The story of Lefkada
Nestled in the heart of the Ionian Sea, the picturesque island of Lefkada has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Named after its white cliffs, it’s famous for the legend of the poet Sappho, who, according to myth, jumped from these cliffs. Today Lefkada is also often called the “white pearl of Greece”. No wonder, as most beaches here have white sand or pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Over the centuries, Lefkada was ruled by many different powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, each leaving their mark on the island.
Interestingly, Lefkada was once part of the mainland until the Corinthians cut a canal, making it an island. This blend of being both an island and close to the mainland makes Lefkada unique.
The island is also known for its cultural heritage, especially in literature and arts, influenced by its diverse history. Today, Lefkada’s past can be seen in its buildings, traditions, and festivals, making it a special place to visit.
4 great things to do
- 1 Go island hopping
- 2 Enjoy the excellent beaches
- 3 Relax in Nydri
- 4 Visit Cape Doukato viewpoint
1 GO ISLAND HOPPING
There are several boats running from Nydri and Vasiliki to other islands or to famous beaches on Lefkada. Going on a boat tour is your best option in July-Aug, when it gets really hot on the island. The scenery is beautiful, the ocean isn’t rough, and boats stop very often for swim or beach breaks. There are several options for every budget, some of them include food, more stops, air conditioned interior (there is even a party boat if you are craving some nightlife). I personally opted for a simpler, smaller boat without food included – this is because I prefer a more down relaxed trip with less people (and based on some experiences I generally don’t believe serving food on a boat day trip is a good idea). The easiest, and probably cheapest option is to just book a boat tour when you are already in town – don’t worry, there are so many options it is impossible they will be booked out on the day you choose for your excursion. The offices also keep open until pretty late, so you can easily book one in town before dinner.
But what can you see on these boat trips? There are basically two main itineraries, one takes you to the most famous beaches around the island of Lefkada that are otherwise quite hard to combine in one day-trip. For a detailed description of the beaches scroll down. Here are some of the beaches that you can expect to see on this boat trip:
- Porto Katsiki – This stunning beach is one of the most famous and iconic beaches in Greece, with its white sandy beach, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. It’s only accessible by boat, which makes it even more special.
- Egremni – Another beautiful beach that’s famous for its stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters. Egremni beach is located at the foot of towering cliffs, and the turquoise waters make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Kathisma – This long, sandy beach is popular among both tourists and locals, with its crystal-clear waters and scenic views. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
- Agiofili – A secluded and picturesque beach with turquoise waters and white sand. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and steep cliffs, and it’s only accessible by boat.
The other boat trip is called the “7 islands cruise” – it visits smaller islands, caves and deserted beaches around Lefkada. I personally enjoyed this cruise more, it is also slightly less popular than the other itinerary, so there is usually more space on the boats, which is very pleasant.
Here are some of the sights and experiences you can expect to see and enjoy during this cruise:
- Meganisi Island: Known for its picturesque fishing villages, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Meganisi is a popular stop on the 7 Islands Cruise.
- Skorpios Island: Once owned by the Onassis family, this private island is a fascinating sight to see from the boat.
- Scorpios Island Beaches: The 7 Islands Cruise will also take you to some of the secluded beaches on the island, where you can swim in the clear waters or soak up the sun on the sandy shores.
- Madouri Island: This small island is home to a beautiful mansion that once belonged to the famous Greek poet, Aristotle Valaoritis.
- The Caves of Papanikolis: One of the highlights of the 7 Islands Cruise, the Papanikolis Caves are a series of stunning sea caves that you can explore by boat.
- Onassis Caves: Another set of sea caves named after the Onassis family, these caves offer a glimpse of the island’s unique geological formations.
- Sivota Bay: The last stop on the 7 Islands Cruise, Sivota Bay is a charming fishing village that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing drink before heading back to Lefkada.
2 Enjoy the excellent beaches
Porto Katsiki
One of the more popular beaches on the island, if not the most popular, is Porto Katsiki – so make sure you arrive on time to secure a spot.
It has a rocky backdrop, like most of Lefkada’s famous beaches, but this one is more easily accessible from land. Although the bay has no direct access to the road, it is easily reached by a stone staircase. Parking is accessible for a small fee and there is a cafeteria by the top of the stairs. You can either bring or rent an umbrella (and you’ll need one!).
Egremni Beach
There was a big earthquake in 2015 when the stairs collapsed, so for a long time the beach was only accessible by boat – now this is over, in 2021 new stairs were installed so it is possible to visit from land again. However, be very careful about approaching this beach in the summer heat, there is a long hike from the parking to the top of the stairs, and then the exposed (very long!) flight of stairs. I saw a woman faint when visiting, and many very fit looking people suffering hard 😀
There is no infrastructure on the beach, so make sure you take your own supplies. It is also important to bring an umbrella, as the sun can get pretty deadly here. Even though the massive white cliffs provide shade, don’t venture too close to them – falling pebbles from this height can be very dangerous.
It is the longest beach in Lefkada, so crowds will not be a problem:)
Agios Nikitas Beach
Agios Nikitas Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the western coast of Lefkada island in Greece. It is situated in the charming village of Agios Nikitas, which is surrounded by green hills and has a traditional Greek island feel. The beach is relatively small but very picturesque, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand. The water is usually calm and shallow, making it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The beach is also surrounded by tall cliffs and lush green vegetation, providing a beautiful natural backdrop. There are several restaurants, cafes, and bars located along the beach, offering delicious Greek food and refreshing drinks. You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas if you want to relax and soak up the sun.
3 Relax in Nydri
Nydri is a perfect base to go on boat trips, see the waterfalls, do water sports, but also to just take it slow, wander around, eat, chill and drop yourself down onto one of the local beaches. Spend a day or two doing nothing, and eating your way through all that seafood! I found Lefkada to be very reasonably priced, especially compared to the more touristy Greek islands. I really enjoyed the restaurant Basilico near the port (went back there 3 times during my stay!), but Flisvos was also very good, and I’m sure you can find many other amazing restaurants in the center.
4 VISIT CAPE DOUKATO VIEWPOINT
The very south of the island offers a fabulous view of the open sea and the surrounding white rocks. You can find the lighthouse of Doukato here. The lighthouse reminds of the Greek god Apollo, to whom the Cape was consecrated. Even if there are no more remains of the temple of Apollo, the lighthouse stands emblematic for the history and significance of the Cape. It’s a cool place to stop if you’re heading to one of the beaches by car, and is also visible from the boat if you opt for the “famous beaches” itinerary.
How to get there
Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea, on the west coast of Greece. The easiest way to reach Lefkada is to fly to the nearest airport, which is Aktion National Airport (PVK). This airport is located in Preveza, a city on the mainland, and is about a 30-minute drive from Lefkada.
From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi or a bus to Lefkada. There are several car rental companies at the airport, and it’s the most convenient option if you want to explore the island on your own. Make sure to fill your tank before reaching the island, because gas stations are fewer there. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus (bus number 844) from the airport to Lefkada town. The bus ride takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the ticket costs around 4-5 euros per person.
It is not easy to reach Lefkada by ferry. There are only a few regular ferries from the nearby islands of Kefalonia and Meganisi, as well as from the mainland city of Igoumenitsa. The ferry schedules and prices vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check with the ferry companies beforehand.
How to get around
If you want to explore a lot, the best way is to rent a car. You can do so in Nydri at Nidri Car Rentals, a family-owned company operating for nearly 30 years. They have a variety of vehicles, including new models of cars, scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles, and their services include delivery of vehicles all around the island and at the airport of Lefkada. Another well-known option in Porto Katsiki is Aris Rent a Car: they have over ten years of experience, and their fleet includes economy cars, premium cars, 4x4s, and 5-seater family cars. If you’re not based in Nydri or Porti Katsiki you can check out Greeka.com, an online platform that collaborates with multiple car rental agencies on the Island. They also deliver the car to your hotel, the port, or any other preferred location, including the airport.
However, it is perfectly possible to see a lot of things without a car – all the places mentioned here are reachable by boat, which is often a much more enjoyable experience in the heat than having to drive or hop on a bus and then hike over those famous cliffs to get to the water.
How much time you need
Lefkada is a summer beach destination, so you probably want to stay for a few days to relax. I recommend at least 3 nights to be able to check out the most dramatic beaches and go on an island hopping tour while having a bit of time to just relax on a beach and eat.
Where to stay
Villa Olga Apartments & Studios (budget) | Villa Olga Apartments & Studios is highly rated for its value. It’s known for its comfortable accommodations and family-friendly environment. The evening meals are prepared and served by the family, offering a homely experience. Additionally, its location is convenient, with good local restaurants nearby and easy access to public transportation.
Allure Central Boutique Hotel (mid-range) | Located in Lefkada Town, the Allure Central Boutique Hotel offers stylish and luxurious rooms at affordable prices. It’s close to the beach and surrounded by main attractions, including restaurants, bars, and cafés. This hotel is particularly popular among solo travelers, offering a balance of comfort and convenience. Guests also enjoy complimentary breakfast.
Art Blue Villas (upscale) | For a luxurious experience, Art Blue Villas is an excellent choice. It’s known for its stunning sea views, tastefully decorated villas, and private infinity pools. The staff is noted for their exceptional service, and guests are treated to an exquisite breakfast. It’s a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, ideal for those seeking an upscale stay.
