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

The “...dramatic scenery, forgiving climate and crystal clear waters.” Ionian islands of Greece have been a favourite destination for sailors for many years, lured by the dramatic scenery, forgiving climate and crystal clear waters. Land based tourism has been slower to develop here - but for those who have made the discovery, the Ionian islands have just as much to offer on land as they do on the water.

Lefkas, our home island, is a well kept secret compared to its more famous neighbours Kefallonia and Ithaca. There is only one resort of any real size and life here revolves around small villages, just as it has done for hundreds of years. The older generation of Lefkadians wear traditional costume and donkeys are still used as a mode of transport. Whilst the sight of visitors may now be commonplace, the Greek tradition of hospitality to strangers, their “Filoxiha”, is still very much in existence on Lefkas.

On the east coast, hills covered with olive and cypress trees roll down to turquoise water, lapping gently on shelving pebble beaches. Every village along the coast has a small fishing fleet, which ventures out each day into the glassy protected waters of the inland sea.

The west coast of Lefkas is a complete contrast - wild and dramatic, with steep cliffs of white stone plunging down to the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea. There are many spectacular beaches, each with pale golden sand and crystal clear water. In the evenings, the sun sets over the open ocean, turning the cliffs to gold and the sky to crimson.

In the mountainous interior of the island, life slows down to the pace of days gone by. Elderly gentlemen sit on the steps of their cottages, play backgammon or dominos and watch the world pass by. Olives are harvested from ancient olive “Elderly gentlemen play backgammon and watch the world go by...” groves planted during the Venetian occupation and vines cover the hillsides.

For the more active, the island lends itself perfectly to exploring by moped, car or mountain bike. Watersports of all descriptions can be enjoyed: swimming and snorkelling, motor boating and sailing. Vassiliki, on the southern tip is one of the top windsurfing destinations in Europe and Windmill beach, on the north coast, hosts the European kite surfing championships every July.