If you are looking for an island with breathtaking beaches, a rich hinterland to explore, delicious food, places to go out and a long history to enrich your knowledge then Lefkada is undoubtedly the ideal destination for you.

And the best part: you don't even have to get on the boat to visit!

Lefkada is connected to Central Greece and specifically to Aitoloakarnania via a floating bridge, Agia Mavra, shaped like a boat and 71 meters long, and is only 4 hours away from Athens. This peculiarity makes it very popular for tourism as it is easily accessible from many parts of Greece.

But let's take a closer look at why Lefkada is worth visiting for your holidays.

1. Amazing beaches

Lefkada, with its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, has gained worldwide fame as a must-visit destination. The island's pristine beaches are the reason many visitors return to this Greek paradise time and time again.

The dilemma for visitors is deciding which beach to visit first. Should you head straight to the world-famous Porto Katsiki, with its stunning scenery and cool, clear waters? Or perhaps take the extra effort to reach the more secluded Egremni, a beach that never fails to captivate its visitors? Alternatively, maybe you should start with Kathisma, an expansive beach with coarse, white sand and vibrant blue water, which is sure to enchant even the most discerning beachgoers. Agios Nikitas, Vasiliki, Mill, Kalamitsi, there are just so many beautiful beaches to choose from.

But don't worry, regardless of your preferences, whether you're traveling with your family, partner or friends, Lefkada has something to offer for everyone. The island has a range of quiet and organized beaches, shallow and deep waters, sand and pebbles. And for those seeking a bit of excitement, there are plenty of trendy beach bars and opportunities to try out some risky water sports. You can also witness the most breathtaking sunsets that will leave you mesmerized.

Lefkada is a destination that deserves its reputation as a world-renowned island, with its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and beautiful scenery. No matter what type of traveler you are, you will find what you're looking for on this Greek paradise, and you'll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and reinvigorated, that you have swimmed to the most beautiful beaches in Greece and perhaps in Europe.

2. Rich inland

Lefkada, precisely because it has the peculiar characteristic of being an island joined to the mainland, combines the best of both. Its hinterland is dominated by the continental element and is an ideal destination for exploring its picturesque villages, the lush vegetation surrounding them and the view of the Ionian Sea from the highest points of the island is simply breathtaking.

On your way from the town, you will meet many settlements such as Sfakiotes, Karya, Egklouvi, Lygia, Nikiana and of course the cosmopolitan Nidri with its beautiful bay that is idyllically bathed in moonlight at night.

Exploring the hinterland of Lefkada is sure not to disappoint. The changes of scenery will reward you with more than enough. Lush hills, mountains, plateaus and gorges (don't miss the famous Melissa Gorge near the village of Sfakiotes) all imbued with the rich flora and history of the island that dates back to ancient times and continues through the years of Byzantium, Venetian and Turkish rule.

Traces of old castles and temples alternate with traditional churches and monasteries, windmills, watermills, arched bridges, springs, waterfalls, wells and the voltae which are elaborate stone buildings where farmers and shepherds found shelter until a few years ago. On your way through nature you will be accompanied by the chirping of birds and if you are completely silent you will even hear the croaking of frogs where there is water.

This is the ultimate rejuvenation that only contact with nature and fresh air can provide.  

3. Cultural tradition

Of course, Lefkada is not only green and the sea. Its rich cultural tradition has nothing to envy that of the other "normal" islands of the Ionian Sea and reflects a history of hundreds of years.  

If you travel in August you will have the opportunity to experience the International Folklore Festival, a music and dance festival that has been organized continuously since 1962 until today, with the participation of artists from all over the world, as well as the Literature and Art Festivals, which were first organized in 1955 and are one of the oldest cultural institutions in Greece.

The famous Poets' Park (locals will call it Bosketo), located at the entrance of the city next to the harbour, hosts the busts of great personalities of the island such as the poets Valaoritis and Sikelianos and the Olympic champion Dimitrios Golemis who left their mark with their work and achievements.

A visit to the Folklore Museum of Karya will surprise you especially with the exhibits of the Karsanic embroidery, a special embroidery technique, which began and is still preserved in this village. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Angelos Sikelianos - which was originally the home of this great poet of ours - are attractions that are also not to be missed!

4. Gastronomy and entertainment

But Lefkada will definitely reward your palate as well, no matter how demanding you are, and if you are an "outdoorsy" type, you will not be disappointed. The island is famous for its traditional products such as the lentils of Eglouvi, the salami of Lefkada, the mantolata and the pasteli, while both its meat and fish are delicious.

The characteristic feature of Lefkadian cuisine is that it imaginatively blends the continental and island elements while retaining strong influences from Venetian cuisine. The result? Delicious dishes at reasonable prices that satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. So whether you choose a fish taverna in the city centre, or a picturesque taverna in a village or by the sea, you are sure to eat well.

Afterwards you can of course enjoy your dessert or drink in one of the busy cafes or bars in town unless you are more traditional and choose a small café in the more mountainous parts of the island.

5. Accommodation

Lefkada is the perfect destination for your next vacation if you're looking for a beautiful place to stay. The island has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, villas, and vacation rentals. No matter what your budget is, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay during your time in Lefkada.

Hotels in Lefkada offer a luxurious and comfortable stay, with many offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the island's rugged coastline. You can choose from affordable to luxurious hotels, depending on your budget. Lefkada's hotels provide the perfect base for exploring the island, whether you're on a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

If you prefer something more private and intimate, vacation rentals in Lefkada are an excellent option. With a wide variety of rental options available, from cozy apartments to spacious villas, you're sure to find something that suits your taste. Vacation rentals in Lefkada offer more privacy and flexibility than hotels, allowing you to enjoy your stay on your own terms.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, Lefkada offers a range of activities and attractions to keep you entertained during your stay. From exploring the island's historic landmarks to relaxing on the beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone. You can take a boat tour of the island's coastline, go hiking in the mountains, or simply soak up the sun on one of Lefkada's many beaches.

In summary, Lefkada offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, villas, and vacation rentals. With something to suit every budget and taste, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay during your next vacation on this beautiful island.

6. Excursions to the surrounding islands

Speaking of excursions, it is advisable not to leave Lefkada without visiting at least one of the beautiful islands that surround it. Prigiponisia a cluster of islands is located just opposite Nidri and is easily accessible from there.

As well as the lush green Meganissi, the haven of the world's richest bon viveurs with its countless fjords, sea caves (including the famous cave of Papanikolis where the historic submarine of the Navy of the same name was moored during World War II) and clear waters, just 25 minutes from Nydri.

A little further away you will find the tiny but incomparable beauty of Kastos, the smallest inhabited island of the Ionian Islands and Kalamos with its unspoilt nature, untouched by mass tourism but with strong historical references as it hosted Theodoros Kolokotronis and the family of Georgios Karaiskakis in the years before the Greek revolution.

Scorpios, the famous island of Onassis is unfortunately private so we do not recommend it...

7. A few words about the history of the island

Lefkada is said to have taken its name from Cape Lefkata, which is located at the southernmost tip of the island and which in ancient times was called "Lefkas Petra" or "Lefkas Accra". According to a legend, the poet Sappho jumped from a rock on this cape to redeem herself from her unrequited love for Phaon.

On this rock, you will also see traces of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo, to whom the islanders of the time dedicated the White Rock.  

Lefkada is also associated, according to some myths, with the goddess Aphrodite, while for some historians it is also identified with the legendary Ithaca of Odysseus, the homeland of the hero who, according to Homer, took twenty years to return after the Trojan War, overcome by the intense feeling of sickness.

In conclusion, Lefkada is a magical destination that has something for everyone. From its breathtaking beaches and rich hinterland to its delicious food and fascinating history, there are endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. And with its easy access from the mainland, it's the perfect destination for a holiday that combines both the island and the mainland experience. So why not book your trip to Lefkada today and experience the magic for yourself?