Lefkada is Greek for white, and the island takes its name from the brilliant white of the limestone rock. From the dramatic sea cliffs and magnificent beaches of the west coast, across the rugged peaks of the interior mountains and down through fertile, stream fed valleys to the gentler east coast with its wooded bays and quiet creeks, Lefkada is made for leisurely exploration.

Lefkada is an island only since the sixth century BC when a channel was dug through the low isthmus connecting it to the mainland. Lefkada has its own unique appeal, possibly due to the fact that the Venetians handed over the island to the Turks in the 16th and 17th century, in return for control of nearby Kefalonia and Ithaka.

Today, Lefkada is still largely an agricultural island with olive groves, vineyards and a famous lace-making industry. There are many shops where you can purchase local products, such as Wines, Lefkadian Honey, Lace products, etc. Development of tourism has been confined to a few resorts such as Vassiliki and Nidri on the East Coast. In 2003, the largest private vessel marina in Greece opened on Lefkada. Elsewhere, the loudest noise might be from the surf breaking or the echo of goat bells through the olive trees. In spring, rare orchids thrive on the verges and the woods are bright with the purple blossom of the Judas tree.

The island was a great favorite of the Greek Tycoon, Aristotle Onassis and for many years his private island, Scorpio; just off the coast of Nidri, was a playground of the rich and famous. Scorpio is just one of the many little islands that gather around the bay, notorious for its schools of dolphins. Imagine, a perfect day out on the water hopping over to Meganisi for lunch, or perhaps taking a speedboat tour around the islets and stopping for lunch and a swim.