Lefkada was the name inherited by the noble southern Italian family of the Orsini, Santa Maura the ancient Venetian name. Lefkada, in Greek, is an enchanting, mystical and wild island.
It is part of the Ionian Islands archipelago and lies to the west of mainland Greece. It is the only island in Greece that can be reached without a ferry, as it is connected to the mainland by a movable bridge of about 50 metres.
Turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush vegetation and timeless villages amidst vineyards and olive groves make Lefkada a magical island to be discovered slowly. Here is what to see in Lefkada.
Lefkada: what to see?
Lefkada Town
Nydri
Vasiliki
Cape Lefkada
Meganisi
Agios Nikitas
Pefkoulia Beach
Milos
Ekgremni
Vassiliki
Village of Marantochori
Lefkada Town
The town of Lefkada has been the capital of the island since 1684. It is located in the northern part of Lefkada, a few kilometres from the airport, and stretches along the beach facing the coast of mainland Greece.
It is a picturesque town with colourful houses with red tiled roofs, beautiful squares, narrow streets and a promenade. Wander through the city centre to discover its historical and architectural sights such as the various churches of Aghios Nicolaos and the church of Aghios Dimitrios. The Archaeological Museum is worth a visit, with finds from the island's excavations from the Neolithic to the late Roman period.
But also the Folklore Museum, with reconstructions of the traditional Lefkadian folk house, the Public Library and the Collection of Post-Byzantine Icons, housed in an imposing mansion. The Museum of Phonographs and Old Memories, on the other hand, exhibits old phonographs, records, decorative objects and old banknotes for those who want to step back in time.
For a break in the green, head to Bosketo Park, adorned with busts of important island personalities.
Guarding the city from above, you will then see the fortress of Agia Mavra, built in the 14th century and later extended by the Venetians. While its lichen-covered walls remain intact, surrounded by a saltwater moat, the interior now lies in ruins. You can enter what remains of a few bare chambers where wild flowers now grow. In contrast, 3 km west of the city, amidst beautiful hilltop gardens, is the monastery of Panaghia Faneromeni, founded in 1634 and rebuilt after a fire in 1886. The climb is rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and the lagoon.
Nydri
Nydri is the liveliest and most popular nightlife centre of Lefkada, where beaches, relaxation and entertainment are concentrated. Situated halfway between Lefkada town and Vasiliki, Nydri is a village of about 800 inhabitants who devote themselves, mostly during the summer, to tourist activities in the small port, including boat tours to Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia.
The village and harbour of Nydri are especially worth visiting for the wonderful view of the Onassis Islands, namely the island of Scorpios and other small islets that belonged to the Onassis family.
Then explore the small village and picturesque harbour of Nydri, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards that reach all the way to the coast. Behind Nydri, heading towards the mountains, you will come through small villages and olive groves to a shady car park in the Dimossari gorge. From there, a pleasant walk leads to the waterfalls of Nydri, surrounded by lush vegetation.
From Nydri, it is also easy to reach the bay of Vlicho, the peninsula of Geni and the church of Aghia Kiriaki, which overlooks the inlets of Nydri and hosts fairytale weddings.
For those in the mood for partying in the evening, bars and clubs along the harbour put on music until late. Finally, don't forget to take a photo with the monument dedicated to Onassis, to whom much of the island's tourism evolution is due. It is a custom in the village now also acquired by tourists.
Vasiliki
Vasiliki was built on the remains of an old fishing village and is now known as the island's main centre for water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing.
It is located in a natural, constantly windy bay at the southernmost point of the island. Surrounded by high mountains, the bay of Vasiliki is often buffeted by a wind called 'Eric' that accompanies the afternoons of keen sailors.
Vasiliki is ideal as a port of call on the island but also as a starting point for boat tours to discover Kefalonia and Ithaca. The village is full of life and tourists flock to the taverns, shops and hotels. After Nydri, it is the second most visited centre on the island, where it is worth stopping for a dinner of seafood specialities or for a few days. The bay is convenient for reaching the beautiful beaches on the west coast.
Cape Lefkada
Follow the new panoramic road from Vassiliki southwards to Cape Lefkada, a surreal place where nature meets mythology. On the highest part of the rocky promontory that plunges steeply into the sea you will see a lighthouse built on the site where the temple of Apollo once stood.
Pan-Hellenic religious ceremonies were held here every year to propitiate the sea gods. According to legend, the poetess Sappho threw herself from these cliffs because of her unrequited love for the young Phaon.
Nearby is the monastery dedicated to St Nicholas, where some nuns prepare aloe vera creams, thyme honey and other natural products.
Meganisi
The island of Meganisi is the largest of the seven islands surrounding Lefkada. The others are Thilia, Petalu, Kithros, Kalamos, Madouri, Skorpidi, Kastos and Skorpios.
The easiest way to reach the island is by ferry from the village of Nydri on the island of Lefkada, from where ships and organised tours depart daily.
You will find yourself in a paradise of caves, small bays and beautiful beaches to discover among green olive groves and vineyards. The main beaches on the island of Meganisi are those of Fanari, Agios Ioannis, Roka, Ambelaki, Limonari, Elia and Pasoumaki. But Meganisi also has small traditional villages and vestiges of the past such as the monastery of St John, dating back to 1477 and considered the oldest on the island.
The largest population centres are Vathy, Katomeri and Spartochori. Then go in search of the numerous caves, the most famous of which is Papanikolì, accessible only from the sea and a good 30 metres deep.
Beaches of Lefkada
Lefkada boasts beautiful beaches that please all types of travellers. The most beautiful and scenic on the island, however, are to be found on the west coast.
For instance Pefkoulia is a large sandy beach with turquoise waters, partly equipped but not too crowded. The small beach of Agios Nikitas, on the other hand, is a favourite with families who will find all the facilities here. Don't forget to see the picturesque fishing village of Agios Nikitas, which has become an elegant holiday resort.
Milos is a huge beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. It can be reached in a few minutes via a scenic path that starts at Agios Nikitas, or by boat. Kathisma beach is one of the busiest in Lefkada and one of the best for watching the sunset over the Ionian Sea. Egremni is a beautiful beach about 2 km long, surrounded by impressive cliffs and considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. But it can only be reached by boat.
Porto Katsiki is one of the most beautiful in Greece: a white sandy strip under an imposing cliff. Windsurfers, on the other hand, should go to the beach in the village of Vassiliki, where the international water sports festival takes place.
To the left of Vassiliki is the bay of Agiofili, which can be reached either by boat or via a path. Finally, the small pebble beaches of Ammousa, near the village of Marantochori, and that of Mikros Gialos, sheltered by an unspoilt bay where the sea is almost always calm, are picturesque.
What to eat in Lefkada
In Lefkada, you will have the chance to taste all the specialities of Greek cuisine: moussaka (a pie made of aubergines, tomato sauce, onions and minced meat), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Greek salad, dolmades (vine leaf rolls stuffed with rice), tzatziki sauce to eat with pita, keftedes (spicy meatballs).
Among the huge variety of sweets try galaktomboreko (cream puff pastry), kataifi (puff pastry filled with almonds), baklavas (puff pastry filled with almonds and honey). Among the local wines, try the Retsina white wine. Finish your dinner with a glass of ouzo (a typical Greek spirit made from grape must, often flavoured with aniseed).
Getting to and around Lefkada
The easiest way to get to the island is by plane. The airport of Lefkada is located a few kilometres from the island, in Preveza, and from here you can reach the island by taxi, bus or rent a car or motorbike, travelling about 25 km to Lefkada.
Otherwise, one can reach the island by ship from the many Italian ports. Once there, it is worth renting a means of transport, car or motorbike, to be able to reach the most beautiful beaches.
When to go to Lefkada
The best time to go to Lefkada is clearly the summer, but in spring or from the end of August the island can be an ideal destination for a quiet and relaxing holiday.
Map and map
Author: Francesca Ferri
Greece
