Agia Mavra Castle (Κάστρο Αγίας Μαύρας, Santa Maura) is the largest Venetian fort in Lefkada, which was built directly at the entrance of the island, near to the Greek mainland.

The thick walls of the castle remained in fairly good condition, and today the building is an archeological site, one of the local outdoor musems. Its highest bastion was rebuilt as a lighthouse, which is important in naval traffic.

The castle of Agia Mavra is one of the best local sights, which is worth to visit. The fort has a rich history under the rules of Turks and Venetians, and its entrance can be reached easy. In Lefkada Island there are no other significant fortresses, which has such significant size.

Coordinates: 38.844202, 20.719224

You can find on maps as: Ekklisia Profiti Ilias, Church of the Prophet Elias, Ιερός Ναός Προφήτη Ηλία

Where to stay in Lefkada: apartments, hotels and studios

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Where to find the Castle of Agia Mavra in Lefkada Island, and how to get there in 2026

Agia Mavra Castle is located in the northeast side of Lefkada Island, only 1 kilometers away from the capital, 18 kilometers away both from Nidri and from Agios Nikitas, and 42 kilometers away from Vasiliki. The fort is was built exactly on the land, where the floating bridge of Lefkada can be find – the famous pontoon bridge literally got its name from this medieval castle.

Agia Mavra Castle location and entrance in Lefkada Island

When we arrive to Lefkada Island from the direction of Greek mainland, we meet first the thick walls of the fortress, just before you reach the pontoon bridge. If we would like to visit the fortress from the direction of the island, you have to drive or walk through to pontoon bridge.

The main entrance of Agia Mavra Castle is situated just 50 meters away from the bridge, where a few free parking lots can be find next to the narrow street.

Location and where is Agia Mavra Castle in Lefkada Island

To enter the building complex you have to go through on a small canal, and after a few meteres you will see the kiosk, where the actual prices and opening times are displayed, and you have to pay for entrance. The entry fee is usually not high, costs usually 3-5 Euros per person.

History of Agia Mavra Castle in Lefkada Island

The first walls of Agia Mavra Castle were built by the Sicilian governor Giovanni Orsini, to protect Lefkada Island and its surrounding area from the pirates. After a few years, in 1294 the island became a property of Franks. Around the year of 1300 this area became more important and it was dedicated as the economical center of Lefkada Island, so a stronger fort was a neccessary solution against pirates and invaders.

The first buildings of Agia Mavra were much smaller than today, but it has been rebuilt and expanded several times: barracks, administrative buildings, cisterns and storage rooms were added.

At the beginning of 15th century Ottomans occupied the area, who built a mosque and a small bridge inside the walls. The Turks ruled over Agia Mavra until 17th century, when Venetians took control over the island under the command of Francesco Morosini, and Lefkada became a Venetian province.

Venetians increased the entire area of the fortress and strengthened its walls, to provide safer conditions for soldiers. You may still see the main symbol of Venice, the Lion of Saint Mark on the walls, at the entrance. In the year of 1888 a large fire destroyed several buildings inside, and just a few of these were rebuilt after the disaster.

Sight and attractions in Agia Mavra fortress, which are worth to discover

As the best preserved fort in Lefkada Island, inside the walls there are primarily historical sights, which can be interesting for visitors of Agia Mavra Castle. The buildig complex is surrounded by a moat, which is connected to the sea. The lighthouse of the west bastion is the newest part of the Castle, and works even today.

Lefkada Island has two important lighthouses: the other building can be seen in the southern region, known as the lighthouse of Cape Doukato (or known as Cape Lefkatas or Akrotiri by some maps).

The main walls of Agia Mavra castle remained in quite good condition. Visitors can walk up to the walls, and where narrow trails are formed. Inside the courtyard unfortunately most of the old buildings from the Venetian and Turkish eras are ruined, mostly the foundations are recognizable.

Sights in the fort of Agia Mavra Castle in Greece

On the southeast corner of the fort we can enter into the tiny church of Agia Mavra, founded in 15th century, and dedicated to Holy Mary. The famous bell tower of the castle hang here, which is typical on the photos of this attraction. Inside the Church of Holy Mary you can see small church icons of Saints, and gold plated objects serve the religious occasions.

Bell tower of Church of Agia Mavra (Santa Maura) in Lefkada Island

Archeologists still work on their excavations inside the walls of Agia Mavra, because many of restoration works and excavations are in progress. You have to know before a visit that the castle is closed for a day in a week, which is usually Tuesday, just as a lot of other forts and museums in Greece.

What to see in Agia Mavra, view to the attractions

The nearest beach from Agia Mavra fort is Ammoglossa beach, which lies literally in front of the castle, on its north side. This place belong has shallow seabed, and looks like a small sized lagoon.

Other important beaches of this region are Kastro beach, Gyra beach and Agios Ioannis beach. The main parts of Agios Ioannis beach, especially the area of the old windmills is the best kitesurf spot in Lefkada Island, where the surfers sail in the afternoons from June to September.