Discover the crystal clear waters of Lefkada Island. Our complete travel guide

Situated closest to the west coast of Greece, Lefkada beckons travellers with its easy accessibility—reachable even by car, thanks to a connecting bridge! This Ionian island gem holds immense appeal as a sought-after destination, boasting picturesque beaches with crystal-clear waters, captivating monasteries, intriguing museums, and charming seaside or mountain villages.

Lefkada's characteristic architecture developed during the years of Venetian occupation is part of the islands cultural heritage. lies in the The architecture of Lefkada is different in the capital and the villages. To town still shows the Venetians stamp of their time on the island, while the villages are the more traditional Greek buildings, we all know and love.

Renowned for its exotic natural landscape and idyllic coastlines, Lefkada has earned the moniker "Greece's Caribbean"!

Our comprehensive travel guide is your key to unlocking the wonders of Lefkada Greece. Delve into a treasure trove of must-visit attractions, pristine beaches, notable sites, and delectable dining options.

How to get to Lefkada island

By Car

Due to a bridge that connects mainland Greece to Lefkada, you are able to drive to the island. To drive from the top of the island to the bottom, will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it is a pretty easy drive.

By Plane

There is no airport of Lefkada, but you are able to fly from Athens to a town called Preveza which is the closest airport to the island. From Preveza the drive to the North of Lefkada island is around 20 minutes. 

By ferry

No ferries operate from Athens, but ferries do operate exclusively between Lefkada and Ithaki, Kefalonia, and Meganisi. Arriving at either the Nidri or Vasiliki port, these ferries provide vital transportation links to the island.

Getting around the island of Lefkada

The best way of getting around the Caribbean of Greece is by car. As the island is so large, renting a car is the best way to drive from the north to the south of the island.

If you are unable to drive, the next bes option is to get a private transfer. Its best to ask your hotel for the best transfer options.

Things To Do

 Paragliding 

Fly over Lefkada and enjoy a bird's-eye view of this stunning cosmopolitan Ionian island. There are 3 major companies located on the island that operate the service, Lefkada Paragliding, Fly and Fun and Dream Paragliding.

Scuba Diving

Lefkada has some of the best beaches in Greece, so scuba diving is a must. There are many interesting underwater places to visit around the island. Some Lefkada diving centres are based in popular places of the island, such as Nikiana, Nydri and Vassiliki. These centres offer courses for all ages and boat trips to diving sites. Enjoy the reefs and underwater caves while exploring to sea floor.

Kitesurfing

The Greek island of Lefkada is one of the best Greek islands for kitesurfing. The island gets some great winds which see's people travelling from all over Europe to jump into the the turquoise waters and kite-surf.

The most famous spots for kitesurfing in Lefkada are Agios Ioannis, Wooden Bridge-Little Church, Agios Nikolaos

Agios Ioannis

• Wind Direction: The main wind directions in the summer are SW, W, and NW.
• Wind Speed: From 12knots to 24knots.
• Beach Length: You can ride for 2.5 kilometres in length and the length for launching your kite is 1,5km.
• Beach width: 20-30m. At some points, though there are dunes of 30-50 meters between the beach and the road.
• Type of sand: Thick sand.

Wooden Bridge-Little Church

• Wind Direction: The main wind directions in summer are SW, W, and NW.
• Wind Speed: From 12knots to 24knots.
• Beach Length: You can ride for 2 km length and the length of the beach is 1km.
• Beach Width: 20-30m.
• Type of sand: Very small pebbles.

Agios Nikolaos

• Wind direction: The main wind directions in summer are SW, W, and NW. Wind speed: From 10knots to 20knots. The wind is stronger near the cliff and weaker on the right side of the beach
• Beach length: The front side of the beach is 2km long and the back side of the beach is 500m long.
• Beach width: 10m.
• Type of sand: Very thin sand, which can be disturbing when strong winds are blowing.

Windsurfing

Lefkada is a great island for all types of wind sports. Windsurfing is one of the most popular sports on the island, and the island has some of the best spots for windsurfing in Greece.

Agios Ioannis is the main spot for kitesurfing in Lefkada and the Ionian Sea. It’s a large beach located near Lefkada Town where a super thermal wind blows steadily almost every day in summer, from April to September. The wind speed averages 15-20 knots. Many centres offer courses and rent the necessary equipment in these two spots, Vassiliki and Agios Ioannis.

Canoeing

If canoeing is your thing, then Periplous Experience situated at Mikros Gialos in Rouda Bay in Lefkada provide a great service visiting some of Lefkadas best beaches in Lefkada. 

Wineries in Lefkada

Lefkada wines located just under the beautiful seaside village of Sivota. The Winery serves up a variety of grapes, and tours are also available around the vineyard.

Day Trips to other islands

Skorpios island

Skorpios is a small island off the west coast of Lefkada, and is worth a day trip. The Onassis family are the most famous owners of the island, and in owning the island, visitors can only approach the island by boat. You are not allowed to stay on the island over night, so there are no hotrels or villas for rent!

It is well worth the day trip to the island.

Kalamos island

One of the least known inhabited Greek island. It lies off the east coast of Lefkada.

A mountainous island with only two settlements by the sea - Kalamos and Episkopi. The capital is located on the east coast, and most of the island’s beaches are accessible by road.

You can find all restaurants, cafes, and shops in Kalamos around its safe harbour and small promenade. Hotels are limited but enough to accept the few tourists who stay for more than one day on the island. The longest beaches on Kalamos are 1 km away from the village each - Milos to the south and Myrtia to the north, both about 500 meters long.

All beaches on the island have smooth white pebbles and transparent blue water, but if you’re looking for sandy beaches, you will not find them here. The settlement of Episkopi on the northwest coast is very small and has only a harbour with a beach restaurant and a cluster of houses. Close to it, you can visit the ruins of a Venetian castle, parts of which are very well preserved.

Sights & Attractions in Lefkada

Waterfalls of Nydri

Lefkada is a lush island with high mountains that are the sources of many waterfalls. One of the most beautiful cascading waterfalls is Dimossari, located on the outskirts of Nydri. The waterfall ends up in a gorge filled with white rocks.

The name Dimossari comes from the ancient state of Dimos, where numerous watermills were found. During the summer season, tourists come to the Dimosari Waterfalls to cool off from the sweltering heat and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lakes among the rocky contours.

The trail to the waters along the silhouette of pine trees is splendid. Close to Dimossari Waterfalls is Nydri, a seaside village with quality hotels, restaurants, and tavernas that cater to discerning travellers. If you're interested in discovering Lefkada, you can book an unforgettable tour or rent a car and explore on your own.

Sea Lakes of Lefkada

Right on the coast of Lefkada are the Sea Lakes of Lefkada. Also know as the Lagoons, these lagoons surround the historic town of Lefkada. The lagoons support a unique ecology consisting of various forms of life. Two lagoons near the town, Divari and Ivaria, are frequented by different types of migratory birds from winter to spring.

The thick rushes that cover the area around the lagoons provide a safe shelter for these birds.

As the lakes are close to the main town, they are well worth the visit and for a swim!

The Castle of Agia Mavra

Located in town Agia Mavra, the castle was constructed in the 14th century and has undergone extensive renovation to preserve it to this day.

It was built by the erstwhile rulers of Sicily with the primary goal of protecting the old town.

The castle’s interior had cisterns, quarters, and administrative buildings in its heyday. An elegant church dedicated to Agia Mavra is located here, and it comes alive during the summer season with a plethora of cultural events that draw many visitors.

The Frankish knights named the castle in the everlasting memory of their country of origin.

Cape Doukato

With one of the best views on the island, Cape Doukaot is the best place to take a beautiful sunset or sunrise photograph. It has become a vert popular stop with many people making the visit to the Capes lighthouse. It is located 43km from the main town of the island.

Beast beaches on Lefkada

Kathisma beach

Kathisma is located 17 km southeast of the main town, near the village of Agios Nikitas. It’s one of the longest beaches in Lefkada with fine white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. The beach is surrounded by an idyllic mountain backdrop that offers a feeling of total isolation despite the major tourist activity.

If you’re interested in discovering Kathisma, you can book a tandem paragliding flight and enjoy one of the best-selling activities in Lefkada.

Kathisma is a much-preferred destination among young crowds where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and relaxing sunbathing. It’s also an ideal destination for several water sports, especially sky parachuting.

The beach is organised, so there are plenty of sun-beds and umbrellas that cover the huge area.

Porto Katsiki beach

Porto Katsiki beach is located 44 km southwest of the island's capital and close to Athani village.

Porto Katsiki is one of the most impressive natural beauties that Lefkada is famous for. Abrupt white cliffs form a wild yet magnificent backdrop and a unique antithesis with the deep blue waters of the Ionian. Lush vegetation covers the surrounding area, creating one of the most idyllic landscapes in the world.

If you’re interested in discovering Porto Katsiki, you can book an unforgettable tour or rent a car and explore on your own. Numerous sun-beds and umbrellas cover this famous sandy beach, but the cliffs offer some beautiful shaded spots for privacy and relaxing sunbathing. Some steps will lead you directly to the beach.

Porto Katsiki is simply irresistible for thousands of visitors around the world and offers a unique sightseeing experience.

It’s frequented by private yachts and is simply the best way to access this beach apart from a car. It can also be reached by taxi-boat from the villages of Vassiliki and Nidri. Car parking, bars, and canteens are found on top of the stairs.

Egremni beach

Egremni is a beautiful beach situated 38 km southwest of Lefkada Town. This long sandy beach is surrounded by impressive barren cliffs that create a magnificent backdrop. The white sand, shiny pebbles and crystal clear waters create an exotic setting that attracts thousands of visitors every summer! Nevertheless, if you seek seclusion, you can also find some private spots under the cliffs.

Egremni beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island. The beach should be number one on your list will driving around Lefkada.

Lagouna beach

If you want a more secluded beach without the beach bars, then Lagouna beach is for you. The beach is  located 24 km west of Lefkada Town and it is quite long with crystalline waters. It is an un-organised beach, but if you do need a snack, there is a shop serving drinks and snacks, just above the beach.

The beach is really one of the amazing beaches on Lefkada. 

Best restaurants and bars on Lefkada

Seven Islands 

Located in Ligia just 2km from the sea. The restaurant serves  homemade Greek dishes, delicious steaks, vegetarian dishes or grilled fresh fish

Toms Seaside Restaurant

Located right on the beach of Nidri and overlooks Skorpios, the famous Onassis island nestled in the tranquil Ionian sea. It’s a nice place to perfect your tan by day or dine by candlelight in the evening in this truly romantic setting.

Molos Restaurant

Located in front of the harbour in Mikros Gialos, near Poros village. During the summer season, Molos operates all day long and serves mostly seafood and other homemade traditional dishes. Each meal is prepared using only fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Fly Me 

Located in Exanthia, Fly me is a perfect place for a drink, with the perfect view. The terrace at the island is the best place to watch the sunset. Their drinks menu is also not to shabby either!

Baccara Cocktail Bar

Located in the centre of town, this bar is small but their drinks pack a punch. Along with the drinks is the great music and people that frequent the bar. It is the centre spot in the main town. Perfect for night cocktail!