----- The Greek island of Lefkada -----

Select a hotel in the Ionian Isles

Lefkada

Introduction

Land and Climate

History

Right from the start Lefkada will impress you with its contrasts. It is a very beautiful island in the Ionian sea lying between Corfu and Cephalonia, so close to the western shores of Akarnania that it is directly connected to the mainland by a bridge 50 meters long.

It is a mountainous island with steep cliffs and marvellous sandy beaches. It has hospitable people, many noteworthy sights and a rich past that began way before the Homeric period. It also has influences from Venice, France, Russia and England all of whom struggled to rule it.

The idyllic picture is completed by the cluster of islands to the east of it. One of these is the renowned cosmopolitan island of Skorpios property of the late tycoon Onassis, while further on Madouri is the island of Aristotelis Valaoritis whose fame has spread beyond the borders of Greece.

The calm waters around the island are perfect for sailing. Vassiliki, a large beach to the south, is a meeting place for surfers from everywhere and then there is Gyra in the north with an equally large sandy beach which juts out into the water and forms a salt lake. When the sun sets there it appears to sink into the water and the sea and the sky become one!

Golden sand beaches, deep blue or emerald waters embrace the whole island. Here you can have the vacation you have always dreamed of. Full of rest and relaxation or, if you prefer, full of intensity, sports and boistrous entertainment day and night.

So, let's get under way!

CONFORT AND ENTERTAINMENT
An island that has developed tourism rather recently, Lefkada has avoided the trap of chaotic building, so common in the past. It took care to maintain a balance between the authentic flavour of the island and modern tourist development. Through medium sized and small hotel units, pensions, rooms for rent and camping, Lefkada today possesses a full range of comforts along with a high level of service, which cover all tourist needs. The famiy enterprises create a hospitable, intimate climate for the visitor. The good times begin early in morning in Lefkada and never stop. There are tours and idyllic walks, a brief exploration of the mountains and sea excursions to the beaches and the surrounding smaIl islands, with marine sports and good food.

As night falls the rhythm gets more intense. For those who can take it, spirits soar. Discos, pubs and small bars transmit the fever of "clubbing to all points. From the town of Lefkada, where the largest amount of night activity is concentrated, to Nydri and Vasiliki which are worthy competitors. And for those who are attracted by the purelly Greek feasts, there are the traditional festival and other local events such as the large Folkloric Festival which is part of the Festivals of Literature and Art each August and at which the finest folk dancing groups in the world can be seen.

DINNER
Lefkadians, people of taste by their nature, have a marvellous cuisine with tasty and select traditional dishes. For an appetizer there are the local sausages and salami. You can continue with white bait pies, boiled codfish "savoro"a speciality of marinated fish and then complete your meal with well prepared Greek dishes. These änd whatever else "tickles your fancy"can be enjoyed in the cosmopolitan restaurants or the small picturesque tavernas along the shore. The daily menu always includes fish and it is always fresh, tempting and in great variety. And this is all offered with a genuine smile and loving care, whether it be in the simplest little cafe or the most luxurious hotel.

SPORTS FOR EACH AND EVERY MOMENT
Sailing, surfing, water skiing! Lefkada is suited to all sea sports. Even if you don't have your surf board with you, you can rent one at the large beaches and head out for deep water or become a champion water skier.

Vasiliki on the south side of Lefkada has already acquired worldwide fame. It is listed as one of the ten first wind surfing beaches in the world.
The sea is almost always calm there but the winds that blow at that particular point reach 30 to 40 miles an hour making wind surfing enjoyable.
If you prefer to use your board for regular surfingon the waves, head north to the large beach at Gyra, the other surfing spot on the island. The sea around the small islands is ideal for sailling.

And if you like to hike or ride mountain bikes, then the rugged terrain of Lefkada will be of special allure to you. For those who like more traditional sports, many of the hotel complexes have tennis courts where you can enjoy a game.