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Lefkada: An ideal family island

Thinking whether Lefkada will give you the best vacations for kids under 10? Or whether there will be enough for your teen children to enjoy? Surprisingly, this magnificent island on the Ionian Sea has it all and makes up the best place to vacation with kids.

With its enchanting mountains, turquoise waters, magnificent gorges, and reflective Ionian Sea azure, nothing beats Lefkada island in offering some of the best family vacations with kids. The beautiful Greek island offers every ingredient for a perfect family adventure. 

First of all, it is just the perfect size, so there won’t be long tiring drives while offering plenty of kid-friendly fun activities. Another characteristic that makes it even more enticing to visit with the kids is that you can access the island with a car, so there are no worries about boarding the ferry boat. Lastly, you just have to choose one of the countless possibilities for kid-friendly things to do in Lefkada.


Top Activities For The Best Family Vacations With Kids 

Explore Lefkada’s Fun Beaches 

Are you looking for beaches for children in Lefkada? This is where you’ll get lots of shallow beaches for children in Lefkada all over the east and south side of the island, where kids can enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Numerous beaches along this coast share similar characteristics. They are all with shallow waters, ranging from pebbly to sandy, with greenery and trees reaching right down to the beach, providing natural shade. Most of them on the east and south sides also offer various activities for children in Lefkada and watersports for kids to enjoy. So, take your young children to the calm beaches on the east coast of the island for an exhilarating plunge into the deep blue azure sea. The beaches that can be very calm and inviting for young kids on this side of the island include Ligia, Nikiana, Pasa, Nidri, Mikros Gialos, Ammouso, Agiofilli, Afteli, and Vasiliki. 

One of the most exciting beaches where young adults can immerse themselves in fun activities is Kathisma on the west side of the island. This is a cosmopolitan beach with beach bars, cafes, restaurants, and also paragliding experiences. And if your family is attracted to beach wilderness, make sure you visit other west side beaches, such as the world-known Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches that will amaze all ages, or Gialos beach, as well as the three beaches Megali Petra, Avali, and Kavalikefta just underneath Kalamitsi village. If you would like to combine hiking with visiting a beach, you may consider following the trail that takes you from Agios Nikitas village to Mylos beach.

Cycling Lefkada’s Surroundings

Lefkada offers an amazing mountainous landscape that’s worth sweating over with your bicycle. The trails around the island are carved beautifully, allowing you, the kids, and your significant other to cycle on different paths. There are plenty of family-friendly rides that run across local villages and are suitable for young children. On the other hand, the more energetic teens who are always up for wilder experiences can tackle more extreme trails that lead to the higher heights on Lefkada. If this is the case, you will be better off cycling in the company of a tour guide who knows the trails well. If you’re thinking about holidays in Lefkada with children, you should consider adding mountain biking to your list of fun activities to do. 

If you stay close to Lefkada town, you can bike with the family in its colorful alleys, seafront and marina or within its old olive grove that spreads out towards Agios Ioannis beach. If your family feels a bit more adventurous, you could bike all the way around Lefkada town’s 7km lagoon road, keeping the sea on one side and the lagoon on the other. It is all laid out over flat grounds so the whole family can participate.

Take Windsurfing Lessons In Vasiliki or Myloi, Lefkada town

Thinking about exciting activities for children in Lefkada? There can never be a better way to bond with your kids than windsurfing the blue azure sea water in Vasiliki. Lying on the southern coast of Lefkada, Vasiliki offers an exciting and favorable spot to windsurf with your kids in the Mediterranean. The steady winds blowing across this bay, plus the moderate waves make it one of the best windsurfing spots in Greece. There are plenty of spots on the beach that are fully equipped with the right gear, windsurfing boards, wetsuits, and life jackets, as well as instructors for taking windsurfing lessons. 

If you stay close to Lefkada town and nearby villages, head to Myloi Beach just outside Lefkada town and feel the cool breeze as you and the family enjoy some invigorating windsurfing or kitesurfing. The beach is usually windy, mainly in the afternoons; hence it’s a great spot for these sports.

Enjoy adrenaline-pumping watersport fun in Nidri

Nidri is a charming seaside village located on Lefkada’s eastern coast. Known for its endless choices of amenities and outdoor activities, it creates a popular attraction for water sports enthusiasts. If you’re planning for the best family vacations with kids in Lefkada and are looking for exciting activities to do, you’ll be spoiled for options of fun activities.

One of the most popular activities in Nidri is boat tours, and that’s why you’ll find multiple boat excursions unless you prefer to avoid the crowds and consider private boat rentals. Or take a guide and start the fun by kayaking with the family across to Meganisi island and the surrounding area. 

If your kids are thrill-seekers, they’ll enjoy parasailing. There are plenty of local water sports centers offering paragliding, kitesurfing, jet skiing, waterskiing, and many other activities, for younger or older children or teens to choose from. Paragliding and boat riding are great ways to experience the striking views of Nidri and its environs from a different perspective.

Take A Boat Trip Across the Ionian Sea 

Are you still up for some exciting fun by interacting with the Greek’s most pristine nature? The Ionian Sea has wow-inducing hidden gems for an unforgettable life experience that will amaze the entire family. Whether you are after something as simple as small inflatables or advanced like a motorboat, or even a sailing boat, with a skipper or without one, make sure to get one. A preferred boat trip could be to the island of Meganisi, located just across the channel from Lefkada. The small island has gained fame for its charming villages, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, so take a sea tour of this island, and visit its coves and small beaches. Make a stop at the village of Vathy or Spilia beach for a meal or even visit the breathtaking Papanikolis cave, believed to be the largest in the world (120m long, 60m wide). It is named after the submarine that used to take shelter there during WWII. 
Meganisi is not the only island to explore. There are numerous green islets in the area, which, together with the bigger ones, Kalamos and Kastos, offer endless choices for cave, cove, and remote beach exploration. You can also wander around the legendary island of Scorpios, once owned by Onassis, the Greek tycoon. Island hopping is a must in the wider area. If you and the kids are up for a more adventurous trip, you can take a boat trip to the surrounding islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca. These two islands have a more rugged and natural terrain with crystal clear waters and great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and deep diving.

Revisit Lefkada’s history at museums & important sites

Learning about the rich history of Lefkada is also an excellent way to have the best family vacations with kids, adding some educational aspect to your holiday. This island in the Ionian Sea is home to many museums offering a glimpse into the traditions and heritage of the locals. 

The Orpheus Folklore Museum in Lefkada Town is an excellent starting point for this expedition. The museum was founded by Orpheus, a historical musical and literature association established in 1937, which operates a Greek dancing school, music school, choir, and cine club. Another proposition is the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada, popular for artifacts dating back to the Byzantine era. You’ll see numerous collections of jewelry, pottery, and sculptures, as well as an extensive collection of coins from the ancient city of Nidri. These are just a few of the many museums in Lefkada to contribute to the educational part of the best family vacations with kids. 

Other than museums, the Monastery of Faneromeni is a must-visit spot if you’d like to feel the religious background of the island. This 17th-century Monastery is located up on a mountain overlooking the town of Lefkada and offers panoramic views of Lefkada town, the olive grove on one of its sides, and the Natura 2000 lagoon on its other side. The Monastery is dedicated to Holy Mary the Faneromeni, who is the patron of the island and, as a result, it has an important role in the spiritual heritage of Lefkada. It is celebrated on a Monday 50 days after Greek Orthodox Easter, usually in early to mid-June.

The Castle of Santa Maura (or Agia Mavra) offers an excellent cultural alternative for holidaymakers searching for relaxing ways to spend their holiday other than the beach. The castle, which has the architecture of a fortress, lies just outside Lefkada town and is among the most treasured landmarks in the region. It traces its origin back to the Venetian era when it served as the residence of different rulers. Visitors can wander around the fortress, and visit the small chapel of Agia Mavra, the ruins of medieval buildings and barracks dating back to the 15th century.

Where to stay with children in Lefkada 

Thinking about where to stay with children in Lefkada? Most of our villas are family-friendly, with facilities for children, some built-in with a children’s pool or playground, and others providing various amenities, toys, and plenty of surroundings for the kids to enjoy themselves. Check them all out by clicking here.

Wrap Up

After a year-long work, it pays to spend your vacation away from the bustles of the city. Lefkada is a top destination for the best family vacations with kids in Greece. Whether you’re up for thrilling fun or simply want to chill with the family, you’ll find windy beaches for exciting watersports and calm ones for rejuvenation. 

Choose to stay in one of our family-friendly villas from our hand-picked selection for your best family vacation, depending on your preferred location, facilities, and budget. A vacation in Lefkada for children is undoubtedly the best life-changing experience you need to grab right now.