It would be hard to think of a Greek island that isn't gorgeous. They sparkle in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas and the Sea of Crete with gleaming white buildings trimmed in blue, friendly locals in tavernas and lots of fresh seafood.
Lefkada is in the Ionian Sea off Greece's west coast. It is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge giving easy access. Once part of the mainland, the Corinthians dug a channel in the seventh century to protect themselves from attack, resulting in the beautiful island.
It has beautiful beaches and the town's architecture was created in response to generations of earthquakes. Solid stone foundations built close together have made buildings shake-proof, and upper levels of corrugated iron make it unique and colourful.
With an area of 350 square kilometres, the best way to get around is by car and there are plenty of ports to visit, including Lefkada, Nikiana, Perigiali and Nidri.
From Nidri you have views to Skorpios, owned by the Onassis family. It is where Aristotle Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy, and in true Greek-tragedy style, he and his two children are buried there. It is owned by his granddaughter, Athina, who according to locals, has visited only once.
The resort of Vasiliki is a windsurfing centre and has ferry services to Kefalonia and Ithaca. To the south is Cape Lefkada where the renowned Greek poet Sappho allegedly leapt to her death. The island is also linked to other Greek myths including Aphrodite, the goddess of love and Odysseus, the hero of Homer's epic. German archaeologists claim to have evidence that Lefkada was, in fact, Homer's Ithaca.
The town of Lefkada is a maze, built to confuse invading pirates. Tourists today experience the same fate, but there are many worse things than being lost on a Greek island!
Porto Katsiki on Lefkada's west coast is one of Europe's most outstanding beaches. It has clear, green-blue water and white sand beneath steep cliffs. It's a bit of a climb but it's a place once visited that will never be forgotten.
Karya is a beautiful village in the north-central part of Lefkada. It has delightful traditional architecture and is home to Karsanika hand-made embroidery found nowhere else in the world.
Meganisi Island on the eastern side of Lefkada has three villages — Spartohori, Katomeri and Vathi. It is a step back to the past with many old traditions and habits. While the 1500 islanders have a modern way of life, they grow and harvest grapes and olives and make oil in the traditional way. The island has mountain walking paths with wonderful views, great beaches and crystal waters. It is the place to go for relaxation and experiencing old Greek traditions.
Location
Lefkada Island, off the west coast of Greece and a five-hour drive from Athens.
Cost
Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre has four-day Lefkada packages out of Athens. Accommodation, breakfast and five days' car rental are included and prices start at $377 per person, twin share.
Emirates has flights to Athens.
Fares from:
- Perth $2835
- Melbourne $2863
- Brisbane $2873
- Sydney $2881
- Adelaide $3504
Valid for travel between August 03, 2008 and April 30, 2008. Conditions apply.
Prices correct at July 31, 2008.
For further information
Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre
Suite 2, 644 Botany Road
Alexandria NSW 2015
Ph: (02) 9313 4633
Fax: (02) 9313 4475
www.greecemedtravel.com
Greek National Tourism Organisation
Level 3, 37-49 Pitt Street
Sydney 2000
Ph: (02) 9241 1663
Fax: (02) 9241 2499
www.gnto.gr
Emirates
Ph: 1300 303 777
www.emirates.com
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