Lefkas island in Ionain sea in Greece

LEFKAS ISLAND is the only Ionian island connected with the mainland through a swing bridge and a tunnel. Its area is 356 km² and has a population of 22.879 inhabitants. The capital city is Lefkas town with 10.000 inhabitants.

The island has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool winters. It is famous for its thermal winds that get really strong in some parts of the island. For that reason it is popular among windsurfers and kite surfers. From November to March, Lefkas temperatures range on average from 13°C - 20°C. Temperatures rise in April and May ranging from 19°C to 24°C. June, July, August and September temperatures range from the mid 20s to mid 30s. October in Lefkada is still warm and enjoyable, as temperatures range from the low to the mid 20s.

Archaeological excavations revealed that the island was first inhabited in Stone Age (4th Millennium BC). According to mythology, the island was given by Odysseus father to Penelopes father as a wedding gift. Moreover, some legends claim that it was her that the famous poet Sappho jumped to her death after her love for a sailor had not been returned.

The islanders separated the island from the mainland by making a canal in the 7th century BC. In the 4th century BC the island was conquered by Macedonians conquered and in 2nd centrury BC invaded by Romans invaded. In its rich history the island went through many wars and attacks from nations and pirates, and in 1204 it fell under Frankish rule. The Turks took the island in 1479 and after constant battles with the Venetians, the island changed rulers several times. The Turks lasted the longest and stayed until on the island until 1684. The Venetians succeeded the Turks, and was then forced to give the island back to them. At the end of the 18th century the Napolean armies invaded, followed by Russians and even the British in 1810 for five years.

The main attactions in the Lefkas town include archaeological museum, gramophone museum and The Venetian church Christ the Almighty from 17th century. The castle of Agia Mavra dates back to the 14th century and was originally built by Sicilian rulers, and used to protect the old town. The Papanikolis cave and the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni are also worth visiting.

Preveza International airport is located 30 minutes from the Lefkas city.

Travel routes to Ionian sea in Greece are presented here.

Travel routes to Lefkas island in Greece are presented here.