Explore the treasures of Lefkada’s cultural heritage through its museums. From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, our guide takes you on a journey through time and tradition on the beautiful Greek island. The best way to journey around this island, at your own pace, is with the hire car of your choice.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
A small but important museum that houses finds from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Roman period. In a special room you can see finds from the excavations of German archaeologist, William Deirpfeld. At the beginning of the 20th century he was searching Lefkada for evidence to substantiate his theory that the island is identified with Homer’s Ithaca. (A. Sikelianou & N. Svoronou, tel. 26450 21635).
SIKELIANOU MUSEUM
Located in the poet’s house since 2017, the exhibits relate to the life and work of the poet and playwright, Angelos Sikelianos. (Located on Cyprus Street, tel. 26453 01837). It includes more than 1000 utilitarian objects of rural life in Lefkada, tools of old trades, traditional costumes, embroideries, etc. (Tel. 26450 22502).
THE PHONOGRAPH MUSEUM
The small museum was founded in 1990 by Dimitris Katopodis, who collected various old objects including 50 phonographs and the first radio brought to the island. (Kalkani 12, tel. 26450 21088).
THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF LEFKADA
Founded in 1850, it was the second to be established in Greece. It has won many awards and has participated in important events, such as the 1896 Athens Olympics. In the building where it is housed there is a small museum. (Tel. 26450 22438, www.filarmoniki.gr). The Literature and Art Festivals were first held in 1955, and the International Folklore Festival in 1962. Both continue uninterrupted every August with considerable appeal to the local community and visitors from the rest of Greece and abroad. The Literature and Art Festivals include theatre performances, concerts, and lectures with scientific or literary content. The famous International Folklore Festival of Lefkada is held in the last week of August. After the opening ceremony, dance and music groups perform in the town of Lefkada and in many places on the island. (Information at www.lefkasculturalcenter.gr and www.lefkada.gr).
THE FOLKLORE MUSEUM
When you mention the name of Karya to Lefkadians, they will immediately tell you about the delicately woven Carsian embroidery and textiles made by the women of the village. Important examples of their art can be seen in the folklore museum of Karya village. The ones made by Maria Stavraka, or “Koutsochero“, stand out. Although she had lost one of her hands, she found a way to embroider by inventing the famous Karsa stitch. (Tel. 26450 41590).
OLIVE MUSEUM IN SYVRO
Housed in an old olive press that has been declared a Historical Monument to be preserved. In the museum you will learn about traditional olive oil production techniques and taste olive products. (Tel. 26450 39447).
LAGRAPHIC MUSEUM IN KAVALOS
Part of the old primary school has been turned into a museum where you can see how a Lefkadian kitchen used to be with its traditional oven and sleeping chamber, along with tools and photos of old Lefkada crafts. (Tel. 26450 26635).
PTEROPOLINA MUSEUM IN KASTO
This original, small, private museum houses a unique find: the skeleton of a fin whale that was washed up in Castos in 1979. Also on display are stuffed fish, crustaceans, sponges, a collection of gills and much more. (Tel. 6979 700200).
