Holidays in Lefkada

Lefkada, or Leucas (Greek: Λευκάδα. Ancient Greek: Λευκάς, Lefkas) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The city of Lefkada, is situated on the northern part of the island, approximately 20 minutes by automobile away from Aktion National Airport. The Prefecture of Lefkada comprises Lefkada island plus the smaller nearby islands of Meganissi, Kalamos, Kastos, Madouri, Skorpios, and Sparti. It is the smallest prefecture of Greece in both land area and population (2001 census).

Lefkada Geography

The east coast section of the island has small resorts of Lefkada, Nikiana and Perigiali, all north of Nidri, the largest resort on the island. It is set in a sheltered location with views across to Skorpios-owned by Aristotle Onassis, Meganissi and other small islands, as well as the Greek mainland. The main coastal road from Lefkada to Vasiliki runs through the village, although a bypass has now been completed which skirts the village to the west. There are regular car ferries to Kefalonia, Ithaca and Meganissi.
20 km south of Nidri is the resort of Vasiliki, a windsurfing center. There are ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca from Vasiliki. South of Vasiliki is Cape Lefkada, where the Greek female poet Sappho allegedly leapt to her death from the 30 m high cliffs.
The famous beach of Porto Katsiki is located on Lefkada's west coast. Lefkada was attached to mainland Greece (see above about Homer's Ithaca being Lefkada). The Corinthians dug a trench in the 7th century BC on its isthmus. Finally, the island's area estimated at 325 km² (125 square miles).

Lefkada Sights

Ancient Lefkada: At the Kaligoni location, 6 km southeast of Lefkada, there are the ruins of the ancient city Nirikos. It was the first capital of the island from the 2nd millennium BC. Excavations have shown that ancient Nirikos was a big city of significant economic growth. It was built on a site of great strategic importance, opposite the coasts of the mainland of Greece. In the 18th century it was called "Amaxiki" (carriage way) because of the road which connected it to the western port, Iraion. A new city, Lefkas, was later built on that site. It became the island's capital until the 13th century BC when it was abandoned. Today there are only parts of fortification walls and their towers, ruins of a pre- Roman theater, cisterns, an aqueduct, and parts of an ancient cemetery. They were brought to light by the archaeologist Dorpfeld's excavations.

Archaeological Museum: The archaeological museum of Lefkada includes exhibits from the excavations of the famous archaeologist, Dorpfeld, in Nidri, Evgiros, Kariotes and other parts of the island. The collection includes findings dating from the Proto-Hellemic period to the Roman era, including ceramics, pots, statues, signs, ecclesiastic pieces and photographs from the excavations in Nidri.

Gramophones Museum: The small museum of Gramophones is situated in the town of Lefkada. Among the various exhibits are jewels, coins, embroidery, guns, pictures, photographs of the old town, books and as its name indicates, gramophones and musical instruments.

Lefkata Cape: The cape of Lefkata is situated at the most southern part of Lefkada, and it offers a majestic view. It was named after a tall rock, surrounded by smaller rocks. This rock was called "Lefkatas" in the ancient years, and it is said to be the "white rock" which Homer mentions. The name "Doukato" was given by the Venetians. Originally, sacrifices to the gods and the spirits of the Rough Sea took place hear. Later (400 BC) on the current location of the beacon, stood the temple of Delfinos (Apollo Lefkata) of which there are no ruins. According to tradition, the convicts were forced to fall from the tallest rock (72 m) and, in order to lessen the consequences of the fall, they tied feathers of birds around their bodies, while there were boats standing by to collect any survivors. In the case of a convict surviving the fall, he was forgiven and granted life. According to legend, those who could not suffer the torture of love committed suicide here. The first to do this was Venus, who did not recover the loss of her beloved Adonis. Her act was repeated by Sappho, the great poetess, for her love of Phaethon. This is the reason why the location was named "The jump of Sappho" and "Cape of the lady". The legend marks the historical time of the place, and it was mentioned by the poet, Byron, in 1812.

Papanikolis Cave: The cave of Papanikolis is situated 12 nautical miles southeast of Lefkada, on the islet of Meganissi. The cave was named after the submarine "Papanikolis" which hid there in April 1941, during World War II, in order to attack the Germans. Today, small boats seek refuge here from poor weather. The cave's entrance is enormous, with a height of approximately 30 m, while its total surface area is 3,800 square meters. On the cave's walls there are columns and stalactites, and the water's colours vary impressively.

Agia Mavra Castle: The castle of Agia Mavra is situated near the channel, 1.2 km outside Hora, and is the island's link with Sterea Ellada. The area was named Castle of Agia Mavra in Medieval years, and for a period of time the name applied to the whole island. The original building was constructed by the Sicilian, Ioannis Orsini, in 1300. It was built to protect the new capital of the island, which was transferred here from the town of Kaligoni. In the Castle, one can admire the church of Agia Mavra. According to tradition, the church was built in the 15th century by Helen Palaiologina who, persecuted in Constantinople, came to the island for the wedding of her daughter to the Count of Lefkada. Helen built this church in honour of Agia Mavra who protected her from the storm. Despite the tradition, historical sources mention the existence of Agia Mavra long before the 15th century, thus the historians claim that the island was named by the French knights of Duke Walter B' around 1330, in honour of their country Agia Mavra (Sainte Maure). After the island's occupation by the Turks in 1479, the church became a mosque. In 1485, Sultan Bagiazit ordered the construction of an aqueduct and a bridge joining the city with the castle. Today, one can only see the ruins of these constructions. In 1500, the Venetians restored the Castle, and in 1684, Morosini placed a lion, the symbol of Venice, over the gate. Apart from the church of Agia Mavra, the Castle housed the church of Latin Pandokrator and other buildings such as water tanks, three schools, barracks, hospitals, storage rooms and the head-office of the politicians. A fire in 1888 caused the destruction of the castle. After its renovation, it was used as barracks and later as a refuge camp, while, during World War II, the Castle suffered Italian attacks and bombardments. On its exterior, one can still see a few canons, as most of them were removed in 1864, after the union of the Ionian Islands with the rest of Greece. Today the castle is open to tourists and houses many cultural events during the summer.

Agios Ioannis Antzoussis Church: The church of Agios Ioannis Antzoussis is the oldest church of the island and it is situated 3 km west of the town of Lefkada. According to religious folklore, while on his way to Rome, the Apostle Paul stopped here to spread the word of Christianity. At first, the church was built on a rock, but later the Franks, the ones who also named the church built a new church, the one standing here today.

Christou Pandokratora Church: Christou Pandokratora is situated in the town of Lefkada. It was built in 1684 by the Venetians as a reminder of their victory against the Turks, which was the first step in their conquering the island. The church once belonged to the Valaoritis family, and in the garden stands the grave of the great Greek poet Aristotelis Valaoritis. Many other well known people are buried here, such as D. and P. Peristopoulos, Al. Halkiopoulos and An. Stavros. Inside the church, one can admire the episcopian throne, the beautiful wood-carved icon stand (created in 1860) and the hieroglyphics drawn by Sp. Vendouras and Dion. Kallivokas.

Presentation of Virgin Mary Church: The church of the Presentation of Virgin Mary stands in the center of the town of Lefkada. It was built in 1720, during the Venetian domination. Later, at the end of the 18th century, it was renovated to its present form. Inside, there are notable hagiographies by Lefkadian artists from the beginning of the 19th century. One can also admire the baroque screen with the depiction of the Second Coming on its gable.

Panagia Faneromeni Monastery: The monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, the most significant religious monument on the island, stands 2 km east of the capital outside the village of Frynio. It is believed to have been built on the site of an ancient sanctuary for Hera or Artemis. According to tradition, the apostle Paul taught there. Until 1760, it was privately owned. Its church was built in 1634. In 1763 it was burned by the Venetians, only to be burned again this time to ashes, in 1886. It was transferred some kilometres southwest a year later. In its precinct stands the beautiful chapel of the apostles Peter and Paul. Inside, one can admire the screen created by the well-known artist Efstathios Prosalendis, and the notable icon of the Virgin with its valuable offerings. In 1889 the relics of St Arsenios Kappadokis were transported here. The area around the monastery is full of pine trees planted by the diocese from 1940 - 1970. During that time, the cistern, the cells, and the bell-tower were built. The singularity of the landscape and its religious piety attracts many visitors, especially in the summer months.

Lefkada Beaches

Lefkada features a traditional Greek island with a relaxed atmosphere and an exceptional amount of sandy beaches that will undoubtedly take your breath away. Soft sand, gently shelving beaches and calm shallow water ensure Lefkada holidays are well-liked by families and beach lovers worldwide..

Porto Katsiki: Porto Katsiki beach is located on the south-western coast of Lefkada. This spectacular beach is accessed from the car park via 347 steep steps that hug a rugged cliff face. The waters of Porto Katsiki are clear and crystal and the sunsets are frequently dreaming.. Stongly recommended for young people who want to live the adventure..

Egremni: Egremni in Lefkada is an amazing beach 30 kilometres south from the Lefkada’s capital. The long sandy beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs and clear waters and is only accessible via 250 steps away from the car park. Absolutely recommended!

Kathisma: Kathisma beach is placed 14 km east away of Lefkada Town. Kathisma offers a long beach,white sand,and crystal waters. The whole place is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The sea becomes abruptly deep at some particular spots. Visitors have the opportunity to play on the beach. Just remember that once you go there you will be absolutely amazed from the whole scene. Kathisma beach is absolutely recommended!

Agios Ioannis: Agios Ioannis beach is the closest beach to Lefkada Town, only 3 km away, and one of the best beaches of the island. Long beach with white sand, there exists old windmills which give to the beach a magic atmosphere. Agios Ioannis is always windy and attracts many windsurfers, kitesurfers, and other watersports activities.. Many events take place there every summer..

Agios Nikitas: Agios Nikitas has a small but of course magic beach with gold and white sand. The village is next to the beach and it is surrounded by many traditional tavernas and cafe's. Many visitors stay here and go every day to the nearby beaches (Kathisma, Porto Katsiki) enjoying their holidays.

Nidri: The beach of Nidri is short but very beutiful beach, with blue waters and pebbles, visitors can enjoy the beutiful view, and the beach bars across the beach which are full of life. Nidri Beach is strongly recommended for calm swimmers and lovers of the Sun.. (Nearby Beaches: Perigiali and Nikiana).

Poros: Poros is a beutiful beach with pebbles all around and clean blue crystalwaters, it is very quiet and calm, you can go there to relax have a good time at the near taverns and friendly bars that you will find there.. Strongly suggested!

Agiofili: Agiofili is an amazing beach. It is located east and the south side of Lefkada, offers, small and large beaches, with pebbles and paradise water. Recommeded for beach lovers!

Gialos: Gialos beach offers to the visitors crystal water, a beach with wild and imposing rocks, that will undoubtedly take your breath away with the blonde sand and the turquoise water. If you come to Lefkada, you must come here!

Ammoglossa: Ammoglossa offers to the visitors gold sand and deep blue water with blond sand and the turquoise water. Strongly recommended for a daily visit! It becomes noticed while you enter the Island of Lefkada.

Other Beaches: Vasiliki, Nikiana, Amousa, Kalamitsi, Kaminia, Lagouna, Megali Petra, Milos, Pefkoulia, Skala Gialou, Tsoukalades.

Lefkada Nightlife

When the sun goes down Lefkada's liveliest nightlife can be found in the main resort of Nidri on the island's east coast. There you can warm up in one of the many ritzy music bars and cafes before heading for the dance clubs where die-hard revellers see in the dawn. There's also a vibrant night scene in Vasiliki where a young crowd makes the most of a varied evening entertainment programme laid on by two local adventure holiday centres. For more of a "Greek" evening join the trendy Lefkadians who hang out in the lively bars which line the western end of the waterfront in the island's capital.
Lefkada Town offers a good range of eateries from cheap and cheerful ouzeris where you can tuck into tasty mezedes to more upmarket tavernas serving freshly prepared Greek staples. One of the most popular dining spots among the locals is classy Regantos in Dhimarhou Vergioti, off the main plateia. The restaurant has been in the same family for generations and serves up delicious meat and seafood dishes in true Greek "take your pick from the pot" style. Waterfront Karaboulias is excellent for fresh fish or try the top notch Lighthouse Taverna, set in its own garden on Filarmonikis, where you can be sure of reasonably priced, homemade Greek fare.
The town has an outdoor cinema on Faneromenis with two screenings nightly during the summer months. You might also be treated to some live street entertainment courtesy of the buskers, jugglers and fire-eaters who hang out in and around the main square. If you're visiting in the second half of August you'll be able to see live music and dance performances at the outdoor theatre which hosts the annual Folklore Festival.
Nidri, half way down the island's east coast, is an all night party venue in the summer with masses of noisy music bars and strobe-lit discos to choose from. Dining options include cheap gyros joints, international fare and stylish restaurants, some of have regular Greek nights during the summer months. Later in the evening the Sail Inn, on the main road towards Lefkada Town, is a popular party place with a dance floor which opens onto the beach. All night revellers make a beeline for Club Tropicana, on the other side of town, which doesn't even open its doors till midnight.
If you're staying at Club Vass, the windsurfing holiday centre in Vasiliki Bay at the southern end of the island, you'll be able to enjoy a packed programme of night time entertainment ranging from a welcome drinks party, to film nights, barbecues and fancy dress contests. The nearby Wildwind adventure holiday centre also keeps its guests entertained after dark with various events including a barbecue with live music.
There are evening excursions from Nidri to the nearby islet of Meganissi where you can enjoy a meal accompanied by traditional Greek music and dancing in one of the local tavernas.