Information
about the Lafkada Island in Greece
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From the waters
of the Ionian sea emerges a piece of land, where each stone tells
of the magic of ancient times and where nature all around us displays
its fantasy and creative power. The island of Lefkada with its
unique character offers you more diverse opportunities than you
could possibly imagine. Not only because of the chalk beaches
on the west coast where the beautiful harmony of sky, land, sea
and sun will take your breath away.
But also because of time, capable of transforming everything,
which can be stopped only by the traditional way of life of the
local inhabitants. We recommend the island of Lefkada primarily
to those who seek a pleasant atmosphere for salubrious relaxation.
"Don't shy away from a quiet pace of life".
Because of fears of dangerous rocks and merciless pirates, who
looted merchant ships along the west coast, the inhabitants of
ancient Corinth built a canal in the 7th century BC. In this way
they ensured the calm, safe and faster voyage of their ships along
the east coast.Today the fourth largest island in the Ionian sea
(305 km2) is linked to the mainland by a 50-metre drawbridge.
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both sides entry to the island is guarded
by two medieval fortresses: San Mauro and Gryva (14th century).
These fortresses are surrounded by marshy lagoons, which are home
to many types of birds such as the heron, for example. Lefkada is a major port for several europe cruise ships.
A number of Greek islands have been affected by erosion and strong
sea winds. Thanks to its dense vegetation and large number of
olive trees, cypress trees, plane trees, citrus trees, fig trees,
almond trees, pines, acacias etc., Lefkada has managed to resist
the elements. This is also perhaps thanks to the mountain range
which runs along the centre of the island and acts as a protective
shield. The highest peak Stavrota (Elati) is 1158 metres above
sea level. |
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Those who have already had the
opportunity to stray from the winding paths leading through picturesque
villages to the top of Stavrota, will surely agree that the peace
and quiet of these remote places, interrupted only by the jingling
of goat and sheep bells, awakens a silent admiration for the harmony
of nature. If you want to continue in the adventurous exploration
of Lefkada so that at the end of your stay you are able to say
"Yes, that is what it's really like" we recommend you
visit the mysterious and beautiful Cape Doukato situated right
on the southern most promontory of the island.
It is here that Lefkada gradually disappears into the sea, where
the entrance to Hades' kingdom is said to have been and where
Apollo's temple once stood. It is from here that the half-mad
poetess Saphó threw herself into the sea from a height
of 70 metres to end her life because of her unrequited love for
the handsome Phaon. Those sentenced to death used to be thrown
to their deaths from the cliff directly beneath the beacon.
The steep, scarcely inhabited, jagged rocks of the western coastline
hide some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.
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One after another and yet each one is an
inimitable original. On some of them it is possible to hire sunshades
and sunbeds and to buy refreshments, on others you can be all
alone. You certainly won't be disappointed by the natural scenery
of the beaches (for example Pefkoulia, Kathisma, Kalamitsi, Athani,
Egremni, Porto Katsiki, Milos, Avali and others), where the white
chalk cliffs contrast with the azure blue of the sea. And just
to give you the full picture we should mention that each year
the Greek National Tourism Organisation publishes a list of the
most beautiful Greek beaches. In the year 2001, three Lefkada
beaches were among the top five on this list. |
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