Lefkada, also known as Lefkas is a stunning island located in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece. It is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and ‘floating bridge.’ If we look back at Lefkada’s earliest history, originally, it wasn’t an island, but a peninsula of mainland Greece until it was colonised during the 7th Century BC by the Corinthians. They built the town of Lefkas and started construction on the canal separating Lefkada from the mainland in 650BC, turning Lefkada into an island.
Rich in culture, this stunning and rather interesting island is home to isolated beaches, sheltered bays with dozens of caves and peaceful country villages.
10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT LEFKADA
According to one of the many Greek myths, anyone who jumped from the rocks of “Cape Lefkatas” could escape the torment of love. It is said the Goddess Aphrodite chose to end her life this way after she discovered that Adonis, her love, had died.
The German archaeologist, Willhelm Dörpfeld, performed excavations at various locations in Lefkada and suggested (the rather controversial theory) that the island was Homer’s homeland, not Ithaca. His argument is that since Homer said his Ithaca could be reached by foot, then it must be Lefkada which happens to be the only island connected to the mainland by a causeway.
Lefkada is a very green island, covered in trees, fauna and flora. The lagoon between Lefkada and the mainland is home to many migratory birds and other rare species.
At the southern part of the island you will find Lefkos rocks (white rocks), which is where the island derives its name.
One of the most interesting places to visit on the island is the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada. There are four rooms, each filled with precious materials such as sculptures, pots and ancient tools.
The island has stunning views across to Skorpios (formerly owned by Aristotle Onassis), Meganisi and other small islands.
The town’s largely pedestrianised main street, Ioannou Mela, is effectively an extension of the causeway and runs directly back from the water. It still has some of the traditional wooden colonnades to this day!
The islands highest point is the Mountain, Stavrota, which is 1,158 metres (3,799 feet) above sea level.
Lefkada contains some scenic traditional villages where you can still get a strong sense of ancient Greece. Karya, as an example, is a traditional mountain village on the island, hidden by the green hills. Here you can find tavernas, a relaxing atmosphere and ancient traditions of lace making.
BIG BLUE IN LEFKADA
So, now you know a little bit more about this stunning and glorious island, it’s time to give you an insight into what to expect on a trip with us!
The Big Blue team will take you on a 7 day, approximately 5k swim per day programme. The 12-island trip will take you as far as the legendary islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia and allow you to experience real Greece, from the sea.
During the evening, after your arrival at the Ilios Club Hotel, you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow swimmers, and be briefed on the week’s itinerary and safety issues over relaxing complimentary drinks.
There will be an optional opportunity for you to have a filmed swimming analysis and open water swimming coaching from our qualified guides to assist you with your technique in the water.
A buffet-style breakfast is offered each morning at the hotel to provide you with the fuel needed for your swims! We will then board our traditional wooden boat, Mowgli and head to the swimming location (which will be different each day.)
We will visit places, coastlines, caves and locations which are inaccessible from the road that few people have seen or visited before. We visit a different harbour each day of the trip, allowing us to sample the mouth-watering Greek cuisine at various traditional tavernas.
All this as well as witnessing the stunning views of the Greek island of Lefkada from the waters - a truly unforgettable experience.
So, why not book a trip to Lefkada with us? We are ready when you are! Let’s make this summer amazing! We still have spaces left for summer, and you can find out more information and book your place here.
We can’t wait to see you there!
29 April 2021
