In Greece Lefkada Island is a member of the seven Ionian Islands, which are the following from north to south: Corfu (Kerkyra), Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaca, Cephalonia, Zakynthos and Kythira.

Where to find Lefkada Island in Greece

The beautiful Lefkada Island (Λευκάδα in Greek language) is situated in the Ionian Sea, near to the west coast of Greece. The other well known name of the island is Lefkas, which means ‘white’ in Greek. Lefkada is a very special landscape among Greek Islands, because it can be accessed very easy, without ferries. The primary connection to the Greek mainland is ensured by a floating bridge, because the distance between the entrance of island and the mainland is just approx 50 meters.

This bridge which connect Lefkada with Greece is known as the floating bridge of Agia Mavra (F/B Agia Mavra), which is responsible for the primary access of the island. Due to mountainous geographical conditions in Lefkada Island has no airport, but the nearest airport, Preveza Aktio International Airport is located just approx. 20 kilometers away from the island, next to Preveza town.

Someone define this airport as Lefkada Airport, but it’s worth to know that it’s not correct. Travellers have to drive to the island through the pontoon bridge by car, or must catch a local public transport, such as KTEL bus, taxi or transfer service.

Preveza Airport (PVK, Preveza Aktion Airport) is a small, but effective airport which serves several international flights from a lot of countries in Europe, and also domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. So it doesn’t matter that Lefkada Island lacks an own airport, it can be reached by flights from Greece and from several European countries.

If you would like to arrive to Lefkada Island by a plane, you have to search the flights to Preveza, which has an IATA codename: PVK.

History of Lefkada Island

Thousands years ago, in anciens eras Lefkada Island was a well known island in this region of Greece, because of its capital, ‘Leukas’ or known as Lefkas. The ancient city of Leukas was one of the most significant ans strongest settlements in the area Ionian Sea, which owned strong military and ship fleet. The city of Leukas also had its own coins and economy, made it flourishing city for long period. When the Greek mainland came under the influence of the Roman Empire, the city of Leukas lost its significance and power.

Anciens local myths tell several stories, one of the most famous is about Sappho, an ancient poet, who jumped off the steep cliffs of Cape Doukato in her unrequited love to Phaon.

The small Archaeological Museum of Lefkada (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Λευκάδας) in Lefkada town is dedicated to show the ancient story of the region. Most of the ancient coins, statues and other archeological findings can be find in the exhibits of the museum, where the findings of the legendary German professor, Wilhelm Dörpfeld can be find as well.

In the middle ages Lefkada Island was under Venetian, Ottoman, French, and English rule, and officially became a part of the united Greece in 1864.

What you should know about Lefkada today

The capital of the island, which is also the largest town, is known as Lefkada or Lefkada town (you can find on local maps as Λευκάδα). The capital is a charming place with an old town and spacious port, and has picturesque streets in the central areas, recommended for sightseeing tours and walks. Lefkada town is famous for its wide range of restaurants, tourist shops and tourist services.

After you have arrived to Lefkada Island through the pontoon bridge, the capital is situated just approx. 1,5 kilometer away from the entrance. Literally the main road which leads from the Greek mainland to Lefkada, passes this town.

The local weather is truly mediterranean, which means the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are mild and rainy. From late May to end of September the local weather is suitable for a summer holiday with a lot ot sunny hours, but it’s worth to know the sea temperatures are the best from mid June till mid September, depending on actual weather conditions.

Sea temperatures of the beaches in Lefkada Island are pleasant during summer months, making ideal conditions for swimming and snorkling. Average sea temperatures in July and August can be rise up to 26 – 27 Celsius, depending on location of the beach, weather conditions and sea currents. In June and in September the temperaratures of the sea are mostly between 23 – 26 Celsius.

Geography of Lefkada Island

Lefkada is relatively a small sized island in Greece, its area is approx. 301 square kilometres. Compared to other Ionian Islands it is considered as medium, because Lefkada Island is larger than Ithaca or Zakynthos, but smaller than Corfu and Cephalonia.

The local geographical conditions are highly varied, because mountanious areas, deep valleys, flat coastal regions and some plateaus was formed as well. The highest peak is located in the southern part of Lefkada Islan, called Stavrota, with a height of 1158 meters. The local roads follow the geographical conditions, which means some many roads are quite winding and narrow, especially in the mountains.

The flattest parts are in the area of the capital and in the areas of Nidri and Vasiliki, but most of the coastal villages were built on plain land.

The villages of Lefkada Island are charming

Most of the villages and tourist resorts of Lefkada Island are located on the east coast, which is slightly less mountanious than west coastline. The most popular seaside resorts for travellers are Lefkada town (capital), Lygia, Nikiana, Nidri, Vasiliki and Agios Nikitas, but there are some other smaller settlements, which offer numerous great apartments, studios and villas for tourists as well.

Villages of the east coast: Lefkada town, Lygia, Episkopos, Nikiana, Perigiali, Nidri (Nydri), Vlycho, Syvota, Vasiliki, Ponti

Villages on the west coast and near the west coast: Agios Ioannis, Tsoukalades, Agios Nikitas, Kalamitsi, Dragano, Athani

Significant mountain villages: Karya, Lazarata, Drymonas, Exanthia, Egklouvi, Vafkeri, Syvros, Agios Petros

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Today the economy is primarily based on tourism and agriculture. Every year thousands of visitors arrive from several countries, who discover the top places and hidden gems, many of them are using our travel guides for exploring and sightseeing the local highlights.

The beaches of Lefkada Island are special

The best beaches of Lefkada are listed usually among top beaches in Greece, and in Europe as well. As you will see in our detailed travel guides, the amazing blue colours and crystal clear waters of Ionian Sea are unique in the world, and you will meet often the phrase ‘Lefkada Blue’.

The marvelous blue sea and the steep white cliffs are usually known as the local trademarks, and hard to find an another island in the Mediterranean with such amazing natural capabilities.

It’s worth to know there are large differences between the beaches of the west coast and the east coast of Lefkada Island, but on both sides can be find amazing places.

The most famous beaches of Lefkada Island, which are worth to visit:

• Porto Katsiki beach (Παραλία Πόρτο Κατσίκι)
• Egremni beach (Παραλία Εγκρεμνοί)
• Kathisma beach (Παραλία Κάθισμα)
• Mylos beach (Παραλία Μύλος)
• Agios Ioannis beach (Παραλία Άγιος Ιωάννης)
• Avali Beach (Παραλία Αβάλι)
• Kavalikefta beach (Παραλία Καβαλικευτά)
• Megali Petra beach (Παραλία Μεγάλη Πέτρα)
• Gaidaros beach (Παραλία Γάιδαρος)
• Gialos beach (Παραλία Γιαλός)
• Afteli beach (Παραλία Αφτέλι)
• Mikros Gialos beach (Παραλία Μικρός Γιαλός)
• Desimi beach (Παραλία Δεσίμι)
• Nidri beach
• Ammoglossa beach (Αμμόγλωσσα)

The blue coloured sea and lush pine forests of the west coastline

Porto Katsiki beach, Egremni beach and Agiofili beach can be accessed by daily boat trips and excursions from the port of Nidri and from the port of Vasiliki. Almost every beaches of Lefkada, such as Mylos beach, Kathisma beach or Megali Petra beach can be reached by cars or scooters, because most of the gems are connected by roads to the local villages.

Final thoughts about Lefkada

As you will see, Lefkada Island is a very special place in our beautiful Greece. The entire coastline is breathtaking, including the eastern and western sides, so don’t be surprised when you meet this gem on the lists of the most beautiful Greek islands.

According to many, the best local attractions are the exceptional natural beauty, the breathtaking blue-coloured beaches, the picturesque seaside resorts and fishing villages, and of course the unique atmospheres of the island.

A very important information when you organize your holiday, is that Lefkada island is a very popular travel destination in the community of Greek travellers and international tourists both. Always book an apartment before arriving, because local best apartments and hotels are often full during summer season, and the many available rooms may sell out quickly!

Find best local apartments, studios and hotels of Lefkada, and book now!

Visit Lefkada Island in Greece, and read our detailed travel guides before your trip for relevant local informations – you fall in love with this amazing Ionian Island!