the island
The island of Lefkada, is on the west coast of Greece, one of the seven Ionian islands rich in history and age-old tradition. Here, it is believed that Homer set the "Odyssey" and it was there that the poetess Sappho had her unfortunate love affair with Phaon, ending with her leap from one of the island's white cliffs where the temple of Apollo stood, and where nature can be seen in all its beauty.
It is unique amongst the other islands because is separated from the mainland of Greece by a 25m channel with a movable swing bridge that carries a road, thus easily connected with the main road nets to the airport (18 km), Preveza (21km), other major cities and Athens (360km)
the places around
Lefkada town
With its own unique architecture found everywhere in the main Doerpfeld street and the side streets. Τhere is a very interesting collection to be found in the archaeological museum, as well as a precious post byzantine art picture gallery in the building of the public library. There are wonderful old churches including: Aghios Spiridonas, Agh. Nikolaos, Pantokratoras, Agh. Minas etc. with unique pieces of woodcarving & icons. Along the seafront you will find the best taverns and restaurants (MOLOS, KIMA, THIMARI and MARGARITA'S). The closest beaches (2 km) & amongst the best in the island, is Agios Ioannis, Gyra & Kastro. Pergola & Anthea Rossa are 6km & the Old House is 14 km distant from the town.
the main square
coffee shops at the seaside
Lygia
is only 900m. away from Pergola & Anthea Rossa directly on the sea side and beautiful beaches. Has a small harbour, ideal also for bigger boats, and a big selection of very good seafood tavernas, mini markets, groceries, bakeries, petrol stations and other smaller shops. Try the special Stifado receipe at the Kanioria Taverna and the spinach pies at the Kalos bakery.
the small port
Lygia beach
Katouna
is the nearest village to Pergola & Anthea Rossa, at only two minute drive away or a short 10 min. walk (600 m). This small traditional village may be the most well preserved in the island with wonderfully restored old houses and best views of the magnificent countryside. Enjoy the Lefkadian local cuisine at the picturesque Collocas taverna, on the small square of the village.
Katouna village
taverna in the small square
Karya
is a beautiful village in the center of the island, just 1 km away from Pigadissani and the Old House. Is famous for the colourful hand woven carpets & precious embroideries as well as for the very good climate during the hot months of July and August. Enjoy a nice meal at Eleni's & other taverns at the main square covered by the thick shadow of superb sycamore trees.
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Pigadissani
is a traditional old village next to Karya named so after the many water wells and basins (in greek: "Pigadi") once in the area, located on the central hilltops of Lefkada. It is surrounded of fields, cypress forests and olive groves and is home of trails for walking across a wonderful countryside with desert old monasteries, as Aghios Ioannis Theologos & Kokkini Eklissia, and worth seeing preserved settlements as Alexandros & Kiafa.
The famous beaches of Agios Nikitas, Kathisma & Milos are only 7-11 km from the Old House .
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the main square in Karia
view of the village
useful guide
activities
Sailing
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The number of visitors enjoying the beauties of Lefkada by sail boat grows each year. The modern marina of Lefkada, can host 620 boats.
The island of Lefkada holds many pleasant surprises for the modern explorer, with its magnificent bays, traditional fish villages and its white sandy beaches accessible only by boat.
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For more information click here.
Sailing in Meganisi
View of Kathisma bay
Paragliding - Paramotor Trike
Everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the thrills of this beautiful landscape from the air via a tandem flight. Flying over lefkada's turquoise waters is guaranteed to be a unique experience. It will give you a bird’s eye view of this stunning cosmopolitan Ionian island. The entire West Coast of the island can be flown. Popular lanch site in Lefkada : Exanthia ( 10 km from the Old House 25 km from villas Pergola & Anthea Rossa ).
For more information click here & here.
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Diving
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The underwater paradise world of Lefkada, offers unforgettable experiences to the lovers of diving.
Seated in Nikiana, Nydri and Vasiliki, organised Diving centres are operating in Lefkada, arranging diving excursions. The diving centres offer all the diving opportunities with an escort of qualified divers and specialities: First dive, discover scuba, diving of any kind, first aid lessons.
For more information click here.
Water sports in Vassiliki
Water sports
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16 km from the town of Lefkada, in cosmopolitan Nydri, you can find a well organised Water Sports Centre, with experience and complete modern equipment. You can learn waterskiing, paragliding over Skorpios island and try your efficiency in “puffy sports” like fly-fish, banana, crazy sofa, big mable etc.
On the south of the Island,lies the bay of Vassiliki, which is a surfers’ paradise with “lakelike conditions” during the whole day, ideal for water skiing and wake board.
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For more information click here.
Windsurfing - Kitesurfing
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Lefkada is among the best Greek islands for kite surfing and windsurfing. Particularly the beaches of Agios Ioannis and Vassiliki are the ideal places for these two wind sports. The afternoon is the best time for kite surfing and windsurfing as the wind blows to the right direction. If you don’t know how to surf, there are sports centres on the island that rent equipment and offer courses for all ages.
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For more information click here.
Kite surfing in Agios Ioannis beach
Mountain Bike
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The island offers best mountain bike experience. Lefkada is full of green colours with high mountains and scenic villages, magical pathways…
You can find many organised clubs all over the island. In the town of Lefkada, Nydri and Vassiliki, there are many bike rentals where you can find the necessary equipment for riding around.
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For more information click below:
Riding
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In the plain of Vasiliki and in the olive grove of Lefkada’s town, you can find riding schools, offering unforgettable horse rides.
There are places for riding at the valley of Vassiliki and Aghios Petros to Aghios Ioannis Rodaki, the lake of Marantochori, the area of Roupakia etc.
You could also ride to the beautiful pathways over the church of Aghios Ioannis Antzousis in the area of Aghios Ioannis next to the town of Lefkada.
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For more information click here.
Horse riding at Gira beach
Walking rides
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The mountainous area of Lefkada is full of canyons, springs, rich vegetation, rare flowers and scenic pathways ideal for long walks and excursions in the nature.
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Please click here to download the full walking guide.
Waterfalls in Dimosari in Nidri