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Lefkas,
one of the Ionian group of islands, is connected to the mainland of Greece
by a swing-bridge.
Lefkas only became an island in 600 B.C. when
the Corinthians cut a canal through sandbanks so severing it from the
mainland.
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The easy access from the mainland, plus the islands close proximity to the airport at Preveza, can reduce travelling time to the island considerably. Close by
lies the island of Scorpios, famous for its connection to the Onassis
family. |
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Lefkas
town is
located at the northernmost tip of the island. It suffered damage from
earthquakes in 1948, 1953 and 1971. In an attempt to limit any damage from
further earthquakes,
many of the buildings upper storeys are constructed from corrugated iron.
The streets of the town are kept free
from traffic,
so the town has a quiet village-like atmosphere. There is an attractive
main square and a number of richly decorated Venetian churches. |
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Nidri is
the Islands' main tourist resort, and is located about half way between
Lefkas Town and Vassiliki.
Situated on the East Coast of Lefkas, Nidri has its own small ferry port
with ferries to Kefalonia,
Ithaca and Meganissi. The village has a good
selection of bars and tavernas to suit all tastes. The beaches are mainly
pebble and shingle, although sand has been added in areas. |
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The village of Vassiliki despite the earthquakes, still retain a lot of
it's older buildings. It has a pleasant harbour area lined with pavement
cafes and tavernas. The harbour is a popular with yachts and flotillas as
a stopping off point. There is no bank, but there is an ATM and money can
easily be exchanged in the local travel agencies. The beach is mainly
pebble and shingle, and gently shelves into the water. The village is one
of the most popular windsurfing centres in Greece. |
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History
The
island was active in the Peloponessian War against the Spartans and also
participated in the campaign of Alexander the Great, and in the third
century B.C. resisted the Romans. During the Byzantine period, the island
was incorporated into the Despotate of Epirus. In 1293 it was claimed by
Count Orsini, the later ruler of Kefalonia and Zante, and the fortress of
Ayia Mavra was constructed to provide protection from pirates. For a long
period, the Venetian's occupied the island, and later in 1503 the island
was conquered by the Turks, who remained on the island for 180 years. In
1684 Lefkas reverted to Venetian rule. Later it briefly fell into the
hands of the French and the island was strongly influenced by the liberal
ideas of the French Revolution. The British took control of the island in
1810.
During English rule, Greek became the official language, a network of
roads was built and the water supply improved. The official English
occupation didn’t last for long but the English Protection of the Ionian
Islands lasted until 1864.
Lefkas fought
in the Greek War of Independence of 1821. and in 1864, the island, along
with the rest of the Ionian islands, was unified with Greece. |
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