Greek Islands > Ionian Islands > Lefkada island

Lefkada (Lefkas) island in Greece

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Lefkada island nestles away in the center of the main Ionian Islands and is the only island linked to mainland Greece. A swing bridge gives easy access by road, with the airport of Preveza about a 30 minute drive. More visitors are being attracted yearly as the airport expands slowly and new developments pop up.

The island and the surrounding area has a lot to offer - anything from sailing, windsurfing, cycling, scuba-diving, walking, exploring ancient archaeological sites or just that lazy beach holiday. You will probably find some of the most picturesque views around, looking out from the calmer waters of the east coast overlooking the famous Onassis island of Scorpios, the other islands and mainland Greece. On the west coast of Lefkada you will find beautiful beaches where you can watch spectacular sunsets.

Mythology
According to mythology, the first inhabitants were the Leleges. The island was named after its most southern part, the cape of Lefkata, with its steep white rocks, from where, according to myth, those who could not endure the torture of love fell, one of them being the great poetess Sapfo... more

Pre-historic -ancient years
According to excavations conducted by the Dorpfeld, the first settlements of the island were built during the Neolithic Era (4th millennium BC) and were preserved in the Mycenaean years. When the first immigrants from Corinth came to the island, in the 7th century BC, the only city on the island was Nirikos... more

The Roman - Byzantine Era
The Romans intervened for the first time in the history of Lefkada, in the 3rd century BC, to sever the island's -union with their rivals, the cities of Akarnanis, which threaten Roman interests. Later... more

The Frank Years
After the victory of the Franks in Constantinople, in 1204, the island of Lefkada came under their command and, in 1294, it was offered by the Bishop Nikiforos A' Agelos to the Sicilian Orsini family, as a dowry for the wedding of his daughter to Giovanni Orsini. During the rule of the Orsini family... more

Ottoman Occupation
After several unsuccessful attempts, the Ottoman army, led by Gedouk Ahmet Pasha, finally occupied the island of Lefkada in 1479 AD. The Venetians retook the fortress of Agia Mavra in 1502, only to give it back to the Ottomans through the signing a treaty a year later... more

Venetian, French, Russian, English Occupation
In 1684, under the command of Morozini, the Venetians occupied the island of Lefkada and liberated the locals from the Turks. The Venetian Occupation lasted until 1797, while in 1715, for a single year... more

Greek Revolution and Liberation
The people of Lefkada offered significant help to the Greek Revolution, in spite of the fact that the island remained under English Occupation. In 1864, the Ionian islands, including Lefkada, were united with the rest of Greece. In spite of this fact... more

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Lefkada hotels

Visit this page to find more about Lefkada hotels or, if you like me to assist you with your choice, please send me an e-mail with your questions and enquiries. I will be glad to reply and assist you, wherever I possibly can.

Lefkada island today

Lefkada maintains its charm because of the strict building laws which do not allow high storey blocks and although there is a choice of hotels/apartments and villas, off the beaten track you will still find villages where old stone houses are being renovated and the Greek women still sit outside crocheting and embroidering. In contrast, as well as the fishing villages and smaller coastal retreats there are two main resorts on the island, Nidri and Vassiliki offering just about everything for the holiday maker, with both having harbours where ferry and boat trips go to the other islands. Most tour operators offer flights and inclusive holidays to Lefkas and all local facilities can be booked through the many tourist agencies on the island, who also have information on doctors, banks, post offices, transport etc. Lefkas is a very friendly island and there is always somebody at hand to offer help or information.

Sightseeing

AGIOS IOANNIS ANTZOUSSIS CHURCH: It is the oldest church of the island and according to religious folklore, while on his way to Rome, the Apostle Paul stopped here to spread the word of Christianity.
ANCIENT LEFKADA: The ancient city Nirikos was the first capital of the island from the 2nd millennium BC. Excavations have shown that Nirikos enjoyed significant economic growth.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF LEFKADA: The collection includes findings dating from the Proto-Hellenic period to the Roman era, including ceramics, pots, statues, signs, ecclesiastic pieces and photographs from the excavations in Nidri.
CHRISTOU PANDOKRATORA CHURCH: It was built in 1684 by the Venetians as a reminder of their victory against the Turks, which was the first step in their conquering the island.
LEFKATA CAPE: It is situated at the southern part of Lefkada and offers a majestic view. Originally, sacrifices to the gods and the spirits of the Rough Sea took place here. According to tradition, the convicts were forced to jump from the tallest rock using feathers tied around their bodies.
MUSEUM OF GRAMOPHONES IN LEFKADA: Among the various exhibits are jewels, coins, embroidery, guns, pictures, photographs of the old town, books and gramophones and musical instruments.
PAPANIKOLIS CAVE: The cave was named after the submarine "Papanikolis" which hid there in April 1941, during World War II. Today, small boats seek refuge here from poor weather.
THE CASTLE OF AGIA MAVRA: 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 area was named Castle of Agia Mavra in Medieval years, and for a period of time the name applied to the whole island.
THE CHURCH OF THE PRESENTATION OF VIRGIN MARY: The church of the Presentation of Virgin Mary stands in the center of the town of Lefkada. It was built in 1720, during the Venetian domination.
THE MONASTERY OF PANAYIA FANEROMENI: The monastery of Panayia Faneromeni, the most significant religious monument on the island, stands 2 km east of the capital outside the village of Frynio. It is believed to have been built on the site of an ancient sanctuary for Hera or Artemis. According to tradition, the apostle Paul taught there.