Lefkada is the island of the Ionian Sea with the easiest access as it is connected to the mainland of Greece with a causeway. The access by road has made Lefkada quite popular for mainlanders but also foreigners. The island is dotted with hotels and restaurants not only near the coastline but also in villages up in the mountains. The aquamarine colour of the sea in Lefkada has also spread its fame for having some of the best beaches in Mediterranean.
Lefkada is speculated to be Odysseus Ithaca but this version cannot be proved by archeological evidence. In the 6th century BC Corinthians opened a channel and divided Lefkada from the mainland of Greece which was connected until then. The medieval fortress of Agia Mavra, located at the entrance of the island was built around 1300 but unfortunately couldn’t make it to protect the island from falling to Turks. Lefkada went under Ottoman and Venetian Rule several times. It fells also in French hands for three years, it became afterwards a British protectorate and finally joined Greece with the rest of the Ionian Islands in 1864.
Lefkada spans an area of 335,8 sq. km. with a total population of 21.414 residents. It is located very close to the mainland and is connected with Aetoloakarnania region by a causeway. The islands closer to Lefkada are Meganisi and Kalamos on the east and Cephalonia and Ithaca on the south.
Lefkada is mountainous with dense pine forests but also has many olive groves and vineyards. It has several spectacular beaches with Porto Katsiki being the most famous as it is continuously present in the list of the top rated beaches of the world. Vasiliki is also another famous place as it is the windsurfing capital. Nydri is a quaint fishing village in the daytime and hosts the intense nightlife after sunset.
Egremnoi Beach in Lefkada
Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada
Egremnoi Beach in Lefkada
Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada
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