Lefkas

Overview of Holidays in Lefkas, Greece:

The Greek island of Lefkas (otherwise known as Lefkada or Lefkhada) nestles in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece. It is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The island's name is derived from the Greek word for white, lefko, in referece to the island's white rocks. Lefkada is the old name for the island and Lefkas is the modern one. Lefkas is an ideal destination for those seeing a relaxing holiday or to soak up the culture and history of Ancient Greece.

Lefkas History

Like most of Greece and her islands, Lefkas was occupied in the bronze age by the ancient Greeks. The Corinthians were the first 'modern' Greeks to settle here over 2,500 years ago. It is their legacy we see today in the canal that was dug by the Corinthians in 600BC to transform the original peninsula into an island.

Lefkas Holiday Resorts:

Nidri is the main resort on the island. Until Aristotle Onassis married Jackie Kennedy on the island of Scorpios, Nidri was simply a quaint fishing village, known only to the rich as a beautiful holiday hideaway. However, once the international media introduced the world to this relatively unknowm archipelago, the smal port of Nidri was 'invaded' by thousands of holiday makers, back packers and the sailing & yachting fraternity - Ithaka's large, sheltered bays make both Nidri and Sivota popular locations for yacht charter companies. Rooms, apartments, studios and hotels were built, along with bars and tavernas to cater to the growing mass of tourists. As a result the east coast of Lefkas has seen a vast amount of hotel development, and it is now a bustling hive of activity - far removed from the tranquil hideaway it once was. However, Nidri may have become noisy and busy but many other holiday resorts on Lefkas, such as the charming village of Sivota, remain quiet and unspoiled.

Lefkas Island Geography

The west coast of Lefkas is less populated than the east. The west coast's rugged cliffs, rocky shoreline and sandy beaches are a haven for those seeking adventurous outdoor activities such as sailing or watersports. Vassiliki, in the south, is a world class windsurfing centre. Inland, lefkas has stunning scenery with charming hillside villages nestling amid fragrant pine forests that still remain untouched by mass tourism.

Lefkas Villa Holidays - Shopping

If you are spending your holiday on Lefkas in a self catering villa or apartment, then you may need to go shopping for food. There are a few international supermarkets in Lefkas town along with Greek owned shops. Nidri also has a supermarket and a selection of smaller shops. If you are spending your holiday on Lefkas in a village, then you will usually find one small shop selling basic provisions. Mobile shops also visit the village, selling fresh bread, fish & vegetables.

Lefkas Holidays - Nightlife

Nightlife on Lefkas is relaxed and traditionally Greek. It is usually centred around restaurants and bars rather than discos or nightclubs. It is worth remembering however that the locals in Greece tend to eat late in the evening, so the bars will stay open until very late.

Who would enjoy a holiday on Lefkas?

Lefkas is the perfect holiday choice for those seeking tranquillity with lots of relaxation, yet with the bustling east coast available for a livelier atmosphere. Many visitors to Lefkas are from the yachting & sailing fraternity. Generally Lefkas is a charming island and an ideal holiday destination for those seeking a taste of unspoiled secret Greece.

Lefkas Holiday - Beaches

Lefkas' sandy beaches are located on the west side of the island. These sandy beaches were once a well kept secret, as most package holiday companies only took tourists to the east coast where the sheltered beaches tend to be rugged and stoney. The sandy beaches on the west coast of Lefkas tend to be less populated due to the lack of public transport to the area and some beaches are impossible to reach without a car. The sea on the west coast can be quite rough - hence its popularity with surfers - and there are no lifeguards on any of these beaches.

Lefkas Holiday Villas

We offer a fabulous range of holiday accommodation on the Greek holiday island of Ithaka, ranging from magnificent villas with private pools to stunning coastal apartments; all hand-picked for their splendid locations and great facilities.

Resorts on the Greek Holiday Island of Lefkas: