Lefkada
The perfecture of includes the island of Lefkada , Meganissi island with an area of 20 square kilometers, the Kasto and Kalamos. The island is joined to mainland Greece with a floating bridge 20 meters, split with mainland Greece to the Strait Drepanou. It is very easily accessible by road or by boat.
Most of the island is mountainous with the highest peak Epano Pyrgo (Upper Tower) with a height of 1126 meters. The climate is temperate with the rare occurrence of snow. Crops that thrive in the region are those of olives, vines and cereals. Favourable winds and sandy beaches make it ideal for water activities.
Lefkada is an island of the Ionian Sea, located to the opposite of the coast of Aetoloakarnania region. The island is inhabited since the Paleolithic era as testified by the archaeological findings. Lefkada was formerly known as Agia Mavra, because of the namesake temple located at the medieval castle, just outside of the capital.
The island is connected to mainland Greece by a narrow bridge, making the island easily accessible. Select Lefkada as your next tourist destination and enjoy the unique natural landscapes with the world famous beaches!
Browse the narrow streets of the city of Lefkada and the coastal front. Walk through the ‘Park of Poets’, known as Bosketo and admire the statues of Lefkadite poets. At sunset, take a romantic walk on the bridge of ‘ Valentine’s ‘.
Within a short distance from the town, is located the beach Gyra hosting four windmills worth seeing. Undoubtedly, Lefkada is known for its world famous beaches. At the southwestern coast of the island are formed the unique beaches Porto Katsiki and Egkremnoi. The landscape of these two breathtaking beaches is dominated by huge rocks that rise on the coastal front. Even though access to the beaches requires a few minutes downhill through appropriately shaped paths, the turquoise waters will definitely compensate you! During your exploration of the island, you will come across numerous churches that will impress you with their unique architecture and rich ornamentation. Most notable among them are the Church of Agios Spyridon and the temple of Agios Nikolaos in the central square of the city of Lefkada.
Activities you can participate in the island for those who love sports are the green Lefkada Half Marathon is held annually on the last Sunday of May, you can also participate in international water sports competitions at the end of June, and mountain bike races which are held every year April in the mountain villages of Sfakiotes. Sports that you can indulge in the beaches of the island are: wind surf, kite surf, biking, paragliding, horse riding etc.
Beaches:
North
Ai Yiannis, Mili Preferred by wind and kite surfers. They cover a stretch of 4.5 km and the waters are turquoise coloured. You will find tavernas and cafes here.
Gyra A particularly popular beach opposite the village of the same name, with two tavernas.
Kastro. A beach with pristine waters frequented mostly by locals, lying opposite the pontoon bridge accessing the island behind the TAOL building. Ammoglossa To the right of the lighthouse, opposite the fort of Aghia Mavra. White sand and pure blue sea.
West
Pefkoulia. A large sandy beach, clean sea and pines all the way to the shore. Only part of it is organized. Beyond the big rock is an area for nudists.
Aghios Nikitas. The small beach with pure waters of the village of the same name, in front of the cafes and tavernas, it is preferred by families. On the left, between Mylos and Aghios Nikitas there is another stunning beach, Ammoudoula, accessible only by swimming to it, where the cave Fokotrypa stands.
The beach of Mylos features white sand and deep turquoise waters, creating a truly impressive sight, especially when viewed from above. There is no access by car. A picturesque footpath, starting from Agios Nikitas (20 minutes on foot), leads to the beach. Alternatively, you can take a “taxi boat” to reach the beach.
The beach called “Kathisma,” once a favorite among campers and nudists, is now the most cosmopolitan beach in Lefkada. It is organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and restaurants. The beach has white pebbly sand and azure-green waters. Be carefull! When the mast strengthens and raises a large wave, do not attempt to enter inside.
Kalamitsi – Kavalikefta – Megali Petra – Avali .There are three sand beaches near this village, with turquoise waters, white pebbles, sand and rocks for all preferences. There is a canteen and a few umbrellas and deck chairs.
Gialos. Just before Athani there is a big sandy beach, also for campers and with a canteen.
Egremni. A famous beach 2 km long surrounded by impressive cliffs, considered one of the best of the Mediterranean. The landscape resembles the Caribbean, the water a transparent aquamarine and pristine. There is a canteen beyond the parking lot and another on the beach, which is at the bottom of the 350 steps you have to go down.
Porto Katsiki. A strip of pure white sand at the foot of a towering white rock: the picture is familiar as it was awarded the prize of the loveliest beach in Greece and appears on posters promoting tourism. To get there you go down a steep path with a hundred steps from the parking lot (with plenty of canteens) or by caique from Nydri and Vassilki.
East
Lygia – Episkopos – Nikiana – Periyiali. The beaches of the eastern side begin just after the picturesque harbour of Lygia which is 6 km from Lefkada town. As far as Nydri (17 km from town) you will find countless and quiet beach spots. The scenery is striking, especially in the Nikiana area and the greenery reaches almost to the water’s edge. There are restaurants and lodgings all along the coastline.
Nydri. Much frequented by the people staying in Nydri, it is fairly crowded.
Dessimi In a bay on the outer shore of Vlychos peninsula. It is small and shady and perfect for canoeing, to explore the little sandy coves and caves along the coast. It is pebbly, with two organized camping sites in the bay.
South
Mikros Gialos. Below Poros village, a peaceful and attractive beach with pebbles where the sea is unpolluted, in sheltered Rouda Bay and nearly always calm. There are camping sites, hotels and restaurants in the area.
Ammoussa or Amousso Close to Vassiliki. You get there by a detour of the main road at the village of Marantohori. It is small, with pebbles and there is a taverna, a café and residences.
Aghiofili. One of the island’s best, in a very pretty cove to the left of Vassiliki. The waters are a pure blue-green. You can take the little boat from Vassiliki or go along the path beginning from the southeastern side.
Vassiliki The village’s beach, beloved by wind surfers. It is classed among the Europe’s three best beaches for windsurfing. This is where the international water sports festival takes place (www.vassiliki-watersports-festival.com). The sea is invariably calm on the west side .