Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, has a leafy interior scattered with traditional stone-built houses in beautiful mountain villages. Lefkada is also known as the ‘Blue Island’, the colours of the beaches are known as ‘Lefkada Blue’. Below you will find a snapshot of places to visit on this stunning Ionian Island.
DIMOSSARI WATERFALLS
Dimosari Waterfall, Lefkada
Lefkada has lots of high mountains and a rich storage of underground waters. The combination gives birth to thriving greenery and gorgeous waterfalls. One such beautiful waterfall is located just outside Nidri. During the long hot summer days, you’ll find many visitors freshening up and even taking a swim at the lake where Dimossari Waterfall flows into and why not! The lake’s waters are crystal clear and very cooling any time of the day. Go on give it a go!
CASTLE OF AGIA MAVRA
Located close to Lefkada Town, Agia Mavra Castle built in the 14th century by the Venetians and according to historians at that time the island wasn’t always known as Lefkada, it was formerly known as Agia Mavra, clearly named after the castle, which in English translates to Saint Black. Built right next to the Lefkada Town by the former rulers of Sicily, the castle’s main purpose was to protect the island’s capital.
LEFKADA TOWN
As you cross over from the mainland onto the island via the causeway passing the Castle of Agia Mavra you get a good glimpse of Lefkada Town. To the left is the lagoon with its hundreds of migrating birds and to the right the glorious Ionian Sea. Further on you see the Marina filled with stylish yachts from Greece and all over the world. From the main square, take a moment to enjoy a coffee or an Ouzo and indulge in a little people watching! Lefkada Town has a super choice of really good restaurants, tavernas, bars, café and independent boutiques.
EGLOUVI STONE HOUSES
Situated above the village of Eglouvi there is a mountain village consisting of Neolithic stone houses, originally built as homes for the farmers and a storing place for their produce. At only 3km from Eglouvi and 5km from the village of Karya, this mountain village and its stone houses are unique to the island as they are to the rest of the world – such houses are not known to exist elsewhere in the world.
THE LIGHTHOUSE – SAPPHO’S LEAP
The most southerly cape on the island – Lefkatas, or locally known as Sappho’s Leap, is admittedly a sightseeing highlight. This is the spot where Sappho, the lyric poet, took her life by jumping off the cliff and into the sea. Sappho decided to put an end to her suffering of her unrequited love for Phaona. The steep cliffs rise from the sea to a height of up to 110m. At the top sits the 14m high lighthouse, the current building constructed in 1956 as the original structure built in 1890 was ruined by an earthquake in 1950.
THE WETLANDS OF LEFKADA
The wetlands of Lefkada are made up of two lagoons, named Divari and Ivaria which are located close to the town of Lefkada. They support a unique ecology consisting of various species of Flora and Fauna, some of which are incredibly rare. The area provides a perfect environment for tranquil walks and scenic photographs. Early morning before sunrise and before sunset are the best times to spot wildlife.
THE MONASTERY OF FANEROMENI
Faneromeni Monastery
This is the most important religious centre on the island, it is also the Saint protector of Lefkada. The monastery was built in 1634 on site dedicated to Artemis, Goddess of hunting. The build was a ruin until it was rebuilt in the late 19th century. It’s here where the islands ecclesiastical museum is housed. Its prominent location above Lefkada gives it an imposing position with beautiful panoramic views of the town, and the coasts of the mainland beyond!
CHURCH OF AGIOS IOANNIS ANTZOUSSIS
Perched on a rock above Agios Ioannis beach is a small church believed to be one of the oldest on the island. The church was constructed by the Franks in 65 AD. Apparently, Paul the Apostle preached here in the 1st century AD. Inside the church you will find Byzantine icons with orthodox saints along with scenes of the bible.
FOREST OF SKAROS AND THE HERMITAGE OF AGII PATERES
Five kilometres above Nikiana is the Hermitage of Agii Pateres which is in a cave near Skaros. It is one of the oldest Orthodox monuments of the island. Three holy fathers who came to the island lived here as monks in 325AD. Their tombs are in the chapel inside the cave. Nearby is the Oak Forest of Skaros with its Oak trees (Rupaki) which are endemic to the area. From here the views of the island are amazing and make the hike well worth the effort.
KOLYVATA -ANTENNA PLATEAU WALK
… from the same area in the Skaros Skaros as above This generally flat circular trail takes approximately 4 hours to complete. This well marked trail offers plenty of shade and wonderful views of Lefkada. You start the trail from Kolyvata village ascending out of the village following an old trail towards to the top of the mountain. Continue until you reach the broadcast tower where you will find the most impressive views. From here you start descending on a gravel track past the monastery of the red Church then on into the forest leading you back to the start of the route.
MYLOS BEACH
One of the best beaches in Greece, this stretch of sand on the west of the Lefakada island is well worth a visit. It can be reached by a short walk west over the headland from Agios Nikitas. Surprisingly it remains undeveloped which adds to its charm.
SIVOTA BAY
Sivota is one of the most beautiful bays in Lefkada, 32 KM south of Lefkas town and a natural harbour among the hills. The harbour boulevard is where everything is located. It is lined with charming tavernas offering freshly caught fish.
For more information about exploring Lefkada Island and our selection of villa holiday options, speak to our team on 0208 459 0777 or mail@ionianislandholidays.com.