What to see in Lefkada
A place of undeniable natural beauty, and a rich historical and cultural past, it offers visitors the opportunity to see Lefkada beyond just another holiday destination.
With its locations of unmatched beauty, archaeological sights, religious monuments, over 25 museums, and other points of interest, the island is a pole of attraction to all visitors that want to get to know Lefkada.
An appropriate starting point of our tour is the castle of Agia Mavra located at the entrance of the island. The unique monument unfolds over 700 years of history. Since 1300 A.D. conquers of the island have left their mark on the fortress walls that have protected the island ever since. It stands until today and allows visitors to enjoy the wonderful paths of history that it carries.
We continue on to the town of Lefkada which has to offer a cultural route that includes historical churches, such as Pantokratoras and Agios Minas along Main Street, unique architectural structures with the characteristic colourful tin panelling, but also a number of important museums and libraries.
Visit the Archaeological museum and see the artefacts from W. Doerpfels’ dig, on which he based his theory that Lefkada is Homer’s Ithaca.
See the only European exhibition dedicated to Lefcaudio Hern, but also the exquisite museum of “Cultural Gifts” dedicated to the International Folklore Festival and its 58 year old history.
One must not be remiss in visiting the groundbreaking Aggelos Sikelianos Museum which is housed in the home where our great poet was born, as well as the Special Haramoglios Lefkadian Library containing materials exclusively regarding the island of Lefkada.
Just outside of town with an outstanding view is the Faneromeni Monastery, “Kira Faneromeni”, as the locals lovingly call her, the protector of the island. Besides making a pilgrimage, one can visit on the grounds museums and a petting zoo.
Take a stroll along the old salt lake (Alikes) of the village Kariotes, an important remnant of the economic history of the island.
As you head inland, you will come across culturally invaluable theological monuments, old monasteries and chapels with remarkable murals, all steeped in history. Visit the monasteries of Kokkini Ekklisia (Red Church), of Agios Ioannis at Livadi of Karia, Agio Georgio at Skari or the old monastery of the Asomaton at the village of Vafkeri.
At the very centre of the island, above the village of Eglouvi with its famous lentils, you will see the moors at the plateau of Agios Donatos. There you will come upon these unique stone structures that used to host the farmers of Eglouvi during the summer. Some of these structures were constructed during the years of the Venetian domination (end of 17th century A.D.).
Visit one of the highest points of the islands, at the church of Agios Ilias and take in the panoramic view with its 360° vistas.
From there you will see the breathtakingly beautiful island complex of Prigiponisia, among them, world famous Scorpios and Aristotle Valaoritis’ Madouri, located across from popular Nidri.
Of distinct natural beauty is the locale of the Dimosari waterfalls at the village Rahi.
Upon departing the area surrounding Nidri, make a pit stop at the area Steno and its archaeological site.
In southern Lefkada, visit the villages of Sivros and Vournika and look out for the historic churches (Agios Ioannis at Rodaki, Karaviades and other) and the idyllic “trail of springs”, a wonderful trail through nature that connects the old network of the villages water springs.
Cape Lefkatas, at the far south end of the island and its imposing lighthouse constructed on the ruins of the ancient temple of Apollo, must be part of your island tour. Legend has it that the poet Sappho put an end to her life with a final leap off the jagged cliffs.
Just before the cape, at the very old monastery of Agios Nikolaos, one can explore not only its rich history, but also the mysterious stone bee hives that date to the Mycenaean period and are a testament to the tradition of beekeeping in the area. One singular island, with hundreds of points of interest, that are worth seeking out and getting to know.
