Almost too beautiful to be true: for millions of years, the white chalk cliffs in the western part of the Ionian island have contributed to the sea shimmering in such an incredibly milky blue on the Lefkada beaches.
In the east of the island, on the other hand, the bays are made of darker gravel and not quite as attractive, but sheltered from the wind and usually without high waves. Nydri and Nikiana are also the most popular resorts in Lefkada.
Enclosed we present our Top 10 beaches of Lefkada and also show you the most beautiful hotels on Lefkada, which are located directly on the beach.
Lefkada Island Map: This map includes all Lefkada Highlights, 63 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 19 Beaches & Bays, as well as personal recommendations for 27 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Lefkada map
Lefkada beaches in the west
#1 Agios Nikitas Beach
A narrow beach section await you at village Agios Nikitas in the northwest of Lefkada. Fine, bright pebble beach with crystal clear water, gently sloping and therefore also suitable for families with children. At the western end of the beach, cold groundwater rises to the surface.
The beach is not managed, so you should bring a parasol. Taverns and cafes are located right on the beach. In midsummer, Agios Nikitas Beach is unfortunately completely overcrowded, so it is advisable to switch to Milos Beach, which can be reached on foot or by water taxi (see #2). Parking is available outside the village on the main road.
→ Our accommodation recommendations in Agios Nikitas (links to Booking.com*):
#2 Milos Beach
Long dream beach with fine gravel and turquoise blue water. Largely natural, with no shade and no sanitary facilities on site.
It is best to bring your own parasol and food, as the few sun loungers cost between 30 and 40 € on site. Very wind-exposed location and therefore usually high waves. The shore area drops deep relatively quickly.
You will reach the Milos Beach on foot from the coastal town of Agios Nikitas. At the level of the Klimataria tavern, a road branches off to the left, which turns into a trail. The climb is short but steep and passes by an old giant olive tree.
Once at the top, you will have a magnificent view of Milos Beach, one of the most beautiful Lefkada beaches. After about 15 minutes of walking, you will reach the beach. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this short hike.
Alternatively, in the high season there are regular taxi boats from Agios Nikitas to Milos Beach (approx. 4 € p.p.). However, in the event of strong waves, the trips will be stopped.
By the way, the old windmill, which sits enthroned on a rocky plateau at the northern end above the beach, gave its name to the beach of Milos (Greek mylos = mill).
→ Accommodation tips at Milos Beach (links to Booking.com*):
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
#3 Kathisma Beach
Kilometre-long beach with fine pebbles and turquoise waters. Well organized with several beach bars providing sun loungers and umbrellas. Changing rooms, showers and toilets are also available.
Depending on the wind strength, very high waves with a strong suction effect. As with the other western beaches, the shore area drops relatively deeply, so this Lefkada beach is not suitable for small children.
Due to the good accessibility and the numerous parking spaces, many Campers at Kathisma Beach. Parking in the designated parking spaces is subject to a fee (approx. 5-10 €), parking was free during our visit in October. In the high season, Kathisma Beach is very crowded, not for those seeking peace and quiet.
→ Accommodation tips at Kathisma Beach (links to Booking.com*):
💡 Lefkada book tip: The Zakynthos travel guide by Marco Polo contains a compact chapter on the island of Lefkada and other Ionian islands including maps. Order here: View on Amazon*
#4 Avali Beach
Caribbean beach scenery of white gravel and turquoise blue sea not far from the town of Kalamitsi. Natural and somewhat remote, but not yet overcrowded even in the high season.
The cozy Beach Bar Avali provides bathers with snacks and cool drinks. Bathing shoes are recommended because of the gravelly ground, the shore area drops quickly here as well. The approach is a bit arduous due to the narrow and steep road. Not far from the Avali Bar, there is free parking on the side of the road.
→ Accommodation tips at Avali Beach (links Booking.com*):
#5 Kavalikefta & Megali Petra
Long stretch of coastline with photogenic beaches near Kalamitsi, which merge directly into each other. In the shore area of the fine pebble beaches, large boulders lie in the turquoise blue sea. Large parts of the beaches are natural, in the high season some sunbeds and umbrellas are provided.
On the Kavalikefta Beach there is a simple canteen with fast food and drinks. Toilets and changing rooms are available. Difficult approach and poor road conditions. Parking is subject to a fee (approx. 8 €).
→ Accommodation tips at Kavalikefta & Megali Petra: see Avali Beach
#6 Gialos Beach
Long, grey pebble and stone beach with free parking. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented on site, otherwise natural. The Medousa Beach Bar provides a shower (for a fee) and a Dixi toilet.
Because of the stony shore area, bathing shoes are recommended. Since Gialos Beach is not as paradisiacal as its sister beaches, it is not overcrowded even in midsummer. In October we met some campers here as well. Newly paved, but steep serpentine road to the beach.
→ Accommodation tips at Gialos Beach (links to Booking.com*):
Lefkada beaches in the south
#7 Egremni Beach
For us, one of the most beautiful Lefkada beaches. After walking the 1.1 km steep asphalt road, a fabulous panorama awaits you as you descend over 400 steps along a cliff. Unbelievably turquoise blue water meets bright, fine pebble beach here.
Egremni Beach stretches along the coast for miles. Since it can only be reached via a long walk or with excursion boats from Nydri , it is not overcrowded and natural even in the high season. You must bring your own umbrellas.
You can park in front of the gate that closes the paved path to vehicles for a fee. In October, parking was free. Above the beach, at the beginning of the stairs, there is a simple tavern for cool drinks and snacks.
From the car park it takes about 25 minutes to reach the dizzying staircase and another 10 minutes down to the beach. The dreamlike scenery justifies the somewhat arduous path. In midsummer, the shadowless descent is only recommended with sufficient fitness and water supply.
→ Accommodation tips at Egremni Beach (links to Booking.com*):
💡 Attention shoe fetishists: The stairs down to Egremni Beach seem to “swallow” shoes on the assembly line. One wrong step and the flip-flop says goodbye down the cliff. The “shoe fence” along the road to Egremni Beach impressively shows how many slippers have actually already been lost.
#8 Agiofili Beach
A paradise bathing bay not far from Vasiliki with crystal clear water and bright pebble beach await you here. Access to the beach is via private property. On site, there are fees for parking (approx. 10 €) and for sun loungers.
A beaten path and steps take you down to Agiofili Beach. Halfway up there is a canteen and toilets, but they are no longer usable.
The bay itself is also suitable good for snorkeling. A visit is especially worthwhile in the low season, as this Lefkada beach is usually completely overcrowded in midsummer. Also accessible by water taxi from Vasiliki.
→ Accommodation tips at Agiofili Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#9 Orfanogianni Beach
Lonely bay with a bright pebble beach and crystal clear water in the very south of the island. Hardly visited even in midsummer, as it is difficult to access. Best reached by boat, otherwise only on foot at the western end of the beach (in front of the gate of a villa) via a narrow path that requires climbing skills. At your own risk!
→ Accommodation tips at Orfanogianni Beach (links to Booking.com*):
#10 Porto Katsiki
This is Lefkada’s most popular beach and the main attraction of the island. In the far southwest lies the “goats harbor”, whose name goes back to the former beach inhabitants. The wide curved bay is a real postcard motif with its green chalk cliffs, the bright pebble beach and the turquoise-blue water.
Depending on the accommodation, the journey with a rental car extends to Porto Katsiki on the southwestern headland. The nearest town of Athani is about 25 minutes away. You can book cheap rental cars on Lefkada directly with our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ To offers for cheap rental cars*
Behind the Kiosk Cafe Panorama the main road winds in many curves to a large park landscape above the beach. Depending on the season, you pay 5-10 € per day.
You get a first look at the Porto Katsiki Beach from the parking lot next to the old Porto Katsiki Bridge. This adventurous viewpoint has not been accessible for several years, as the bridge was damaged by earthquakes (see post: Greece Earthquake) has collapsed.
In the northern part of the bay, a staircase leads down to the pebble beach. Along the way, you will pass a snack bar and souvenir stalls.
There is no operator at Porto Katsiki Beach, so you will need to bring your own umbrella. The shore area drops relatively quickly, bathing shoes are recommended. Sanitary facilities are not available.
In summer, the beach is characterized by the many Porto Katsiki excursion boats (e.g. from Vasiliki) already very crowded from 10:30 a.m. onwards. We recommend not to lie directly under the cliffs, as larger boulders keep coming loose.
→ Accommodation tip at Porto Katsiki Beach (link to Booking.com*):
Lefkada Beaches East Coast
The Lefkada beaches in the east are somewhat overshadowed by the popular western beaches, as they cannot boast turquoise blue sea and bright pebble beaches. Nevertheless, you will find around around Nydri some swimming spots with pebble beach and crystal clear waters, which are more or less crowded depending on the season.
Popular beaches on the east coast are Paralia Episkopos near Nikiana, the beach of Nydri and Desimi Beach as well as Lakka Beach (only by hike) on the Geni Peninsula.
Excursions and tours to Lefkada beaches
Discover the beautiful beaches and bays of Lefkada by boat or kayak and experience the coast from a completely different perspective. Guided Kayak Tours on Lefkada and mini island hopping to the surrounding islands such as Meganissi or Skorpios usually start from Nydri. More information is available from our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ For organized mini island hopping with BBQ*
➝ More Lefkada Travel Tips you can get in the following articles:
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