Lefkada - My photos

	*My Photos* - Summer 2011 & 13 'Greek Island Lefkada'

copyright © www.kifissiameteo.gr

Lefkada, also known as Lefkas or Levkas, is one in the group of the Eptanisa or “Seven-Islands” in the Ionian Sea in Western Greece.

Considered as the Caribbean of Greece, Lefkada island amazes visitors with the exotic blue colour of its beaches. Connected to the mainland through a small bridge, Lefkada can actually be accessed by car, so there is no need for ferry. This is the perfect place for families, couples and large groups of friends, as it has something for everyone.

The beaches, on the western coast of Lefkada Greece, distinguish for the wonderful colour and the impressive landscape, particularly Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. Around the island, visitors can find lovely villages with fish taverns by the sea and surrounded by lush greenery. Nidri, Vassiliki, Sivota, the Town and Agios Nikitas are beautiful places with special character each one. Admittedly, the coastal towns of Nydri and Vassiliki – where large bays and consistently blustery winds attract droves of watersports fanatics – have seen some (mostly sympathetic) developments, but the majority of the island, including the sleepy villages of the Sfakiotes region, and the gorgeous former capital of Karya, has retained its authentic character. Traditional village life, centred around the local "kafenio", continues, almost unchanged in more than a century.

Photos taken by me during July - August 2011 & 2013 vacations. I LOVE this Island!!!
Click on each image to enlarge.

Agios Nikitas village

- Agios Nikitas village, also known as 'Aghios Nikitas', is a beautiful destination and is the only village at sea level on the West coast of Lefkada.

MAP OF LEFKADA ISLAND

Porto Katsiki beach

- Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada Island is one of the most beautiful Greek beaches. It is also in the top of the list of best beaches in Europe each year. It is situated 40 kilometers southwest of Lefkada Town, the island’s capital city. Porto Katsiki beach looks truly fascinating surrounded by incredible hills which make it accessible only by 80 steep steps descending along the cliff. This is one of the most favorite beaches and it is considered to be one of the island’s major attractions. Porto Katsiki owes its fame to fascinating landscape and most of all, crystal clear blue sea. Golden sandy beach adds a beauty to the overall impression of Porto Katsiki.

The Geni or Yeni peninsula

- The Geni or Yeni peninsula in Lefkas wraps around Vlicho Bay and lies directly opposite the busy main Lefkas resort of Nidri. The Geni peninsula is considered the more 'exclusive' area of Nidri, backed by dense wooded hills and dotted with luxury villas and upmarket waterfront tavernas. The east side of the Geni peninsula has views across to Meganissi and the other satellite islets while the west side faces Nidri and encloses the large bay of Vlicho.

Kathisma beach -Kathisma is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada located 15 km southeast of the main town, close to the village of Agios Nikitas. One of the longest beaches of Lefkada with fine white sand and sparkling waters of amazing turquoise color. The beach is surrounded by an idyllic mountain backdrop which offers a feeling of total isolation, despite the major tourist activity. It is a much preferred destination among young crowds. Here you can enjoy a refreshing swim and relaxing sunbathing. Kathisma is also an ideal destination for several water sports, and especially sky parachute. Plenty of sun beds and umbrellas cover the huge area and various accommodations are found closeby.

Gialos (Athani) beach -Gialos is one of the longest beaches of Lefkada located 35 km southwest of the main town. It doesn't get that crowded like most of the beaches of the island but it is equally beautiful with unique features. Part of it is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas but there are also some spots that provide total privacy. The beach is accessed through a narrow road from Athani village. There is a parking area and a nice cafeteria with view to the Ionian Sea.

Mikros Gialos beach

-The beach of Poros Mikros Gialos is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island of Lefkada, located 30 km south of the capital, nearby the village of Poros. The long sandy beach is boarded with crystal waters and has sun beds, umbrellas, taverns and snack bars.

Sivota

-Sivota is one of the most beautiful bays in Lefkada, located 32 km south of the capital town. The settlement lies around a blue crystalline cove amidst verdant hills and lush green forests overlooking the Ionian Sea. The lovely port of the village provides a safe shelter for private yachts and quite close is also the main beach.
Sivota is probably the most popular tourist resort in Lefkada. It is fairly quiet during the day and much more lively at night. The village is a much preferred destination for the yacht owners. Sivota hosts some gorgeous beaches with amazing waters and white sand, extremely famous for their breathtaking beauty and the wild background. Most of them though are accessed by boat. Along the small port of Sivota you will find some nice fish taverns and restaurants.

Pefkoulia beach

-Pefkoulia is an impressive large sandy beach located 10 km southwest of Lefkada Town ad close to the fishing village of Agios Nikitas. Considered as one of the best beaches of the island, the sea at Pefkoulia has a wonderful turquoise colour that attracts many visitors. Easily accessible and very popular, this beach can get overcrowded during summer. Some taverns can be found in the area.

Agiofili beach

-Agiofili beach is situated 38 km south of Lefkada Town and close to the village of Vassiliki. This is one of the clearest beaches in Lefkada with brilliant crystal waters and white soft sand. It is surrounded by white stone cliffs that create a beautiful setting and a feeling of seclusion. A nice trekking path connects Vassiliki with Agiofili. However, it is suggested to access the beach by a boat from Vassiliki. You will definitely enjoy this short trip.

Nidri (Nydri)

Nidri, also sometimes spelt Nydri, is the businest tourist destination on Lefkada island. Despite this it is still only a village, and keeps a lot of its village character. It is possible to walk from one end of Nidri to the other in not much more than 20 minutes.
At first sight Nidri looks a but untidy and poorly planned. It is certainly not an architect-designed tourist resort full of authentic character and charm. Many of the buildings along the main street are badly matched, pooly finished – and some are just ugly! The pavements are uneven, and impossible for disabled people to use. Nidri will never win any beauty competitions !
But give it time and you will see why almost everyone you speak to comes back to Nidri year after year. The locals are very friendly and work hard to keep their guests happy. Nidri’s numerous bars and restaurants are generally excellent, catering to every taste. And finally (as you can see in the photos) Nidri occupies one of the most stunning locations of any place you will ever visit. Everything is within easy reach; towering forested mountains, waterfalls, beaches and the crystal clear Ionian Sea.

Open Area of Nidri

Lakka Beach

- Lakka is a nice small beach of Lefkada with beautiful turquoise colour waters, where you can go only with a ship or yacht. Located on the East side of Geni Peninsula.

Vasiliki

- Vassiliki is one of the most cosmopolitan tourist resorts in Lefkada and is located on the south coast of the island just 38km from the capital. Lush vegetation and an extended beach with crystal clear waters make Vassiliki very attractive visitors.
  It lies at the top of a beautiful, wide bay, with a long pebbled beach world famous for its perfect windsurfing and sailing conditions. One of the best beaches on Lefkada it reaches right up to Pontisʼ gulf, and is renowned for its fast, demanding windsurfing – the wind coming up the bay in its valley creates perfect conditions. Water sports facilities, windsurfing clubs and dinghy sailing (with rentals) are all available on the western end of the beach.
  In the immediate area there is a wide range of accommodation options from smart hotels to simple rooms, villa rentals (many with pools), camping sites, tavernas, shops, cafes and modern bars. The beach also has some waterfront hotels that offer direct facilities for windsurfers.
  The small port of Vassiliki provides a fabulous haven for yachts and fishing craft and the commercial section also connects via car and foot passenger ferry with Vathi on Ithaca and Fiscardo on Kefalonia on a daily basis. Small tourist boats take visitors to Porto Katsiki and Agiofili beaches also depart from here.   Vassiliki is perfect for tourists. Here you’ll find many hotels, rooms to let, taverns and bars. It combines a quiet vacation enjoying nature, with the opportunity for entertainment. Excavations at Evgiros Chirospilia, have unearthed relics of the Paleolithic and Neolithic Age. According to the archaeological department, ancient structural remains are found in Vassilkisʼ valley. But systematic excavations have not started yet.   Due to the extraordinary local wind phenomenon, Vassiliki has become a world famous windsurfing destination. But it has managed to retain its unspoilt charm with chilled tavernas, cafes and bars lining the picturesque harbour.