Lefkas Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Lefkas

Lefkas, the beautiful island of the Ionian Sea , is part of the Lefkada Perfecture , that includes Meganissi, Kalamos and Kastro . It is located to the south of Corfu and north of Kefalonia and Zakynthos . The island is connected to the mainland at Acarnania by a 50 m bridge.

This area is suited to mature couples seeking a quiet hideaway and active types here for cycling, walking or water sports. Much favoured by the yachting fraternity for its sheltered waters while windsurfers rate Vassiliki very highly. Popular with Greek, Dutch, Italian and Scandinavian holidaymakers as well as the British.

The accommodation here is mainly small, family-run hotels and apartments, with a few better-quality developments including exclusive resort-type properties, most accommodation is located on the E coast. A growing number of upmarket villas in the more isolated, scenic areas. The newer properties are well designed and equipped; most room-only and B&B accommodation has a fridge and air conditioning.

Locality:

Lefkas is just off the north west coast of Greece (70 mls SE of Corfu. 20 mls N of Ithaca, Lefkas Town is 13 miles south west of Aktion airport). Though technically an island member of the Ionian chain, Lefkas is actually joined to the mainland by a swing bridge and a confusing series of narrow isthmuses.

Lefkas offers all types of water sports and is prized for its calm waters for marine adventures .

There are sailing charters in Lefkada and diving schools in Nydri .

Vassiliki is the place for windsurfing and parasailing. In addition, there are many other sport activities that can be found all over the island.

Popular attractions include:

Scorpios , the famous private island of the late Aristole Onassis , which can be visited by boat.

The Byzantine Church of Panagia Hodeghetria , 2kms from the town.

Nidri , a quaint village on the eastern shore of the island attracts many holiday vacation travelers each summer.

Vassiliki , a small village at the southern edge of the island, becomes a summer international meeting place for windsurfers from all over the world.

Meganisi, a beautiful island lies beyond the island of Scorpios.

The Cape of Lefkata is situated at the most southern part of Lefkada and it offers a majestic view

Built in 1300 A.C., the Castle of Agia Mavra is situated near the channel, 1.2 km outside Hora, and is the island's link with Sterea Hellas.

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

The Sanctuary of Apollonas and the Church of Agios Nikolaos at Athani

The Cave of Papanikolis , 12 nautical miles southeast of Lefkada, on the islet of Meganissi

The nightlife here is mainly taverna-based, apart from Nidri and Lefkas Town, where a few late-night clubs, discos and bars operate, but things generally close up by midnight.

Local Tavernas offer expensive, locally caught fresh fish as well as the usual cheaper Greek fare. Italian, Indian, Mexican and Chinese options can be found. Fast food is strictly Greek style, no McDonald's here. Plenty of sticky-cake shops offering traditional honey-soaked pastries.

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Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens

Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.

Once upon a time, the Olympic Games started here along with democracy and the foundation of philosophy, science and mathematics. Nowadays the country attracts its tourists with simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic wonders.

The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.

In the S of the mainland, the capital Athens suffers from being overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless intrigues and delights visitors and is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon. In contrast, Thessaloniki in the N is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. The remains of Greece's past and wonders are mainly found on the Peloponnese Peninsula, S of Corinth.

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Lefkas Travel Guide

Lefkas Suitability Profile