Lefkas, the fourth largest of the Ionian islands
lies between
Corfu and Kefalonia and is separated from the mainland by
a long causeway. It is a beautiful mountainous island with
numerous beaches dotted along its shoreline, and its
several sheltered natural harbours make it a popular
destination with the sailing fraternity.
Lefkas has fewer visitors than its neighbouring islands and still
derives more income from agriculture than tourism, with the result
that many traditional aspects of life have remained unchanged. It
is
still quite common to see local women wearing traditional dress
and many small cottage industries continue to thrive such as
lacemaking, tapestry and the famous honey production.
The majority of tourism to Lefkas is centred around the resort of
Nidri, once a local fishing village that has developed into a
cosmopolitan seaside town with a bustling harbour full of sailing
boats. It is from this resort that regular boat trips depart to the
nearby islands of Meganisi and Skorpios, the latter being owned by
the Onassis family.
We feature the resorts of Aghios Nikitas and Agios Ioannis on the
north west coast, Ligia located above Nidri on the eastern shoreline,
Gheni just south of Nidri and a little further south, the peaceful
resort of Poros for a truly relaxing break. Aghios Nikitas, although
only ten kilometres from Lefkas town, its relaxed pace could be a
million miles from the bustle of the main town. Still a fledgling
resort Aghios Nikitas has all the ingredients needed for a perfect beach
holiday. There is a good choice of tavernas, a couple of supermarkets
and a few bars along one main street which goes down to the beach.
There
is a small sand and shingle town beach and a much larger beach at
Milos is
just over the headland. There is no road access to this delightful
and
peaceful beach but on foot along a steep track over the hillside
will take
twenty minutes and there is also a frequent taxi boat service which
takes just
five minutes.
Agios Ioannis just south of Lefkas town is peaceful with accommodation
scattered amongst the olive fields, mostly private homes and some
for use by
visitors. The area of Ligia on the eastern shore has a stunning outlook
over a
cluster of islands opposite and from here the ever popular resort
of Nidri is
just a few kilometres away. Our accommodation is delightfully located
on the
waters edge, a perfect place for a relaxing family holiday. As you
head south
from Ligia, you pass Nidri and another seven kilometres along the
coast you
will discover the lush green hamlet of Gheni. The area is quiet and
covered
in olives right down to the rocky coast. Nestling amongst the groves
and
virtually on the edge of the sea, we have chosen a delightful little
complex
which consists of a small number of single storey apartments. Those
wishing
to combine peace with some activity such as scuba diving will find
it an
idyllic spot and you must also consider hiring a boat to explore
numerous
virtually deserted beaches nearby. Boat hire is available from the
jetty
opposite.
For a romantic getaway, we have chosen an old windmill that has been
tastefully converted to provide a very comfortable interior and it
is located in
a village high above the main town and with wonderful views in every
direction and a private swimming pool, this place is something special.
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