Lefkada is located in the Ionian islands. The fourth largest island of the Ionian sea is famous for its amazing beaches, especially Porto Katsiki which is believed to be one of the best beaches in the mediterranean. A narrow strip of land and a floating bridge connects the island to the western mainland, making Lefkada the only island in Greece that can be reached directly by car. The town of Lefkada is the island's capital and is located in the nothern part of the island.
History
Archaeological research near the city of Nidri has brought to light remains of human civilization dating back to 2000 b.c. The name Lefkada is documented since the ancient years and has its origins from the white colored cliffs along the coast. The island participated in Greece's most crucial historical moments such as the Persian wars, the Peloponnesean war and Alexander the Great's campaign to the east. The island throughout history has been conquered many times and in 1864 was finally united with Greece.
Must See
The town of Lefkada
After passing the floating bridge that connects the island to the mainland, Lefkada is the first thing in sight. The town's architecture is influenced by Venetian and Ionian architecture that can be found in Corfu or Zante. Most of the houses in Lefkada are two story buildings with the top floor made of wood whereas the bottom floor is from stone. The town's major tourist attraction is the Castle of Saint Maura that was built in 1300 a.d., the church of Saint Nicholas and the church of Saint Spyridon, both dating from the 17th century.
Villages of Lefkada
Nidri
Nidri is located on the eastern coast of the island and is a popular destination for its night life and tourist facilities. The town became famous in 1963 when millionare Aristotle Onasis decided to buy the island Scorpios which belongs to a small cluster of islands in the Nidri bay. The daily boat tour from Nidri to the Porto Katsiki Beach and to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia is highly recommended.
Vasiliki
The village of Vasiliki is one of the most popular spots of the island, mostly because of its watersport facilities and especially because of wind surfing. The bay of Vasiliki is ideal for windsurfing and is rated as one of the ten best on earth, attracting surfers from all around the world. Vasiliki is located 40 kilometers south of Lefkada.
Agios Nikitas
Agios Nikitas is one of the island's most beautiful villages located on th northwestern coast, 12 kilometers from Lefkada town. Agios Nikitas attracts families and romatic couples with its traditional Ionian style buildings, taverns and bars built right next to a beautiful small beach. Cars are not allowed in the village and everything is in walking distance. The village is surrounded by a large forest of olive trees.
The mountainous villages
Most of Lefkada's Villages are in the mountains. Each and every one of them is exceptional for its own reasons. Be sure to visit Drimona, Exanthia, Kalamitsi and Dragano.
Beaches of Lefkada
The most impressive feature Lefkada has to offer is definitely the island's stunning beaches, especially those on the west coast that are washed by the sparkling water of the Ionian Sea with its unbelievable blue color tone. Only 15 kilometers south of Lefkada town you can easily reach the beautiful beach of Kathisma. The beach is well organised with plenty of taverns and watersport facilities. After noon Kathisma tends to get a bit crowded. If you continue your trip down south and after passing the small village of Athani, 40 kilometers from Lefkada, lies the beach Egremi. The name Egremni means cliffs and was chosen to describe the striking cliffs that surround the beach. Getting to the beach is quite a task because of the 350 steps needed to reach the sea level so be careful not to carry too many things with you. After eventually arriving to the beach, the breathtaking contrast between the crystal blue water and the white cliffs will reward you for your effort. The most popular beach on the island is Porto Katsiki. Katsiki in greek means goat, and the beach was named after it because goats were the only creautures able to reach the beach through the rough and steep landscape. Over the beach is a large white arced shaped cliff. The natural scenery is outstanding and the blue-white waters are magnificent. The unique color of the water is a result of the white limestone dissolving in the blue water. Porto Katsiki is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in europe. If you decide to go to the beach in the high summer season prefer doing so early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the beach tends to become overcrowded and noisy. For those who are looking to escape from the overpopulated beaches there are many other beaches to choose from. Visit the beaches of Kalamitsi, Megali Petra or Gialos that are also located on the west coast and are between Lefkada and Porto Katsiki.
The Dimorasi Waterfall
One of the Lefkada's most famous attractions is the Dimorasi waterfalls. Although during the summer the quantity of water in the 17 meter high waterfall is not too impressive, the 400 meter walk through the forest to get there is well worth the while.
Museums of Lefkada
Lefkada is the only island which can be visited by car, from the Greek Mainland, by using the floating bridge connecting the island with Akarnia. The port of Patras is 180 kilometers south of Lefkada and is the main port that connects Greece with Italy. Th Athens International Airport is approximately 400 kilometers far from the island.
Vasiliki
The village of Vasiliki is one of the most popular spots of the island, mostly because of its watersport facilities and especially because of wind surfing. The bay of Vasiliki is ideal for windsurfing and is rated as one of the ten best on earth, attracting surfers from all around the world. Vasiliki is located 40 kilometers south of Lefkada.
Agios Nikitas
Agios Nikitas is one of the island's most beautiful villages located on th northwestern coast, 12 kilometers from Lefkada town. Agios Nikitas attracts families and romatic couples with its traditional Ionian style buildings, taverns and bars built right next to a beautiful small beach. Cars are not allowed in the village and everything is in walking distance. The village is surrounded by a large forest of olive trees.
The mountainous villages
Most of Lefkada's Villages are in the mountains. Each and every one of them is exceptional for its own reasons. Be sure to visit Drimona, Exanthia, Kalamitsi and Dragano.
Beaches of Lefkada
 |
| Egremni Beach |
The Dimorasi Waterfall
Museums of Lefkada
- The Archaeological Musum of Lefkada ,located in the town of Lefkada, exhibits findings dating back to the early bronze age
- Orfeus Folklore museum. Located In the town of Lefkada near the church of Agios Spiridon.This museum was founded in 1937 and displays a representation of traditional Lefkadian everyday life with a collection of items such as tools, textiles and dresses.
- Museum of Phonographs. Located in the town of Lefkada. A private collector founded the museum in 1980 with a collection of old phonographs.
Honey
Taste the rich honey from thyme which grows in Dragano and Athani
Wine
Drink wine which is produced from a rare variety named “berjami” or barzamino, considered one of the best varieties of our country. The variety's origin is said to be from the Venetions who brought it to Lefkada back in the 17th century.
How to get to Lefkada
Lefkada is the only island which can be visited by car, from the Greek Mainland, by using the floating bridge connecting the island with Akarnia. The port of Patras is 180 kilometers south of Lefkada and is the main port that connects Greece with Italy. Th Athens International Airport is approximately 400 kilometers far from the island.
Προβολή μεγαλύτερου χάρτη
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave your comments please