Lefkada
A jewel of an island in the Ionian Sea, Lefkada is famous for its dense forests and array of world-famous beaches.
You're bound to have seen photographs of Lefkada's world-famous beaches. But when you arrive, you'll quickly realise that they're even better in real life. Lefkada (or Lefkas) is easily accessible, hospitable and lively - a recipe for the perfect summer holiday.
Kathisma, Egremni, Porto Katsiki - amongst the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean - have won international acclaim and are awarded annually with Blue Flags. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, paragliding, scuba diving, flights in a prop plane, horseback riding, mountain biking, sailing around the surrounding islets, like Skorpios... there's no end to the activities on offer here on one of the most beautiful Ionian islands.
Welcoming Lefkada town will invite you to savour its culture by walking its alleyways, listening to its folk songs, enjoying bowls of Englouvi lentils on the feast day of Agios Donatas and meeting the famous bouranelous, the city dwellers for whom angling is still a major hobby. Immerse yourself in the magical world of Lefkada in Greece.
What to do on Lefkada island
Discover a new favourite beach every day
Ready to dive into paradise? This is where turquoise meets azure against a backdrop of white sand, white cliffs or smooth white pebbles. Vast exotic beaches, bays, cliffs that plunge into the sea and a forest of pine trees that tumble intoxicatingly towards the coast. And what a coast! Kathisma, Egremni, Milos, Pefkoulia, Myli, Ammoglossa ... beaches that trip off the tongue. And the island's number one star, Porto Katsiki. Every swim here seems unforgettable.
Set sail to the islets around Lefkada
At Nydri, row upon row of masts sway to the rhythm of the wind, always poised to cast off. Untie those ropes and set sail in the Ionian's azure waters for delightful hideaways like Pringiponisa, Meganisi, Kalamos and Kastos.
Visit Skorpios, Onassis' island sanctuary
Near Nydri, you'll find Skorpios, the one-time summer refuge of legendary shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. He bought it in 1963 and decorated it with all types of trees and exotic plants. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Winston Churchill, kings, dukes, shipping magnates and, of course, Jackie O ... all took part in famous parties and celebrations on Skorpios and on Onassis' yacht, Christina, where they discovered the magic of the Ionian Sea. He was buried here in 1975.
Let the wind be your inspiration at the beach
Board, boom, sail... and we're off to windsurf in Vasiliki and Ai Gianni, two beaches loved by windsurfers and home to the International Regatta. If you prefer kitesurfing, Myli, near Lefkada town, is ideal. And if you're even more courageous, you can paraglide at gorgeous Kathisma beach. Or soar through the sky with one of the Aeroclub's prop planes or light aircraft.
Unearth the legend of Cape Lefkada
When you get here, the legendary energy sweeps you off your feet. At the spot where a lighthouse now stands, 60m above sea level, was the Temple of Lefkata Apollona, where sacrifices were made to the gods in ancient times.
Sacrifices to the gods were eventually replaced by the sacrifices of desperate lovers. The poet Sappho was allegedly the first to jump in 570 BC and the dramatic white cliff is named Sappho's Leap after her. It has also been called Kavos tis Kyras (Lady's Cape), after the love-struck girls who also threw themselves to their deaths here.
Stroll around the Venetian castle
When you enter the town, you'll be welcomed by the castle. In 1300, the Venetian leader Giovanni Orsini received Lefkada in Greece as a dowry and began fortifying it with seven bastions on seven sides. Inside, you'll find the church of Agia Mavra, patron saint of Lefkada, celebrated on May 3 with a huge feast day. From the castle to the northwest side of town, there is a thin strip of land, 7km long that encircles the Gyras Lagoon. The red villa Kalkani, windmills and fishermen's homes adorn this unique wetland, along with numerous species of protected birds.
Explore the alleyways of Lefkada town
Like the playful breezes, you will whirl around the town's alleyways, where you're in for a whole series of surprises: in the lively squares and sidewalks, stores and churches, 17th and 18th-century architecture, impressive steeples, exquisite temples and Ionian icons. Here, you'll be struck by the coloured sheet-metal facades of the houses' upper floors. It's a unique local 'life hack' devised to minimise earthquake damage.
Walk to the quaint village of Agios Nikitas
Cars are prohibited here, so you'll explore this traditional settlement on foot. It's a charming little marina, where, amongst the trees, fish tavernas, water's edge cafes and bars, small hotels and stone-clad cottages abound. From here, you can take a caique to the exotic and beautiful Myli nearby.
Hidden gems of Lefkada island
The Venetian Olive Grove
The grove, which embraces the western side of town, was planted by order of the Venetians in the 17th century. You'll enjoy a walk or a bike ride through the immortal olive trees.
The Dimosari Waterfalls
Follow the shady path under the planes, until you come upon a unique vision: water cascading with great force over enormous rocks into a radiant blue lake. You won't be able to resist a dip.
The lentils of Englouvis village
Small in size but great in flavour. Cooked in large cauldrons by the village women on Agios Donatos' feast day (August 7) on the plateau above the village, the lentils of Englouvis village are like a festival on your plate!
Source: Discover Greece