General information about the island of Lefkada
Strengths:
Sea and beaches, connections, prices.
Average:
Points of interest, excursions, nightlife, fairly suitable for families with children.
Weaknesses:
Very crowded.
- Capital: Lefkada
- Population: 36400
- Area: 336 km²
- Port: Lefkada
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: yes
Lefkada (from Greek Λευκάδα) is one of the Ionian Islands and is so close to the mainland that it is often mistaken for a peninsula. It is easily accessible as it is connected to the mainland by a movable bridge, but it can also be reached by ship (from both Greece and Italy) or by plane (only domestic flights in the low season) from the airport on the mainland located a few kilometers away (Aktio/Preveza) or, in summer, from the airport in Kefalonia.
It has an area of 336 km² and about 23,000 inhabitants.
The island is mountainous with dense vegetation in the south and east where the coast is dotted with many very green islets. The western area, on the other hand, has a steep coast and includes very long sandy beaches. The highest mountain, in the center of the island, is called Mount Elati and reaches 1150 meters. Lefkada is characterized by sandy beaches, shallows, and protected bays, but also by green valleys and mountainous areas with picturesque villages.
The local population is mainly engaged in agriculture (oil, wine, and the famous lentils), livestock farming (sausages), and tourism. Typical handicraft products are traditional fabrics, embroideries, and lace.
The capital of the island is Lefkda, in the north, but the most frequented place by tourists is Nidri, halfway down the eastern coast.
The sea of Lefkada is a deep blue and its rocks are white. The island is especially appreciated by those who love tranquility and nature: many beaches are only accessible by sea, and the vegetation combined with the presence of mountains creates very suggestive landscapes.
According to mythology, the poet Sappho killed herself on this island by throwing herself from the rocks of Cape Lefkada due to a disappointment in love.
The island's road network is efficient and all locations can be reached by car, although some dirt roads are not in the best condition. The entire island is served by regular buses, but the western area has much less frequent services. To visit Lefkada, you can rent cars or scooters or be taken by small boats to the most characteristic stretches of the coast.
