Lefkada, on the northeast coast of Greece is the fourth largest island in the Ionian group. Still widely referred to as Lefkas, the island's older name derives from Leucas (“white”) from the white cliffs of the southwesterly point, Cape Lefkatas.
The island is now connected to the mainland by two long causeways and, between them, a mobile bridge. Near the bridge is the formidable Santa Maura (Agia Mavra) castle built during the 13th Century, one of four fortresses which guard the navigable channel - the others are Grivas (NE mainland), Agios Georgios (SE mainland) and the tiny, Russian-built Alexandros (SW). For many centuries the entire island was known as Santa Maura.
The main town, also called Lefkada, is at the northeastern tip of the island, where the access road from the mainland comes in. The main street is now more or less pedestrianized and very pleasant. To the northwest of town is a large lagoon partly surrounded by a sandspit with beaches on the outside.
MEGANISI
From the quayside in Nydri, daily ferries run to the small island of Meganisi (see the www.meganisi.gr website for timetables). The shape of this island is hard to describe, but a reversed comma is perhaps the simplest, about 6.5km wide, but with a long, narrow 6.5km tail. There are three main settlements: Spartohori, Katomeri and Vathy. Due to the lack of traffic, the island's main roads can provide opportunities for relaxing walking with pleasant views. The main vehicle to watch out for is the island's minibus which provides a regular service between the three villages, plus the port at Spartohori.
HISTORY
From the 7th Century BC, the island was ruled by the Korinthians, who had a connecting bridge at the site of the ancient town of Leucas, some 3km south of present-day Lefkás Town.
Following the island's conquest by the Macedonians, it was ruled successively by:
The Friends of the Ionian is a registered not-for-profit membership organization working for sustainable tourism in the Ionian island region. See their website for detailed information on many aspects of the islands' environment and heritage.
For extensive general information on Lefkada and many other Greek islands, see Greek Island Postcards.
Lance Chilton and Marengo 2010
Marengo, 17 Bernard Crescent, Hunstanton PE36 6ER, England