Lefkada
Lefkada (or Lefkas) island is a place full of diversity and immense natural beauty, sitting in the heart of the Ionian Sea, in West Greece.
Lefkada (or Lefkas) island is a place full of diversity and immense natural beauty, sitting in the heart of the Ionian Sea, in West Greece. Connected to the mainland via a floating bridge, Lefkada is one of the two islands in Greece that can be reached via direct road access, offering easy access to both the destination and the the local airport, also allowing for mainland exploration while on vacation in the island. This is the 4th largest island in the Ionian Sea hosting circa 25,000 inhabitants, while its prefecture also includes over 20 of lush green islets which offer endless opportunities for exploration on sea. This is the homeland of Greece’s two national poets, Aristotelis Valaoritis and Aggelos Sikelianos and also Japan’s national poet Jacoumo Koizoumi (Lefkadian Hern).
Lefkada island is world-famous for its spectacular beaches and watersport activities as it has two unique spots ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing and offers a full array of outdoor activities. However, it has even much more to offer, as it is steeped in heritage and therefore offers intriguing experiences to the discerning traveler.
In more detail, Lefkada is home to some of the world’s best beaches. Exotic Egremni beach, breathtaking Porto Katsiki beach or cosmopolitan Kathisma beach, have all been consistently rated amongst the best beaches in the world by famous travel magazines and surveys. Impressive white cliffs embrace long golden beaches with pristine, glistering azure waters, whereas in other cases, raging vegetation extends right down to the beach itself, blending naturally with stunning, crystal-clear waters. Most of its beaches can be reached by car whereas some require a bit of an effort such as climbing stairs down the mountain, and some can be reached only by sea. Lefkada has it all, wilderness and unspoilt nature at the west coast, calm, sheltered beaches with natural shade ideal for families, along with cosmopolitan living on the east.
This is the island of diversity as you can either lay back and enjoy the enchanting beauty of world-famous beaches or, if you are the energetic type, just choose one of the activities it offers. The island has two of the best spots for windsurfing (Miloi and Vasiliki) and kitesurfing (Miloi) in Greece. Sailing or a private motorboat trip are activities to prioritise as the area is ideal for such activities, with the numerous islets, coves, bays, hidden beaches, caves that will enthuse you. One of the islets is the legendary Onassis’ Scorpios. There are two diving schools on the island, while all kinds of watersports are also on offer. If you would like to keep your adrenaline up, picture yourself paragliding from the top of the west coast mountains, down to the beach during sunset time.
To make the most of your stay in Lefkada, you must visit the inner side of the island which has delightful and picturesque traditional settlements. This is where the authentic local life unfolds. The furthest away from the coastline, the closer you get to feeling the real local culture, primarily in the smallest villages which are still untouched by touristic overdevelopment. Indulge yourself drinking your coffee at the main square under plane trees, or tasting the famous lentils cultivated in a plateau at 900m. Visit the local folk museum or just walk, hike or cycle in beautiful nature to unveil the secrets of the island’s diverse flora and fauna. There are amazing gorges, waterfalls, or springs to explore, a forest with rare species of oak trees to hike on, also offering truly awesome views.
The town of Lefkada has its own beauty to explore. It is characterized by its low-rise colorful houses with their unique in the world architecture, the beautiful flower scents at its narrow-pedestrianized back streets, its remarkably interesting churches, its several museums, its Santa Maura Venetian castle, its marina which is one of the most modern ones in Greece, its Natura 2000 lagoon, a true wildlife sanctuary, home to rare bird species such as pelicans, little egrets, flamingoes, herons, ducks. When there, take note of its traditional fish farm which is more than a century old. Close by areas of interest are its Faneromeni monastery named after its patron Mary and the small seaside church of Agios Ioannis Antzousis, which is the oldest worship spot on the island, built on a cave. In addition, all kinds of amenities will be found in Lefkada town. The main shopping area is an 800m pedestrianized street within the old city, whereas fresh fish and meat shops as well as vegetables open market can be found within short reach. Banks, ATMs, petrol stations and a brand-new hospital are there to complement the facilities, whereas a full range of cafes, restaurants and night life are lined up mainly at its two seaside promenades.
When in Lefkada island, there are a few things not to miss if you would like to get acquainted to the rich cultural heritage of the island and feel the authentic local way of life. Choose one of the experiences on offer, from visiting the numerous arts exhibitions to enjoying the local folklore festival or joining friendly locals at their “panigiri” (feast), from wine or oil tasting to farming or making the dough in local cooking lessons, from Greek dancing lessons to rejuvenating yoga sessions, from honey making to historical ruins admiration or hiking in nature. Whatever you may decide to get acquainted with during your stay, always take care not to miss its numerous culinary tastes such as salami, lentils, thyme honey, almond nougat, rosoli liquer, its “maridopita” (small fish) pie, its traditional sweet pie “ladopita” and many many more delicious delicacies. We are at your disposal to offer any detailed information needed.
Jaw-dropping Beaches and activities
The island of Lefkada has won top positions in various competitions and rankings mainly due to its renowned beaches and activities. More specifically, several of the beaches found in Lefkada have been internationally rated as being the best or among the best beaches in Greece, Europe, or even the world. On the other hand, Lefkada boasts being an ideal location for sailing, hosting one of the most organized marinas in Greece, while it also features two locations with ideal conditions in two spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Here are a few recent ones:
In the context of the international travel exhibition World Travel Market in November 2022, Lefkada island won one of the 10 distinctions of the Greek Travel Awards, as voted by UK travelers that had recently visited Greece via 7 British tour operators. Lefkada was voted as the “top place for sailing in Greece”.
In March 2022, “Conde Nast Traveler” categorized, Egremni beach, Porto Katsiki and Kathisma amongst their favorites in Greece, when picking the best beaches in Europe for 2022. https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-beaches-europe
In April 2022, Porto Katsiki was rated 11th best beach in the world for 2022, as voted by thousands of worldwide travelers from 82 countries from the European Best Destinations arm of EDEN Network (European Destinations of Excellence) of European Commission. The European Best Destinations ranked Egremni as 5th safest beach in Europe for a summer holiday in 2021. https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/coronavirus-safest-beaches-in-europe/
The prestigious “Travel & Leisure” magazine has consistently awarded Egremni beach as one of the best beaches. In September 2022, it awarded Egremni as the top beach in the world with the bluest waters, over a list of 13 selected places. https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/nature-travel/bluest-water-destinations
West coast
Porto Katsiki
One of the most famous beaches of the island, and of Greece! Often rated as one of the top best beaches in Greece, in Europe or the world. A breathtaking setting as crystal-clear turquoise waters and a sandy beach lie underneath some steep white cliffs. You park at the top, go down only 100 steps and find yourself in paradise. The beach is free of sunbeds, so make sure you take your sun umbrella with you. There are refreshments/ light food before you start going down the steps, either to take with you down to the beach or to sit and enjoy when you get back up. Paid parking space.
Egremni
World famous, rated as one of the top beaches in the world, with approximately 400 steps to go down and then back up! The sight of magnificent, velvet blue waters and a long sandy beach make all the effort to get there and back go away as the visit is most compensating! There are facilities at the beach for both sun protection and refreshments. Paid parking space.
Kalamitsi beaches
Three amazing beaches just below Kalamitsi village. It takes a bit of effort to go down the road, but you finally get there with your car. There are paid parking places when you reach the beach of Kavalikefta. From there, you can easily get to the beach of Megali Petra on foot. Get your sun equipment with you as there is not much chance you will be able to find rented sunbeds and sun umbrellas or any natural shade.
Kathisma
If you would like to feel a cosmopolitan vibe at the beach, you should visit Kathisma beach. This is a blue flag beach, wide, over 1km long, with amazing colors and a series of bars and restaurants for every taste, which have a great number of serviced sunbeds in their front, at the beachside. Look up and you will see paragliders landing after their flight from the mountains above. Some of the restaurants get top marks for their cuisine, whereas at the beach, you can find all levels of quality beds as well as levels of service, for the right price. A great option to spend the day at the beach combining a nice meal, we will be happy to help with arranging this for you.
Mylos/Agios Nikitas
Agios Nikitas beach is simply amazing. An unorganized beach with crystal clear turquoise waters, just a couple of steps in front of the picturesque village. From there, you can either take a sea taxi to get to Mylos beach, which once was a nudist beach, now with paid sunbeds and sun umbrellas, or take the 20-minute path that goes up the adjacent mountain and then down to Mylos beach.
Near Lefkada town
A 7km long strip of land embracing the protected lagoon by the town of Lefkada, from its outer side, a long, white sandy beach starting from Kastro beach and ending at Agios Ioannis beach.
Ammoglosa
This pristine beach is a wide & almost round strip of sand, at the entrance of Lefkada’s sea causeway, right across the castle of Santa Maura. Here you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters while gazing at the boats passing by. Ensure you take your sun umbrella with you and supplies as needed. You can use a nearby canteen which stands close to the floating bridge at the entrance of the island for refreshments. The best time to visit is in the morning hours.
Kastro
The beach that locals traditionally use as it is the closest one to the town. Long and very wide, you will not meet crowds. Sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Make sure to visit during morning hours to encounter total calmness and serenity, in a fully mesmerizing setting. Take your sun umbrella with you as the beach does not offer services. You can use a nearby canteen which stands close to the floating bridge at the entrance of the island for refreshments.
Miloi beach
All the way from Kastro beach to Miloi beach, there is a kilometers-long strip of sand. Miloi beach takes its name from the stone windmills that existed in the area and is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Greece. It is said that the mills were 12 back when Lefkada was under the Venetians, while the last one stopped being in operation in the 50s. Today you will be able to see 3-4 of them in various states. One of them has been restored and is being operated as a café. This is one of the best spots in the area for windsurfing and kitesurfing in the world. Every afternoon, colorful kites and sails fill the sky and the sea as the wind makes it the perfect spot for kite and windsurfing lovers. Watching the sunset from the windmills is a fully compensating and romantic experience not to be missed.
Agios Ioannis beach
The long strip of sand of 7km that starts from the entrance of the island ends on the sandy beach of Agios Ioannis. Being so close to the capital of the island, this is also a beach that the locals visit either for swimming or for visiting one of its cafes or restaurants. There are areas that are organized with sunbeds and sun umbrellas. However if you prefer to use your own supplies, you can bring your sun umbrella with you. There is plenty of room so that the beach does not feel packed. The waters here are an amazing combination of light and darker green colors that will amaze you. There are some rocks in the sea at places, so you may have to choose the best spot for you. Better to visit in the morning for total calmness. This is a beach where sea turtles Caretta Caretta may occasionally visit to lay their eggs. Agios Ioannis is a blue flag beach, usually with two lifeguards during the summer period. You may walk in one of the pathways to reach the inner side of a large olive grove and lush greenery and low-rise buildings scattered around. Right at the end of the beach, you may find Agios Ioannis Antzousis, the oldest worship spot on the island, built on a cave.
Vagia
This strip of land is like an extension of the Kastro beach. To get there, you pass through the floating bridge and head towards the mainland. Within 1km, you will find a dirt road to the left. Walk quite a bit through a wooden bridge of at least 800m to get to the wide strip of sand of Vagia. Occasionally organized. Afternoon winds transform this beach into a kite surfer’s paradise too
East Coast
Shallow, calm beaches at narrow strips of sand, in some cases with small pebbles. Watersports are the highlight of the coastline.
Nikiana
A family and elderly paradise, as the beach is only a few steps from the seaside road running right next to it. Fine sand inside the water and usually calm waters make it ideal for our younger or older friends. Take some of the shade of the pine trees by the beach or just bring your own umbrella as this beach is not organized. You may buy refreshments from just across the road. Due to its easy access, it can get really crowded during peak times. Nikiana port, close by, offers seaside tavernas, cafes and small boat rentals.
Nidri
The beach in front of Lefkada’s most cosmopolitan village is a narrow strip of sand with small pebbles inside the water. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes extend their reach right down to the beach with sun umbrellas and sunbeds, providing all kinds of facilities to the traveler. This is one of the best beaches in Greece and the ideal place for all kinds of watersports, ferry trips to Meganisi, sea excursions (private or public), shops, restaurants etc. If you are over 15 and athletic, you can kayak to nearby islands. Take a private boat trip to enjoy the sea, the coves and the underwater caves, as well as the hidden small beaches found around over 20 green islets in the area.
South Coast
Shallow, calm beaches at narrow strips of sand, in some cases with small pebbles. Watersports are the highlight of the coastline.
Mikros Gialos
A blue flag beach with pebbles and amazing green waters with vegetation extending right down to the sea. The area is touristic with hotels, camping, and restaurants. The waters are usually calm as the beach gets protected by winds from the mountains above. You can also visit the small village of Poros and have your meal at one of the two small tavernas.
Ammouso
Ammouso beach is about 4km off the main road that goes around the island, just off the village of Marandochori. It is a pebble beach, relatively isolated, with wonderful waters and convenient as it is organized, and you can combine it with a meal at the taverna above.
In August, it gets really crowded.
Agiofilli
You can get there either by car and then a short climb to the beach or by boat from the sea. There are some sun umbrellas to rent (better to get there early in the day), and a canteen for refreshments. The beach has white pebbles and amazing, clear turquoise waters, while it gets deep early on.
Vasiliki/Ponti
One of the best spots in Greece for windsurfing, with winds every afternoon ideal for surfers who fill up the bay with colorful sails! The pebbles beach hosts various other watersports, including diving, whereas there are several options for refreshments and dining.
Access to Lefkada island
By air:
- a) The local airport, called Aktion or Preveza, is 20km from Lefkada town, the entrance of Lefkada island. Numerous flights arrive each year from destinations all over Europe, as this airport also facilitates access to the whole of the west coast of the mainland and the surrounding regions.
- b) The Athens international airport is less than a 4-hour motorway drive away.
Notwithstanding Lefkada being an island, it can be accessed by car as it is one of the two islands in Greece that connects with the mainland via a floating bridge.
Boats from the Italian ports of Ancona, Bari, Brindisi & Venice arrive in the port of Igoumenitsa just across from Corfu, at the mainland west coast, or the port of Patras. Lefkada is a 1,5-hour drive from Igoumenitsa and 2 hours from Patras.
There is a ferry from Vasiliki to Fiskardo, Kefalonia (60 mins)
A ferry connects Nidri to Spilia port, Meganisi (25 mins)
bus connections from Athens and Thessaloniki, and less frequent ones from Igoumenitsa
During the summer months, there is an interconnection with other Ionian islands, such as Corfu, Paxos, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Zante, with the boat Lefkada Palace. Ferry schedules may not become known until well into the summer. You may book your ticket at ferryscanner
Useful contacts (please use hyperlinks to access the websites at the URLs provided below)
+30 2645 360200 |
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Medical Center (Vasiliki) | +30 26453 60900 | ||
+30 694 703 9924 |
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+30 2645022322, 22176 | |||
Nidri port authority | +30 26450 92509 | ||
Vasiliki port authority | +30 2645 093182 | ||
+30 26453 60500 |
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+30 26450 22364, 22795 |
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+30 26450 92528, +30 6948 210196 |
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Lefkada Palace boat (interconnection with other Ionian islands) | +302645024609 |
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Taxi rank (Nidri) | +302645200140 +302645092000 | ||
Taxi rank (Vasiliki) | +302645031330 | ||
Police station (Lefkada) | +30 26450 29370 | ||
Police station (Vlicho) | +3026450 95207 | ||
Police station (Vasiliki) | +3026450 31218 | ||
Emergency number (Police, Fire brigade, Ambulance) | 112 |
Lefkada Villas
View our Featured villas Collection
Villa Eleni
Villa Melina
Villa Meliti
Villa Pasithea
Villa Gaia
