In a major disruption to maritime traffic and local tourism around Lefkada, the island’s floating bridge, officially known as Agia Mavra, has been closed to all vessel passage since midnight on July 14, following the expiration of its safety certificate. The bridge’s closure cuts off canal access to the island during the height of the summer season, forcing all boats to detour around Lefkada’s coastline, according to local online news website ilefkada.gr.
The Agia Mavra Bridge is Greece’s only floating bridge and a key point of connection between the island of Lefkada and the mainland. Critically, it also serves as a rotating gateway for sailboats, yachts, fishing vessels, and commercial boats traveling along the Ionian Sea, including to and from Corfu.
Why Is the Bridge Closed?
The bridge operates as a specially designed pontoon vessel that rotates to allow vessels through the Lefkada canal. However, its General Inspection Protocol (P.G.E.) certificate—required for seaworthy structures—expired on July 13 and was not renewed due to delays in scheduled maintenance and an unresolved contractor procurement process.
According to local authorities, two open tenders failed to attract eligible contractors. A negotiated procedure has since led to a single qualified bidder, but final approval is still pending before Greece’s Court of Auditors.
Maritime Access Cut Off
Until the bridge is repaired or temporarily replaced, all vessels must bypass the canal entirely, sailing around the full perimeter of Lefkada to reach marinas or island ports. This impacts:
- Private yachts and charter vessels
- Local ferry and transport operators
- Fishing and refueling boats
- Emergency services and search-and-rescue missions
The only exception to the closure is for urgent operations, which require direct authorization from the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Blow to Local Tourism
The closure comes at the peak of the tourist season, dealing a blow to the island’s tourism-driven economy. Businesses that rely on nautical access—such as refueling stations, supply providers, and seafront restaurants—are already reporting major losses.
“The suspension of the bridge’s operation is disrupting not only maritime tourism but the broader image of Lefkada as a travel destination,” the Chamber of Commerce of Lefkada said in a public statement.
Yacht and sailing tour companies, many of which have routes through the Ionian islands, are now being forced to reroute, incurring fuel costs and timing disruptions.
What’s Next?
In a recent on-site inspection, Infrastructure Minister Christos Dimas and MP Thanasis Kavvadás confirmed that a contractor has been identified and approval is now in the hands of the Audit Court. Once cleared, the bridge will be removed and taken to for full maintenance and inspection. A temporary ferry structure is being considered to allow vehicle and vessel passage in the interim.
No firm reopening date has been announced.
What Tourists Should Know
- Driving to Lefkada remains unaffected, as the bridge still supports road traffic.
- Yachts and sailboats will need to sail around Lefkada to access island ports.
- Expect longer travel times and potential rescheduling of chartered cruises or boat tours.
- Monitor local marina updates or contact your charter company for revised routes and guidance.
For updates, travelers are encouraged to contact the local port authority. Authorities have stated they are treating the issue as urgent and have pledged a swift resolution.
