A-Z
Guide
An alphabetical guide to
lefkas, Greece. (The greek ionian island of lefkas is also known as levkas
, lefkada , leucade and leucada ). Loads of links to take you to where you
want to go. There's a lot here, so you may want to download it and come
back later.
Accommodation.
A wide selection of accommodation is available all over
Levkas, from simple greek village rooms and self catering studios to air conditioned
hotels and apartments. No high rise tower blocks though - buildings on
levkas are
only allowed to a maximum of three floors! For help finding accommodation
on lefkas, go to the Accommodation section.
Airport.
The nearest airport to Lefkas is Preveza Airport (
PVK ).
Approximately 30 minutes drive from Lefkada Town, 45 minutes from Nidri,
60 minutes from Parga, and 75
minutes from Vassiliki. Small and sometimes very busy,
the new building is just being completed this summer. It is also a NATO
airfield - therefore no photos can be taken here. Facilities: three public
telephones (phone cards required), one credit card phone, two snack bars,
toilets, two conveyor belts, and one
departure lounge with seating for almost one flight. No money
exchange. A new Duty Free Shop was opened in June 1999 - just as Duty Free
was abolished in Greece and the rest of the EEC! The Duty Free shop in the new
terminal building should be open soon. No public transport to speak of, and an
occasional shortage of taxis so best to pre-book if you can ( click HERE
for Airport Taxis). There is a domestic Olympic flight to/from Athens
airport several times
per week high season - see FLIGHTS
in the Transport section for details.
Apartments.
A wide variety of self catering apartments and studios are
available in the main resorts of Nydri, Vasiliki, Aghios Nikitas and Lefkas Town at good rates. Accommodation can be scarce at peak times during the
summer, so it is best to reserve in advance. See the ACCOMMODATION
section.
Athani.
A lovely traditional greek village on the West Coast, perched high on the
hills above the sea. Pass through here on the way to some of the best
beaches on the West Coast of Greece, such as Egremni, Gialos and Porto Katsiki. (For
more about beaches, go down to the Beaches section on this page). Athani
is a good place to stop for lunch, as there are several friendly tavernas.
Towards the end of the summer you will see lots of the locals out selling
freshly produced thyme honey and wine from roadside stalls. Totally
organic and an excellent souvenir.
Banks.
Mainly located in Lefkada Town. Opening times generally
09.00 - 13.30. There are two banks and five cash machines in Nydri. It
is usually more convenient to use the local travel agencies for money exchange.
Bars.
A wide range of bars are available in the main tourist areas,
from old fashioned Greek coffee shops (Kafeneio) to late night music bars and
nightclubs. There are no set opening or closing times.
Beaches.
The East and West coasts of Lefkas are exact opposites.
The East coast is calm and sheltered, usually gently shelving, with pebbly/shingly
beaches. There are no strong currents, the sea warms up quickly during the
summer, and can be like bath water by September. Generally good for
children. The main resorts and beaches on the East coast are Kariotes, Lygia,
Nikiana, Perigialli, Nidri, Vlicho and Geni (Yeni). There is also a
beach at Dessimi
Bay.
The West coast is open sea. The beaches tend to be spectacular, with clear
water and backed by cliffs. They are generally course sand, with pebbles
at the waterline. The beaches also tend to be steeply shelving. The
conditions can change rapidly from perfect calm to crashing waves, with
occasional strong currents - so caution should be exercised! Having said
that, the West coast of Levkas offers miles of some 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 Porto
Katsiki, Egremni, Gialos, Kalamitsi, Kathisma, Milos and Pefkoulia. Click
for more details.
North of Lefkada Town is a land spit with miles of pebble beaches and a few
abandoned windmills, easily accessed by road. This area is known as the
Gira.
The South coast of levkas has two well known pebbly bays at Mikros Gialos below
Poros Village (only 20 minutes drive from Nidri) and Vasiliki
(famous for it's
windsurfing).
Toplessness is generally accepted on all beaches. Naturism is possible at
the quieter ends of the more remote West Coast beaches - not Porto Katsiki or
Kathisma!
Bicycles.
A popular way of exploring the local area. For the
enthusiast there are some great routes inland and down the West coast of Lefkas.
Mountain biking is becoming popular in the rugged interior, with some tour
operators now offering a specialised mountain bike guiding service. If you
want more details about mountain bike holiday companies click HERE
. For
the amateur there are very pleasant cycle rides along the flatter backroads
behind Nidri to the waterfalls and around to the Geni Peninsular and the church of Agii Kiriaki.
Click HERE for more about cycle rides.
For the more serious mountain bike enthusiast who wants to hire high quality equipment on
Lefkas, click HERE and contact Simon.
During Summer 2001 there were two amateur and one professional cycle races held on levkas.
Buses.
Run from Lefkada 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 middle of the afternoon (14.00 - 17.00). See Buses
in the Transport section for more
information.
Car Hire.
The best way to really see Levkas. The roads have been
greatly improved the last few years 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
hairpins! Go to the SERVICES
section to get an idea of local carhire prices.
Children.
If you want to take them somewhere in Nidri where they can meet and play with
other children while you relax or do a bit of shopping, you could take them to
Summersaults Family Cafe/Bar. Click
HERE.
Credit Cards.
Widely
accepted now by the larger businesses, but keep some cash just in case!
There are cash machines in Nidri, Vassiliki and Lefkas Town which accept the major cards if
you know your PIN number. You can also get cash advances at banks and
exchange bureaux, but they will charge a commission for this. The currency since
1 January 2002 has been the Euro.
Doctors.
As well as the
hospital, many doctors work privately out of their own surgeries. Most of
these are in Lefkada Town. Dr Vrailas has a surgery in Nidri near the
church, and visits there in the evenings Monday to Saturday between 18.30 -
20.30. Tel. (26450) 92414 or 094 319518 (mobile).
Dolphins.
Yes! We have
them! They are friendly, and often appear alongside boats on the East
coast. They are seen most frequently in spring and late summer.
Electricity.
220 v AC.
Two round pin continental style plugs are used. Adapters can be bought in
the resorts. We have occasional powercuts during heavy rain and lightning
storms, so a torch can be useful!
E-Mail.
Can be sent or
collected from the Athos Travel Agency on Nidri High Street. Their
email address is athostvl@otenet.gr
. Full computer, Internet and email services are provided by Infohouse at Nidri.
Click HERE for their
website.
E-Mail
Penfriends. Want to get in touch with other
people all over the world interested in Lefkas? Click HERE.
Exchange.
Available in banks
and bureaux in the main resorts. Cash and travellers cheques
accepted. The currency in Greece is now the Euro. Also credit cards can be used to obtain cash,
with a commission payable. There is no exchange office at Preveza Airport.
Ferries.
Ferries run
from Levkas to Meganissi, Ithaka and Keffalonia (Ceffalonia). The
routes, ferry times and prices change throughout the season. Click
HERE
FOR LOCAL
ferries. Ferries also operate to Italy from Patras and Igouminitsa on
the mainland. Click HERE
FOR ITALY
ferries. There are no ferries from Lefkas to Corfu.
Flights.
There are
domestic flights from Athens several times per week with Olympic.
International charter flights arrive several days per week from many parts
of Europe in the summer from May until October. Click HERE
for more details. One way seats to the
UK and other European destinations on charter flights can be booked through
Athos Travel in Nidri subject to availability, but can only usually be
confirmed six days or less before the date of travel. There are often last
minute and bargain seats to Preveza and Greece if you know where to
look. Click HERE
for a page of links.
Greek
Lessons. Always wanted
to learn, but didn't have
the chance. Click HERE to find
out how.
Hairdressers.
Available
for men and women in all the tourist areas. Closed during 'Siesta'
time.
History.
Long and a bit
confusing. Involves Ulysses, Corinthians, Anthony and Cleopatra.
The Turks and Venetians spent a lot of time bashing each other, and the
French, Russians and British all stuck their oars in at some time. To
cap it all, an archaeologist called Dorpfeld decided that Lefkas wasn't
really Lefkas at all, but was in fact Ithaka! Confused? Buy a
guide book or ask Steve...
Hospitals.
Located in
Lefkada Town. Telephone number (2645) 025371 , 025377. Adequate
for most emergencies, but serious cases may be transferred to Preveza,
Ioannina or Athens. EEC citizens may be treated free of charge at
public hospitals on production of an E111 form, but the paperwork can be
horrific - especially if you're sick. Much better to take proper
travel insurance. Local private doctors have clinics in all the major
resorts.
Hotels.
There is a wide
variety of hotels on levkas to suit all tastes and budgets. The Island
is full during the peak summer months, so it is best to book a hotel in
advance. See the Accommodation section.
Ionian Regatta.
The main
event on the sailing calendar in this part of the Mediterranean. A
spectacular event to watch, with up to 190 yachts racing down the Meganisi
Channel, around the Island of Arkoudi, and into the Bay of Sivota.
Usually held on the third Thursday of September.
Karia.
The second
largest village on the Island, Karia is the centre of arts and crafts on lefkas,
with an interesting museum run by Theo and several small craft shops
selling locally produced embroidery, needlework and rugs. Also the
source of 'Brenda's World Famous Toasted Sandwiches'. You'll find her
creating toasties at the Cafe Bar Pierros (with the round tables and blue chairs) in Karya Village Square...
Lefkadio Hearn.
An Irishman, born on Lefkas in 1850, who became one of Japan's most highly
respected writers and poets. For the full story, and details of events
marking his 150th anniversary, click HERE.
Lefkas Town.
Also known
as Lefkada, this is the capital town of the island. A busy little
working town, full of little alleyways and side streets, best visited for
shopping in the morning or evening during the hot months. The main
pedestrian street is full of little shops selling everything from fresh fish
to ladders and postcards. Siesta time is 13.30 - 17.30. There is
a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere in the local bars and coffee shops, and very
good nightlife. Click HERE
for more about the town. For a hotel to stay at in Lefkas Town click HERE.
Meganissi.
Sometimes
spelt Meganisi. This is the next big island, off the East coast of Lefkas
and about 20 minutes away by boat or ferry from Nidri. The three main villages
are Spartohori, Vathy and Katomeri. For more information about Meganisi
click HERE. For a hotel to stay at on the Island,
click HERE.
NATO
base. The old NATO base can still be seen from
Nidri, but now lies almost abandoned. For more, click HERE.
Nidri.
Sometimes spelt Nydri. Nidri 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 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! For a full
description of Nidri and other resorts with pictures click HERE.
For a map, click HERE.
Nightclubs.
Not as
sophisticated as those in the major European resorts, but friendly and
informal.
Police Stations.
Located
in Lefkada Town, Vlycho (2km south of Nidri), and Vassiliki. You must
report lost and stolen items here to obtain a Police Report for insurance
purposes. You need to complete a Declaration Form first, in Greek,
which you obtain from a stationers shop. And don't forget your
passport! If in doubt, Athos Travel in Nidri can help.
Post Office.
The main
Post Office is on Stratigoumela, the pedestrian street in Lefkada
Town. The postcode of Lefkada is 31100. There is a Post Office
in Nidri, but it is often better to try to buy your
stamps at the same time as you buy your postcards.
Religion.
Almost totally
Greek Orthodox. There are no Catholic or Protestant churches.
Real
Estate. Have you always wanted your own place in the sun? A plot of land with fabulous
views on which to build your own dream home? Or a little stone cottage in a
traditional Greek village, in need of a little loving care and attention? Where
do you start? Click HERE and
find out.
Restaurants.
A full
range of restaurants is available in the three main centres of Levkada Town,
Nidri and Vassiliki. Nidri, the main tourist resort, caters to all
tastes and budgets with Greek, Italian, Chinese, Indian and International cuisine
all available at very good prices. Don't miss the opportunity to get
out of your resort and sample some of the local traditional grill and fish
tavernas.
Sailing.
Lefkas is one
of the most popular sailing areas in Greece, and several charter companies
are based in Nidri and Lefkada Town. One and two week flotilla
holidays can normally be booked from home, but if you are finding this
difficult please E-Mail us and we
can put you in touch with local companies. If you really want to try
something different during your holiday, why not do a three-day learn to sail
course in Nidri. Click HERE for
details. Or hire a drascombe dinghy for a few days during your holiday - click HERE.
Scuba.
An exhilarating
experience in the warm, clear Ionian Sea whether a novice or expert.
See our SERVICES
page.
Skorpios.
Private island
of the Onassis family, just off Nidri. Swimming is allowed from two of
its beaches, and many of the local boat trips stop here for a few minutes.
Telephones.
Telephone
connections out of Greece are easy these days. Athos Travel, on Nidri
High Street, can even offer email, Fax and Internet facilities.
Public telephones use phone cards, which can be bought from local shops and
tobacconists. Otherwise, you can 'pay on meter' at Travel Agencies and
Cigarette Kiosks. Cheap rate is after 22.00 and all day Sunday. There
are three mobile phone networks here, and connections are good.
Tour Operators.
A number
of tour operators arrange packages and flight-only seats to Levkas.
Click HERE for details.
Tremors.
Lefkas is at
the northern end of a minor tremor zone in the Southern Ionian
Islands. We normally experience two or three minor tremors each summer
- you might think it was a little too much of the local brandy! Provides a good topic of conversation for weeks after.
Walking.
A very popular activity on Lefkas, especially at the start and end of the summer
when the weather is ideal. The Island is beautiful and green, with a great
variety of scenery, and is becoming increasingly popular with walking clubs. For
details of guides, click HERE.
Vassiliki.
Sometimes spelt Vasiliki. The most southerly resort on lefkas, this little village and
port is quiet in low season and transforms rapidly into one of Europe's most
popular windsurfing Mecca's. Also popular with yachts, the sheltered
bay offers a fine stretch of pebble beach. In the middle of the summer
with a good breeze (locally known as Eric), the sight of hundreds of
brightly coloured windsurfers flying across the sea is breathtaking.
In the summer, Vassiliki is the landing point for the ferry from fiscardo in Keffalonia
(see Ferries
in the Transport section). For more information about
Vassiliki with pictures click HERE. For accommodation from budget to luxury click HERE.
For Windsurf Board rental and lessons click HERE.
For Catamaran rental and lessons click HERE.
Villas.
Treat yourself to somewhere special when you stay on Lefkas. Rent an Exclusive
Villa in a mountain village or by the sea. Click HERE.
Walks.
Especially at the start and end of the summer, Lefkas is a wonderful place for
walking, whether you like coastline and headlands, rugged mountains, or just a
gentle stroll through the Olive groves. If you are in Nidri, a walk to the
waterfalls for a swim in the pond is a popular way of spending a few
hours. Click HERE for more.
If you are a serious walker or club and would like details of guided walks click
HERE and send us an email.
Walking
(guided). A very popular activity on Lefkas,
especially at the start and end of the summer when the weather is ideal. The
Island is beautiful and green, with a great variety of scenery, and is becoming
increasingly popular with walking clubs. For details of guides, click HERE.
Water. The mountains in
Lefkas are limestone, and most of the water comes from springs and
wells. It is considered safe to drink, but if you are sensitive then
bottled water is readily available from shops.
Waterfalls.
The
Waterfalls can be found about 4 km from Nidri. A pleasant walk or
cycle ride.
Wheelchairs.
Available from Athos Travel on Nidri High Street. Click HERE.
Windmills.
Derelict
windmills
can be found all over lefkas. Some of these are now being
renovated.
Wine. The local brew is
called Vertzamo, both red and white, and it's really very good! So
good, in fact, that very little of it manages to get off the Island.
Top
of Page
THE Guide to
LEFKAS
