LefkadaIonian Islands · Greece

All About Lefkada

Lefkada is a popular island in the Ionian Sea famous for its distinct landscape and relaxed atmosphere. Referred to as the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ due to its gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters, this island connects to Mainland Greece by a bridge, making it all the more accessible.

Today, Lefkada remains a top tourist destination in Greece, with a traditional spirit but a penchant for development. Therefore, a vacation in Lefkada promises adventures for all ages, from culinary escapades and surfing to exploring the island’s quaint villages, museums, and natural beauty.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lefkada

Island hopping in the Ionian archipelago is a popular holiday choice. As a result, ferry tickets to Lefkada are always in demand, particularly during the summer months. You can use Ferryscanner to book seats on ferries from Corfu, Ithaca, Paxi, Kefalonia, and Meganisi. Several of these vessels allow you to bring a car or a bike.

Among the popular sea routes to the island is the under six-hour journey from Corfu, with seats starting at €19.30. Ferry tickets to Lefkada from Kefalonia cost roughly €19 per adult one-way. Boats from Ithaca and Paxi take around three hours to reach the island, with single tickets starting at €15 and €12.20, respectively.

Since a bridge connects Lefkada with Mainland Greece, it is easy for tourists to also reach the island by road. You can hire a car, use the bus service, or take a taxi for transfers from different Greek cities to Lefkada. Aktion National Airport, also known as Preveza Airport, is the primary airstrip for travelers arriving by air. A 30-minute drive from Chora, the airport typically welcomes seasonal flights from different European cities.
 

Ports of Lefkada

The island of Lefkada has three ports and several marinas dotted around its coastline. However, most of the harbors are in Lefkada’s north, east, and south. Located in the narrow channel between the island and Mainland Greece is the Port of Lefkada next to the capital village. It provides sheltered docking for yachts and fishing boats as well as a range of facilities and services. The Lefkas Marina has 620 berths, and its calm waters make it a preferred choice for yachters.

Travelers with ferry tickets to Lefkada mostly arrive at Nydri Port. Situated on the island’s east side, it lies conveniently close to the village. Nydri Port provides easy access to the rest of the island. Furthermore, it offers all possible tourist-centric services like public transport, shopping, and restaurants.

Vasiliki is a quieter port under further development to accommodate more ferries and boats. Besides private vessels, ferries from Kefalonia typically dock here. Although inside a sheltered bay, the region does get windy, particularly in the morning and post sundown. There are a few bars, shops, and a market near the port.
 

Capital & Villages of Lefkada

Lefkada might be close to famous islands and the mainland, but it sustains its authentic charms, visible in its villages. Since the west is too mountainous, you will find most settlements in all the other parts of the island. Furthermore, there is plenty of diversity in Lefkada as you’ll discover everything from beachside tourist resorts to quaint mountain and fishing villages.

Lefkada Town

The capital of the island stays abuzz with activity throughout the year. Situated in the northeast, opposite the mainland, it consists of relatively new constructions having suffered earthquake damage over decades. Lefkada Town still manages to hold on to its vintage aura through pastel-colored houses, narrow streets, and 17th to 18th-century churches. Tourists visiting or staying in Lefkada Town have plenty to see, including the Folklore, Gramophone, and Archaeological museums. Moreover, the capital’s promenade is the place to visit in the evening. Not only does it offer stunning sunset views, but the bars and restaurants here serve the best food on the island.

Nydri

Nydri is the beating heart of the island and one of its main ports, located 17km south of the capital. Tourists arriving here with ferry tickets to Lefkada will find the village to have a bustling scene, full of restaurants, hotels, shops, bars, and other tourist activities. The bay also acts as a departure point for many day tours to neighboring beaches and islets. Among the attractions at Nydri are its churches, royal tombs, archaeological findings, and the main street lined with shops and bars. The town’s promenade is an attractive waterfront with flowerbeds, green patches, and statues of Aristotle Onassis and Wilhelm Dörpfeld. For tourists planning to stay in town, Nydri has a shallow, family-friendly gravel beach.

Sivolta

Sivolta occupies a tiny spot in a natural bay on the eastern coast of the island. It’s a beautiful village where locals decorate their houses and tavernas with colorful blooming flowers. The romantic beauty of the waterfront attracts tourists to Sivolta in the evening, where they can savor the freshest seafood and traditional recipes. Having a small marina, Sivolta is easy to reach. The village might not be entirely tranquil, but it isn’t touristy either.

Karya

The small mountain village of Karya is about 15km southwest of Lefkada Town. Surrounded by pine and juniper trees, Karya oozes an old-world charm. Its traditional stone and wood houses, churches, narrow streets, and central courtyard with a solitary tree are some of its main attractions. The village has ample parking and is easy to reach, yet it remains under the tourist radar. Nevertheless, you’ll find family-run tavernas, shops, and the Maria Koutsohero folklore museum here. Karya is known for its embroidery and lace work, so don’t forget to purchase handmade products as souvenirs from the local stores.

Dragano

Dragano is an unspoiled hidden gem on the island’s western side, an agricultural settlement with olive groves and vineyards. It lies 2km from Athani and 3km from Gialos Beach. Home to the Church of Ipapanti and ancient Venetian wells, the sparsely populated traditional village is mainly famous for producing thyme honey. Tourists can buy locally made honey products, wine, and olive oil from roadside shops during a day trip here. The town also celebrates a Honey Festival in August.
 

Best Beaches in Lefkada

Lefkada’s diverse topography results in a coastline perfect for beach-loving tourists. On one side. the island’s western shoreline hides sandy strips in the shadow of towering cliffs. On the other, the eastern coast is full of intimate coves, ideal for couples and lovers of the unconventional.

Egremni Beach

Egremni is one of the most spectacular beaches in the entire Mediterranean. An isolated spot on the island’s southwest coast, it is known for its sandy strip, limestone cliff background, and stunning blue waters. Although there are no facilities here, its natural beauty demands at least one trip during your stay in Lefkada. After a landslide during the 2015 earthquake, the 300+ wooden stairs were destroyed. Recently the beach became accessible on foot again, because strong metal stairs were installed. Alternatively, you could always reach Egremni by boat.

Porto Katsiki

Porto Katsiki is another must-visit beach in Lefkada. Situated 45km south of the capital, the beach’s dramatic setting at the foot of towering limestone cliffs is its biggest appeal. Access to the pebbled strip is easy via boat and car. You do have to go down about 100 steps from the parking to the shore. Most facilities like toilets, changing rooms, and bars are near the carpark. However, the tavernas deliver food and drinks to the beach. Porto Katsiki is a family-friendly spot with sunbed and umbrella rentals. However, one must stay cautious as the water gets deep quickly, and the currents can sometimes be strong.

Kathisma Beach

A long white sandy strip on the island’s west coast, Kathisma is one of the most popular beaches in Lefkada. Roughly 17km from the capital, its scenic location between green mountains and blue waters leaves a lasting impression on most visitors. Brimming with activities, one can rent sunbeds, enjoy watersports, and go parasailing here. It’s also possible to paraglide over the beach on a clear and sunny day. Kathisma has several restaurants along its shore and parking close by.

Mikros Gialos Beach

Situated in the southeast of the island, about 4km from the village of Poros, Mikros Gialos means ‘small bay’. True to its name, the beach is a family-friendly quiet spot with calm and clear water. Moreover, the pebble beach has a taverna on-site as well as sunbed and umbrella rentals for €10 a pair. The beach is terrific for relaxing and snorkeling, but you need water shoes. Parking at Mikros Gialos is free.

Megali Petra Beach

Megali Petra, translating to ‘huge rock’, gets its name from the large boulders interspersed on the sandy strand and in the water. About 24km from Lefkada Town, near the village of Kalamitsi, the natural beach has a laidback rustic environment. Still, it has amenities like sunbed rentals for €12 a pair. Since the water here is deep, Megali Petra is a great place to swim but not the best for children. Parking costs €5, and the beach has a bar, a short walk from the shore.

Kaminia Beach

Unknown among the tourist crowd visiting Lefkada, Kaminia Beach is a secluded hidden gem with a rocky shore and no services. The 9km drive from Lefkada Town to the beach isn’t the most favorable either, having steep descents and sharp turns. Nevertheless, this small strip on the western coastline is a favorite with locals for its blue waters, which are excellent for snorkeling and swimming. When planning a day at Kaminia, remember to pack drinking water, food, and water shoes.
 

Things To Do in Lefkada

Don’t let the rustic character of Lefkada fool you into thinking it lacks entertainment value. On the contrary, things to do in Lefkada are a testament to the island’s myriad charms across interests, from natural marvels to culinary revelations.

Try the Local Wine

Although Greek wine continues to gain popularity worldwide, few know that Lefkada wineries are also starting to impact the regional market. The wineries on the island primarily use two varieties of grapes, the red Vertzami and white Verdea. Lefkaditiki Gi is a popular winegrower, open to visitors. Tours at this winery include information on the island’s wine manufacturing process. The building also has an oil mill where one can see traditional olive oil and wine-making equipment. Lefkaditiki Gi hosts tasting sessions, and you can purchase wine directly from them.

Bathe Under Dimosari Waterfalls

Also known as Nydri Waterfalls, this natural wonder is a short 3km drive from the port town. The 15-minute comfortable path from the parking to the falls passes through a lovely stream and smaller waterfalls. Once at the 15meter high Dimosari, you can go down to its turquoise-colored plunge pool for a swim. Do keep in mind the water tends to be very cold.

Be Amazed by Cape Lefkas

For a true-blue edge-of-the-world thrill, plan to visit Cape Lefkas, the island’s southwestern edge. While the rugged limestone cliffs of the cape create a sense of awe, a solitary 14meter high lighthouse adds to its drama. Legend has it that the poet Sappho jumped from this spot after being turned down by the love of her life. Today, Doukato Lighthouse and its surrounding area are among the most beautiful photography spots on the island.

Visit the Faneromeni Monastery

Faneromeni is a well-known monastery boasting an exclusive collection of wood carvings, icons, and paintings. About 4km from the capital, it is known for its beautifully manicured garden. Free to enter, you can also visit the Ecclesiastical and Maritime museums when visiting here. The former displays a range of religious relics, whereas the latter has miniature ships and marine equipment on show. Making Faneromeni a complete family excursion is the next-door mini-zoo with deer, birds, and turtles.

Windsurf at Vassiliki Bay

A day at Vassiliki Bay is a must for all watersports enthusiasts. Situated in the south, 38km from the capital, the bay lies between two hills. Its position makes it prone to strong winds, called Eric, especially during summer. Consequently, it is among the top windsurfing locations in the world. Windsurfing schools on the bay give lessons and rent out equipment. Due to slow wind, morning hours are ideal for beginners, whereas only professionals go out into the water post lunchtime.
 

Transportation Around Lefkada

Traveling around Lefkada is pretty straightforward, thanks to multiple transport options. The local bus service is cheap and stops in most villages around the island. Lefkada Town and Nydri have the two main bus stations. Taxis are readily available near tourist sights or on call. While faster, keep in mind that they are a more expensive option.

Several returning tourists prefer to rent a car or moped for their stay. When arriving with ferry tickets to Lefkada, you can easily find rental agencies near the ports. A personal vehicle allows the freedom to explore the island and its otherwise far corners at leisure. Moreover, Lefkada has a mix of paid and free parking options, keeping car rental a pocket-friendly transport choice.

You do not need a vehicle within the villages of Lefkada, especially since the main streets tend to be pedestrian-only. A boat is best when planning to visit nearby beaches or towns. Tourists can hire a small boat with or without a captain. Or else, take a sea bus that sails from ports like Vasiliki to beaches like Egremni multiple times during the day.