Lefkas - The White Island: “Land of Myth and Legend”

Lefkas is very much an island of contrast, from the dramatic, rugged west coast, to the sheltered waters and pebble beaches of the east and the steep peaks and verdant valleys of the interior. The fourth largest of the Ionian Islands, Lefkas “...find your own deserted coves and visit the nearby islands.” is 34km long and 14km across, with a coastline of 117km.

One of the best way to explore the island is by hire car. The relatively compact size of Lefkas means that all the sights and activities are within easy reach; from Lefkas town in the north to Vassiliki in the south is a drive of only around 45 minutes.

Boat Trips

For a whole different perspective on the area, take a boat out on the inland sea. There are organised trips to Ithaca and Kefalonia, departing from the east coast ports daily, many incorporating stops for lunch and swimming. For those who would like a little more independence, small motor boats can be hired. These will allow you to find your own deserted coves and to visit the nearby islands of Megannissi and Skorpios, the famous Onassis island.

Yacht Sailing

Sailors were the first foreign visitors to come to the Ionian in any numbers, “One week in a villa, one week on a luxury yacht.” lured by the flat water, gentle winds and sheltered ports. If the sight of the yachts drifting across the inland sea makes you yearn to have a go yourself, it is possible to hire yachts, with or without a skipper, for day trips to nearby islands. We can also arrange two centre holidays with our sister company Bayan Blue, with one week in a villa and one week on a luxury yacht crewed by a skipper and chef - for more information about our yachts, please see our Luxury Yachting Holidays page or visit us direct at www.bayanblue.com.

Water Sports

Lefkas has plenty to offer the active. Mills beach on the North coast is a popular destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers, who create a colourful display most afternoons. Vassiliki on the south coast is legendary amongst windsurfers, due to local weather patterns which create consistent winds (known locally as 'Eric') and flat water. Diving can also be arranged here for anyone who prefers “Vassiliki, on the south coast, is legendary amongst windsurfers” to spend time under the water - there are also opportunities to try kayaking, water skiing and parascending.

Walking and Mountain Biking

Whilst the main road network on the island is good, there are still many quiet backroads that see little traffic, even in the height of summer. Combined with networks of tracks through the olive groves, there is ample potential to explore the island's charms at a rather more sedate pace. Walking will give you more time to appreciate the scent of the native herbs, the wildflowers growing by the roadside and the chirp of the cicadas in the trees. If all that sounds a little too relaxed, it is also possible to hire mountain bikes in many locations around the island. Venturing into the interior of the island you will find a life continuing at a very different pace to the more frequently visited coastal villages.