Greece, with a rich maritime tradition, has many scattered lighthouses Years of stories, narratives, and various events accompany many of them. As is the case with one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, which is located in Lefkada. It is the Lighthouse Ducato and its history complements various events as well as legends. Like one related to couples in love. Even if you’ve been to Lefkada on vacation, you’ve probably never heard of this story in this particular lighthouse before. The lighthouses of Greece are many and each with its own special story.
The lighthouse Ducato and the legend of lovers
So this lighthouse is the legend of the real events, centuries ago. This particular cape is one of the most famous rocks of antiquity. It is considered that it may be identified with the Homeric Lefka Petri, with white rocks 60 meters high above the waves of the Ionian sea. In fact, it is said that in 1,200 BC. sacrifices were made to appease the gods and the Spirit of the Storm
Somewhere, then, in the 6th century, there is also a legend that has a historical basis. It is said that at that time the tradition of lovers’ suicide by jumping was very widespread. In fact, many ancient poets mentioned it in verses. This is exactly what the great poet of antiquity, Sappho, mentioned, saying that from there it came out that she had suicided by jumping from Lefkata. The myth goes all the way to the present day and that’s why it’s called Kavos of the Lady. So the legend says that this place where this lighthouse was built later, it was the place where the lovers made a sacrifice and jumped for their love.
How to get to The Lighthouse Ducato
The lighthouse Ducato was built in 1890 with a tower height of 14 meters and a focal height of 70 meters. How can you get there? After passing Porto Katsiki the dirt road reaches the southernmost part of the island, Cape Lefkatas, or Niras, or Kavo of Kyra or Kavo Ducato. It has all these variations in its name. Whatever you call it, the locals will tell where it is.
It is located 50 km from the city of Lefkada and you will enjoy a unique view to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Lefkada is the easy island to escape in the sense that you can go there at any time without taking a boat.
Apart from the summer that attracts a lot of people not only from Greece but also from abroad, you can go both in autumn and spring. Each season you will enjoy different landscapes and other experiences.
Get a taste of the Up Drones youTubevideo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Lighthouse Ducato is located in Lefkada, Greece, at Cape Lefkatas (also known as Kavo Ducato or Kavo of Kyra) on the southernmost part of the island. It is situated approximately 50 km from the city of Lefkada and can be reached via a dirt road after passing Porto Katsiki.
According to legend, the cape where Lighthouse Ducato stands was historically a place where lovers would jump as a sacrifice for their love, a practice that was widespread in the 6th century. The tradition is even mentioned in ancient poetry and is famously associated with the great poet Sappho, who is said to have jumped from this location. The cape is therefore called Kavos of the Lady.
The Lighthouse Ducato was built in 1890 with a tower height of 14 meters and a focal height of 70 meters above sea level.
Cape Lefkatas is considered one of the most famous rocks of antiquity and may be identified with the Homeric Lefka Petri, featuring white rocks 60 meters high above the Ionian Sea. Historical records suggest that sacrifices were made there around 1,200 BC to appease the gods and the Spirit of the Storm.
From Lighthouse Ducato, visitors can enjoy unique views of Kefalonia and Ithaca islands. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, as these seasons offer different landscapes and experiences compared to summer, which attracts larger crowds. Lefkada is easily accessible without requiring a boat journey, making it convenient to visit year-round.
