. Some of the hotels are located on the beach and have special facilities for windsurfers.
Agios Nikitas is a small picturesque fishing village situated 12 km west of the island’s capital.The village has a beautiful small beach with some tavernas in the background.The village has become an important resort for the reason of its proximity to the most beautiful beaches of the island: Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and Pefkolia.
Nidri is one of the most popular and cosmopolitan resorts of the island and attracts thousands of visitors every summer.It is situated 17 km from the island’s capital. The resort has an attractive beach with crystalline waters and a view over the islets of Heloni, Scorpio, Sparti, Scorpidi and Madouri. The beach offers all kind of facilities and the area has a large choice of hotels, tavernas, cafes, bars and clubs.
Agios Ioannis – Frini
The beach of Agios Iannis – Frini is situated just a couple of km from the island’s capital. It is the nearest beach from Lefkada town and one of the most beautiful.The beach has some incredible colours that remind of a Caribbean landscape.It is an endless golden sandy beach characterised by the ruins of several windmills.The area is quite windy, and is for that reason the second windsurfing spot of the island after Vassiliki.A part of the beach is also full of kite surfers making incredible tricks in the air. This multicoloured show is quite impressive.The area of Agios Ioannis – Frini offers a large range of accommodations. Some of the accommodations are specially organised to welcome the windsurfers and their materials.The beach is lined by some cafes and a windsurfing/kite surfing club.
Ligia is situated 6 km from Lefkada town. It is the biggest fishing centre of the island with many small fishing boats in the harbour. The area has a picturesque beach in front of the settlement. Ligia also has some accommodations and nice tavernas offering fresh sea food.
Nikiana is situated 9 km north of the town of Lefkada. It has become an important beach resort with a large choice of accommodations, tavernas, café and bars. The resort offers a small sandy beach.
Egremi is a beautiful beach located 30 km south from Lefkada town. It is a long sandy beach surrounded by impressive cliffs and only accessible by 250 steps going down the cliff. The beach offers sun beds and umbrellas rentals.
Lefkada island Greece: a great variety of Lefkada local products
Lefkada is known of the traditional embroideries of Karia called “karpeto” and “mantanies”. Lefkada is a fertile island and has a variety of agricultural products. The island produces high quality olive oil, wine, citrus, honey, almonds and fish.FoodThe food on the island of Lefkada is similar to the other islands of the Ionians with small variations and some local specialities. The specialities of Lefkada are: - The traditional dish of “Eglouvis lentils”- The “salami”- The beverage “soumada”- The “savoro”, fish with herbs, raisins and garlic- The fish dish “aliada”- Sweets like the nougat “mandolata” and the “pasteli”(sweat of honey and sesame)
WineLearn about Lefkada wines.
