The island of Lefkada is separated from the mainland only by a narrow and marshy strait. The fertile and hilly island of the Ionian archipelago can be reached via a bridge that was built in 1987 eliminating the need of the ferry. However one can get there by sea also with ferries leaving daily from Cephalonia and Ithaka. With a total surface of 302 kmsq and a maximum height of 1158m (Mount Elati), Lefkada has a huge variety of sceneries, beautiful beaches, olive groves, lemon and orange orchards and vineyards that produce excellent red wine. Although hit many times by earthquakes, Lefkada, the island’s chief town, has kept the Venetian character evident in the narrow paved streets and the small piazzas that appear suddenly. In front of the town, by the canal that separates the island from the mainland, the Castle of Saint Maura built by the Venetians in the 14th century stands high.
Outside the town, after driving through fishing villages, seaside resorts and small rural churches, at the southwest extremity the Lefkada drop that with its white cliffs gave the name to the island is spectacular. Leaving town south and driving along the scenic road on the eastern coast you’ll get to Nidri bay characterised by small islets covered with olive trees and cypresses. Proceeding in the same direction and driving slowly to enjoy the view from the vertical drops over Vliho bay and the inlet of Poros, you’ll get to Vassiliki a typical fishing village set in a large bay on the south coast. Driving back on the western coast past the Lefkada drop, which legend has it as the place from where the poet Sapphus jumped off to sea, and around Mount Elati, the beautiful beach of Agios Nikirita is worth a visit.
The island is geared towards tourism and has a variety of tourist facilities from hotels, resorts and self catering accommodation to restaurants, bars and water sports.