This coastal town in Greece has pastel-colored buildings, a wooden bridge to the mainland, and a seaside promenade. Nearby, you can explore Santa Mavra Castle and relax on local beaches.
Lefkada, the capital of the island with the same name in Greece, is a coastal settlement with a population of around 10,000. Located at the northern tip of the island, it serves as the main entry point for visitors. The town has buildings painted in pastel colors, a wooden bridge connecting to the mainland, and a seaside promenade. You can visit museums, relax on nearby beaches, and explore Santa Mavra Castle. Lefkada provides a convenient starting point for your island exploration.
Getting to Lefkada
You can reach Lefkada by car or bus from the mainland via a floating bridge. If you're flying in, the nearest airport is Aktion Airport in Preveza, about 20 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the town in about 30 minutes.
Exploring the Old Town
The heart of Lefkada is its Old Town, with narrow streets and houses painted in pastel colors, built in a traditional Venetian style. These buildings, while appearing old, were mostly constructed after the 1953 earthquake using anti-seismic techniques. As you walk through the streets, you'll see many houses decorated with potted plants and climbing vines.
Cultural Attractions
The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada displays artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Late Roman periods, illustrating the island's ancient history. For those interested in literature, the Angelos Sikelianos Museum is dedicated to the Greek poet born in Lefkada. You can view his works, rare handwritten texts, photographs, and listen to voice recordings.
Santa Mavra Castle
About 1 km from the town center stands Santa Mavra Castle, a 14th-century fortress that once protected the island. You'll see the castle as you enter Lefkada. It demonstrates the island's strategic importance throughout history. You can walk around the castle grounds and see views of the surrounding area.
Beaches Near Lefkada
While Lefkada itself doesn't have a beach, there are several nearby options for swimming and sunbathing. Kastro and Ammoglossa beaches are about 1.5 km from town, located near Santa Mavra Castle. For water sports, Agios Ioannis beach, known for its afternoon waves, is suitable for kitesurfing and is just 600 meters south of Gira.
Dining and Nightlife
The town has many restaurants, particularly along the seaside and in the central areas. In the evenings, you'll find many people on the main pedestrian street that starts from the wooden bridge, with its coffee bars, restaurants, and shops. The town square is another hub for dining and socializing, where you can try local cuisine or relax with a drink while observing the evening activity.
Shopping and Local Markets
Lefkada is the commercial center of the island, with shops selling everything from souvenirs to local products. The main pedestrian street has many clothing stores, while you'll find larger supermarkets like AB Market, My Market, and LIDL on the southern outskirts of town, about 1-2 km from the center.
