Lefkada Island
Lefkada Island is a popular holiday destination and is easily accessible from mainland Greece. The combination of the blue-green sea with the green landscape of the large mountainous area adapts to every travel desire!
Lefkada's beautiful island is famous for its enchanting coastline and white sandy beaches. Unspoiled and peaceful, with pine-clad mountains surrounded by spectacular beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
There are plenty of other reasons to visit Lefkada, and whatever your interests – hiking, swimming, dining, shopping, exploring – the island has something for everyone.
The island is situated on the west coast of Greece and is connected to the mainland via a causeway and a floating bridge making it one of only a handful of Greek Islands that you can actually drive onto.
The island is part of the regional unit of Lefkada, along with the islands of Kalamos, Kastos, and several smaller islets. The seat of the regional unit is the town of Lefkada on the northern part of the island.
Lefkada is named after the white rocks (Greek leukos=white) on the Lefkata cape, the southern part of the island. According to mythology, the poetess Sappho threw herself to the sea at Cape Lefkada because of her love for Phaon.
The capital of the island, Lefkada Town, is a captivating destination in its own right, with its charming streets, unique architecture, and lively atmosphere.
The island is home to some of the best beaches in the world, incredible blue waters and hidden pebbly coves.
Porto Katsiki beach
It is a symbol of the island! It is ranked among the top 10 beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, and deservedly so! The beach is declared as a natural habitat of special beauty and it is protected by environmental laws, hence it is bare of amenities. Alternatively, you can visit Porto Katsiki beach by boat, getting on board from Vasiliki or Nidri.
Egremni beach
It is a 2km shore, with light white sand and turquoise waters, giving you exotic vibes. Because of its inaccessibility (350 steps of steep descent), it is much less crowded compared to other beaches of equal size. For those who make it, Egremni Beach will compensate for the challenge by giving you hours of isolation and pure summer bliss.
Kathisma Beach
Kathisma is one of the longest beaches of Lefkada with fine white sand and sparkling waters of amazing turquoise color. It is located 15 km southeast of the main town, close to the village of Agios Nikitas. The beach is surrounded by an idyllic mountain backdrop which offers a feeling of total isolation, despite the major tourist activity. Kathisma is also an ideal destination for several water sports, and especially sky parachutes. Plenty of sun beds and umbrellas cover the huge area and various accommodations are found close by.
Sivota Beach
Sivota is one of the most beautiful bays in Lefkada, located 32 km south of the capital town. The settlement lies around a blue crystalline cove amidst verdant hills and lush green forests overlooking the Ionian Sea. The lovely port of the village provides a safe shelter for private yachts. The central beach is also very close. Sivota is probably the most popular sailing tourist resort in Lefkada.
Ai Giannis Beach
Ai Giannis Beach is located next to Lefkada town. It has clear waters and most of the time when the wind blows strongly, it makes the beach the most suitable place for kite surfing. Moreover, the beach is a great place to enjoy the sunset every night.
Agios Nikitas Beach
Just 15 minutes away from the old town of Lefkada is one of the most enchanting traditional villages of the island, the seaside settlement of Agios Nikitas. This beautiful village is situated on the North-West coast between Pefkoulia and Kathisma. It is the only village at sea level along the West Coast. At the end of the street is the beach which has a particularly vibrant turquoise sea, similar to the west coast beaches, and big waves beloved by kids.
Nydri, a charming coastal village is a vibrant destination known for its stunning natural beauty and lively atmosphere.
It has a picturesque harbor filled with yachts and traditional fishing boats, creating a captivating maritime scene.
The village is surrounded by lush green hills and crystal clear waters, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Nydri has a beautiful beach ideal for lovers of swimming and water sports. The small islands of Madouri with the old mansion of Valaoritis, Scorpio, Onasis private island, Scorpidi and Meganisi are right across Nydri.
Daily cruises and excursions offer a chance to discover hidden beaches, swim in secluded coves, and admire the stunning Ionian seascape.
Vasiliki is one of the most cosmopolitan tourist resorts in Lefkada. Located in the south part of the island, in a verdurous location, it is only 38km from the capital. The extended beach that reaches up to Pontis’ gulf, is ideal for windsurfing. The wind coming from up high to the valley creates the ideal conditions for it and windsurfers from all over the globe choose Vasiliki as their sports tourism resort. The small port of Vasiliki connects Ithaca to Kefalonia daily.
Above all, Lefkada is the top destination for water sports lovers attracting hundreds of athletes from all over the world. The good weather conditions and the sheltered bays make the island a top-notch choice for sailing and yachting, while the northwest winds blowing in the early afternoon make Lefkada a windsurfer, paragliding, and kite-surfers paradise!
Mountain villages of Lefkada
There are several very pretty and traditional villages in the mountains of Lefkada. They are quiet and peaceful away from the bustle of the coastal towns, yet all are less than a 15-minute drive from several beaches. It is a great way to see the real Lefkada.
Karia is the largest of the mountain villages whilst still retaining its charm and traditional stone buildings. The big draw is its central village square with shady plane trees, great food from several tavernas and interesting shops. Explore Karia village and get a taste of Lefkada’s artistic traditions. Clinging to the mountainside amid a stunning dense forest, this village is famous for inventing Lefkada’s Karsaniko embroidery style.
Englouvi is an ancient mist-covered village perched on the mountain, that’s known for a kind of lentil only grown in Lefkada.
On St. Donato chapel you’ll find springs and Lefkada’s famous volti homes. These stone, dome-shaped buildings were used in the past as farmhouses and storage sheds.
Katouna village remains untouched by any commercial and architectural modernization, and its few residents zealously clutch their old-fashioned ways.
Don’t leave the island though without buying some of the rare lentils of Eglouvi which have been awarded with many prizes and are renowned for their quality. Other local products include honey made from thyme from Athani, “mantolato” and “pasteli” – sweets traditionally made by the barbers of the Ionian islands – salami, liqueur from mint or roses and wine.