The capital of the island of Lefkada, half an hour from Preveza across a causeway and floating bridge, guarded by the castle of Santa Maura.
About Lefkada Town
Lefkada is an island you can drive to. From Preveza it is about 27 km (half an hour): through the Aktion tunnel, past the airport and over the long causeway and floating bridge that join the island to the mainland.
The castle of Santa Maura stands at the island's entrance. Kılıç Ali Pasha rebuilt it in 1572–1574 as a hexagonal fortress with large towers, and the Venetians took it in 1684 after a sixteen-day siege. The town itself was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1825 and rebuilt in wood to prevent such damage again.
Lefkada Town is also the gateway to the rest of the island: Nydri, the largest resort, looks out to Skorpios and Meganisi, and Porto Katsiki is the famous beach of the west coast.
Good to know
- Stop at the castle of Santa Maura on the way in: it is right by the causeway.
- Allow a full day if you also want the west-coast beaches; Porto Katsiki is far down the island.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Preveza to Lefkada?
By road, about 27 km: through the Aktion tunnel, past the airport, then over the causeway and floating bridge onto the island. It takes about half an hour.
Why was Lefkada Town rebuilt in wood?
After an earthquake in 1825 destroyed much of the town, it was rebuilt in wood to prevent similar damage.
How far is Porto Katsiki from Lefkada Town?
It is on the island's west coast, far down the island, so plan most of a day if you want to combine it with the town.
Last updated 18 October 2026. Information checked against en.wikipedia.org. Spotted something out of date? Use “Suggest a place” in the footer.
More day trips in Preveza
Parga
A Venetian-era harbour town about an hour north of Preveza, with a hilltop castle, an islet in the bay and beaches within walking distance.
Parga, Preveza regional unit (61 km / about 1 hour from Preveza)
Arta
The old capital of the Despotate of Epirus, under an hour from Preveza, with its famous bridge over the Arachthos and Byzantine churches.
Arta, Epirus (49 km / about 55 minutes from Preveza)
Syvota
A resort village in Thesprotia, about an hour and a quarter north of Preveza, known for its islets and very blue water.
Syvota, Thesprotia (87 km / about 1 hour 15 minutes from Preveza)