Idyllic Lefkada

Have you ever been to the Greek island of Lefkada? In this article, you will learn everything about the most beautiful beaches, idyllic villages, and exciting sights - practical tips for your next trip to Greece included!

Dive into the radiant blue sea, discover dreamy little spots along adventurous paths, and enjoy the tranquility of paradise-like beaches - do your eyes light up at these words? Then visit Lefkada, the white pearl of Greece. Picturesque nature, traditional mountain villages, and romantic monasteries will captivate you. The island got its name from the rugged white cliffs that rise high above the sea along the west coast. Find out here what you can experience during your vacation in Lefkada.

Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea between Corfu and Kefalonia. The nearest airport is in Preveza on the Greek mainland. Direct flights are available from cities such as Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hanover, or Munich starting at €120. Depending on your departure airport, you'll be traveling for two to three hours.

Good to know: The movable swing bridge between the island and the mainland opens every hour on the hour to let ships through. So, you may have to wait a bit upon your arrival.

From Preveza Airport (also known as Aktio), you can reach Lefkada in just about 30 minutes by bus, taxi, or rental car. And that's already the first major advantage of this Ionian island: You can reach it via a 50-meter long floating bridge directly from the mainland, and there's no toll fee. If you have previously visited one of the neighboring islands Kefalonia, Ithaca, or Meganisi, you can simply take a ferry.

When we think of the many dreamy beaches on Lefkada, it's hard not to rave about them. Around the island, dozens of beaches with turquoise waters, white pebbles, or fine sand entice visitors. The most famous beach, Porto Katsiki, is nestled between towering white cliffs and can only be reached by a steep staircase. However, it is usually well visited, with sun umbrellas and beach bars available. In contrast, Egremni Beach boasts its nearly untouched nature. The path to it can be a bit adventurous, as a strong earthquake has destroyed the access road and part of the more than 300 steps to the beach. So, you should be fit on your feet and very careful. A boat ride is a much more pleasant option. However, you might have to share the beach with other tourists, especially around lunchtime when it can get crowded.

Aside from these two hotspots, Lefkada has many other beaches to offer. If you enjoy sports and want to try kite or windsurfing, you can have fun at the beaches of Ai Giannis, Vasiliki, and Mili. For a family outing, the easily accessible beaches of Pefkoulia or Kathisma are worth visiting. Milos Beach can be reached after a short hike through the forest or by boat. Here, you can largely enjoy burying your toes in the soft sand and gaze over the radiant blue sea.

Although the Greek island of Lefkada, with an area of just 354 km², is only half the size of its neighbor Kefalonia, you will surely never be bored here. Charming towns and traditional villages will sweeten your holiday and provide variety after relaxing days on the beach.

Lefkada Town, also known as Lefkas Town, is the capital and the gateway to the island, so you'll definitely pass through here on your journey. Stroll through the bustling pedestrian zone of Ioannou Mela amidst sandy-colored buildings, cafés, and shops, or relax on the lovely waterfront promenade, where modern yachts anchor in the shallow water. Nydri on the east coast is considered the most touristy spot on Lefkada. So, if you want to enjoy the hustle and bustle, a large shopping avenue, and nightclubs, this is the place for you.

Good to know: Before the name Lefkada became established, the island and its capital were often referred to as 'Lefkas' in German.

Dozens of bars and cozy restaurants line the main street, and the central street bar transforms into a popular dance club after 2 a.m. If you still have energy for a day trip after a night out, you can take a ferry to the neighboring islands from the harbor. If you're into sports, head to the west of the island for windsurfing in Vasiliki.

Away from classic tourist destinations, there are dreamy fishing and mountain villages scattered all over the island that have retained the charm of original Greece. The quaint fishing village of Agios Nikitas consists of little more than a winding road leading to its own village beach. Cars are not allowed in the town, and especially in the off-season, you can enjoy the wonderful tranquility here. A visit to the dreamy fishing village of Lygia or the authentic mountain village of Karya is also worthwhile. At the small village square, you can chat with the locals while enjoying a delicious coffee under the plane trees.

So you see: Whether you'd prefer to experience traditional Greek charm during your vacation in Greece or dance the nights away with cocktails and good music - in Lefkada, you get both! What you need next is suitable accommodation. In our hotel search, you'll find cute guesthouses, charming villas, luxurious hotels, or you can choose from a rustic vacation apartment or an Airbnb.

With an area of 354 square kilometers, Lefkada isn't particularly large, but in addition to its stunning beaches and traditional villages, the island has a lot to offer. You can't miss the Saint Mavra Fortress upon your arrival. The fortress was built around 1300 to protect the island and is located on the mainland right in front of the bridge. While strolling between the overgrown ruins and rusty cannons, you can feel transported back to the Middle Ages. Even further back goes the tragic legend of Cape Doukato at the southern tip of Lefkada. It is said that the ancient poet Sappho once jumped from the 60-meter cliffs due to love sorrow; today, a picturesque lighthouse stands on the rugged rocks.

Not far from Nydri, another small but worthwhile highlight awaits you. A short footpath takes you through a gorge alongside a wild creek, directly to the Nydri Waterfalls. Admittedly, they aren't very large, but surrounded by steep rocks and wild nature, they're still a beautiful sight. The natural pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.

You should also visit the numerous monasteries and churches on Lefkada. The white Monastery of Faneromeni looks like it's straight out of a storybook. The complex is beautifully maintained and provides a great view of Lefkada Town and the sea. In the charming monastery of Agios Nikolaos in the south of the island, a small group of nuns live and sell homemade honey and olive oil.

Holiday Guru Tip: The Nydri Waterfalls are best visited in spring when there's enough water flowing from the mountains.

Whether on water or land - Lefkada is a paradise for sports and nature lovers. The island is a popular starting point for sailing trips through the Ionian Sea. If you prefer to fly over the sea with a surfboard, sail, or kite, there are many suitable beaches where a strong wind is almost always blowing. The spectacular maneuvers of windsurfers and kitesurfers are also a great sight for spectators. Beneath the water, historic wrecks and caves are waiting to be explored by you. Dive schools can be found in Nydri and Vasiliki, for example.

And of course, you can enjoy Lefkada not just from the water! In the interior, there are many beautiful hiking trails through green forests and the mountainous regions around the 1,558-meter high summit of Elati. You can expect colorful wildflowers, sleepy mountain villages, and romantic monastery ruins. To top off such an active day, you can unwind in one of the many restaurants with sea views, such as Taverna Pantazis in Nikiana or Taverna Kanioria in Lygia, and conclude the evening with a delicious Greek wine and seafood.

Holiday Guru Tip: For a unique sunset, you should visit the Rachi in Exanthia; the restaurant is built high up directly on a mountainside.

We are sure that you feel just like us now and can't wait to visit the beautiful island of Lefkada. If you want to start planning your trip right away, take a look at our Lefkada map. There, you will find all the beaches, sights, and towns mentioned above at a glance.

Did we promise you too much? Lefkada is the dream destination for anyone who loves to experience classic Greece, relax on the beautiful beaches of the country, or dance the night away. Whether you spend your entire vacation in Greece here or just stop by for a visit - you will surely not be bored in Lefkada. Have you been there yourself and know of other special places? We look forward to your comments!