Lefkada: A Jewel of the Ionian Charter Experience
History of Lefkas
Colonists who founded the city of Lefkas in the sixth century BC cut through the isthmus that linked the peninsula with the mainland. During the Peloponnesian War, Leukas supported the Corinthians; later, it was subjugated by the kingdom of Macedon and subsequently became a Roman province (197 BC). After the Sack of Constantinople by the Franks (1204), it became part of the Despotate of Epirus and later came under Ottoman rule until 1684. It was united with Greece again in 1864.
The Town of Lefkada: A Serene Starting Point for Your Yacht Charter
Capital and main harbour of the island is the serene Heptanesian town of Lefkada. As a prime starting point for those looking to rent a boat in the Ionian, the town spreads along the seaboard, facing the coast of Akarnania. Here, visitors can enjoy picturesque, colorful, tiled-roofed houses, lovely squares, narrow streets, and the vibrant waterfront promenade.
Villages and Beaches: Where Tranquility Meets Beauty
The road leading south from Lefkada town is a sailor’s paradise for those on a Lefkas yacht charter, revealing an array of charming villages and pristine beaches along the Ionian coast. From Lygia, an important fishing centre, to Nikiana, an ideal vacation spot, and finally to Nydri, one of the most developed tourist villages on Lefkada, with wonderful sea views and sites like the private isle of A. Onassis, Skorpios.
Nydri: A Gateway to the Ionian Sea
Nydri offers a blend of natural beauty that is hard to match. The area's lush landscapes are significant, and the nearby Dimosari Gorge is an oasis of natural splendor, offering breathtaking waterfalls and pools.
Vasiliki: A Windsurfer’s Paradise
Further along the Ionian coast, Vasiliki is a must-visit for anyone on an Ionian yacht charter. Known for its windsurfing conditions, it is situated in a closed bay amid lush greenery. From here, caique trips can be taken to Cape Lefkata or Cavo Nira.
Events and Other Information: Celebrating Culture in Lefkada
Annual cultural events known as ‘Festivals of Word and Art’ are organized in the town of Lefkada from June to August, drawing visitors from all over the Ionian. Every June, Nydri hosts the world formula-jetski championships, showcasing this vibrant town as a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts.
Nearby Islands: Explore Beyond Lefkada
For those on a Lefkas yacht charter, the nearby islands, including Kalamos, Kastos, Skorpidi, Arkoudi, and Meganisi, offer unique and picturesque settings for further exploration. Meganisi, just 4 n.m. east of Nydri, is a peaceful respite for those on an Ionian charter, with frequent ferryboat connections to Nydri, Cephalonia, and Ithaca.