Lefkada Best of: Porto Katsiki beach, Greece | Πόρτο Κατσίκι η καλύτερη παραλία!
Porto Katsiki (Greek: Πόρτο Κατσίκι, goat port) is a Beach on the Ionian island of Lefkada, Greece. The name is said to be because formerly only goats could reach this area.
The beach is famed for its landscape and clear blue sea. It is located at the bottom of a concave pale cliff. It is 35 km from Lefkada town, near Athani village. Porto Katsiki has parking lots and canteens. There is no lodging, and camping is prohibited. There is a stairwell down to the beach from the cliff-top parking. In the day, boats bring tourists to the beach, particularly from nearby Nidri. It is often considered as Europe' s best Beach.
Only 15km southeast of the main town, you’ll discover one of the longest beachfronts in Lefkada, Kathisma beach. Whether you want to relax under the sun or feel fully energised with your favourite water sports, Kathisma offers something for everyone.
And speaking of energy seekers, if you feel like tackling the 80 steep steps down to fascinating Porto Katsiki, you’ll be richly rewarded. The mesmerising landscape created by the artful combination of white sand and crystal blue waters will more than compensate you for the effort.
And, finally, we head north to Pefkoulia, a large sandy cove (with some shingle) near the fishing village of Agios Nikitas. Easily accessible by car, its wonderful turquoise waters attract quite a few visitors but there’s room for everyone.
White limestone cliffs make an impressive sight.
A visit to the white cliffs of Cape Lefkas, where the poet Sappho is reputed to have flung herself into the waters, is a sightseeing highlight of a holiday on Lefkas.
Sappho's Leap, or Lefkatas, is located on the southerly cape on the island where there once stood a shrine to the Greek god Apollo and the wild beauty of the white limestone cliffs makes a most memorable impression.
The island owes its name to this remote cape, Lefkata. The cape, also referred to as Cape Ducatio, is dominated by the lighthouse, built in 1813, that now stands on what was once a temple to Apollo.
It was here that the poet Sappho is said to have leapt to her death for love of a ferryman, the original 'lover's leap'. Most scholars are unimpressed by the evidence but the islanders still trade heavily on the myth.
Sappho was an Ancient Greek lyric poet, born on the island of Lesbos and is nowadays a lesbian icon. She is associated with the island Lesbos than Lefkas and although the bulk of her poetry has been lost, her reputation has endured.
The legend of Cape Lefkata
When you get here, the legendary energy sweeps you off your feet. At the spot where a lighthouse now stands, 60m above sea level, stood the Temple of Lefkata Apollona, where sacrifices were made to the gods in ancient times.
A jewel of an island, with dense forests, cosmopolitan charm and famous beaches
You’re bound to have seen photographs of Lefkada’s world-renowned beaches. But when you arrive, you’ll quickly realise that it is even better in real life. Lefkada – or Lefkas – is easily accessible, hospitable and lively – a recipe for the perfect summer holiday in the Ionian Sea. Kathisma, Egremni, Porto Katsiki – the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean – have won international acclaim and are awarded annually with Blue Flags.
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, paragliding, scuba diving, flights in a prop plane, horseback riding, mountain biking, sailing around the surrounding islets like Skorpios… there is no end to the activities and sports activities and sports on offer here.
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