LEFKADA
The Magnificent Ionian Island
There are many reasons to love this island ….the colour of the sea, green and blue, the sandy beaches, the wild beauty , the combination of green and blue, the picturesque mountainous villages and the traditional villages. Moreover, the history and the tradition of the island as well as the choices that even the most demanding visitor may have make it the ideal holiday destination either for quiet family holidays or for visitors who want intense night life , for the windsurfing lovers, for the aquatic sports lovers, Lefkada has so many to offer!
In Lefkada you have the chance to enjoy the most wonderful beaches not only of Greece but of all the world! Engremni, Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, some of the most famous beaches. However there are so many others like the Kastro, Agiophili, Mylos, Yalos, all of them with a special unique beauty which is unforgettable. Furthermore, from Nydri port you can go on a short cruise around the island or other exciting cruises toMeganisi, Scorpio (Onasis’ island), Madouri (place of origin of the famous Greek poet Valaoritis) Kasto, or Kalamos.
Another reason why Lefkada is the perfect holiday destination is that it is ideal for short trips to the beautiful places of the island. The capital, Lefkada, influenced by the tradition of the Ionian Islands, popular and cosmopolitan Nidri, picturesque and green-clad Vassiliki, Agios Nikitas, ,mountainous and traditional Karya, small and picturesque Sivota as well as Liya,Kariotes, Nikiana, Poros, Sivros, Athani and so many other villages which are worth visiting.
GET TO KNOW LEFKAS
History of Lefkada
Research has shown that the first samples of civilization on the island date back to the Paleolithic era. From excavations carried out by the German archaeologist Willem Derpfeld, he discovered findings from the Bronze Age (2000 BC) and formulated the theory that Lefkada is Homeric Ithaca.
Lefkada got its name from the cape Lefkata or Kavos of Kyra, which is located at the southern tip of the island. In ancient times, the cape was called Lefkaspetra or Lefkasakra. Legend has it that the poet Sappho, from the island of Lesvos, jumped from the rock of the cape to get rid of her love for Faonas. The ancient Greeks believed that jumping off that cliff would cure a man from the woes of love. Even the goddess of love, Aphrodite, tried to end her life that way, when she found out that her great love, Adonis was dead. Near that area there is the temple of the god Apollo, to which the white rock is dedicated.
In later times, the island was called Agia Mavra, taking its name from the church that was built inside the castle of AgiaMavra, which is located opposite the city of Lefkada and is considered a model of fortification art. For a long time, the city of Lefkada was built around this castle, but later the Venetians moved it to its current location.
Just outside the city and more specifically near Kalligoni,you can find the ruins of the ancient city of Nirikos, which was the first city of the island. Nirikos was surrounded by a large wall, part of which survives to this day.
Lefkada has taken part in many great battles in the past, such as the naval battle of Salamis and the battle of Plataea during the Persian wars, as well as the Peloponnesian war on the side of the Spartans. They also fought alongside Alexander the Great in his great campaign, founding the homonymous city in the coast of Syria, as well as another one near Damascus.
Access
Travel to Lefkada Island
By car: The island is linked to the mainland by a floating bridge, hence no need to worry about ferry tickets. Athens-Lefkada 380kms or about 4.30 hours drive / Salonica-Lefkada 420kms or about 5 hours drive.
By airplane: International (charter) flights and domestic flights (Athens, Crete) to Preveza/Aktion airport, then bus or taxi to Lefkada Island (20kms).
By sea plane: Connection with other Ionian Islands.
By ferry: From Ithaca and Kefallonia.
By private boat: Services available at Vasiliki.