LEFKADA’S HISTORY //

Lefkada owns its name to the white (leukos in Greek) rocks that characterize the southern part of the island, the cape of Lefkata. The name of Lefkada was first given to the town and then to the entire island.

According to mythology, the poetess Sappho threw herself to the sea from these white rocks because she wasn’t able to endure the torture of her love for Phaon. Corinthians colonised the island during the 7th century BC and built the new town of Lefkas and started the construction of the canal that separates Lefkada from the mainland in 650 BC, turning Lefkada into an island.

LEFKAS town is found at the northernmost tip of the island of Lefkada and was hit by earthquakes in 1948, 1953, 1971, and recently in 2004. The result is a quaint, if odd, architectural style of brightly painted houses often topped with wood and corrugated iron to mitigate any more seismic shocks.

A series of fortresses along the causeway approach testify to the island's strategic importance in the past. The main fortress at SANTA MAVRA was built in the 13th century by Giovanni Orsini and has been extensively altered by Venetians, Turks and , most of all, by earthquakes and an accidental powder explosion in 1888 which reduced many buildings to rubble.

The island is very green. The southwestern section of Lefkada is covered with small pine trees. Many cypress, oaks and plane trees are to be found elsewhere. You will also discover very rare and beautiful kinds of plant life (peregrina and mascula). The watery biotope of its salt lake plays host to many of the feathered inhabitants of the island where they can be admired: herons, swans, wild ducks and wild geese among them.

The hot summer is moderated by the breezes which cool it and keep it dry. Lefkada is also suitable for winter holidays because it is mild. Ice and snow are rare though rain is more common.

The intoxicating Greek summer is full of sun and salty air, golden sand beaches both for the few and the many. There are leeward coves, anchorages suitable for sail boats and open tranquil bays along with beaches under the imposing shadow of sheer cliffs. The water is crystal clear and shifts from deep blue to emerald. Pefkoulia, Ayios Nikitas, Kathisma, Mylos, Egremni and Porto Katsiki are to the west. Vasiliki Bay and Ayiofili to the south. Gyra and Ai Yiannis to the north and to the east Nikiana, Nydri, Vlychos and Mikros Gialos. Lefkada spreads its countless marine beauties before you. All you have to do is choose. Everyday something different!