Villas in Lefkas, Greece

A variety of beautiful beaches line the Lefkas coastline - some sand and others pebble. The east coast is sheltered and pretty with pine and olive trees to the waters edge, while the west – rugged and open – promises azure sea and fabulous stretches of sand, many only reachable by boat. Whether you’re looking for a mile-long main beach, a smaller family-friendly bay or a romantic secluded cove on your villa holiday, the Lefkas shoreline has something for everyone. Waterfront tavernas and beachside cafés are also found in most main summer holiday resorts.

Once separated by a canal, a swing-bridge now links the island of Lefkas to the ancient and beautiful region of western Greece. On a villa holiday here, you can enjoy all the benefits of a Greek Island atmosphere but with easy driving access to the mainland. Here, a wealth of amphitheatres, historical sites and monuments are open for all to explore. Several museums look back at Lefkas’ history and culture through the ages, and much of the local heritage is retained to this day with traditional costumes, cuisine and pastimes.

Tavernas can be found in every resort, offering fish and meat meze – a traditional way of sampling all the Greek Island flavours at one sitting. As to be expected, locally-caught fresh seafood is an excellent dish in Lefkas. Wind down at an outdoor table, sip on an ouzo and enjoy the reasonable prices that the island has to offer. All of the restaurants in Lefkas offer home cooked local dishes and most cater superbly for those on a family holiday. A wider variety of international restaurants can also be found in larger villa holiday resorts.

Known as the sailing holiday capital of the Ionian, you can expect to see flotillas of yachts passing through and mooring up in Lefkas every day. For those with nautical leanings, instructors are on hand to teach you how to sail your own vessel. Regular boat trips ferry passengers to neighbouring Greek Islands, often accompanied by friendly and inquisitive dolphins hitching a ride on the wake. Lefkas has also become a haven for leisure activities like windsurfing, cycling, hiking and swimming.

• Visit Porto Katsiki beach in the south west to marvel at its sheer white cliffs and idyllic, beautiful bay surroundings

• Go walking or mountain biking between inland villages for alpine views – a good place to start is Karya, the island’s centre for lace and weaving

• Sample the delicious seafood in the pretty little harbour of Sivota, in the south of the island and watch the boats sail by...

• Drive to mainland Greece in an hour, and visit the Necromanteion of Ephyra – the legendary gate of Hades – which is close to the bustling port of Parga

• Hire a boat at Nidri to explore the local islets, then moor up in your own secluded bay for a spot of lunch