Named after the white rocks that characterize the island’s southern cape, Lefkada – more commonly referred to as Lefkas – promises solitude without the price of distance. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, nearby Preveza, Corfu and Athens airport allow easy access to this holiday town. Lefkas is also a logical set-off point for an Ionian sailing adventure, conveniently poised between Corfu and Ithaca. To cater to growing demands for high-quality yachting facilities, newly built Lefkas Marina invites prospective sailors and casual boat-appreciators to explore the harbour front.
Where Lefkas’ open coastline often defends against Northern winter storms are pebbled and shingle-heavy beaches, combined with a lagoon to form The Gira strip. A finer, sandier alternative is the beach of Aghios Ioannis, whose long stretch of surfing paradise is interspersed with five abandoned windmills. But it is the flatter plains between the villages of Vassiliki and Ponti that embodies the coast-facing spaces of Lefkas; rolling greens and rocky beaches that set a contrast to the crystal clear waters where windsurfers and catamarans preside.
Town offerings range from the more commercial to laid-back, but all sharing the friendly and cheery vibe that pervades Lefkas Island. With restaurants that ride right up to the edge of the shore and family-run taverns decorating the back-alleys, visitors are spoilt for choice. For quieter day-to-day itineraries, why not rent a bicycle and cruise around coastal tracks? Buses are also available to take you into local villages settled in the mountains, where the ocean is a sparkling display.
While May promises a balance of sun and soothing winds, summer months are best for sailing as chances of rain are low. Cool off in the sea when temperatures hit above 30℃; it is a good compromise between brow-beating heat and refreshing dives.
