The beautiful island in Greece ‘just like the Caribbean’ but with a dark past

A island in the Ionian Sea has been dubbed a hidden gem and certainly warrants the praise.

Lefkada offers stunning beaches, lush forests and gorgeous vistas and has even been hailed as version of the .

Here you will see a region that, despite not being a major tourist destination, has become more popular among travellers, and it’s easy to see why.

Iridescent and inviting waters, rolling green hills and unspoiled beaches has propelled Lefkada into being one of the seven jewels known as the Ionian islands. 

The romantic allure of the surrounding landscape and Lefkada’s mystic past makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a dream making this charming island a must-visit spot with a slightly darker undertone too.

Lefkada is home to dense forests with an array of world-famous beaches that are all easily accessible too.

If sunbathing on picture-perfect beaches is your thing then you’ll be in for a real treat as Lefkada is home to some of the most beautiful coastal spots in the world, even winning international acclaim.

Must-visit beaches in Lefkada include Egremni, Porto Katsiki and Kathisma.

All have been described as being among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediteraneana and are awarded annually with Blue Flags.

Exploring the island will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a postcard with images of whitewashed villas featuring intense-blue roofs with some spots offering a fishing village vibe that gives the region its otherworldly quality.

Activities on offer in Lefkada are plentiful with kitesurfing, paragliding, windsurfing, horseback riding, scuba diving, sailing, mountain biking and hiking all on offer. 

Lefkada’s mythic past is plentiful too with some dark connections too and includes tales of the ancient Greek poet Sappho who is  believed to  have jumped off the white rocks of Cape Lefkada after her sailor lover broke her heart.

The region has dark past though as according to tradition, whoever jumped from its rocks was saved from the sufferings of love with the site now being associated with ritual leaps and human sacrifices 

Lefkada is so awe-inspiring it was also one the summer refuge of legendary shipping tycoon Aristotle Onasis who married Jackie Kennedy.

Onasis loved this region so much he was often seen holidaying in Lefkada, even purchasing Skorpios where the rich and the famous would flock in droves and included legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and even Winston Churchill.

This lesser-known Greek destination is only reached by car, a half-hour drive that takes you off the mainland via a causeway from Preveza airport.

“Travelling from Nidri port we swam in caves – stopped at secluded beaches and swam in turquoise sea – it was the best way to cope in the hot weather,” wrote one TripAdvisor review.

Another added: “Our trip included a visit to a small beach, where you could snorkel around a cave with some very impressive rocks / cliffs. I cannot recommend this place enough.”