The island of Lefkada (Lefkas) is part of the Ionian Island group lying off the west coast of Greece. Lefkada is linked to the mainland by a causeway and the airport of Aktio on the mainland is about 25 kms from Lefkas Town. The self catering holiday villas that Pretty Greek Villas has chosen are situated in some of the best locations. Agios Nikitas, Sivota Bay and Katouna are areas of outstanding natural beauty where traditional life still prevails.
Lefkada combines thickly forested mountains, lush valleys and paradise beaches. From every corner of the island, you glimpse views that will stun you into silence. Despite all this, Lefkada for the most part, is not overly developed and attracts a more upmarket holidaymaker.
You may just want to relax in beautiful surroundings whilst on holiday in your Greek villa. However, Lefkada offers a variety of delights to explore.
Pretty Good Beaches
Lefkada has some of the best beaches in the whole of Greece. Long stretches of white sand, surrounded by impressive vertical cliffs and sea that is so turquoise that it is almost unreal.
Kathisma Beach
One of the most stunning beaches on Lefkada situated near Agios Nikitas. Fine white sand and utterly turquoise sea. This beach rivals any in the Caribbean.
Pefkoulia Beach
Impressive, long, sandy beach of white sand near Agios Nikitas. Paradise!
Agios Nikitas
This small fishing village with its pretty, colourful houses has a lovely little sandy beach with some excellent tavernas.
Mikros Gialos Beach
This beautiful sandy beach is situated in the southern part of Lefkada near the village of Poros.
Porto Katsiki Beach
This gorgeous long, sandy beach is surrounded by verdant hills and is situated at the bottom of a steep cliff. 80 steps lead down to the beach. At the top is a snack bar - a welcome relief since the climb back up in the summer can be arduous.
Egremni Beach
Yet another slice of Paradise. White sandy beach and impossibly turquoise water surrounded by mountains with lush vegetation.
Agios Ioannis Beach
White sand that seems to go on for miles.
Vasiliki Beach
A mecca for windsurfing but for those not interested in water sports, the fishing village of Vasiliki is still very traditional and pretty and worth a visit.
Sivota Bay
The traditional and very pretty fishing village of Sivota nestles peacefully among the clefts of thickly forested mountains which plunge down to the Homeric 'wine dark sea'. Sivota is a popular anchorage for yachts and has many small sandy coves.
Nidri Bay
Looking down on Nidri from the coastal road, you will gasp in utter wonder at the view of its beautiful bay looking out over Onassis's private island of Skorpios and the backdrop of the small 'Princess Islands'.
Pretty Good Day Trips
Skorpios, Fiskardo (Kefalonia) and Ithaka by boat
From Nidri and Vasiliki, there are regular ferries as well as private boat trips. The southern part of Skorpios Island belonging to the Onassis family has a lovely beach where cruise boats are permitted to anchor. Fiskardo on Kefalonia has one of Greece's prettiest harbours lined with colourful neo-classical houses dripping with clashing bougainvillea. Ithaka, full of romance and charm, was said to be the home of Odysseus. Tickets can be purchased from the harbours of Nidri and Vasiliki.
Mountain Villages
Lefkada is not just about gorgeous beaches and turquoise sea. The island has densely forested mountains with lush and fertile valleys. There are some lovely mountain villages where the traditional life of the island still prevails. Amongst these are Vafkeri, Englouvi, Karia, Katouna and Premendinos.
Lefkas Town
The main town and marina of the island exude a wealthy atmosphere. The architecture is unusual - the majority of buildings were destroyed in a major earthquake and the brightly coloured new buildings have been constructed out of metal. There are plenty of beautiful shops, restaurants, bars and cafes to visit. In addition, the site of Ancient Lefkas is a short distance from the existing town, there is the fort and drawbridge that can be visited and some impressive caves. The moat and marshland on either side of the causeway offer spectacular views and dramatic skies.
Alabaster Cave, near Lefkas Town
The cave is situated 1.5 kms from Lefkas Town. Its alabaster-like stalagmites and stalagtites are impressive.
Dimosari Gorge & Ronies Waterfalls, near Nidri
Spectacular scenery in an oasis of calm.
Pretty Cultural
Lefkada has had its share of Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and British influences. Although the island is a paradise for beaches, sea and mountains, there are some sites worth a trip.
Venetian Castle, Poros
Apart from the castle, there is also a 17th Century church in this lovely, traditional spot on the island.
Monastery of St George, Nikiana
Apart from the monastery, here you will see fantastic sunsets over Meganisi, the largest of the nine satellite islands.
Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, Frynio
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this 17th century monastery is one of the most famous on the island. From here, there are panoramic views.
Pretty Sporty
Windsurfing, Kite Surfing and Dinghy Sailing
Vasiliki on Lefkada is a mecca for watersports. The thermal winds on a summer's afteroon provide the perfect conditions for windsurfing, kite surfing and dinghy sailing.
Club Vass, Vasiliki
www.clubvass.com
Sailing
Lefkada is a favourite anchorage for yachts with many bays of outstanding beauty.
Vernicos Sailing Club
www.vernicos.gr
Trekking and Mountain Biking
The thickly forested mountains of Lefkada provide a nature lover's paradise. Trekking and mountain biking can be organised through Club Vass in Vassiliki.
www.clubvass.com
Diving
With so many outstanding bays, Lefkada is fabulous for snorkelling and diving.
Lefkas Diving Centre, Nidri
www.lefkasdivingcenter.gr
Pretty Delicious! Food and Drink
Lefkada has some superb restaurants especially excellent fish restaurants as well as some very chic bars and pleasant coffee shops to while away the hours. Look out for the local wine: 'Lefkas Land' ('Lefkaditiki Yi') and the local salamis.
Tavernas, Cafes and Bars
O Molos Fish Taverna, nr Poros
This superb traditional fish restaurant is situated overlooking the beautiful beach of Mikros Gialos.
Tel: 26450 95548
Copla Bar, Kathisma Beach
An incredibly chic bar overlooking the white paradise sands and surf of Kathisma Beach
The Yacht Bar, Sivota Bay
Tucked away in Sivota Bay overlooking the marina is the Yacht Bar with lovely views and friendly service.
Taverna Spiridoula, Sivota Bay
Excellent fish taverna run by Spiridoula and Panayiotis and often lobster is available. Panagiotis is also one of the local fishermen so really tremendous fish at this taverna.
Tel: 26450 31182
Agnadeio Taverna, nr Sivota
Delicous home cooking at this family run taverna situated on the main road above Sivota Bay. The taverna is painted pink and can't be missed on the right hand side of the road when driving from Sivota towards Lefkas Town.
Yiannis Taverna, Ligia
Located by the sea, this is a wonderful taverna.
Anasa Tou Zorba Taverna, Nikiana
Another excellent taverna at Nikiana.
Frini Sto Molo, Lefkas Town
An excellent taverna in the centre of Lefkas Town
Navona Grill House, Marandochori
Marandochori is a small, traditional village between Sivota and Vasiliki. Navona offers simple but tasty grilled meats and spit-roasted pork. Situated on the harbour front.
Pretty Greek Shops
Xortis Butcher, Vasiliki
Excellent meat and very reasonable prices. Visit this friendly, old fashioned butcher located on the main street.
Tel: 26450 31764
Fish at Taverna Spiridoula, Sivota Bay
Excellent fish taverna run by Spiridoula and Panayiotis and often lobster is available. Panagiotis is also one of the local fishermen and is always happy to show you his catch for you to select the fish that you would like to take away and cook at your villa.
Tel: 26450 31182
Supermarket, nr Vasiliki
We list this supermarket because it sells the delicious wine 'Lefkas Land' and is generally well stocked. The supermarket is situated on the outskirts of Vasiliki. If you drive out of Vasiliki towards Sivota, you will see this large supermarket on your left hand side. Ourania is the helpful owner.
Tel: 26450 31840
Deli Mari, Lefkas Town
Wonderful delicatessan in Lefkas selling local produce including very tasty local salamis for which Lefkada is famous.
Kava Logotheti, Lefkas Town
A very good wine merchants situated in Lefkas Town.
Transport
Olympic Airways. Tel: 26450 22881
KTEL Bus Depot. Tel: 26450 22364
Taxi. Theo & Spiros Zaverdinos. Tel: 26450 22694 / 6945 134727 / 6932 309584
Ferry information
for ferry timetables
www.gtp.gr
Emergency Numbers
Hospital.
Tel: 26450 25371
Ambulance.
Tel: 26450 25371
Health Centre at Vasiliki.
Tel: 26450 31065
Police.
Tel: 26450 22322
Fire.
Tel: 26450 22199
Port Police.
Tel: 26450 22322
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