LEFKADA ISLAND
Lefkada takes its name from the white rocks (Lefkos in Greek) that embody the southern part of the island, the cape of Lefkada. Initially this name was given to the ancient city of Lefkada and thereafter to the entire island.
According to Greek mythology, the poet Sappho who was regarded as one of the greatest Greek lyric poets, jumped to the sea from these white rocks, as she couldn't suffer the torture of her love for Phaon. Phaon was an old and ugly boatman. Aphrodite (the Greek goddess associated with love) came to his boat in disguise requesting travel to Asia Minor, today part of modern day Turkey. Phaon ferried her across the waters and refused all payment. In return and to reward him for his generosity she gave him a box of ointment. Legend had it that when he rubbed it on himself, he became young and extremely handsome. Among the many who were captivated by his beauty was sadly Sappho.
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Lefkada Island is one of the main seven Ionian Islands located on the west coast of Greece in the Ionian ocean. The Island is separated from the mainland, by a narrow channel; a drawbridge above the channel and a bridge above the lagoon connect the island to the mainland. Lefkada is the only island that can be reached by road.
The popularity of Lefkada is mainly down to its amazing landscape. It has awesome beaches with endless sand, incredible clear turquoise waters and majestic vertical rocky cliffs. The mountainous interior is mainly covered with dense and green vegetation with two of its peaks rising over1,000 meters.
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Despite being one of the most beautiful and popular islands of Greece, Lefkada remains very undeveloped and authentic. In summary of this gem of an Island, it is the aim and aspiration of “Greek Island Walking” to put Lefkada on the map as a gorgeous area to walk within. We hope that you will be encouraged by what you have read and come to see the beauty, which is Lefkada for yourself.
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