The Lefkas Canal, which allows vessels to take a short cut between this popular Ionian island and Greece’s mainland and provides quick access from the north to the south Ionian sea, closed on 25 September, 2024, due to the floating bridge’s Safety Certificate expiring. This means the bridge can no longer operate at this time, effectively blocking and closing the canal to maritime traffic.

Published 1 week ago, updated 4 days ago

The Lefkas (Lefkada) Canal which separates the island from the Greek mainland, has existed since ancient times. Located on the northern part of the island near the main town of Lefkada, it is used by both local craft and yachts, as a shortcut to nearby Ionian islands and a quicker route to the east coast of Lefkada.

The floating swing bridge crosses the Canal allowing pedestrians and road traffic to pass and operates with specific opening times to let vessels through. However, the bridge’s safety certificate has expired which means it can no longer be operated, effectively closing the canal to maritime traffic. All vessels moving between the North and South Ionian Sea will need to navigate around the west coast of Lefkada (Lefkas) Island for the time being.

In order for a new certificate to be issued, the bridge must undergo a comprehensive inspection in a dry dock. At this time, there is no scheduled date for the inspection, so the duration of the bridge’s operational suspension remains uncertain.

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Thanks to Spiros Dallos, Marina Manager at Marina Lefkas for providing Noonsite with this information.

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