Lefkas is located on the northern side of Lefkada. It is the first inhabited place you come across when crossing the bridge that connects Lefkada to the mainland. Signposts mostly read Lefkada, not Lefkas. It is about a 20-minute drive from the international airport near Preveza.
About of Lefkas:
- Location: northern side of the island of Lefkada, right after the bridge
- Role: main city, administrative and cultural center
- Notable features: marina, promenade, wooden bridge, and Venetian architecture
- Beaches nearby: Agios Ioannis, Pefkoulia, Kathisma
- For whom: for those seeking entertainment, nightlife, and a base for exploring the island
Detailed description:
Lefkas is the largest and main city of Lefkada, as well as the administrative and cultural center of the island. It is home to about 8000 residents.
Strong earthquakes that hit the Ionian coast in the previous century severely affected Lefkada and Lefkas, resulting in the destruction of most buildings and churches. The medieval fortress built at the beginning of the 14th century survived and stands today as the most imposing structure in Lefkada. Known as Agia Mavra, it was built by the Franks and was intended to protect the city from pirates. After the earthquakes, Lefkas was rebuilt and constructed to withstand future tremors. It was built as a classic Venetian settlement, with a central square and two circular streets around the square. The mentioned square in the center of Lefkas is called Agios Spirodonas, named after the cathedral built in the 17th century. The city also houses two churches from the 18th century - Agios Nikolaos and Pantokratora.
In addition to a large number of accommodation facilities (hotels, villas, apartments), the city features banks, a post office, several high schools and gymnasiums, a large number of car rental agencies, etc. Near the beach of Agios Ioannis there is a lagoon, as well as a narrow strip of sand with windmills known as Gira. The lagoon is famous for being a habitat for migratory birds and fish. Nature lovers can enjoy watching pelicans, flamingos, and ducks that have adapted and settled here despite the city noise.
The city is dominated by a large marina where hundreds of sailboats, yachts, ships, and boats anchor throughout the season. Along the marina, there is a very long promenade filled with taverns, cafes, and seafood restaurants. On the other side of the street across the promenade, there are also restaurants, shops, fast food kiosks, boutiques, etc.
A free parking lot of decent capacity is available next to the Archaeological Museum, and another one next to the police station in Lefkas.
Lefkas has literally everything you might need during your vacation. Large supermarkets, including Lidl, a large, paved shopping street closed to traffic with boutiques of well-known and lesser-known brands. Along the sea, there is a part with cafes and clubs that operate throughout the night, as well as a paved promenade with a large number of narrow alleys filled with taverns, souvenir shops, boutiques, cozy and well-kept gardens.
The narrow streets that are not in the strictly tourist part of the city are very charming, as they are so narrow that only two people can pass by each other. These streets resemble those in Italian towns.
There is no beach in the city center, but 3km away from the city is the long beach of Agios Ioannis, known for its constant wind, making it the second windsurfing center on the island after Vasiliki. The sea in this area is turquoise, with gradual depth. The beach is pebbly, with some rocky slabs in the water. There are many accommodation options in the vicinity of this beach. In the same bay, there are famous windmills, one of which has been turned into a cafe bar. You can rent windsurfing boards on the beach or sign up for lessons in this sport.
Heading further west, you will come across the famous Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, considered the protector of the island. This monastery is truly worth visiting, primarily because it is a great sanctuary, and also for its beautifully landscaped courtyard and lovely views of the sea, Agios Ioannis Beach, the lagoon, and Lefkas.
The popular sandy beach of Pefkoulia is located 10km from Lefkas. This beach is usually not crowded, so you can enjoy peace even during the peak season.
Agios Nikitas and the famous Milos Beach are located 13km away from Lefkas.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, the renowned Kathisma Beach, is located 16km from the main city, while Egremni and Porto Katsiki are on the opposite side of the island, about 40-45km away. At a slightly greater distance, you will find one of the most beautiful places on Lefkada, Vasiliki, as well as the stunning Agiofili Beach.
On the eastern coast, 17km from Lefkas, is the most popular place on the island, Nidri. You can visit it in the evening and enjoy the lively atmosphere for which it is known. Worth visiting on the eastern coast are also Desimi Beach with natural shade, 29km from Lefkas, Rouda Bay (Mikros Gialos) (30km), Afteli (34km), and the port of Sivota (31km), famous for the best fish taverns on the island.
As mentioned, Lefkas is the cultural center of the island of Lefkada, so you can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Gramophone Museum, and the Folklore Museum.
The city is home to the now well-known and very popular wooden bridge where a large number of tourists gather every evening to watch the sunset and take photographs.
You can check accommodation options in Lefkas here.
