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lefkada
island
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 Lefkada
is located on the west coast of Greece in the Ionian Island group. Lefkada
is connected to the mainland of Greece by a long roadway over the narrow
canal. Lefkada is a mountainous island, also covered with dense vegetation
on the east and south sides. The eastern coast gently slopes down to the
sea. The western coast faces the beautiful Mediterranean, and is steep,
with stretches of beautiful sandy beaches. Included in the Lefkada prefecture
are Lefkada, as well as the smaller, heavily wooded islands of meganisi,
kalamos, Kastos, madouri, Skorpios, and Sparti. Lefkada is the smallest
prefecture in Greece, both in land area and population.
The city of Lefkada, on the north
side of the island, is only about 20 minutes from the Aktion National Airport.
This capital city of the island is a peaceful, serene, and beautiful town
built on a natural harbour. It features unique, multicolored wooden houses,
whose upper floors are covered with sheet metal.
The island of Lefkada has only been
inhabited since the 6th century BC. It has a wonderfully relaxed and romantic
atmosphere. Legend has it that Sappho, after being jilted by her lover,
climbed the high cliffs of Cape Lefkada and threw herself into the sea
to escape her unrequited love by death. In the centuries following, many
criminals and lunatics repeated this action, often times with rudimentary
wings attached by priests from the temple of Apollo, in a yearly ceremony.
Sapphos Leap, as it is called today, is now a very popular destination
spot for hang gliders.
Also according to Lefkada history,
in the 8th century AD, Saint Mayra, who was a black saint famous for her
stunning beauty and her purity, sought sanctuary on the White Island, in
order to escape her unwanted suitor. Here she lived until her death in
a solitary state. After her death, her sainthood was assured, when it was
discovered that her tomb could cure sickness and ward off evil spirits.
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