LEFKADA_TRAVEL Sept

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LEFKADA
Endless beauty...
Lefkada of your dreams awaits you
every season of the year!
LEFKADA ENTRANCE
PORTO KATSIKI
The island of Lefkada is blessed with a heavenly
natural beauty. Emerald beaches in lush landscapes,
picturesque images in the city and the villages,
unspoiled nature in the mainland.
An island praised by famous Greek poets and writers, specified
as the “Homeric Ithaca” by the German archaeologist
Wilhelm Dörpfeld, supporter of the theory that Odysseus
palace was located in Nydri. History is reflected in almost
every stone and legends accompany every route one takes.
Historical guard of the island is the Venetian Castle of Aghia
Mavra at the main entrance.
The main advantage of Lefkada is its accessibility; though
an island, it is connected to the mainland of Greece with a
floating bridge. Just pass the bridge and all the beauties will
unfold in front of you! The island’s beaches are listed among
the best of the world, with Egremni beach and Porto Katsiki
being the most prominent examples. Enjoy superb water
sports or go sailing and rejoice picturesque coves, quiet
beaches and the numerous small islands scattered around
the internal archipelago.
Up in the mountains you can find traditional villages,
imposing old monasteries, breathtaking views, rich flora and
a varied landscape accessible via an extensive network of
trails that make Lefkada a hiker’s paradise.
ENGLOUVI VILLAGE
The island’s endless beauty, the warm smile of its people, the
various alternative activities, the unique Ionian archipelago
of the eastern side, the famous beaches of the western side,
the lively city and seaside resorts, the mountainous mainland
with the villages, the authentic flavors, the island’s advantage
of being connected with a bridge and many more, make
Lefkada a unique destination for all.
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Your next destination!
An island you can even reach by walking...
HOW TO GET TO LEFKADA
Lefkada is one of the Greek Ionian Islands located in the west coast of mainland Greece, between Corfu
and Kefalonia. There are a lot of options to reach it.
By road:
Lefkada is the only Greek island that can be reached by car,
hence no need to worry about ferry tickets. It is connected
to the mainland of Greece-Akarnania by a 50 meter floating
bridge for a constant flow of vehicle traffic. With the new road
axis, Lefkada’s distance both from Athens and Thessaloniki is
about 4 hours.
By plane:
From April to October there are direct flights from European
airports to Aktion Airport (20km). During the summer
months there are also daily flights from Athens International
Airport to Aktion.
LEFKADA TOWN
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On the occasion of
welcoming China as
the “Country of Honor”
in the 82nd Thessaloniki
International Fair
“We invite Chinese people to visit
the island of Lefkada all year round”
In the last years more and
more Chinese visitors discover
Lefkada as an ideal destination.
Either for a relaxing holiday,
for a honeymoon, for cultural
tourism or for investment, they
keep on coming and enjoying
the experiences the island offers.
A primary goal is the support of
the mutual relations between
Lefkada and China and the
enhancement of the Sino-Greek
cooperation in the fields of
culture, tourism and economy.
As a first step, the Municipality
of Lefkada signed a sister
agreement with Zhoushan city.
Moreover, there are contacts
with local and national travel
agencies and relevant companies
in order to promote the best
aspects of the island’s tourism
and business sectors.
Lefkadians always promise
the best hospitality!
LEFKADA-CHINA RELATIONS Growing STRONGER
CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
Chinese representatives of
tourism and investment explore
Lefkada’s beauties and its
potential for development.
COOPERATION
Municipality of
Lefkada and
its official
group
participated
in the 2016
International
Islands Tourism Conference in Zhoushan.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Every August, the “Lefkas International Folklore
Festival” takes place so as to promote friendship.
Art groups from China participate in the Festival
and present unique performances.
A WEDDING
DESTINATION
Many couples
from China
choose Lefkada
for their wedding
or honeymoon
due to the
romantic
atmosphere and
the ideal sceneries.
FILM-MOVIE DESTINATION
Chinese cinema crews
explore the island’s unique
landscapes that can be main
scene in films.
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HIGHLIGHTS TO VISIT
CASTLE OF AGHIA MAVRA
Cape Lefkata or Nira
The view from this spot, standing literally “on the edge”, is
majestic. Legend connects the Cape to stories of redemption
from unfulfilled love; most famously the lyric poetess
Sappho threw herself off the cliffs here to be liberated from
her unrequited love for Phaon. The spot, where the 15-meter
tall lighthouse stands today, was a sacrificial site in antiquity
which is why the temple to Apollo Lefkata was erected here.
The Castle of Aghia Mavra
The impressive castle of Aghia Mavra stands at the entrance
to Lefkada; a prime example of medieval fortification
architecture. The castle protected the capital from the
14th century up till 1684. There are indications that the
spot where it was erected was the site of an ancient temple
dedicated to Aphrodite the Aeneid.
of excavations carried out by the German archaeologist
Wilhelm Dörpfeld -Eric Schliemann’s assistant- who
supported the theory that Lefkada is actually the Homeric
Ithaca.
Melissa Gorge (Faraggi Melissas)
The gorge is situated in the area of Sfakiotes; its many paths
have been recently marked and take you past watermills,
stone bridges, wells and lush greenery.
Skaros Hill (Lofos Skaron)
The hill is nearby Kolyvata village and is one of the loveliest
inland spots on Lefkada with an abundance of rare flora,
a rare species of oak forest and an impressive geological
formation.
The Archaeological Museum
Small but significant museum in the city of Lefkada, whose
findings date from the Middle Paleolithic Period up to
Roman Years: The majority of the exhibits are the product
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
MELISSA GORGE CAPE LEFKATA SKAROS HILL
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TRAVEL • LEFKADA
An island for everyone... has something for you!
PANTOKRATORAS CHURCH
CASTLE OF AGHIA MAVRA
THE TOWN OF LEFKADA
Lefkada is the island’s capital and port town. Its planning is
very particular with picturesque alleys, small squares and
traditional houses. The city is surrounded by a canal and
a lagoon, while, farther north, lies Gyra, a thin stretch of a
sandy beach with windmills. At the town’s entrance stands
the medieval fort of Aghia Mavra, constructed during 14th
century.
Some of the most important sights in the town are its churches
and temples. These are mainly basilicas, inaugurated in
the period between the 17th and 18th centuries, influenced
by Venetian architecture and with icons by prominent
iconographers. At the west side of the town you will find
the Monastery of Panaghia Faneromeni one of the island’s
significant religious monuments, dedicated to Virgin Mary.
While walking into the town, you will find the pedestrian zone
along the coast line with the youngers’ hangouts, the Bosketo
Park with busts of the island’s eminent scholars, the central
square with many restaurants and cafés, with the old church
of Aghios Spyridonas and the Kouzounteli (or Kouzoumpei)
area with traditional shops that serve freshly ground coffee
and the local drink “soumada”. From here, narrow streets
begin that lead to the Olive Grove. It is a historical natural
monument with numerous picturesque paths where one can
walk or cycle in nature. Here you will also find the chapel of
Panaghia Vlahernon, built in 1740. Moreover, you should visit
the Archaeological Museum, the Orfeas Museum of Folklore,
the Museum of Phonograph, the Lafcadio Hearn Historical
Center, the Public Library and the Haramoglios Library.
THE MARINA OF LEFKADA
is considered to be the best
equipped marina in Greece.
It is state-of-the-art with
excellent facilities and 610
berths that can accommodate
boats of up to 45m in length
with a 3.6m draft. Within the
Marina premises you will find
a yacht club, restaurants and
cafés, a hotel, a laundromat, a
supermarket, a first-aid enter etc.
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The famous islets
of Lefkada
At the east side of Lefkada coastline there are beautiful
small islands that form an archipelago configured like
a fjord. They are named as the ‘Prince Islands’, they are
close to the bay in front of Nydri village and they certainly
worth a visit. The most famous is Skorpios because of its
original owner Aristotle Onassis. Opposite Nydri is the
islet of Madouri which belongs to the Valaoritis family.
Other islets close to Nydri are Sparti, Heloni, Tsokari,
Skorpidi. Little boats at Nydri harbour make daily cruises
to the islands or you can rent your own boat to explore
them. You can also visit the beautiful islets of Kalamos
and Kastos.
NYDRI
DRYMONAS
SEASIDE VILLAGES
MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
Lefkada island also
distinguishes for its nice
seaside villages. Some of them
are the cosmopolitan Nydri,
Ligia and Nikiana on the east
side, Vassiliki and Syvota on
the south. Syvota is built on
a natural bay and it amazes
visitors with the picturesque
architecture. On the west side
we find Aghios Nikitas village
set in exceptionally beautiful
surroundings.
SYVOTA
Mountainous Lefkada is known for its rich flora, the paths
with the wonderful scenery, the canyons and the beautiful
villages. Worth visiting are the villages Kavalos with its
Museum of Folklore, Lazarata and Asprogerakata with their
stone houses, Drymonas an unspoilt jewel and Exanthia,
unpretentious and authentic. Another top choice is Karya,
the traditional head village. A must-visit is Englouvi, a quaint
village on the highest point of the island with breathtaking
views. Englouvi is famous for producing delicious lentils that
are one of the top varieties in Greece. Kolyvata village is also
built in a beautifully serene landscape; nearby is Skaros Hill
with an abundance of rare flora.
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LEFKADA BEACHES
On Top of the World
PORTO KATSIKI
EGREMNI
Lefkada is the home of some of the best and most renowned
beaches with turquoise waters that truly resemble the beaches
in the Caribbean. Beaches of unparalleled beauty with white
sand and imposing rocks...
The two most photographed beaches on the island are those
of Porto Katsiki and Egremni. Both of them are surrounded
by large dominating cliffs and they have stunning waters. To
access Porto Katsiki you need to climb down quite a few stairs
while overlooking the abrupt white cliffs. Egremni beach is
only accessible by boat.
There is a large number of beaches on the island with differing
features in order to satisfy the most demanding visitor. Some
of theme are Gyra, Ai Giannis, Pefkoulia, Aghios Nikitas,
the famous Kathisma (organised beach with plenty of sun
loungers and café-bars), Avali, Kavalikefta, Megali Petra
(access from Kalamitsi), Gialos (near the village of Athani),
Vassiliki, Aghiofili, Ammouso, Afteli, Mikros Gialos, Nydri,
Perigiali, Nikiana, Episkopos, Ligia.
VASSILIKI
AGHIOFILI
Kavalikefta, Kalamitsi
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TRAVEL • LEFKADA
SPORTS
A PARADISE FOR ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES
It is only natural that one would find such a large variety
of water-sports in a place intrinsically linked to the sea.
Experience the magic of the sea and become energized by
a kayaking expedition, practice your balance on a Stand Up
Paddle Board -a sport for the entire family- and, if you feel
like an adrenaline rush, have a go at water-skiing with all of
its variations, such as wakeboarding. You can also try:
SAILING The sea enclosed by Lefkada and the mainland
is considered ideal for sailing according to the experts; the
Marina in the town of Lefkada is a hub for sailors.
Windsurfing The beaches at Vassiliki and Ai Giannis
are considered among the best in the world for the specific
sport and have often hosted international races.
Kitesurfing Fans from around the world come to the
island each year due to its excellent weather conditions.
Diving The organized diving centres in Nikiana and Nydri
offer a variety of supervised diving expeditions with certified
instructors.
Paragliding Tandem paragliding with an instructor
offers you the opportunity to experience the thrill of flying
along with a unique bird’s eye view of Lefkada.
Horseback Riding There are horseback riding schools
in the plain of Vassiliki and in the olive grove in the town
of Lefkada; areas recommended for riding are Ai Giannis,
Vassiliki and the lake at Maradochori.
Bicycling The town of Lefkada is ideal. Cycle around
the lagoon or become lost in the Venetian olive grove. The
flat country around Vassiliki is also an interesting option for
cyclists.
Mountain bike Seeing that Lefkada is 90%
mountainous, mountain bike excursions seem the obvious
choice; one has several organized options to choose from,
each with a different degree of difficulty.
Bird watching Get equipped with binoculars and
explore the unique diversity of the island’s bird fauna.
Lefkada’s lagoon belongs to the NATURA network and is
home to a large variety of endemic and migratory birds.
Parasailing has also
become quite popular
enjoyed both by children
and adults.
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