Overview
In the Ionian Sea and connected to the Greek mainland by road, Lefkada (Lefkas) presents an island landscape characterized by mountainous terrain and renowned beaches that may feel familiar from advertisements. Among these, Porto Katsiki stands out for its exceptional beauty, featuring a white pebble beach nestled at the base of striking, crescent-shaped cliffs. Although the terrain poses challenges for road navigation, the island’s compact size allows for easy access to remote locations such as Cape Lefkatas.
Lefkada offers an abundance of opportunities for water-related activities, whether embarking on a week-long sailing adventure along its coast on a bareboat yacht charter or harnessing the winds at Vasiliki, recognized as one of Europe’s premier windsurfing destinations.
Let’s delve into the best activities in Lefkada:
1. Porto Katsiki
Featured prominently on tourism websites and brochures for Lefkada and Greece as a whole, this stunning beach is overshadowed by the imposing white cliff behind it. The images merely suggest the full grandeur of Porto Katsiki, and as you navigate the 347 steps down, you may find yourself pausing to admire the view from above. For those seeking a broader perspective, a staircase leads to a viewpoint located on the northern outcrop.
Upon arrival at Porto Katsiki, the beach captivates with its smooth pebbles and mesmerizing turquoise waters. Comfortable flip-flops are advisable due to the rocky surface. However, access to Porto Katsiki requires traversing a winding mountain road, demanding focused attention.
2. Egremni Beach
Situated a few kilometers north of the globally renowned Porto Katsiki in Lefkada’s rugged southwest, lies an even more secluded beach. Egremni is bordered by an unyielding wall of cliffs, and following the earthquake in 2015, land access has been prohibited. The only means of reaching this beach is by boat, be it through a cruise or a chartered vessel. While this may appear cumbersome, the magnificent long sandy beach and the enchanting azure sea make the effort worthwhile.
3. Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
Situated atop a hill just ten minutes from Lefkada Town, this monastery houses an icon of the Virgin Mary, honored as the island’s patron saint. This site has held spiritual significance for Lefkada for millennia and was once the location of a temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting. Additionally, it is believed that in 63 AD, the Apostle Paul directed his disciples Herodio, Sosiona, and Aquila to Lefkada to disseminate Christ’s teachings, conducting sermons from this vantage point.
Although the monastery, dating from the 17th century, has undergone reconstruction following numerous fires, including one in 1887, the primary reason for visiting is to explore the ecclesiastical museum containing liturgical artifacts, such as icons, vestments, chalices, and manuscripts sourced from defunct monasteries across Lefkada. Upon entry, take a moment to gaze back at the sandy causeway leading to Agios Ioannis beach at the northernmost extremity of Lefkada.
4. Nydri Waterfalls
An easily accessible and picturesque hike commences from the coastal town of Nydri, leading to the waterfall within a gorge. The trail meanders through aromatic citrus and olive groves, progressing into a narrow ravine requiring careful navigation over slippery stones. During the dry summer months, the waterfall may present a gentle trickle, culminating in a cold transparent pool at the base, where visitors often cool off. Additionally, at the entrance to the gorge, a bar/cafe provides refreshments, and during peak season, local honey vendors are available outside.
5. Milos Beach
A notable feature of this expansive, coarse sandy beach located on the northwest coast is its challenging access. The roadway terminates at a cliff edge, necessitating the traversal of a winding rocky trail to reach the northern end of the beach. This makes it less appealing to many visitors, resulting in a relatively quiet atmosphere even in mid-summer despite its breathtaking beauty. There are no facilities renting sun loungers or parasols, yet the soft sandy surface encourages visitors to bring their own shade. The beach experiences moderate waves that are manageable for adults but may be a bit intense for young children.
6. Archaeological Museum of Lefkada
This museum situated in Lefkada Town showcases a wealth of artifacts uncovered from caves and ancient cities across the island, such as Nydri and Meganisi. The exhibits span a timeline from the Middle Paleolithic era, tens of thousands of years ago, to the late Roman period. Comprising four rooms, the first focuses on the private and public lives of ancient residents of Lefkada, featuring remarkable fragments of musical instruments including lyres and flutes alongside a seal depicting the myth of Europe’s abduction by Zeus in the guise of a white bull. The third room highlights burial customs with urns, funerary steles, sarcophagi, and offerings, while the final room exhibits many discoveries made by German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld, who sought evidence that Lefkada was the fabled Ithaca of Homer.
7. Mikros Gialos
A recipient of the Blue Flag award, this beach in southeastern Lefkada is accessed via a challenging road. At the base lies a charming cove supported by a small holiday village comprising several tavernas and rental accommodations. Mikros Gialos features a gravel beach, thus bringing flip-flops and possibly renting a sun lounger is advisable. The high slopes adorned with pines and evergreen vegetation provide excellent protection against wind and sea currents. Additionally, a small watersports centre enables visitors to rent pedal boats or canoes to explore the lengthy cove, extending nearly two kilometers.
8. Kathisma Beach
Bordered by an array of bars, cafes, and restaurants, this beach along the west coast near Milos exudes a youthful, vibrant atmosphere during July and August. Nevertheless, Kathisma Beach is spacious at nearly one kilometer in length, accommodating both younger and older visitors. Typically, premium sun loungers provide a quieter experience. The sea can exhibit considerable wave activity here, warranting caution for families with young children due to the rocky seabed and the potential for powerful breakers. Despite this, the scenic beauty surrounded by tall pine-covered hills and azure water captivatingly contrasts against crashing waves remains an unforgettable experience.
9. Vasiliki
This emerging resort located within a broad bay at the southern terminus of a valley is particularly suited for windsurfing. The bay is flanked by elevated slopes, raising questions regarding the source of the wind. Dubbed “Eric,” it originates from convection as the sun warms one side of the extended ridge to the east of the beach. The wind typically strengthens in the afternoon, attracting only seasoned windsurfers post-lunch. In contrast, mornings present an excellent opportunity for children and beginners to engage in the sport for the first time. For those preferring a leisurely pace, finding a spot on the pebbles to watch the sails glide past is also an option. Additionally, one may consider hiring a bike or exploring walking trails along the valley for stunning vistas.
10. Cape Lefkatas
Located south of Porto Katsiki, the peninsula on the western side of Vasiliki culminates at Cape Lefkatas, which lends its name to the island of Lefkada. Characterized by imposing white cliffs rising to 70 meters, this dramatic locale has historically held great significance to the island’s inhabitants. It is believed that human sacrifices were offered from these cliffs over 3,000 years ago. Furthermore, transgressors were reputedly pushed from the cliff tops; if they managed to survive, they were retrieved by boats. According to tradition, the poet Sappho leaped from Cape Lefkatas following Phaon’s rejection, while mythology states that Lefkatas leapt from these heights to escape Apollo. Visitors are encouraged to admire the stunning views of Ithaca and Kefalonia, in addition to checking out the Doukato Lighthouse, operational since 1890.
11. Ammoussa Beach
Nestled within a cove on the relatively unpopulated southern coastline, this beach offers breathtaking views of the deep blue Ionian Sea extending towards the mountains of Ithaca and Kefalonia. The high cliffs surrounding the cove act as a barrier against the wind, and the crystal-clear waters present an alluring blue-green hue, ideal for snorkeling. A single beach bar is available, providing the option to rent sun loungers and umbrellas at an affordable rate of €3 per day. This service proves valuable as the beach’s marble pebble surface may not be comfortable for everyone. The bar conveniently serves drinks and snacks to patrons’ tables, while the nearest tavernas are a ten-minute drive away in villages such as Marantochori, Kontarena, and Vasiliki.
12. Kavalikefta Beach
Accessing this beach on Lefkada’s west coast requires navigating a challenging path. Nevertheless, this journey serves to deter many visitors, resulting in a more serene atmosphere. Upon arrival, you will encounter two beaches: Megali Petra, characterized by its rocky surface, and Kavalikefta Beach, distinguished by its sandy shoreline, both interconnected by a rugged path. Kavalikefta Beach is among the limited sandy options available on Lefkada, with large rocks deposited along the shoreline. The water here tends to be deep; however, it generally remains calm during the summer months. Furthermore, the unique white sediment in the water creates an entrancing turquoise hue under the sunlight.
13. Boat Trips
Lefkada is an ideal destination for boat tours or bareboat yacht charters due to its scenic beauty and island accessibility. Off the east coast, the Ionian Sea hosts a small archipelago including Meganisi, known for its intricately indented shoreline featuring numerous deserted coves and the Papanikolis sea cave. The private island of Skorpios, once home to the marriage of Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy, is located in this area and has been recently leased for a century to a Russian heiress. Through organized boat tours, visitors can reach areas rendered inaccessible by land due to the 2015 earthquake, explore crystalline waters, and enjoy lunch aboard (often consisting of fresh fruit, souvlaki, and tzatziki).
14. Mountain Biking
With nearly three-quarters of Lefkada characterized by rugged and mountainous terrain, it is an appealing location for mountain biking enthusiasts. While bringing a personal mountain bike on a low-cost flight may not be practical, various adventure sports companies, such as Get Active in Nydri, provide rental options including bikes and essential safety equipment for rigorous or leisurely rides to Lefkada’s notable attractions, including inaccessible spots by car. Routes include rides to Nydri Waterfall or through gentle olive grove landscapes, while experienced riders can opt for a lift to the mountaintop for thrilling descents.
15. Wine Tourism
As you navigate through Lefkada’s steep hinterland, you will encounter several vineyards steeped in winemaking tradition that dates back to antiquity. The unique topography and higher winter rainfall create an ideal climate for the cultivation of two notable grape varieties: the red Vertzami and the white Vardea. Three welcoming wineries are located in Lefkada, including Karsanikos and Sifloko situated in the north, known for their red wines, and Lefkas Earth Winery located in the south, home to the prime Vardea grapes. The Lefkas Earth Winery near Fterno offers complimentary tours through its elegant stone structures featuring antique presses, modern stainless steel vats, and an automated bottling line. Visitors can sample and purchase the entire range of wines available, with a special recommendation for the dry white Vardea.
