Greece, with a rich maritime tradition, has many scattered lighthouses Years of stories, narratives, and various events accompany many of them. This is the case with one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, which is located in Lefkada. It is the Lighthouse Doukato and its history has to do with 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 Doukato 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 Doukato
The lighthouse Doukato 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 Doukato. 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 youTube video.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Doukato lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Greece, located in Lefkada at Cape Lefkatas, the southernmost point of the island. Built in 1890, it stands 14 meters tall with a focal height of 70 meters above the sea. It is situated approximately 50 km from the city of Lefkada and offers stunning views of Kefalonia and Ithaca.
According to legend, Doukato cape was the site where lovers would jump from the white rocks (60 meters high) as a romantic sacrifice. This tradition, which has historical roots in the 6th century, was mentioned by ancient poets including the famous poet Sappho, who is said to have jumped from Lefkata. The cape is now called 'Kavos of the Lady' due to this legendary history of lovers' jumps.
To reach Doukato lighthouse, take the dirt road that passes Porto Katsiki heading south to Cape Lefkatas (also known as Niras, Kavo of Kyra, or Kavo Doukato). The lighthouse is located 50 km from Lefkada city. You can ask locals for directions as the cape has multiple names. Lefkada is easily accessible without requiring a boat from the mainland.
While summer attracts many visitors from Greece and abroad, the best times to visit Doukato lighthouse are spring and autumn when you can enjoy different landscapes and unique experiences with fewer crowds. Each season offers distinct views and weather conditions, making any time of year suitable for visiting this scenic location.
Cape Lefkatas has ancient historical significance dating back to around 1,200 BC, when it is believed that sacrifices were made to appease the gods and the Spirit of the Storm. The cape may be identified with the Homeric Lefka Petri (white rocks), featuring white rocks 60 meters high above the Ionian Sea. This sacred location later became the site of the Doukato lighthouse built in 1890.
