Lefkada, the so called “Caribbean of Greece” is gradually gaining popularity among visitors to Greece. It is found on the western side of the Greek mainland in the Ionian island group and is reached by car via a bridge from Preveza. Lefkada is known for its incredible beaches, pristine waters, monasteries, museums, and charming villages in the mountains. The closest airport is Aktion National Airport.
Lefkada’s Beaches
The most impressive site when entering Lefkada is its beaches. The most popular beaches in the area are Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Milos, and Kathisma, which are the most common you will see on Instagram or on Lefkada blogs. If you want fewer crowds, it is worth going to Mylos, Kalamitsi, and Kaminia, where you can relax without hundreds of other visitors.
On the beach, you can do more than just sit in the sand. Popular activities include windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba, and volleyball. Charter boats and sailboats are available for the more adventurous who seek to explore the other islands nearby, like Skorpios Island.
Porto Katsiki
Visiting Porto Katsiki is a must for visitors to Lefkada. It is one of the most popular beaches and perhaps one of the most photographed in all of Greece. The turquoise waters and fine sand are a contrast to the 100-meter tall rock wall behind the beach.
Egremni Beach
Egremni is also highly popular among visitors to Lefkada because of its small pebbles and deep water. It is also met by a limestone cliff in the background, and 400 steps lead down to the waterfront. The beach at Egremni is larger than Porto Katsiki and does not have any shade. A canteen from the viewpoint at the top of the cliff has drinks and snacks.
Kathisma Beach
Kathisma is one of the must-see beaches in Lefkada, which is known for its white sand and pristine waters. Pine and fir trees frame the beach scene, so it is great for photos. You will see paragliders launching from the cliff and landing on the beach of Kathisma below. For adventure lovers, you also have access to watersports.
Lefkada Watersports
Lefkada is a hub for surfers and watersports enthusiasts. Particularly popular for surfing is Vasiliki Bay. During the summer, the wind direction consistent waves at midday have made this beach into one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. Vasiliki Bay has even been voted as the 3rd best European beach by world class windsurfers. It is not uncommon to see expert riders doing slaloms and wave jumps.
At Saint John Beach, on the other side of Lefkada, the sea level and wind conditions are perfect for kite surfing. If you want to learn yourself, a number of windsurfing schools offer rentals and lessons for first-timers.
Lefkada Town
On the northern end of Lefkada is Lefkada Town, the economic center of the island. It also goes by the name “Lefkada”, like the island itself. Here, you will find about 9,000 year-round residents, a number of waterfront bars and cafes, and tavernas. The highlight of the port town is the marina, which holds 620 boats and offers the perfect spot to enjoy the colors of the sunset. It is always popular at nighttime.
Another favorite stop in the town of Lefkada is the nearby poets’ garden, which has sculptures of famous writers from the area. You can’t miss the colorful two-story houses, which are painted with bright metal. These were added when the British controlled the island. To protect Lefkada from earthquakes, the town was built up to match British anti-earthquake regulations.
Sivota
Sivota is a small port town on the southern coast of Lefkada island. It is set in a natural bay at the base of green rolling hills. The promenade is particularly beautiful and the town is full of tavernas, cafes, and flowers. You can take a peaceful walk around the harbor, look at the boats, and even rent a boat for sailing. There is also a small supermarket, a bakery, and a few souvenir shops. In the evening, the area gets lively and the lights of the houses on the hills create a magic atmosphere.
Venetian Olive Grove
In the northeast of the town of Lefkada, you will find a beautiful forest of olive trees that were planted in 1684 by Venetians who took over the island and wanted to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities in the area. There are almost 45,000 olive trees in this famous grove.
Lefkada Salt Pans
Lefkada’s salt pans are protected by the Natura 2000 program in Greece, which safeguards areas of biodiversity. Again, the Venetian conquerors played a role, and in 1684 they constructed the first salt works to create high-quality salt from the waves of the Mediterranean.
Cape Lefkatas
The cape of Lefkata has a tall lighthouse that can be seen for miles, and which is set on the location of the ancient temple of Apollo. The temple at Cape Lefkatas was used for pan-Hellenic ceremonies to the gods of the sea. Famously, the poetess Sappho threw herself off the cliffs to escape her love for Phaon, another mythological character.
When Should I Visit Lefkada?
Lefkada’s busiest months are from May to August, when most tourists flock here to enjoy the beach. Temperatures are around 25 degrees in the summer. Shoulder season is an excellent time to visit – in March, April, and September. The coldest winter months will likely have daytime temperatures from 7 to 13 degrees. If you visit during the off-season, you will still find a warm welcome from the Greeks, and a few added perks of cheaper accommodation. Quite a few of Lefkada’s tavernas will close in the off-season.
