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Home > Greece > The Greek Islands > Lefkas

Your holiday in Lefkas

The unspoilt and truly exquisite Greek Island of Lefkas is brimming with traditional charm and villa holiday appeal. Huge white rocks form an intense landscape which is softened by an array of lush green valleys, clear blue waters and stunning long sandy beaches. The low-lying east coast of Lefkas is home to an abundance of leisure facilities and picturesque views, while the rugged cliffs, rocky coves and beautifully exposed shorelines of the west are a magnet for the more adventurous.

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Map of Lefkas

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On the beach

A variety of beautiful beaches line the Lefkas coastline - some sand and others pebble. The east coast is sheltered and pretty with pine and olive trees to the waters edge. While the west – rugged and open – promises azure sea and fabulous stretches of sand, many only reachable by boat. Whether you’re looking for a mile-long main beach, a smaller family-friendly bay or a romantic secluded cove on your villa holiday, the Lefkas shoreline has something for everyone. Waterfront tavernas and beachside cafés are also found in most main summer holiday resorts.

Local cuisine

Tavernas can be found in every resort, offering fish and meat meze – a traditional way of sampling all the Greek Island flavours at one sitting. As to be expected, locally-caught fresh seafood is an excellent dish in Lefkas. Wind down at an outdoor table, sip on an ouzo and enjoy the reasonable prices that the island has to offer. All of the restaurants in Lefkas offer home cooked local dishes and most cater superbly for those on a family holiday. A wider variety of international restaurants can also be found in larger villa holiday resorts.

Hints of history

Once separated by a canal, a swing-bridge now links the island of Lefkas to the ancient and beautiful region of western Greece. On a villa holiday here, you can enjoy all the benefits of a Greek Island atmosphere but with easy driving access to the mainland. Here, a wealth of amphitheatres, historical sites and monuments are open for all to explore. Several museums look back at Lefkas’ history and culture through the ages, and much of the local heritage is retained to this day with traditional costumes, cuisine and pastimes.

Outdoor pursuits

Known as the sailing holiday capital of the Ionian, you can expect to see flotillas of yachts passing through and mooring up in Lefkas every day. For those with nautical leanings, instructors are on hand to teach you how to sail your own vessel. Regular boat trips ferry passengers to neighbouring Greek Islands, often accompanied by friendly and inquisitive dolphins hitching a ride on the wake. Lefkas has also become a haven for leisure activities like windsurfing, cycling, hiking and swimming.

Our resorts and villas

Map of Lefkas

Our Best of James range

James recommends

Visit Porto Katsiki beach in the south west to marvel at its sheer white cliffs and idyllic, beautiful bay surroundings
Go walking or mountain biking between inland villages for alpine views – a good place to start is Karya, the island’s centre for lace and weaving
Sample the delicious seafood in the pretty little harbour of Syvota, in the south of the island and watch the boats sail by...
Drive to mainland Greece in an hour, and visit the Necromanteion of Ephyra – the legendary gate of Hades – which is close to the bustling port of Parga
Hire a boat at Nidri to explore the local islets, then moor up in your own secluded bay for a spot of lunch