Lefkada
Lefkada
Lefkas is an island in the Ionian Sea and it is part of the complex of Seven Islands. It is between the islands of Corfu and Kefalonia, while at the same time is very close to the western coast of mainland. A very narrow part of sea separates it from the mainland, while a floating bridge of 50 meters in length, connects it with the mainland.
Lefkas is 302.5 square km and it is the fourth biggest island of the complex. It has 23.000 residents. Together with the small islands of Meganisi, Kalamo, Kasto, Scorpio, Scorpidi, Madouri, Sparti, Thilia, Kithro and other smaller islands, consists the Prefecture of Lefkas with capital the City of Lefkas and it is divided into six municipalities (Lefkas, Elomenou, Apolonion, Karya, Sfakiotes, and Meganisi) and two parishes (Kalamos, Kastos).
The climate of the island is Mediterranean, with main characteristics being long periods of sunlight, mild but rainy winters and warm summers which are quite pleasant because of light breezes.
Access to the island of Lefkas is very easy and can be achieved in a number of ways.
By driving: Lefkas is the only island which you can visit without paying fare for ferries, just by using the floating bridge which connects it with the mainland. Buses run regularly 5 times a day from and to Athens (378 km – 5 hour drive) while from and to Thessaloniki (420 km) once a day. The underwater bridge Preveza-Aktio makes access to the island from north-west Greece very easy but also the harbor of Igoumenitsa (100 km) is a main entrance for those coming from Western and Central Europe. The operation of the Rio-Antirio bridge connects the island with the rest of Greece, as well as the harbor of Patras (170 km) which is the second biggest entrance for those coming from Europe.
By Plane: From Athens there are daily flights to the international airport of Aktio, which is just 18 km from the City of Lefkas, while from Thessaloniki there are twice a week. In between stops are Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zante. There is also air connection twice a week with Crete (Sitia). From April to October there are also direct flights to Aktio from many European countries.
Connection of the island of Lefkas with the surrounded islands:
From Nidri and Vasiliki there are daily routes by ferry to Meganisi, Kefalonia (Fiskardo), Ithaka (Frikes). Also small tourist boats run cruises around the small islands and their beautiful beaches.
Lefkas is famous worldwide for its paradise like beaches, with their white sand and sky blue waters. Beaches that have been awarded with blue flags, and are always amongst the top in international internet poll results.
The extraordinary in length and beauty beaches, are located in the western coast of Lefkas. Sandy, with crystal clear waters, beaches where greenery touches the sea, or in other cases steep cliffs violently and majestically reach the beaches. Among the top beaches that can take your breath away are: Ammoglossa, Kastro, Gyra, Ai-Giannis, Pefkoulia, Agios Nikitas, Milos, Kathisma, Gialos, Egremni and Porto Katsiki.
Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and Egremni, are often among the most popular beaches in a lot of tourist’s catalogues in Greece and abroad and their reputation is known around the globe.
Porto Katsiki, also known and awarded as the best beach in Greece, in one of the most popular beaches of Mediterranean, is breathtaking. Steep white cliffs over the wonderful shiny sand and the sky blue waters, create a scenery of amazing beauty.
The eastern and western part of Lefkas offers a number of small beaches with pebbles and enjoyable waters: Lygia, Nikiana, Perigiali, Desimi, Poros, Ammousa, Agiofili, Vasiliki.
The visitor has also the opportunity to discover a number of other natural beauties during his staying in Lefkas:
Gyra: it is a narrow part of white sandy beach 7 km long which surrounds the lagoon in the northern part of the island, creating a unique scenery. It begins from the castle of Agia Mavra creating Ammoglossa and reaches to the very end of the town.
The Gorge in Charadatika: The area of Charadiatika is unique because of its gorge. Beautiful and untouchable from any human intervention it is ideal for walks in the nature. In the gorge you can admire a number of water-mills indicating the existence if rapid streams which local farmers used to take advantage of in order to grid their crops.
The Gorge of Dimosari: We can see the picturesque, shady trail which climbs up the gorge of “Dimosari”. The trail is quite wide and safe and it is easily accessible. At the end of the trail there is a group of rocks through which water flows creating a waterfall. The water is collected in a natural basin. In summer is not that much but the sort walk through the greenery, enjouable scenery will compensate you. The “Dimosari” gorge is considered to be a precious area.
The Gorge of Melissa (Bee) is located between the villages of Kavalos and Apolpena. In the gorge we will have the chance to admire the remains of old settlements. Among them there are some old windmills, probably the oldest on the island. The area has been under a special recreational program so as everyone will have the chance to visit and admire the beauty of nature.