Lefkada ... the ‘mainland’ island
Lefkada is one of the very few Greek islands to be visited by ... car. Before becoming an island, Lefkada formed part of the coasts of Akarnania until the 6th century B.C. Nowadays it is shaped as an island, being separated from mainland Greece by this narrow canal. A floating bridge provides access to both sides. This along with the fact that it can be frequently
reached by ferry boats departing from other Ionian Islands as Zante, Ithaca and Kefalonia make Lefkada a very good base for trips and excursions to the Ionian Islands and western Greece. On foot inside the capital
Capital and port at the same time, the city of Lefkada welcomes visitors with its beautiful narrow streets, small squares, traditional houses, fine belfries and paved pedestrian streets. The medieval castle of Agia Mavra is the first thing that catches the eye when passing the bridge. Was built on the 13th century by the Sicilian Ioanni Orsini, to protect civilians from the pirates’ attacks and Turks later on. The fortress initially was built next to an artificial canal on an islet of the lagoon; later, both Venetians and Turks have added some pieces. The Archaeological, Folklore Museums and the Charamogleios Special Library of Lefkada (unique in the world) compose the image of an atmosphere, spread on every small paved alley (locally called ‘kantouni’) leading you into old neighbourhoods of which, in every corner, reveals the hidden aspects of the islands’ history and culture. Take a tour around the city and visit:
The Bosketo Park, which used to be a meeting point for the intelligentsia of the island. The pedestrian street along the coast with hangouts for young people, cafés and music bars. The Central Public Library which, among other things, possesses a collection of Post-Byzantine Eptanesian icons. The Charamogleios Special Library of Lefkada exhibiting rare books, gravures and maps and hosting an art hall, where contemporary painting and photography exhibitions take place. The Museum of Phonograph-Old Souvenirs, with exhibitions of old phonographs, old disks, decorative items-antiques, old banknotes, etc. The city’s lagoon where the proper seasons you can find herons, swans, geese and wild ducks. The wetlands of Megalos and Mikros Avlaimonas, two natural fish farms near the town. The four windmills in Gyra (initially were twelve) and in the small village Fryni (2km southwest), built on a slope with a beautiful view. The landscape of Lefkada
The island is surrounded by a total of 24 islets, including the renowned island of Scorpios, property of Aristotelis Onassis. You will find remarkable sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque settlements, green surroundings and wonderful beaches. Smaller or bigger caves, waterfalls water springs and pine forests are some of the mainland’s beauties.
