L e f k a s
A visitor’s guide

The island is also known as Levkas, Lefkada, Leucada and Leucade 
It may be helpful if you download this page for later study - you can always - come back later.

A wide selection of accommodation is offered from :

The nearest airport is Preveza Airport [PVK] now known as Aktion where it is truly sited.
Depending on the taxi [!] or bus driver the airport is some 20 minutes from Lefkas Town, 45 minutes from Nidri, and some 75 minutes from Vassiliki.     If you're 'flight only', book a taxi in advance

Aktion airport is also a NATO airfield and officials are a little ‘stuffy’ regarding the taking of photos so ‘be warned’ ! 
Presently, there are three public phone-card type telephones and one credit card phone
The airport boasts of two snack bars, toilets, one international conveyor belt [for international travellers – impossible to see when passengers crowd around - and a departure lounge with seating that caters for all passengers – well, nearly ! 
There is no money exchange but just as the privilege was abolished, a Duty Free Shop was opened !
Do not expect public transport and at times, there can be an occasional shortage of taxis so - pre-book 

In the high season, there’s domestic flights to/from Athens several times per week - you even get to use their own conveyor belt!
The terminal building is being rebuilt so expect a beautiful new airport for summer 2001 2002 – if it’s opened on time !
Book here

If you wish to self cater and rather than be out testing the many taverna or restaurants, there's a wide variety of foods available in most resorts and what can be bought in the UK supermarkets can usually be found here.
However, of the perishables and whilst there's a wide variety of cheeses, bacon and sausage tend to be 'continental' produced !
Fortunately, there's even fish and chips !
A wide variety of self catering apartments and studios are available at competitive rates in the main resorts of :

There can be accommodation problems at peak times so it is wise to reserve in advance. 

The lovely little village of Athani on the west coast, is perched high on the hills above the sea.
To get to some of the best beaches on this side of Lefkas, such as Egremni, Gialos and Porto Katsiki, you need to pass through Athani with its several friendly tavernas, is a good place to stop for lunch
Towards the end of the summer you will many locals selling freshly produced totally organic thyme honey and wine from roadside stalls. 

Mainly located in Lefkas town the banks opening times are generally 09.00 - 13.30. 
There is one bank and two cash machines in Nidri but it's usually more convenient to use the local travel agencies for money exchange.
Try here

There's a wide range of bars available in the main tourist areas, from old fashioned Greek coffee shops [Kafeneio] to late night music bars and nightclubs. 
There's no set opening and for the 'night owls', they'll be pleased to note there's no set closing times.

As with most islands in the Ionian, the east and west coasts of Lefkas are exact opposites.
The east coast is calm and sheltered, usually gently shelving, with stoney/shingle beaches but no strong currents
The sea warms up quickly during the summer and September is pleasant indeed. 
The main resorts and beaches on the east coast are

The west coast on the other hand, faces the open sea. 
The beaches of course sand with pebbles at the waterline and steep shelving, tend to be spectacular, with clear water backed by cliffs. 
The conditions can change rapidly from perfect calm to crashing waves, with occasional strong currents - so caution must be exercised especially with children! 
Nevertheless, the west coast offers kilometers of the most beautiful abandoned beaches you will ever see, even in the middle of the summer season - something that you really shouldn't miss. 
Some of the best are

North of Lefkas town is area is known as the Gira comprising of a tongue of land having miles of pebble beaches with a few abandoned windmills and easily accessed by road

The south coast of Levkas has two well known but rather stoney bays at

Although nudism is accepted ONLY on the more remote ends of all west coast beaches [but not Porto Katsiki or Kathisma], the female form shorn of any upper clothing is becoming more common to see in the Germanic and Scandanavan - we British are a little more coy !

A popular way of exploring the local area is on a bicycle.
For the enthusiast and strong at heart, there are some spectacular routes inland and down the west coast 
Mountain biking in the rugged interior, is increasing in popularity with some tour operators now offering a specialised mountain bike guiding service. 
For the mature visitor and the amateur, there are very pleasant cycle rides along the more level roads running from Nidri to the waterfalls as well as around to the Geni Peninsular.
The ride to the church of Agia Kiriaki is also very pleasant
For the more serious Mountain Biker who wants to hire high quality equipment on Lefkas
During the Summer of 2000, there were two amateur and one professional cycle races held on Levkas.

Buses run from Lefkas town to most parts of the Island. 
Services down the east coast are generally quite good during the holiday season, but to more remote areas there may be only one bus per day. 
There are very few buses during the siesta [14.00 - 17.00]

The best way to really see Levkas is by car 
The roads have been greatly improved the last few years [thanks to EU funding] and it is now possible to get to most of the best places in a standard car - although you will still have to get used to pretty sharp hairpin bends!
Book here

Believe it or not, Nidri has an open air cinema, that is open in July and August, showing a different film each day.

Credit cards are widely accepted now by the larger businesses, but keep some cash just in case! 
There are cash machines in Nidri and Lefkas town which accept the major cards if you can remember your PIN number!
You can also get cash advances at banks and exchange bureaux, but they will make a surcharge.
The currency is the drachma but will go for ever in the change to the euro in 2002.

Currency exchange is available in banks [Levkas town only] and many bureaux in the main resorts.  Try  here

Cash and travellers' cheques accepted. 
If you’re desperate, your credit cards can be used to obtain cash – at a premium! 
REMEMBER, there’s no exchange office at Aktion Airport so take some out with you if you need a taxi!

As well as Levkas hospital that covers most emergencies [telephone 0645 25371/25377], many doctors work privately out of their own surgeries with the majority in Lefkas Town.  Local private doctors have clinics in all the major resorts.
For Nidri, Dr Vrailas has a surgery near the church, and can usually be found most evenings Monday to Saturday after six o’clock in the evenings and up to 10.30. 
Tel. [0645] 92414 or mobile 094 319518

Serious cases may be transferred to Preveza, Ioannina or even Athens.
Fortunately, EEC citizens may be treated free of charge on production of an E111 form, but be prepared for plenty of paperwork !
It is probably more wise to have good travel insurance. 

Dolphins are seen most frequently in spring and late summer and as well as being friendly, often appear alongside boats on the east coast
Do not get too near and if you're in a boat remember the propeller can cause them serious, if not fatal, damage
S w i t c h  e n g i n e s  O F F !

The EC standard of 220 v AC is available [when there’s no power cuts although these are getting more rare] but you’ll need the two round pin continental/American style plugs although adapters can be readily found.

Emails may be sent or collected from the Aeolos Bar on Nidri’s high street. 
Their email address is aeolos_bar@hotmail.com

Local ferries run from Levkas to :

More distant ferries running to Italy may be found at :

International charter flights arrive several week days per from various European countries including, of course, the UK
One way seats on charter flights can be booked here in Nidri's high street next to the Aeolos Bar and they are usually confirmed within six days before the date of travel.
There are often last minute and bargain seats to Aktion and Greece.

Men and women’s hairdressers may be found in most of the tourist areas and whilst the men can get away with a warm water wash [unless they've been out there for 'yonks'], it can be a very useful service for the ladies - it always seems to make them happier!

Siesta time is roughly between 2 and 6pm so don’t expect to find many shops open [It explains why it’s common [to us north Europeans] to see young children up so late in the evening]

Dorpfeld, Anthony & Cleopatra, Turks, Venetians, Ulysses and even we knights in shining armour turfing out the Turks, are all part of Lefkas history
It’s best to buy a book, find a nice cosy spot, keep the Vino Collapso to hand and do a little swotting

If you’ve a sailing boat or can board one, and if you are stark staring raving mad, join the Ionian Regatta claimed to be the main event on the sailing calendar in this part of the Mediterranean. 
It’s a spectacular event not to be missed, held to the pitiful cries of ‘Starboard’ and with getting on for some 200 yachts belting down the Meganisi Channel, around Arkoudi island, and finishing up in Sivota where all Hell breaks loose.
Usually held in the third week of September.

If you need a friendly boatyard to look after your boat in winter then try Vliho tucked up in a very safe bay away from most winter gales.

If you need engine maintenance or repairs, try Takis who gives a service of excellence.
as well as work involving other minor and major attention to yachts.

The second largest village on the Island is Karia and is the centre of arts and crafts on Lefkas
It has an interesting museum run by Theo and there are several small craft shops selling locally produced embroidery, needlework and rugs. 
Karia is also the source of 'Brenda's World Famous Toasted Sandwiches'. 
You'll find her in Karya Village Square creating toasties at the Cafe Bar Pierros complete with black chairs and round tables

An Irishman by the name of Lefkadio Hearn, was alleged to be born on Lefkas in 1850, but gained fame by becoming one of Japan's most highly respected writers and poets

The weather in Lefkas is usually very kind but now an again, a very strong wind can blow and yachts run to the nearest port or shelter for a couple of days.

A busy working town, Lefkas is full of little alleyways and side streets and for shopping, best visited in the morning or evening i.e. not during siesta 
Little shops selling anything from fresh fish to ladders and postcards are to be found in the main street. 
There’s a great deal of exciting nightlife in Lefkas town

The nearest large island to Levkas is Meganissi and may be found off the east coast and about 20 minutes away from Nidri. 
The three most significant villages are Spartohori, Vathy and Katomeri – all within walking distance of each other.

Nidri sometimes spelt Nydri is the largest resort on Levkas, with all the facilities you would expect, but very relaxed and friendly.  
A few minutes walk will take you out of the resort to quiet and cool olive groves, tiny local tavernas, quieter beaches or the waterfalls. 
Hire a motorboat for a few hours' spin around the little offshore islands such as Madouri or the Onassis island of Skorpios - the sea is usually as flat as a lake but watch out for the dolphins !
Click here for a full description of Nidri and other resorts complete with pictures or if you need a map, click here

Nightclubs are not so sophisticated as those in other European resorts but make up by being quite friendly and very informal and in high season, they can be 'packed out'

If you’re unfortunate enough to lose property, then you’ll need a police station located in Lefkas town, Vlycho [2km south of Nidri and where there’s a good boat yard], and Vassiliki if you are to obtain a Police Report for insurance purposes. 
However, a Declaration Form in Greek is required but they may be obtained from a stationers’ shop. 
Don't forget your passport! 
If in doubt, Athos Travel or George Kourtis in Nidri can help.

Whilst there is a post office in Nidri, opposite the church, [although it’s often better to purchase stamps at the same time you buy your postcards, the main Post Office is on Stratigoumela, the pedestrian street in Lefkas town. 
The postcode for Lefkada is 31100.

Even though you may be Catholic or Protestant, you’ll only find Greek Orthodox churches. Even so, you should be able to follow the service

Taken by the area ?
Now looking for your own place in the sun?
Or a plot of land with fabulous views where to build your own dream home?
Alternatively, a little stone cottage in a traditional Greek village, in need of a little TLC and attention ?
How do you go about it ?

You’ll find that the main tourist resorts cater for all tastes with its many restaurants having in addition to Greek, Italian, Chinese, Indian and International cuisines all very competitive prices. 
But sample the local traditional grill and fish tavernas.

Lefkas is the most popular sailing area in the Ionian with several charter companies based in Nidri and Lefkas town. 
Although one/two week flotilla holidays are usually booked from home, if you’re finding difficulty email us so we can put you in touch with some of the local companies. 
Why not be different and take a three day sailing course in Nidri
Or hire a dinghy for a few days

An exhilarating experience in the warm, clear Ionian Sea whether a novice or expert is scuba diving.
You'll be well looked after

The Onassis family’s private island is in clear sight of Nidri where swimming is allowed from two of its beaches
Many of the local boat trips stop here for a few minutes.

Telephone connection to/from Greece is far better these days but your ‘roaming’ mobile phone is probably more convenient on the beach or in some of the more 'out-of-the-way' places.
Aeolos Bar on the Nidri’s main street offers email and Internet facilities whilst next door at here, there’s an fax facility
Public telephones use phone cards that may be bought from local shops
Alternatively, 'pay on meter' can be found at travel agencies and cigarette kiosks.  All day Sunday and after 10 pm are the cheap rate times.

There are a number of tour operators who arrange packages and flight-only seats from the UK to Levkas - try here

Lefkas is at the northern end of a minor earthquake zone in the southern Ionian where one normally experiences two or three minor tremors each summer.
They’re usually quite small and not noticed if drinking vino collapso but pay attention if you hear the cry of ‘Siesmo’ !

An increasingly popular activity on Lefkas, especially during early and late in the season when the weather is ideal, is walking and it is becoming increasingly popular for such specialised clubs
Like many islands in the Ionian, Lefkas is beautiful and green, with a great variety of scenery
If you are in Nidri, a walk to the waterfalls for a swim in the cool clear mini-lake is a popular way of spending more than a few hours
There’s little doubt that Lefkas is a wonderful place for walking, whether you like rugged mountains, a sweeping coastline and headlands, or just a gentle amble through the olive groves

Vassiliki – a little village and port popular for yachts with its sheltered harbour- is the most southerly resort on Lefkas, and although quiet in the low season, transforms rapidly into one of Europe's most popular windsurfing Mecca's. 
Mid summer with the local breeze [here known as ‘Eric’], brings out hundreds of brightly coloured windsurfers flying across the sea and the sight is quite breathtaking. 
Summer sees Vassiliki as the landing point for a ferry from Cepholonia [Fiscardo]

Like many mountains in Greece, Lefkas are of limestone with much of the water coming from springs and wells. 
Whilst bottled water is readily available from shops and in tavernas, unless you’re very sensitive the local water is perfectly acceptable.

Windmills can be found all over Lefkas and as in the UK, some are being renovated.

The local wine, both red and white, is Vertzamo and it's quite good! 
Very little of it manages to get off the Island so if you develop a taste for it, it’s best to take some home with you.
Aeolos Bar’s ‘vino collapso’ is another local offering that has the strange capacity of tasting better and better as glasses are consumed !

FINALLY
We trust that this guide proves useful but we need your help to make it even better
Please email us with any criticisms or suggestions