Lefkada

Lefkada, or Lefkas is an Greek island in the Ionian Sea, connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The capital, Lefkada, is at the north of the island, and only 20 minutes away from Preveza Airport.

Lefkada, or Lefkas Town, has a pedestrianised main street, marina, and bus routes to Athens.

The east coast of the island has small resorts of Lygia, Nikiana and Perigiali, all north of the largets resort on the island - Nidri. It is set in a sheltered location with views across to Skorpios - owned by Aristotle Onassis, Meganissi and other small islands, as well as the Greek mainland. The main coastal road from Lefkada to Vasiliki runs through the town, although a bypass is being built. There are regular car ferrys to Kefalonia, Ithaca and Meganisi.

20km South of Nidri is the resort of Vasiliki - a Wind surfing center. There are ferries here to Kefalonia and Ithica.

South of Vasiliki is Cape Lefkatas, where Sappho allegadly leapt to her death from the 100 foot (30m) high cliffs. There are spectacular views across to Ithaca and Kefalonia, however the 16km (10 mile) unpaved road is enough to put off everyone but the most determined.

The West coast, facing the great expanse of the Mediterranean, has the hyped beach of Porto Katsiki. To the North, there are numerous beaches, with pale golden sand and powerful waves - a sharp contrast to the more popular East Coast.

On August 14 2003, the island was rocked by a powerful earthquake, measuring 6.4 on the Richter Scale, 30km (20m) off the west coast. There were some reports of minor injuries and damage. The quake was felt in nearby Corfu, Kefalonia, and as far away as Athens.