Lefkada
From the salt lagoon causeway to the white cliffs of the south — Nydri, Vassiliki, Porto Katsiki and the hidden beaches of the west coast.
Lefkada is unique among the Ionian islands — connected to the mainland by a floating bridge, so no ferry required. Yet despite the easy access it feels genuinely remote, especially in the south where sheer white limestone cliffs plunge into waters of an impossible blue-green. Porto Katsiki and Egremni are consistently ranked among the best beaches in Europe. The island is also the windsurfing capital of Greece at Vassiliki.
Getting there
The only Greek island connected by bridge — no ferry needed. Drive from Athens (~4h via Rio-Antirrio).
Read full route
Aktion airport (Preveza, PVK) is 30 minutes north of the island and runs summer charters from Europe.
Tip: If you fly in, look at Aktion before Athens — direct from London, Manchester, German cities.
When to Visit
Lefkada you can drive to from Athens — bridge connection, no ferries needed. The west-coast beaches (Egremni, Porto Katsiki) are world-class. Greenery and waterfalls inland. Best May-October; the bridge means it gets crammed in August with weekend Athenian traffic. June and September are ideal.
4-day itinerary for Lefkada
Day 1: Lefkada Town & the Lagoon
- 09:00 · Lefkada Town
Charming Ionian town with distinctive earthquake-resistant architecture — upper floors clad in corrugated metal and painted wood. Walk the pedestrian main street and the seafront. - 10:00 · Santa Maura Fortress
14th-century Venetian fortress at the causeway entrance. The saltwater lagoon and the floating bridge make for an extraordinary approach to the island. - 11:00 · Gyra Lagoon
The salt lagoon on the west side of the causeway — a protected wetland with flamingoes, herons and windmills. The beach on the outer side has calm shallow water. - 13:30 · Agios Nikitas
The most picturesque village on the west coast — a tiny car-free harbour with excellent fish tavernas. Lunch here then walk to the hidden Milos beach below. - 16:00 · Kathisma Beach
Long sandy beach on the west coast with dramatic cliffs at the southern end. One of the finest beaches in the northern half of the island. - 20:00 · Go to Nydri
Drive back across the island to Nydri (about 35 minutes from the west coast). The harbour fills up after dark — sailing crews coming in for dinner, families on the promenade.
Day 2: Nydri & the East Coast
- 09:30 · Nydri
Main resort town on the east coast with views over the Ionian islands of Meganisi, Skorpios and Sparti. Boat trips depart from here to the surrounding islands. - 10:30 · Skorpios Island Cruise
Day cruise around Onassis's private island Skorpios — you can swim in the crystal coves around it. Boats depart from Nydri harbour every morning. - 13:00 · Meganisi Island
Short ferry from Nydri to the beautiful neighbouring island. The harbour village of Spartochori is one of the most authentic in the Ionian. Excellent lunch at a waterfront taverna. - 17:00 · Vassiliki Beach (windsurfing capital)
Vassiliki bay is one of Europe's premier windsurfing destinations — the reliable afternoon thermals here (the 'Eric' wind) create perfect cross-shore conditions that draw windsurfers and kitesurfers from across the continent. Even if you're not on a board, the long pebble beach and the village waterfront make a relaxed late-afternoon stop with a drink, watching the sails. - 20:30 · Return to Nydri
Drive back from Vassiliki to Nydri (about 30 minutes along the south-east coast road). Pass through Sivota and the small fishing villages.
Day 3: Porto Katsiki & Egremni
- 09:30 · Egremni Beach
One of the longest and most dramatic beaches in Greece — 1.5km of white pebble beneath sheer white cliffs, accessible only by 350 steps or by boat from Vassiliki. Completely wild and unorganised. - 12:00 · Porto Katsiki
Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in Europe — sheer white limestone cliffs 100m high dropping to turquoise water. Access via 100 steps. Arrive by 11am for a sunbed. Unmissable. - 15:00 · Athani Village
Tiny clifftop village above Porto Katsiki with spectacular views. The local taverna serves the best food in southern Lefkada — lamb from the hillside farms, local wine. - 17:30 · Cape Lefkatas
The southernmost tip of Lefkada — a sheer white cape where, according to legend, Sappho threw herself into the sea for unrequited love. Lighthouse and extraordinary sunset views. - 21:30 · Return to Nydri
Long drive back from the south-west cape (about 1 hour). The mountain road through Athani at sunset is one of the most scenic on the island.
Day 4: West Coast & Departure
- 09:30 · Poros Beach
Remote west-coast beach accessible only by a narrow road. Long, pebbly, wild and almost always empty. One of the hidden beaches of the island. - 11:00 · Mikros Gialos
Quiet pebble beach on the west coast — calm, clear water and a small taverna. Much less visited than the famous southern beaches. - 13:00 · Agios Petros Village
Traditional inland village with a good local taverna. Try the local cheeses and the Lefkada sausage (loukanika) before the drive north. - 15:30 · Lefkada Town — Departure
Return across the floating bridge to the mainland. No ferry needed — Lefkada is the only Greek island you can drive to and from.
Top beaches of Lefkada
Porto Katsiki
Consistently ranked one of the best beaches in Europe — sheer white limestone cliffs 100m high drop into water of an extraordinary turquoise-blue. The setting is almost theatrical. One of those beaches where the first view from the top of the steps genuinely takes your breath away.
- Type
- White pebble and coarse sand
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Medium to deep — dramatic drop-off, exceptional clarity
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- Basic: one beach bar, sunbeds (pricey). 100 steps down from the car park. Boat access from Vassiliki.
Egremni Beach
The wilder sibling of Porto Katsiki — a vast sweep of white pebble beneath sheer cliffs, 1.5km long and almost entirely empty because of the 350-step descent. The effort is the price of solitude. The water is some of the clearest in Greece.
- Type
- White pebble
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Depth
- Medium to deep — crystal clear Ionian water
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- None — completely wild. 350 steps from the road or boat from Vassiliki (20 min).
Kathisma Beach
The best easily accessible beach on the west coast — a long sandy stretch with dramatic cliff scenery at one end and a relaxed beach bar atmosphere. Much less crowded than Porto Katsiki and far more family-friendly.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 1 km
- Depth
- Shallow to medium — good for all swimmers
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- Good: sunbeds, beach bars, taverna, parking. Dramatic cliffs at the southern end.
Mylos Beach (Agios Nikitas)
A beautiful hidden pebble cove below the village of Agios Nikitas, inaccessible by car. The 15-minute walk keeps it quiet. Crystal clear water, a small taverna, and the prettiest village on the island directly above.
- Type
- Fine pebble
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Medium — clear, deep-blue Ionian water
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- Basic: one taverna on the beach. Access on foot from Agios Nikitas (15 min walk) or by water taxi.
Pefkoulia Beach
A long, relatively uncrowded beach just south of Agios Nikitas. Cedar trees provide natural shade at the back of the beach. The water is calm and clear. One of the best spots on the island for watching the sun set over the Ionian.
- Type
- Fine sand and pebble
- Length
- 600 m
- Depth
- Shallow to medium
- Wind protection
- West-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most summer days, sometimes choppy on rare westerly winds
- Facilities
- Basic: small beach bar, limited sunbeds. Quiet and uncrowded.