{"id":52299,"date":"2025-09-11T13:14:40","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T11:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=52299"},"modified":"2026-03-06T17:56:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T16:56:05","slug":"lefkada-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/lefkada-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Lefkada: Our 10 highlights of the white island"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lefkada<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\u00bbThe gleaming white beaches of Lefkada with their turquoise sea magically attract all visitors.\u00ab<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Insel
Typical Lefkas: Dream beaches as far as the eye can see<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These paradisiacal bays have their origins in the bright limestone cliffs, which have also given the island the name Lefkas, “the white one”.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Enclosed we take you to our highlights of the Ionian island and show you the most beautiful Lefkada sights<\/strong>, which we discovered in two weeks:<\/p>\n

\n

\"Lefkada<\/a><\/p>\n

Lefkada Island Map<\/strong>: This map includes all Lefkada Highlights<\/span>, 63 Places to Visit & Insider Tips<\/span>, 19 Beaches & Bays<\/span>, as well as personal recommendations for 27 restaurants & cafes<\/span>. 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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#1 Walking tour of Lefkada town<\/h2>\n

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

\"Lefkada
View of Lefkada Town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
A touch of Pura Vida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

When you walk through the city<\/strong> the influences of the various occupiers become most apparent. You can find out what there is to discover on a tour and why a touch of Cuba blows through the alleys in our article: Lefkada Town<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#2 Faneromeni Monastery and Lefkada Windmills<\/h2>\n

Just five minutes east of the capital is the picturesque Monastery of Faneromeni<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Due to its elevated location, it offers magnificent views of the capital<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"kloster
In the monastery courtyard of Faneromeni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Faneromeni
Imposing monastery hall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong>, in which injured wild animals are nursed back to health.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Windmills at Agios Ioannis Beach<\/h3>\n

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<\/strong> which is located on the western edge directly on the sea.<\/p>\n

\"Agios
Lagoon landscape in the north<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
On the beach of Agios Ioannis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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<\/strong> is visited by kitesurfers.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
Windmills of Lefkada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the immediate vicinity of the windmills there are some caf\u00e9s and seafront bars<\/strong> (Tip: Aramos Caf\u00e9 Bar<\/em> or Orlof Mill Caf\u00e9<\/em>) where you can enjoy a nice sundowner.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 Lefkada book tip:<\/strong> Marco Polo’s travel guide contains a compact chapter on the island of Lefkada and other Ionian islands including maps: View on Amazon*<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Lefkada<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#3 Agios Nikitas and Mylos Beach<\/h2>\n

About 12 km outside the city of Lefkada is Agios Nikitas<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Agios
Agios Nikitas from above<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

\"agios
Main street of Agios Nikitas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
On the beach of Agios Nikitas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The beach caf\u00e9s (tip: Captain’s Corner<\/em>) 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.<\/p>\n

Hike to Mylos Beach<\/h3>\n

From Agios Nikitas you can get to the beach of Mylos, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lefkada<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

These depart every 20 minutes from Agios Nikitas Beach in summer (approx. 3 \u20ac 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.<\/p>\n

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

\"Agios
Olive tree giant at the roadside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way you cross a small pine forest and even come across a ancient olive tree giant<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
Descent to Mylos Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/strong> (Greek: mylos) at the northern end, which towers above the sea.<\/p>\n

\"lefkada
Deserted dream beach in October<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In season, a beach bar rents sun loungers for about \u20ac30 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<\/strong> and apartment complexes. The following accommodations are recommended (links to Booking.com*):<\/p>\n