SIGHTSEEING
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Lefkada, meaning ‘white cliffs or mountains’, belongs to the group of islands of the Ionian archipelago and it is known for its bright, almost white rocks, from which it took its name, its lagoon-like sea waters, the many exotic beaches, and the untouched nature, mainly consisting of impenetrable hills full of cypress, olive and pine trees. Lefkada, is lying off the west coast of Greece and it is connected with the mainland via a 50m long drawbridge, therefore one does not need a ferry to get to this beautiful destination. The capital town of the island, also named Lefkada, is located on the northern side of the island. It is the first populated place which you will come across once you cross the bridge. Following the road, you will end up in a picturesque square bordered by shops, taverns, and cafes offering a lively buzz to the town’s character.Architecture, churches and fortresses
Lefkada town showcases impressive architecture, with an array of colorful two-floored houses, whose upper floors are clad in brightly-painted corrugated metal. The town has many churches dotted throughout, that are certainly worth visiting, to admire their beautifully-carved icons and religious paintings, created by famous local artists.
Some of the most notable churches are Agios Spyridon, Agios Nikolaos, and the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, which is the most important local religious center, as well as the saint protector of the island. The Monastery crowns a hill above the capital of Lefkada, offering a gorgeous panoramic view from the main town and the northern side of the island, to the opposite coasts of the mainland.
The 17th century Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and it hosts an interesting Ecclesiastical Museum with rare Byzantine icons, old manuscripts, and gospels.
It is not only Lefkada Town’s array of beautiful churches that are worth visiting. The castle of Agia Mavra stands close to the main town, and it is an excellent example of medieval architecture. This magnificent castle was built in the 14th century and, thanks to extensive renovation practices, it has been very well preserved to this day. It was built by the Sicilian aristocracy of the time, for protecting the old town from invaders. An elegant church dedicated to Agia Mavra is located here, and it is swarming with people during the summer season, due to cultural events that take place there.Museums
Lefkada town is also home to a few small museums which are well worth a visit if you have the time. The charming Museum of Phonographs displays a fascinating collection of old gramophones, records, photographs, paintings, jewels and musical instruments. The Orpheus Folklore Museum is devoted to the more recent history of the local people and is full with objects that exhibit the traditional daily life of the islanders, featuring a beautifully recreated room of a typical Lefkadian house.
The Archaeological Museum, is probably the most fascinating one, covering the history of the island from the Paleolithic era, all the way to up to the late Roman period. The museum displays many interesting artifacts, from household objects, textiles, sepulchral columns and urns from ancient cemeteries, to jewelry, tools, paintings and other works of art, like valuable manuscripts and prints, to name a few.Cape Lefkata
Leaving the town, heading to the most southerly part of Lefkada, you will encounter the Lighthouse and Cape of Lefkata. In ancient times, there stood a temple dedicated to the ancient god Apollo, and according to mythology, it is the place where the great poet Sappho jumped to her death, desperate from her unrequited love for Phaon.
The wild beauty of the landscape is breathtaking, and the best time to admire the view the offers, is early in the evening so that you can experience the mesmerizing sunset.Nydri
Nydri is a picturesque seaside village and one of the most popular resorts of the island. The village is a haven for the start of flotilla sailing holidays, heading for other Ionian islands, like Ithaca and Cephalonia. Nydri is also famous for the waterfalls that are dominant near the settlement, offering a stunning spectacle to the visitors.
The high mountains that abound in Lefkada, are cut across by many waterfalls that rush through the mountainous terrain, ending up into the sea. One such cascading cataract, is the famous Dimossari waterfall, on the outskirts of Nydri, which ends up into a gorge with huge white rocks, offering a glorious spectacle to the visitors.
Between Nydri and Vlichos, in the area of Steno, you will also find a prehistoric cemetery that is worth visiting while on the area, since it is one of the most important archaeological sites of Lefkada.
Lefkada is a colorful island with high hills and mountains adorned with traditional villages on their slopes. The island offers amazing holidays by the sea, surrounded by verdant landscapes, impressive rocks rising high above the most beautiful beaches, fantastic view points and exotic milky blue waters, that make Lefkada a truly special destination.
Lefkada town showcases impressive architecture, with an array of colorful two-floored houses, whose upper floors are clad in brightly-painted corrugated metal. The town has many churches dotted throughout, that are certainly worth visiting, to admire their beautifully-carved icons and religious paintings, created by famous local artists.
Some of the most notable churches are Agios Spyridon, Agios Nikolaos, and the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, which is the most important local religious center, as well as the saint protector of the island. The Monastery crowns a hill above the capital of Lefkada, offering a gorgeous panoramic view from the main town and the northern side of the island, to the opposite coasts of the mainland.
The 17th century Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, was built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, and it hosts an interesting Ecclesiastical Museum with rare Byzantine icons, old manuscripts, and gospels.
It is not only Lefkada Town’s array of beautiful churches that are worth visiting. The castle of Agia Mavra stands close to the main town, and it is an excellent example of medieval architecture. This magnificent castle was built in the 14th century and, thanks to extensive renovation practices, it has been very well preserved to this day. It was built by the Sicilian aristocracy of the time, for protecting the old town from invaders. An elegant church dedicated to Agia Mavra is located here, and it is swarming with people during the summer season, due to cultural events that take place there.Museums
Lefkada town is also home to a few small museums which are well worth a visit if you have the time. The charming Museum of Phonographs displays a fascinating collection of old gramophones, records, photographs, paintings, jewels and musical instruments. The Orpheus Folklore Museum is devoted to the more recent history of the local people and is full with objects that exhibit the traditional daily life of the islanders, featuring a beautifully recreated room of a typical Lefkadian house.
The Archaeological Museum, is probably the most fascinating one, covering the history of the island from the Paleolithic era, all the way to up to the late Roman period. The museum displays many interesting artifacts, from household objects, textiles, sepulchral columns and urns from ancient cemeteries, to jewelry, tools, paintings and other works of art, like valuable manuscripts and prints, to name a few.Cape Lefkata
Leaving the town, heading to the most southerly part of Lefkada, you will encounter the Lighthouse and Cape of Lefkata. In ancient times, there stood a temple dedicated to the ancient god Apollo, and according to mythology, it is the place where the great poet Sappho jumped to her death, desperate from her unrequited love for Phaon.
The wild beauty of the landscape is breathtaking, and the best time to admire the view the offers, is early in the evening so that you can experience the mesmerizing sunset.Nydri
Nydri is a picturesque seaside village and one of the most popular resorts of the island. The village is a haven for the start of flotilla sailing holidays, heading for other Ionian islands, like Ithaca and Cephalonia. Nydri is also famous for the waterfalls that are dominant near the settlement, offering a stunning spectacle to the visitors.
The high mountains that abound in Lefkada, are cut across by many waterfalls that rush through the mountainous terrain, ending up into the sea. One such cascading cataract, is the famous Dimossari waterfall, on the outskirts of Nydri, which ends up into a gorge with huge white rocks, offering a glorious spectacle to the visitors.
Between Nydri and Vlichos, in the area of Steno, you will also find a prehistoric cemetery that is worth visiting while on the area, since it is one of the most important archaeological sites of Lefkada.
Lefkada is a colorful island with high hills and mountains adorned with traditional villages on their slopes. The island offers amazing holidays by the sea, surrounded by verdant landscapes, impressive rocks rising high above the most beautiful beaches, fantastic view points and exotic milky blue waters, that make Lefkada a truly special destination.