The Big Island in the Ionian Sea is family-friendly and a mecca for beach-lovers. Clear waters and sandy shores hug the island, where you can choose to cycle or windsurf, or just lounge around in a little piece of paradise. Lefkada is connected by bridge to the mainland. Its capital is full of life and there are many smaller villages, paths, waterfalls, monuments and other hidden beauties to discover during your stay. The award-winning beaches of Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma, attract visitors from all over the world.
Lefkada is surrounded by the smaller islands of Meganisi, Kastos and Kalamos, and is connected by bridge with Akarnania, in Western Greece. The beaches of the western side are constantly on international lists of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and Europe. But there is so much more to Lefkada. For those who love watersports and sailing, the Big Island is a must. The main starting point for sailors is the busy Nydri, located close to Skorpios, the famed private island of Greek tycoon, Aristotle Onassis.
The town of Lefkada is home to the castle of Agia Mavra, the lagoon of Gyra, Agios Ioannis and the windmills, Byzantine churches, the peculiar architecture of the colourful island houses, and stunning Venetian buildings. And the town maintains its vitality all year round. It honours its culture with dozens of events, concerts, and performances, including the Literature and Art Festivals and the famous Folklore International Festival, which began in 1962. Seaside settlements spread out every few kilometres along the eastern coastline. In the northeast, a breath away from the water, is the traditional settlement of Agios Nikitas, flanked by the beautiful beach of Milos and the long, sandy beach of Pefkoulia.
Inland there are hidden mountain villages, old monasteries, gorges, waterfalls, paths and vineyards. At the southwestern end of the island is the lighthouse of Lefkatas. Accommodation options on the island are seemingly unlimited. There are famous seafood tavernas, restaurants, stylish beach-bars and fine-dining restaurants, traditional cafes, shops and everything else you can imagine. In the wineries, you can taste traditional Lefkadian wines. In the shops, there are many local products, including the delicious lentils of Egklouvi, which you can also taste in island’s restaurants. Lefkada retains a unique identity in the region due to its influences from the west and an ongoing love of music. Serenading bands are common, and the historic Philharmonic Orchestra holds concerts.
