Lefkas is an island in the Ionians. They are probably the most beautiful group of islands in Greece with their steep wooded mountains rising up out of crystal clear blue water and deserted coves with white beaches only accessible by boat.  Lefkas is not technically an island being joined to the mainland by a swing bridge and causeway.

Lefkas town is the capital, a fascinating town rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake with whatever materials were available and corrugated iron which was sent in as aid.  The narrow picturesque streets which are not accessible to cars have an almost Caribbean feel with the brightly coloured houses with little walled gardens, iron balconies, colourful tubs  and plenty of cats.  It is kept spotlessly clean so a real pleasure to visit and wander around.  It has some interesting ethnic shops and many good bars and restaurants.  A large yacht marina has recently been built and Lefkas has become a premier sailing destination.  To the north of the town is the windmill beach which attracts the world’s top kite surfers.  This beach runs for several miles and is very wild with natural vegetation.  Vasilliki, in the south, is the top wind surfing destination in the world, due to extraordinary winds.  Lefkas has managed to escape the mass development that other islands have had mainly because Atistotle Onassis’s island Scorpio lies just off Nidri and he would not allow large developments.  There are no high rise large hotels, visitors to Lefkas are either enjoying a sailing, or villa holiday, or staying in the small local Greek run Hotels.

A visit to the west coast is a must, here there is hardly any development, lime green pine trees cover the cliffs that rise up from long white beaches with the bluest water lapping the shore line. Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches are some of the finest in Greece.  Exploring the hill villages in the interior of the island, is like stepping back in time.  Some the villages have hardly changed in centuries.

Lefkas is an island to visit at any time of the year.  As the low season has many activities which can be enjoyed by those who prefer a cooler climate.  Early May is particularly beautiful with the abundance of wild flowers and fire flies at night.