If you look at the map, Lefkada island may seem rather strange. It is connected to the mainland by a long jetty that passes through the lagoons. The island of Lefkada is not in the full sense of the word. Neither geographically nor historically . It is separated from the continent by a canal dug by colonists back in the 7th century BC. Since that time , it was drained many times, and later a bridge thirty meters long was thrown across it .
Ionian Islands
To the southwest of Greece is a group of islands named after the sea in which they are located. These are Lefkada , Ithaca , Kerkyra, Kythira, Zakynthos, Kefalonia , Paxi . The inhabitants of the Ionian islands are engaged in agriculture, sheep farming, and fishing. A certain part of the population is also involved in trade and shipbuilding. In the XIX century, the islands were liberated from Turkish rule, then for a long time they were under the influence of the British. Thanks to this, the standard of living is higher than in other regions in Greece. But back to the island of Lefkada .
History
Lefkada (Greece) is an island that has long been considered an important strategic base. On the approach to the pier you can see a series of fortresses. This fortification chain ends with a castle erected in the 14th century. Due to the proximity to the mainland, the fortifications did not save the island of Lefkada from the creeps of the Ottoman Empire forces that began in the 15th century. Later, the Venetians managed to recapture this territory, with which, however, Napoleon expelled them, at the beginning of the 19th century. The island was reunited with Greece in 1864.
Translated from the ancient Greek " lefkada " means " white " , and already from this word, according to researchers, the name of the island of Lefkada also came from. This version may seem pretty convincing. On the island there is an abundance of white layered rocks that are striking and represent a picturesque, but gloomy picture. Gloomy, because on a high ridge, in addition to ugly military buildings, there is nothing. Lefkada is also the largest city on the island.
In the eastern part of the island are swamps and swamps. In the middle of summer there is no end to mosquitoes. But the land here is fertile. On the island grows olive, cypress, grapes. On the west coast there are several beaches.
More than 20 thousand people live on the island. Among the natives of Lefkada there are celebrities. Among them are several poets of Greek origin and the writer Lafcadio Hearn , apparently named after his native island. In Lafada , festivals of dance and theater are held. Art development is actively supported. But this island cannot be called a tourist center. There are only two large, significant resorts here. One, located in the south, claims to be the largest windsurfing center. The second is on the east coast. True, about 15 years ago, the construction of a large marina was completed. Since then, the number of yachts has been gradually increasing.
East Coast
The beaches of Lefkada are mostly pebble. The eastern part is considered the most developed. There are several hotels, campsites. According to the reviews of tourists, it is worth looking into one of the taverns located on the east coast. These establishments serve excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Such dishes are not cooked by cooks of large European restaurants. One of the famous establishments located in the east of the island of Lefkada is the tavern Lefko Akroyiali. This small restaurant has a huge selection of dishes of fish, mushrooms, cheese, as well as a variety of wines and cognacs.
Nidri
This is perhaps the most famous resort on the island of Lefkada . The history of Nidri is in some way connected with the name of the German archaeologist Wilhelm Dorffeld . This scientist devoted most of his life to the study of the culture of Antiquity. Once, during a stay in the east of Lefkada , he was visited by a genius, in his opinion, thought. Derffeld decided that the ancient Greek poet Homer, telling about the travels of Odysseus, had in mind not Ithaca , but Nidri . On what basis he decided this is unknown. But the German scientist until the last days of his life remained true to this idea.
Later, after the death of Derpfeld , in the middle of the 20th century, his version was called completely untenable. However, the inhabitants of Nydri were imbued with gratitude to the German romantic explorer. They erected a monument in his memory. On the opposite side of the bay there is a small house, and next to it is a church. There is the grave of William Dorffeld , who spent the last days on the island.
There are few rave reviews about Lefkada . Holidays in the Nidri resort are not suitable for everyone. The scenery is pretty nice, but the center of the village is unsightly, primarily due to the abundance of cars. What about the hotels of the island?
Lefkada is relatively sparsely populated, but the hotel business is well developed. Tourists often mention the Ionian Paradise Hotel, located in the aforementioned village. It is away from brisk street traffic. At the same time, in just a few minutes you can walk to the road that leads to larger settlements . Near the hotel there is also a waterfall, very popular among tourists. Choosing a tour to the island of Lefkada is desirable with the help of agency staff. Some tourists recommend contacting All Season Holiday.
Resort Mikros Yialos
Nidri is located at the exit of a narrow bay. It extends to a settlement called Vlicho . This area can not be called lively , it is quite crowded. Nevertheless, there are the best taverns on the island of Lefkada (Greece). Tourists recommend visiting Pirofani. Near Nidri there are several villages in which the amenities leave much to be desired. But a little to the west is the rather developed seaside resort of Mikros Yalos . More often it is called differently - Poros beach.
The resort has several restaurants, shops. Camping Poros Beach is located here, which is quite popular today. Because, perhaps, the whole resort is often called the beach of Poros. The most visited tavern in Mikrs Yalos is Rouda Wow. Experienced tourists who have visited this resort more than once are advised both motorists and pedestrians to turn off the main road at least once and head towards the villages of Sivros and Vurnikas . Here you can see truly fabulous landscapes. By the way, rooms are also rented out in these settlements .
Windsurfing center
This village is located near another southern resort - Sivota . Kondarena is located very close to Vasiliki - the famous center of windsurfing . But lovers of extreme sports in this area are many. A light morning breeze is suitable for beginners. By noon, the wind increases slightly, which already attracts experienced windsurfers. There are several hotels in the village .
One of the largest windsurfing centers on the island is Club Vassiliki. A mini-hotel is open here, as well as training courses. The village of Vasilki, where a huge number of adherents of an extreme sport gathers annually, the beach is quite scarce. But it is only one kilometer away from it, as the situation is completely changing. Towards Pondi , villages with a fairly developed infrastructure begin. Many hotels, restaurants, in addition, a good view of the bay.
West Coast
A few kilometers from Lefkada, a roadside business is quite developed. But to stay in this area for a beach holiday, according to reviews, does not make sense. Better go a little further. Pefkulia is the longest beach on the island. It is sand and pebble. Many taverns are open here, among which there are also those in which rooms are rented. In the southern part of the beach there is an unofficial camping, the infrastructure here is poorly developed.
In 2003, an earthquake occurred, which, fortunately, did not entail serious consequences. But after this, the highway, located near Pefkul , was closed. Between this beach and the other, which is called Silos, the resort of Ai-Nikitas is located . It can be called the most beautiful on the island: many narrow streets, bizarre wooden buildings and, of course, picturesque sea landscapes.
Satellite islands
On the eastern side of Lefkada , a few kilometers from the coast, there are several small islands in the sea. You can visit only one of them. It is called Meganisi . Another island - Scorpios - belongs to Onassis . In order to protect their possessions, representatives of the famous family hired armed guards. From now on, even the most persistent and inquisitive tourists cannot penetrate the territory of this island. Madouri is also privately owned. The island belongs to the relatives of one famous Greek poet, who also do not like uninvited guests. Sparti does not belong to anyone, but it does not make sense to visit him, because it is just a big white stone covered with bushes.
Meganisi
You can get to this island in just 20 minutes. In fact, it is not so small, however, there are practically no amenities on it . Who lives on this island? Mostly immigrants from Australia who prefer to engage in agriculture and fishing. According to traveler reviews, these people are rare hospitality. Having already gone ashore, a tourist sees several unpretentious taverns, camping. In the village there are three small cafes, the owners of which offer Tropicana pizza, and for a small amount they can rent a room.
How to get to the island of Lefkada?
Ioannina Airport is the closest to Lefkada . From acute it is at a distance of 86 km. There is a daily bus from Athens to Lefkada . Ticket price is about 40 euros. Travel time - 5 hours. About the same conditions can be reached from Thessaloniki. Lefkada is an island that can be visited by car without a ferry. You can get there either via the Rio Antario Bridge or the Aktion Underwater Tunnel. Not so long ago, the road leading to the ionic islands from Northern Greece was improved .
The most famous hotels on the island are in the city of Lefkada . These are Nirikos , Lifkadios Suites , Villa Ioli .