Lefkas, also called Levkas, Lefkada, or Levkada is a relatively small island, the fourth largest in the Ionian chain that runs down the coastline of western Greece. Indeed, it is only an island because a channel was dug through the sandbanks that once linked it to the mainland. It is linked to the mainland by a long causeway and a floating bridge.
Lefkas means 'white' in Greek and the island takes its name from the dramatic white cliffs that line the rugged west coast. The waters of the eastern shore are very sheltered and the deep bays are popular with yacht sailors and windsurfers.
Inland, Lefkas has a range of hill with the highest peak at Mt Elati (1,158m). Lefkas has an area of 300sq km and a coastline of about 117km. To the south of Lefkas are a string of islands, the largest being Meganissi.
There are several large offshore islets on Lefkas, many visible from Nydri and most of them the target destination for dozens of boat trips. Among the islets, MADOURI was the home of Greek poet Aristotle Valaoritis whose family still owns the island. Visitors are not welcome.
SPARTI is just a large crab infested rock while SKORPIOS, recently bought by Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani from the Onassis shipping family for a reported $190m, is heavily fortified and guarded to deter visitors, although recently excursion boats have been allowed to call. It's remarkable how many people want to see this quite unremarkable island.
Skorpios is a private islet that was much 'improved' in the 1960's when about 500 people worked for there for five years when building the Onassis estate for the former Greek shipping tycoon. It has it's own electricity and water supplies and about 30 people still work there, mainly as security guards.
There is a lavish villa on Skorpios, known as the Pink House, with tennis courts and extensive gardens, although most of the island remains undeveloped.There are two beaches where tourist boats can anchor. Boats must leave after 45 mins and many stop to allow day trippers to take a dip in the waters. Visitors who land there tell of beaches swarming with large ants.
Above one of the beaches is the chapel where Aristotle Onassis married Jacky Kennedy and Onassis family members are buried there. Onassis' sole surviving descendent, his granddaughter Athena, had not visited Skorpios for many years.
By far the best, biggest and most interesting among th islets off Lefkas in MEGANISSI, about 6km from Nidri, which attracts large numbers of day visitors and those tourists looking for a sleepy island holiday. Fewer than 2,000 live on Meganissi island which has three villages at Katomeri, Vathi and Spartahori.
Many go to see the huge and impressive sea caves and particularly Papanikolas Cave, famous for once housing a submarine in World War Two. Tour boats will cruise inside if there is any room.
Meganissi's main port of VATHI is in the north-east and has some good waterfront tavernas, music bars and a few shops. The traditional village of KATOMERI is a kilometre inland from Vathi and has a few tavernas and a bakery.
The alternative port is below the white, clifftop village of SPARTAHORI, in Spilia Bay, with an attractive harbour and a pebble beach. There are a few tavernas, a couple of mini-markets, some shops and spectacular views over the rest of Meganissi and beyond.
Lefkas has typical weather for the Ionian island. Wet and windy winters make average winter rainfall is three time that of most other Greek islands. The result is a fresh, green spring landscape that lasts well into the Lefkas summer.
Spring comes early to Lefkas and it warms up quickly between March and May. Sunny days predominate but wet weather can set in for days. Summer temperatures kick in strongly after May and last until the end of August. Expect long, sunny days with very little rain. Average temperatures rise from 18°C in May to 28° in July and can hit the mid-30's. Seasonal winds keep air fresh and make Lefkas popular with sailors and windsurfers.
October is warm but by November the days are short and temperatures drop sharply. Winter in Lefkas is wet and windy with average temperatures of 9-10°C and strong winds. January and February are the coldest months and have the heaviest rainfall.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | Averages |
| 11 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 24 | 21 | 16 | 12 | Day °C |
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 6 | Night °C |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | Sun (hrs) |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | UV Index |
| 140 | 129 | 91 | 68 | 43 | 18 | 10 | 16 | 48 | 125 | 172 | 184 | Rain (mm) |
| 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 11 | 13 | Rainy days |
