Experience the best of Lefkada

Lefkada is reached by a causeway and a floating bridge at the island's northern tip, so, unlike most Ionian islands, it can be reached by road. Lefkada Town sits on a lagoon, with a waterfront of cafés, narrow streets and the old Santa Maura fortress guarding the causeway. Mountains cover much of the interior, and olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees fill the valleys.

On the west coast, Porto Katsiki and Kathisma have pale cliffs above turquoise water. Vasiliki bay in the south has steady afternoon winds that draw windsurfers, and Nidri in the east is the port for boats to Meganisi and Skorpios, the island once owned by Aristotle Onassis. At the southern tip, the white cliffs of Cape Lefkatas are linked in legend to the poet Sappho's leap.

Fresh sardines, grilled fish, local honey and vertzami reds from the island's own grape fill the tables. Mountain villages such as Karya are known for embroidery, and the plateau around Eglouvi for lentils. Summers are hot and dry, the sea stays warm from June to October, and winters are mild and green.