Lefkada: Our 10 highlights of the white island

Lefkada is no longer an insider tip. A floating bridge connects the island with the mainland and thus enables uncomplicated access, which mainland Greeks, individual holidaymakers and campers alike take advantage of.

»The gleaming white beaches of Lefkada with their turquoise sea magically attract all visitors.«

These paradisiacal bays have their origins in the bright limestone cliffs, which have also given the island the name Lefkas, “the white one”.

In contrast, the interior of Lefkada is very mountainous and lushly green. Behind countless serpentines and peaks over 1,000 meters high are traditional villages, lonely chapels and monasteries.

Enclosed we take you to our highlights of the Ionian island and show you the most beautiful Lefkada sights, which we discovered in two weeks:

#1 Walking tour of Lefkada town

The approach over the Agia Mavra Floating Bridge and along the approximately 1-kilometer-long Lefkas Canal, which leads into the natural lagoon landscape, is an experience in itself.

The history of the island, which today has around 22,000 inhabitants, is long and eventful. Due to the short distance to the mainland Lefkada is now one of the Greek Islands with the oldest traces of settlement. Excavations have found Neanderthal tools that are over 110,000 years old.

In addition, Lefkada was the only Ionian island that was occupied by the Ottoman Empire for almost 200 years. In the 17th century, the Venetians conquered the island, and in the 19th century, Lefkas even belonged to the United Kingdom for a time.

#2 Faneromeni Monastery and Lefkada Windmills

Just five minutes east of the capital is the picturesque Monastery of Faneromeni on a rocky outcrop. It is one of the most picturesque monastic complexes in the Ionian Islands and is one of the most popular Lefkada attractions.

Due to its elevated location, it offers magnificent views of the capital and the surrounding lagoon landscape, as well as the long stretch of beach at Agios Ioannis. The well-kept grounds invite you to linger, the monks present are somewhat distant, but friendly.

The monastery is dedicated to Saint Mary (Greek: Panagia Faneromeni, the Appearing Mother of God) and was probably founded in Byzantine times on the foundations of an ancient site. Excavations have found the remains of a temple of Artemis.

Over the centuries, the monastery resisted the attacks of pirates, and the Venetians gave the complex its present appearance around 1734. A fire in 1887 destroyed many buildings. In recent decades, the monastery has been extensively restored.

On the well-kept monastery grounds, in addition to the main church and the monastery cells (not accessible), there is a large hall, a small church and folklore museum and a botanical park, in which injured wild animals are nursed back to health.

The donation-funded mini zoo is home to turtles, rabbits, ducks and geese, deer and some bird species (including parrots). The monastery can be visited every day, except during the siesta from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free, appropriate clothing is required.

Windmills at Agios Ioannis Beach

Just a few hundred meters below the monastery is one of the longest beaches on the island, the Paralia Agios Ioannis. The beach is named after the church of Agios Ioannis Antzoussis which is located on the western edge directly on the sea.

According to tradition, the apostle Paul is said to have preached Christianity here on his way to Rome in 65 AD. Accordingly, the mostly closed church is considered the oldest Christian church on the island.

On the coarse-grained beach of Agios Ioannis there is another highlight of the island – the five windmills of Lefkada. The windmills are in more or less good condition, have hardly been restored over the years and are mostly left to decay.

Nevertheless, they offer great photo opportunities, especially at sunset, the atmosphere is very romantic and invites you to take long walks on the beach. In summer, the windswept stretch of coast is visited by kitesurfers.

In the immediate vicinity of the windmills there are some cafés and seafront bars (Tip: Aramos Café Bar or Orlof Mill Café) where you can enjoy a nice sundowner.

By the way, directly behind the beach runs an asphalt road that separates the sea from the Lefkada lagoon. You can even drive around the surreal lagoon landscape with its small reed islands. This will take you back to the floating bridge and Agia Mavra Castle.

#3 Agios Nikitas and Mylos Beach

About 12 km outside the city of Lefkada is Agios Nikitas, the only place on the west coast that is located directly on the sea. The compact village has now developed into a popular holiday resort.

Although Agios Nikitas has grown rapidly, attempts have been made to preserve the original island architecture. The traffic-calmed town centre consists only of a narrow alley leading to the sea, to the left and right of which there are a dozen taverns and cafes.

By the sea, a small sandy beach and crystal clear water, surrounded by a wild rocky landscape, welcomes you. In summer, Agios Nikitas is bursting at the seams, but at the beginning of October we experienced a wonderful peace and quiet here.

The beach cafés (tip: Captain’s Corner) invite you to linger and are well suited for a small snack. The accommodation offer in the town of 150 inhabitants is extensive, otherwise there is not much to see in Agios Nikitas. Parking is possible along the main road, supermarkets, bakery and pharmacy are located in the village.

Hike to Mylos Beach

From Agios Nikitas you can get to the beach of Mylos, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lefkada. Since this dream beach is not accessible by car due to its location on the cliffs, you can only reach it on foot or by taxi boat.

These depart every 20 minutes from Agios Nikitas Beach in summer (approx. 3 € p.p.), but do not operate in strong waves. From the boat you have a wonderful view of the town and the bizarre coastal landscape.

The charming walk to the beach starts in a narrow alley opposite the Tavern Klymataria in the centre of the village. The hike to Mylos beach takes about 15 minutes and leads over a distance of 700 meters first 70 meters steeply uphill and then downhill again.

On the way you cross a small pine forest and even come across a ancient olive tree giant. From the highest point you have a breathtaking view of the bright pebble beach. Since freshwater springs flow into the sea near the shore, the water here turns an enchanting blue.

Due to its exposed location, Mylos beach is not crowded even in summer. The admirable stretch of beach owes its name to the old windmill (Greek: mylos) at the northern end, which towers above the sea.

In season, a beach bar rents sun loungers for about €30 per couple and serves cool drinks. The southern part is the quietest. Above the beach of Mylos there are a handful of good Lefkada Hotels and apartment complexes. The following accommodations are recommended (links to Booking.com*):

• Milos Paradise Villas*
• Deep Blue Agios Nikitas*

Evening atmosphere in Exanthia

You could almost leave the mountain village above Agios Nikitas on the left, if it hadn’t become a meeting place for paragliders from all over Europe.

Exanthia is located at an altitude of 580 m and delights its visitors with traditional architecture and phenomenal views of the Ionian Sea. When the thermals are good, dozens of paragliders fly over the village into the sunset. For tandem flights, try Flyfeel Paragliding, starting at €85.

But even those who don’t want to swing into the air will get their money’s worth in Exanthia. Several sunset bars and rooftop restaurants (Our recommendation: Rachi) invite you to relax in the evening.

You can park your rental car at the entrances to the village, the main street of Exanthia is very narrow and in summer the town of 350 souls is well visited. For us personally, Exanthia was next to Syvros the most original place on Lefkada. Unfortunately, everything was closed in mid-October except for two simple coffee houses.

#4 In the Lefkada Mountains

The tranquil interior of Lefkada, which is dominated by powerful mountains up to 1,100 m altitude shielded from the sea, stands in stark contrast to the touristically developed coast. If you take the narrow and winding roads into the highlands, you will immerse yourself in the original Lefkada.

A good ten mountain villages are grouped around an agricultural plateau. The natural seclusion has preserved many treasures, over the centuries numerous monasteries have settled (including Monastery Of John The Baptist), which you will come across again and again on round trips.

If you drive from Lefkada town to the highlands, you will cross the municipality of Sfakiotes, whose name derives from the region of Sfakia in Crete. The inhabitants fled here from the Ottomans in the 17th century and founded the settlement, which includes several districts.

Outside the village, the Church of Prophet Elijah offers a magnificent view of the city of Lefkada. If you follow the path further up the mountain, you will reach the hidden hermitage Agios Stefanos, from where the view of the east coast of the island opens up.

Visiting Karya

For most vacationers, there is no way around Karya, the largest mountain village in Lefkada. Away from the hustle and bustle, the Platia with its mighty plane trees exudes charm and the narrow, cobblestone streets invite you to take a short walk.

Although Karya has over 1,000 inhabitants, there are only a few places to stay. It has remained a place for locals and so some cafes and taverns are open all year round.

In summer, many day trippers come here on weekends, as the high altitude air (500 m above sea level) provides sufficient cooling. Karya is known for its handmade tablecloths with elaborate embroidery, a centuries-old tradition that has been preserved here.

In the local folklore museum, a former weaving house, you will get an insight into this craftsmanship (information material in German, among other languages) and embark on a real journey through time. There are several weaving mills in the village itself, as well as other souvenir shops, including Olive Land, owned by Evi.

Lefkada wine from Karsanikos

The special microclimate in the mountains of Lefkada produces powerful wines. We have visited the Karsanikos Winery in Karya and were thrilled with all the wines on offer. The young winemaker Giorgos and his family still do most of the production and bottling by hand in their father’s stone house.

The interesting guided tours (approx. 35 min) cost from 12 € and include a delicious snack platter and an extensive wine tasting. Advance registration by phone or e-mail is required. Appointments can also be booked online: Karsanikos Wines

Lentil Village Englouvi

The small mountain village of Englouvi (also Egklouvi) is known far beyond the island’s borders for its nutritious legumes. It has retained a certain originality to this day, the Platia is rustic yet inviting, the alleys are not spruced up, but of original charm.

At an altitude of over 700 m, on a wide plateau above the village, the tasty Fakes Englouvis (Greek: fakes = lentils). The soils are particularly rich in nutrients and analyses have shown that the lentils have a high health value, including 2.5 times more potassium, iron and sodium than conventional lentils.

If you think you can take home a package of the Lefkadian delicacy as a souvenir, we have to disappoint you. The lentils are so sought after that they are usually sold out before the end of the harvest season (July to August), and the demand from local taverns is extreme.

But you can stop at one of the taverns on the quaint village square and enjoy the traditional lentil dish. Traditionally, the Englouvi lentils are prepared as a hearty soup with lots of garlic. In some restaurants on the island, however, we were also able to enjoy the legumes as a delicious salad.

Views from Mount Profitis Ilias

After the refreshment, you should take in the view from the Mount Profitis Ilias (1,000 m) above the village. A continuously paved road leads past the chapel of Agios Donatos, where the great lentil festival takes place on August 6th.

We continue past a former NATO radar station (see box) up to the summit of the Prophet Elijah. The views over large parts of the east coast to the offshore islands and the mainland are overwhelming. Inside the snow-white church, admire the Venetian Catholic style typical of the island.

If you want to explore even more of the heartland, we recommend returning via Platistoma and Alexandros to Nikiana on the east coast. In Platistoma it’s worth stopping off at the rustic Tavern Litrobio and a visit to the organic winery Siflogo (by appointment).

The almost extinct village Alexandros is worth a walk because of its remarkable traditional building fabric. There is a mystical calm in the ghost village, only a few houses are still inhabited, and some ruins are being restored. How we would have loved to visit a kafenion here, the place would have deserved it!

#5 Highlights along the East Coast

The east of Lefkada is much flatter than the west, and some villages have settled near the sea. Along the well-developed main road to the south are the Lefkada’s most popular holiday villages: Lygia, Nikiana and Nydri.

Above all Nydri is enjoying growing popularity, numerous villas, small hotels and mid-range resorts have been built here in recent years. The beaches are narrow and mostly made of gravel, but equipped with all the facilities a holidaymaker’s heart desires. Sailors also appreciate the wind-protected coast, and the marinas are well frequented until the end of October.

In summer, Nydri at the foot of the Elati mountain massif is a lively holiday resort. Every evening, a swarm of mainland Greeks, individualists and sailors stroll along the partially traffic-calmed promenade of the town of just under 1,000 inhabitants.

In addition, the coastal town serves as an ideal springboard to the neighboring islands like Meganisi, Skorpios & Co (see #6). At the harbour of Nydri there is a restaurant (tip: Basilico) to others, from rustic to noble.

In between, there are rental car and tour operators, numerous souvenir shops, but also interesting shops, such as the Akratos Wine Shop. For us personally, Nydri didn’t exude much flair, but the place is quite suitable as a starting point for exploring the island.

Hike to Nydri Waterfalls

The highlight of Nydri are the waterfalls of the same name, which are hidden just a few minutes in the hinterland near the village of Rachi. With your rental car, you can drive to the start of the Dimosari Gorge, where you will find the café-tavern The Plane Tree (Platanos), which is the perfect place to stop for a coffee break after returning from your short hike.

From here, above the riverbed with a slight incline through a picturesque landscape, it takes about 10 minutes to walk (400 m) to the cataract. Finally, the path leads a little over hill and dale, past imposing rock formations and through a rock gate. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

During our visit in October, the river was largely dried up and the Nydri Waterfall (also called Dimosari Falls) only a small trickle, but this did not diminish the atmosphere of the short hiking trip.

Those who come by the end of May have the chance to see the waterfall in all its glory. Underneath is a emerald green shimmering water basin, where you can refresh yourself in the cool spring water even in summer.

Excursion to the Geni Peninsula

Sailors appreciate Nydri because of the wind-protected natural harbour. The 500 m long, bulbous bay of Vlycha can be reached via a narrow strait between Nydri and the opposite peninsula of Geni.

In summer, hundreds of sailboats anchor here. Surrounded by green mountains and the invisible sea, the backdrop looks like a mountain lake in the Alps, Lake Garda feeling guaranteed. Campers also feel at home here, especially in the low season, two Lefkada Campsites are located directly on Desimi beach.

With the exception of the coastal strip, the densely wooded Geni peninsula is still largely natural and invites you to hike. An idyllic walk (starting point Villa Eleanor) leads in 10 minutes along the coast through a small forest to the pretty church of Agia Kyriaki (church consecration festival on 7 July) directly at the entrance to the natural harbour.

Halfway there, you will pass the grave of Wilhelm Dörpfeld. Along with Heinrich Schliemann, Dörpfeld is considered the most important German archaeologist who worked in Hellas. He spent a large part of his life on the island of Lefkada, where he searched for Homeric Ithaca, among other things.

#6 Day trip to Meganisi

From the port of Nydri you can take a day trip to the neighboring island of Meganisi. Meganisi belongs to the mini-archipelago of the Tilevoides, which includes many small, almost uninhabited islands such as Skorpios (former island of the shipowner Onassis) and Sparti as well as the inhabited islands of Kalamos and Kastos.

Meganisi means “big island”, the name does not do justice to the almost 20 km² small island, but Meganisi captivates with a varied landscape, beautiful beaches and bays as well as traditional villages.

Today, more than 1,200 people live on the island again in summer, and the trend is rising. Former Lefkada fans, for whom it became too hectic on their home island, have settled on Meganisi, and quite a few already own a house here.

Meganisi is also very popular with sailors. The many wind-protected bays with crystal clear water and the meandering landscape in the north make the island a sailing paradise.

There are a total of three larger towns on Meganisi. Spartochori with the port of Spilia, the main town of Katomeri in the middle and the picturesque coastal village of Vathy in the north.

If you come to the island without a rental car, you can easily explore the port town of Spilia and Spartochori above. In the Summer Sun Café Bar from owner Spiros we couldn’t believe our eyes: There was freshly tapped Nissos beer (from Tinos Island), which we enjoyed with amazing views of the harbor bay.

To get to the island, you don’t necessarily have to book an organized day trip. In the low season, you can buy the tickets directly on the Car ferry Meganisi II.

The ferry connects Lefkada with the neighboring island several times a day in just under 25 minutes. Only in the high season it is recommended to buy the ticket a few days in advance at the port of Nydri. What else there is to discover on Meganisi, you will soon find out in a separate article.

#7 Beach paradise in the west of Lefkada

Lefkada is not stingy with extremely photogenic beaches, especially in the west. At the foot of the white chalk cliffs light pebble beaches have formed over millions of years, where the sea shimmers in the most incredible shades of blue.

It was not uncommon for individual coastal sections to become the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The scenery is breathtaking and paradisiacal, especially in the off-season, as you can enjoy many of the magnificent bays undisturbed by crowds.

It would be almost too good to be true if it weren’t for the often arduous journey down narrow, winding roads to the beaches. Once you’ve mastered the nerve-wracking drive, you’ll often have to pay parking fees, which can be as high as €20 in the high season.

Families with small children also have to make compromises on the western beaches of Lefkada. The shore area usually drops deep quickly and it is not uncommon for there to be high waves with a strong suction effect.

By the way, in the west of Lefkada you do not find a beach with fine sand but only very fine-grained gravel, which is not ideal for building sandcastles. On the other hand, this has the advantage that the fine gravel can be easily removed from the skin at the end of a day of swimming.

Enclosed we list three selected beaches on the west coast that are worth a visit. You can find a detailed description of the 10 most beautiful swimming spots we visited on the island in our article: Lefkada Beaches

Megali Petra

Light sandy-pebble beach near Kalamitsi. The large boulders in the turquoise blue sea offer an interesting photo motif. A narrow, steep road leads to a small, paid parking lot.

In high season, the beach bar on site provides umbrellas and sunbeds. When we visited in October, Megali Petra Beach was natural and it could only be parked along the road.

Gialos Beach

Long, light grey pebble beach with stones in the shore area (bathing shoes recommended). Three beach bars and free parking on site. Especially popular with campers – in October many motorhomes and vans. However, very steep and winding access.

Egremni Beach

Perhaps the most extraordinary beach of Lefkada – more than 2.5 km of fine white pebble beach that meets turquoise blue sea. The scenery from above and below is breathtaking and for us personally one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline of Greece!

Accessible by sea with excursion boats from Nydri or on foot along an asphalt road about 1.1 km long (access for vehicles prohibited) and 400 vertiginous steps. In high season, parking is subject to a fee.

#8 Time out in Syvros

Without high expectations, we drove to Syvros and were immediately pleasantly surprised by the tranquil mountain village. Syvros is located at the end of a long valley and is surrounded by lush green nature. Fruit trees such as figs, mulberries, but also blackberry bushes thrive throughout the village.

No wonder, because around the village there are several freshwater springs (e.g. Kerasia Springs), which bubble all year round. In the past, there are said to have been as many as 24 watermills, some of which you can discover on a walk through the village.

Hiking enthusiasts can even enjoy the 8 km long circular hiking trail »Syvros Springs Pathway« which leads past numerous mountain springs, small cascades and old water mills. The path is well signposted and on Lefkada Trails described in detail.

The starting point for the hike is the Platia in Syvros. The village square is a great place to relax, and there are several taverns, some of which are open all year round, where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

When visiting Syvros, you should not miss the Fabbrica Olive Museum. Owner Maria and her team present the modern production of liquid gold in a vivid way (including video with German subtitles).

In addition, traditional processes such as millstones and wood presses as well as harvesting equipment are also on display. At the end of the tour, there will be a small tasting. Admission costs €2.50 per person. Open: May, June and October 10 am-3 pm, July to September 10 am-9 pm.

Via Agios Ilias to the Elati Mountains

From Syvros, it is worth taking a detour to the unreal Elati Mountains with their peaks over 1,100 meters high. Via numerous serpentines you reach the mountain village of Agios Ilias, in which time seems to have stood still.

The mysterious silence and the view over the south of Lefkada to the neighboring islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia is breathtaking. An asphalt road winds its way uphill, we leave the tree line behind us and pass the highest mountain in Lefkada, Stavrota (1,182 m).

At the turn-off to Englouvi, keep to the right and reach the second highest island mountain, the Mnimati (1,157 m), which is peppered with radio antennas, but offers a magnificent view of the east and north of the island. The way back leads either via the Englouvi plateau to the north or back south via Syvros to the popular coastal village of Vasiliki.

#9 Traveling in the south of Lefkada

In the deeply cut bay of Syvota lies the harbour town of the same name, which is particularly popular with sailors because of its wind-protected location. The scenery along the harbour pier with its numerous taverns, cafés and boat moorings is extremely charming and we liked it right away.

Syvota is a lively coastal hamlet, especially in the summer and due to the good local supply with supermarket, bakery and pharmacy, it is also suitable as an overnight stay for individualists to explore the south of the island. The villas above Syvota Bay also offer magnificent coastal views, including Blooms of Sivota Bay (View on Booking.com*).

In the evening, Syvota’s waterfront is atmospherically lit and you can sit comfortably with a glass of wine by the sea. In Café Liotrivi at the end of the waterfront we ate very well, and if you let your gaze wander over the bay from the terrace, you get a pure holiday feeling!

Vasiliki: Springboard to Kefalonia

Unlike Sivota, we didn’t find the seaside resort of Vasiliki particularly spruced up, but after visiting several times, we grew fond of the most popular vacation spot on the south coast. At the small harbour basin you can enjoy a drink in one of the many cafés and bars and watch the hustle and bustle on the jetty.

From Vasiliki, between April and October, the car ferry named West Ferry goes to Cephalonia and docks in the harbour town of Fiskardo after only 60 minutes. Ideal for those who want to go on a Greek island hopping. Timetables and prices at: West Ferry

The beach in the wide bay of Vasiliki is covered with pebbles and equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas in the summer months. Behind it are numerous smaller hotels and apartment complexes as well as the Campsite Vasiliki Beach.

The bay of Vasiliki also offers optimal conditions for windsurfers and those who want to become one. It is one of Europe’s most popular surf spots. There are several surf schools right on the beach that offer courses and equipment rental. Cozy beach bars cater to your physical well-being.

In the center of the village and at the harbor pier there are some restaurants and taverns. As a base for fully exploring the island, Vasiliki’s location is not optimal, as the distances to most of the attractions and to Lefkada town are very long.

Evening atmosphere in Poros

You can spend the evening particularly comfortably in the mountain village Poros in the southeast of the island. In the narrow streets, the clocks tick a little slower and you can feel a touch of the original Lefkada. It’s a shame that the quaint Mezedopoleio »To Portoni« had already closed during our visit in October. Maybe you can try this rustic tavern for us?

#10 Porto Katsiki at Cape Lefkatas

In the very southwest of the island lies the postcard motif of Lefkada. The beach of Porto Katsiki should not be missing from any travel catalogue. White pebble beach meets unbelievably turquoise blue water here, behind it rise high steep walls overgrown with lush green bushes.

The scenery from the parking lot above the beach looks paradisiacal. The journey there is long and takes time depending on the location of your accommodation. The nearest small town is about 20 minutes away.

Parking above the beach is subject to a fee and costs around €10 per day in high season and around €5 per day in low season. You have the most beautiful view of the picturesque bay from the parking lot that leads to the former observation bridge. Unfortunately, the bridge collapsed a few years ago and is no longer accessible.

The path down to the beach of Porto Katsiki leads past some souvenir stalls and snack bars to another viewing platform. From here you take the numerous steps down to the beach.

In summer, excursion boats steer the Bay of Porto Katsiki then it can get very crowded on the beach. The beach is not organized, there is no sun lounger rental and no sanitary facilities. Apart from a kiosk, there are no catering facilities.

Depending on the wind strength, there are high waves at Porto Katsiki Beach. The shore area drops relatively deeply, so that the beach is less suitable for children.

Porto Katsiki, which translates »Goat Harbour« has its origins in the former four-legged inhabitants of the bay. However, since the beach was opened up by sea and land routes, the goats have disappeared.

Sunset at Cape Doukato

After a visit to Porto Katsiki Beach, it is definitely worth taking a detour to the Cape Doukato (also Cape Lefkatas) with its white lighthouse. The southernmost tip of Lefkada has always been a mystical place. In ancient times, there is said to have been a temple of Apollo here, of which unfortunately only fragments have been preserved.

Another legend says that the famous Poet Sappho, which comes from the island Lesvos chose suicide here around 570 BC. She threw herself off a rock because her love for Phaon was not reciprocated.

From the Lighthouse you can capture the rugged coastline of the Southern Cape photographically. However, caution is advised, as the cliffs here fall meters deep into the sea. Especially at sunset, the atmosphere at the viewpoint is very picturesque.

At the southernmost point of the island, directly below the lighthouse, you can park your vehicle in a parking area. The 14 m high lighthouse was built around 1890 and is unfortunately not open to the public. Nevertheless, the short ascent is worth it just because of the magnificent view of the coastal landscape.

Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Niras

On the way back, it is worth stopping briefly at the Agios Nikolaos Niras nunnery. The compact monastery complex is tranquilly located in the middle of nowhere and offers a magnificent view as far as Ithaca and Kefalonia.

In the monastery church there is a magnificent iconostasis from 1799. During our visit, we came across a more than 100-year-old nun, who kindly pointed out to us that photography was not allowed.

In the monastery shop, the nuns sell self-produced products such as olive oil, herbs and honey. At the entrance to the monastery grounds, you will come across interesting stone cubes that served as beehives in the Middle Ages. Even today, the tasty thyme honey is produced on Lefkada and sold in many shops.

More Lefkada travel tips for your holiday

Guided tours on Lefkada

In addition to Porto Katsiki Beach as the most popular attraction, there are numerous other attractions on the Ionian island. The most popular Lefkada tours are kayaking along the coast and organized boat trips to the neighboring islands of Meganissi or Skorpios. Click on the links to GetYourGuide* for details such as availability and prices of the tours:

➲ To kayak along the coast*

➲ For organized mini island hopping with BBQ*

Where to stay in Lefkada

Large hotel complexes for package vacationers are rather the exception on Lekada. The landscape is dominated by holiday homes and villas with pools that are springing up like mushrooms.

Apartments and studios as well as smaller family and boutique hotels are also numerous on Lefkada. Good starting points for exploring the island are the resorts of Nydri and Nikiana in the east and Agios Nikitas in the west.

→ Over Booking.com* you will find many places to stay on Lefkada and you can check prices here: Lefkada Hotels & Apartments*

Here we spent the night on Lefkas

Anatoli Villas, Nikiana

The friendly owner Spiros rents out three modern holiday homes for up to six people on the east coast of Lefkada between Nikiana and Nydri. Our villa with infinity pool was very spacious and had two bedrooms with a bathroom each, a large kitchen with dishwasher and a washing machine.

Due to the slightly elevated location of the villas, you have a wonderful view of the sea, which was a highlight, especially at sunrise. However, a rental car is essential. The nearest beach (Perigiali Beach) can be reached in five minutes, the nearest larger town Nydri in eight minutes by car.

➲ Book Anatoli Villas*

Ville Con Vista, Drimonas

Pretty holiday homes on the outskirts of Drimonas with beautiful panoramic views of the coast. Ideal base to explore the west coast of Lefkada. The hosts Katerina and Stelios are very friendly and helpful. The accommodation is modern and functional, with a large living room and a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy the sunset.

➲ Book Ville Con Vista*

Lefkada Restaurants & Cafés: Our Recommendations

We didn’t have great culinary expectations of Lefkada and were really pleasantly surprised. Although not all taverns and restaurants were open in October, we ate very well in some restaurants, from home-style Greek cuisine to upscale Mediterranean gastronomy, everything was there.

You should definitely try the lentil salad from Lefkada. It is a specialty of the island and tastes particularly delicious with all kinds of herbs such as dill. Here is a small selection of Lefkada restaurants and cafes, which we have personally tested and found to be good:

T’Aloni, Chortata

Our favorite on Lefkada – we stopped here several times. Chef Thodoris conjures up creative Greek dishes that promise true culinary delights. Everything we tried was delicious, especially the mushrooms, the chickpeas and the lamb with baked potatoes. Cozy ambience and beautiful roof terrace with a view.

More recommendations for Lefkada:

• Sesoula Taverna, Dragano
• Kafeneion I Plateia, Englouvi
• CMYK Art Café, Lefkada Town
• …

Want more restaurant tips for Lefkada?

→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafes and taverns on Lefkada: To the Lefkada map

Getting around Lefkada

With a length of 35 km and a width of 15 km, you might think that Lefkada can be fully explored in a short time. However, this is deceptive, because the profile of the island is very mountainous and confusing. For a few kilometers you need much longer than usual.

Public buses connect the city of Lefkada with the rest of the island, although many places, especially inland, are only served twice a day. You can find timetables at: KTEL Lefkada

To explore the remote beaches in the west and the pristine interior, we recommend renting a car. Since many roads are very narrow and steep, a well-motorized small car is best. What to do with campervan and caravans on Lefkada you can find out here: Camping in Greece

Especially in the high season, you should book your vehicle in advance due to the high demand, so you are mobile immediately upon arrival and save the costs for the transfer. You can check prices and availability on Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap car rental offers*

Getting to the island

The island of Lefkada does not have its own airport, but the international airport is about 30 minutes north by car. Aktio Airport (PVK) close to the town of Preveza. During the season, there are direct flights several times a week from Munich and Berlin, among others. You can search for flights and check prices directly via our partner Skyscanner*:

➲ To the flight search on Skyscanner*

At Aktio Airport, you can rent a car directly and be in Lefkada town in half an hour. A floating bridge connects the island to the mainland, so you don’t have to rely on a ferry. In the summer 2025, the old blue bridge, whose safety certificate had expired, was replaced by a suitable Ro-Ro ferry as a temporary solution.

Alternatively, you can fly directly from Germany, Austria or Switzerland to Athens. From the Athens Airport to the island of Lefkada, the journey by rental car takes about 4 hours, with most of the route on a toll highway.

There are numerous local car rental companies at Athens Airport (e.g. ACR Athens Car Rental), where you can rent a vehicle. You can find cheap offers with our partner Discover Cars*: Car rental from Athens*

→ More useful Athens travel tips can be found in the following articles:

• Athens Holidays – 11 Important information
• Highlights in Athens

Lefkada Youtube Video

Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Tomas Polasek © :

→ More travel reports about the archipelago in the Ionian Sea and Lefkada Tips can be found on our overview page: Ionian Islands

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