Also known as Lefkada, this is the capital of the island of Levkas. It is
situated on the north east coast, where the island is joined to the mainland
by a causeway and 50 metre swingbridge.
Lefkada is a very pleasant, friendly, typical Greek town. It is an ideal
place to stay on holiday, but even if you are staying in one of the other
holiday resorts on the island it is worth making a visit to the town one day
during your holiday for the shops, museums and atmosphere.
Some of it's many attractions are:
Shopping - The main shopping street is pedestrianised, and runs through the
middle of the town from the traffic lights (that don't work !) to the North
Harbour. The shops are not in any order, and you will find fish shops,
boutiques, cafes and electrical shops all side by side. Halfway along you
will find the town square, full of friendly cafes where you can sit and
watch the world go by.
Restaurants and Bars - A lot of these can be found at the North Harbour end
of the pedestrian street near the Hotel Nirikos, with it's fine views across
the Ionian Sea to the mountains of the mainland.
Yachting - Halfway between Corfu and Keffalonia, Lefkas Town provides one of
the calmest harbours in the Ionian. A new luxury marina has just been built.
Beaches - There are many kilometres of beautiful beaches to the north, east
and west of the town. They are easily reached by bicycle, which can be hired
cheaply locally. The beaches are pebble and shingle, and the water is very
clear. There are five windmills on the beaches west of town. The beach of
Aghios Ioannis is developing rapidly as the second windsurfing centre on the
island, after Vassiliki. With a car you can be at some of the most beautiful
beaches on the west coast in only 15 minutes.
Transport and Roads - Lefkas Town is a great place to stay if you like to
explore. There are good roads from here to all the resorts, beaches and
villages on the east and west coasts, and to Karya in the mountains. Preveza
Airport is only about 20 minutes away, and Athens is about 5 hours. Lefkas
Town is the centre of the public bus network, which goes to all parts of the
island.
Places to visit - Down the many little alleyways and streets you will find
interesting places to visit. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museums, the
Public Library, Phonograph Museum, Post Byzantine Art Gallery, and many
churches are all worth visiting. A little further out of town is the
impressive Frankish fortress of Ayia Mavra, which has defended the town
since the 14th century and is occasionally opened to the public. Above the
town, with beautiful views, is the peaceful monastery of Faneromeni.
Events and Festivals - For a town of it's size, Lefkada provides an
unbelievable amount and variety of entertainment throughout the year. In the
summer the Festivals of Literature and Art, and the International Festival
of Folklore and Dance, attract performers and spectators from all over the
world. World class Cycle Racing, Formula Three Speedboat Racing, and one of
the best Philharmonic orchestras in Greece, mean there is always something
to see.
LANTISWORLD
