Lefkada or Agia Mavra (Saint Mavra) as it was called earlier, is the only island in which you can come in and out for free, during all day, thanks to the floating bridge (over a canal 28m wide) which connects the island with the Greek mainland. The island is located near the north west end of Acarnania. It is the fourth island in population in Eptanissa (the seven Greek islands of the Ionian Sea). The main island has an area of 302 sq. km. Together with Meganissi and the little islands of Kalamos and Kastro, it forms separate administrative department.

Old historians noted that, in antiquity, Lefkada was a peninsula of Acarnania (coast of Epirus). When the Corinthians captured Lefkada, they opened a canal and tuned it into an island. But this view does not seem to be too strong, because Lefkada has always been an island, others contend.

With the excavations that took place near Nidri, we've come to the conclusion that Lefkada is Homers' Ithaki.

The climate of Lefkada is mild and Mediterranean, with plenty of rains in the winter time. The economy of the island is mainly agricultural and the most important cultivation are olive groves and vineyards. Then come garden produces, fruits, cereals and pulses. An important source of income today is tourism and the foreign exchange of immigrants abroad. Fishing is an important work of the people, as well handicraft (embroidery of Karia, woven materials etc.). Also the production of salt is important. Some famous products of Lefkada are salami, lentils from Englouvi and honey from Athani.

Morphology of Lefkada
The coast of Lefkada is characterized by a great dismemberment. Inlets and deep bays, such as those of Agios Nikitas, Agios loannis, Drepanos or Alexandros, Vlichos, Desimi, Rouda, Sivota, Vassiliki and the capes of Jouana, Yirapetra, Lispopirgos and Lefkata or Doucato Cape, together with the peninsula of Agia Kiriaki, form lacy seashores and make Lefkada beautiful.

At the eastern sea of the island are the very beautiful and ethereal islands and rocky islets of Skorpios and Sparti (owned by the Onassis family), Meganissi (Tafos), Thilia, Skopridi, Madouri (the island of Greek national poet Aristoteles Valaoritis), Heloni, Tsokari, Petalou, Kithros, Arkoudi, rock in the blue Ionian Sea.

To the west, is the rocky islet of Sessoula. From the point of view of its terrain, Lefkada is a miniature of Greece. Mountains, flat lands and valleys make up a harmonious landscape. The higher mountains of the island are : Staurota (1.141m), Elati (1.126m), Epano Pirgos (1.079m), Meganoros (1.012m), Ai Donatos (880m), Lainaki (805m), Skari (650m), Megalo Vouno (615m), Achrada and Sikero (500m).

Beaches
The beach at Gyra at the entrance of the island (1200 m. from the city) pure white and endless is one of the most beautiful in Greece and fascinates the visitor on site.
Other beautiful beaches of the island are : Agios Nikitas, Vassiliki, Giros, Sivota, Porto-Katsiki, Kathisma, Nidri and many more.

Sports
Lefkada has some of the best places of Greece that are suitable for windsurfing. These places are the gulf of Fleva, Vassiliki (which is considered among the 10 best places in the world for windsurfing) and Nidri.



Night Life
The visitor can find restaurants, taverns discos, pubs and bars in the city and in many villages.

Transportation
By bus from Athens to Lefkada (400 km.). The duration of the trip is 5-6 hours. There are many daily transport connections with Athens. Once or twice a week it is connected with Patras by ship