LEFKAS, LEFKADA or LEFKHADA is one of the Ionian chain of islands that lie just off the west coast of mainland Greece. The Corinthians cut a canal through sandbanks in 600 BC and Lefkas is still so close to the mainland it only just qualifies as an island.
Once neglected by UK package tour firms, it all changed with the opening of Preveza airport nearby on the Greek mainland. The east coast of Lefkas has suffered a rash of hotel building, especially around the holiday resort of Nidri, now far from the tranquil hideaway it once was. Large, sheltered bays make both Nidri and Sivota a favourite of yacht charter firms.
On the less populated west coast of Lefkas rugged cliffs, rocky shores and exposed beaches are a magnet for the more adventurous. Vassiliki, in the south, is a world class windsurfing centre.
Tourism has brought changes to Lefkas but none are yet too profound. For those seeking modern facilities in a traditional Greek setting Lefkas could prove a very attractive holiday destination. Parts of Lefkas are astonishingly beautiful, notably inland where hill villages nestle in lush, pine forests.
Lefkas is renowned for its magnificent mountainous backdrops, stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Holidays to the Greek Islands are often most cherished for this combination of sunshine, warm waters and beaches set against truly wonderful scenery.
Lefkas means 'white' and the island's white rock makes its dramatic west coast cliffs hugely attractive. The island's white grit roads and the rough landscaped scars of its larger quarries are rather less attractive.
The low-lying east coast has become Lefkas island's main tourist strip. Here are a succession of good beaches, ideal bays for sailing and the interesting offshore islets of Meganissi and Skorpios.
Resorts such as Nidri may have become hopelessly noisy and busy but many others, such as Sivota, remain quietly charming. Many of the more remote west coast beaches are staggeringly beautiful.
The further south you go the less accessible the beaches can become, but those that make the effort are rewarded with some simply unforgettable scenery.
International flights go to Preveza airport on mainland Greece. Scheduled flights leave Preveza for Athens, Corfu, Kefalonia, Sitia, Thessaloniki and Zante.
The big ferry boats from Italy don't call directly at Lefkas but there are connecting ferries from Igoumenitsa on the mainland and from neighbouring Kefalonia.
There are daily buses from Preveza airport across the straights to Lefkas Town. The journey takes about 30 mins.
The main tourist beaches in Lefkas are found on the east coast with Nidri, nestled in the huge sheltered Vlycho Bay, the most popular holiday resort on the island.
Vassiliki, in the south, is a noted windsurfing centre while the sheltered anchorage at Sivota is a favourite stopover resort for the many yacht flotillas.
The west coast has dramatic scenery and the most spectacular beaches but they are not the easiest to reach.
Lefkas lies on the west coast of Greece with Corfu and Paxos to the north and Kefalonia and Ithaca to the south. It has several large offshore islets.
Lefkas is the fourth largest in the Ionian island chain at 300sq km, has a coastline of 117km and a permanent population of around 24,000 residents
Mild, wet winters account for the lush green hills and strong thermal winds help make Lefkas a favourite for windsurfers.
