The name of the island was derived from the name 'Lefkas (white) stone', which was also the name of the southernmost cape of the island. A Greek myth tells that the poet Sappho ended her life for her lost love falling from the white and wild cliffs of the cape. Lefkada is world famous for its stunning beaches. Tropical waters and all-white sandy beaches stretch on a coastline with a total length of 116km. The western side of the island, wild on the face and mostly untouched, is dominated by cliffs, dense pine forests and beautiful landscapes. Among the most popular beaches on the west side are the award-winning Porto Katsiki and the Egremni, near the village of Athani. Further to the fishing village of Agios Nikitas are Pefkoulia, Milos and of course the most cosmopolitan beach of the island, Kathisma. A little closer to the town of Lefkada one can find the beach of Agios Giannis, 5km long, a favorite destination for kitesurfers. Finally, the eastern and south side has crystal clear waters and pebbly beaches. Sivota and Vasiliki, to the south, are two of the most important sailing and windsurfing centers of the Mediterranean sea.