Lefkada
This is the fourth largest island in size and population in the Ionian Sea and ,along with the Evia, are the only two islands in Greece, accessed by road. The two lagoons of the island are considered two of the most significant wetlands in the Ionian Sea, and are protected by the international Ramsar Convention.
The most famous beaches of the island are Kathisma, Egremni and Porto Katsiki, while the waterfalls at Dimosari and Melissa (bee) Canyon also attract tourists. As for watersports, Lefkada is an enviable destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing on the beaches of Ai Giannis and Vasiliki respectively, as these beaches are ranked in the top 10 in the world for such extreme sports as well as for diving, waterskiing, sailing, horseriding and cycling.
Looking for your accommodarion on the island of Lefkada, you will realize that there are milder forms of tourism, offering many kinds of accommodation, depending on your preferences, as well as your pocketbook. There are various options such as rooms, studios, apartments, hotels, guest houses, luxury villas and campsites. There are lots of available lodgings in coastal areas such as Nidri, Mikros Gialos, Vasiliki and Porto Katsiki, as well as traditional properties in the villages of the island.
A stroll through the city of Lefkada, which is also the port of the island, is one of the first things you should do there. You'll be impressed by the beautiful alleys, that will lead you into small squares and your interest will be stimulated by the traditional houses, the ornate bell towers and the cobblestone pedestrian streets. For your recreation, you could choose a visit to Nidri, which is considered the largest tourist resort and the heart of nightlife on the island.
As for the sights of the island, the visitor can admire the Venetian castle of Agia Mavra, located out of the city centre; in the city there is the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts and findings from the Paleolithic to the Roman period are exhibited, and the Lefkas Marina, one of the largest and most organized marinas in the Mediterranean. Also, at the entrance of the city the famous Park of Poets is located, which hosts the busts of eminent personalities of the island (Valaoritis, Sikelianos, Lafcadio Hearn), while in the southernmost tip of the island there is the remarkable Cape Lefkatas, from which the island got its name.
Finally, as far as the island's cultural heritage is concenred, traditions and customs, such as the Lentil Celebration, the Lefkadian rustic wedding, as well as the International Folklore Festival, captivate the interest of visitors; some of the local products you should taste are soumada, pastel (nougat) with almonds and mantolato (nougat) with honey and almonds.
