Lefkada Island, Greece: My Honest Recommendations from 7 Days in Paradise

Hey friends,
Just got back from Lefkada, and I have to say — this island surprised me in all the best ways. I feel like no one really talks about it, which is wild, because it’s easily one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been. Everyone’s obsessed with Santorini or Mykonos, but Lefkada? Total hidden gem.

So let me spill the details — what I loved, what you absolutely shouldn’t miss, and a few little surprises along the way. Not a perfect itinerary, just some real, personal tips for making the most of this stunning Greek island. 😎

🗺️ So… Where Even Is Lefkada?

Okay, so real talk — I had no idea where Lefkada was before planning this trip. Like, I could barely pronounce it. (Leff-ka-da, if you’re wondering.) But turns out, this island is in a very cool spot.

Lefkada is part of the Ionian Islands on the west coast of Greece, kind of floating between mainland Greece and Italy. Think lush green hills, dramatic cliffs, and sea that’s basically a giant sapphire. It’s neighbors with places like Kefalonia and Corfu, but somehow still flies under the radar — which, honestly, makes it even better.

Here’s the wild part: Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a little bridge. So unlike most Greek islands, you can actually drive onto it — no ferry required. It’s literally just a short hop from the mainland. No dramatic boat scenes, no ferry chaos… just smooth sailing (or, uh, driving).

✈️ Getting There: What You Need to Know

There’s no airport on Lefkada itself, but don’t worry — getting there is easier than it sounds.

We flew into Preveza Airport (PVK), which is on the mainland, just 30 minutes from Lefkada. From the airport, we picked up our rental car and were sipping iced coffees on our cottage terrace within the hour.

Flights to Preveza are mostly seasonal (spring to early fall), but in the summer there are tons of direct flights from major European cities — especially from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. If you're coming from outside Europe, your best bet is to fly into Athens, then catch a domestic flight or drive (about 4.5 hours by car).

Trust me, the views on that drive are totally worth it.

So yeah — no ferries, no drama, just a cute little bridge and you're on one of the most stunning islands in Greece. Easy peasy, right?

Let me just say: it’s kind of a miracle that Lefkada is this beautiful and still this easy to get to. Total win.

🌊 Go for the Beaches (And Prepare to Sweat)

Let’s be honest — you’re coming to Lefkada for the beaches, and you won’t be disappointed. But spoiler: they make you work for it.

• Egremni Beach is hands down the most beautiful one I visited. Think shockingly blue water and white cliffs. But the catch? A killer hike — one kilometer downhill, then about 400 steps to the bottom. I nearly melted in the heat, but the reward was worth every slippery, sweaty step.
• Porto Katsiki is another fave — much easier to reach and super photogenic. If you want the postcard-perfect vibe without the full-body workout, this one’s your best bet.
• Milos Beach is also gorgeous, but the waves were so wild when we went, I got knocked over and dragged underwater like I was part of a Greek myth. Wear a sturdy swimsuit and maybe leave your dignity behind. 😅

💡 Pro tip: Bring solid walking shoes. Flip-flops are cute until you’re slipping down a cliff with your beach bag flailing behind you.

🚤 Rent a Boat — Even Just for a Day

If you do one thing in Lefkada, let it be this. We managed to rent a boat last minute because someone canceled, but honestly? Book ahead — especially in peak season.

Cruising the Ionian Sea, finding your own private coves, playing music, and eating lunch on deck with nothing but blue water around you? Main character energy. You don’t even need a license for most boats — they’ll give you a quick lesson and off you go.

🛶 Kayak the Blue Caves (Pure Magic)

This one was such a cool experience. We booked a half-day Blue Cave kayak tour for €40, and it was honestly so peaceful and unique. We paddled along the cliffs, ducked into hidden sea caves, and swam in ridiculously clear water that looked fake.

Book through Ketchup Guide or contact the local company directly if you want to go same-day. Snacks included, and the guides were super fun — chill but informative.

💦 Chase a Waterfall — Because There's More Than Just Beaches

Alright, now here’s something you might not expect from a beach island — a waterfall hike!

Just outside Nidri, there’s a hidden little gem called the Dimossari Waterfalls. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the parking area (so no mountain goat skills required), and you’ll end up at this peaceful, shaded spot with waterfalls you can actually swim under.

I wasn’t expecting much, but it ended up being one of my favorite days. The trail is easy, the forest gives you a break from the sun, and there’s a little taverna nearby where you can grab an iced coffee or fresh juice after.

Plus — and this might sound dramatic — but there’s something magical about swimming under a waterfall in Greece. It felt like stepping into a myth.

🥘 Don't Skip Rachi — Even If You Have to Go Twice

Rachi is that kind of restaurant where everything just clicks: the view, the food, the vibe. It’s perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the sea and the mountains, and the sunset here is on another level.

The lamb meat pie was out of this world, and the desserts? Unreal. It’s not overpriced either, considering how fancy it feels. We came once, loved it, then came back again and somehow loved it even more.

There’s also a bar next door, Thai Bee Bar, where you can chill with a drink while waiting for your table. Total vibe.

🚗 You Need a Car (Like, Seriously)

You can't really “wing it” here — everything’s spaced out, and the best spots are either tucked away or at the bottom of a cliff.

We rented a car for 8 days, and it was one of our smartest decisions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go for an ATV, but just know the roads have some wild curves and zero chill.

🏡 Find a Spot With a Terrace — You'll Thank Me Later

We stayed in this cute little cottage up in the hills, and waking up with coffee on the terrace while staring out at the ocean? Honestly one of the highlights of the trip.

It wasn’t fancy, but it had charm — a kitchen, a comfy bed, a little vanity (yes, I used it every day), and just enough peace and quiet to feel like we were in our own private island bubble.

🐱 Bonus: Make Furry Friends Everywhere

Like the rest of Greece, stray cats are everywhere — and I loved it. They’re friendly, chill, and very into whatever you're eating. We also saw butterflies, a praying mantis, and — not kidding — a snake. Nature lovers, you’re in for a treat.

🚫 A Few Things I Didn't Love (Just Keeping It Real)

• Nidri was a little too touristy for me — lots of generic shops and big tour groups.
• Driving everywhere got a bit exhausting by the end of the week.
• Some beaches (looking at you, Milos) were a little too wild for my taste — but hey, it depends on the day.

Would I Go Back? Absolutely.

If you’re looking for wild nightlife or luxury resorts, Lefkada might not be your thing. But if you're into unreal beaches, mountain views, hidden waterfalls, affordable food, and a more authentic Greek island experience, then this place is a dream.

It’s unpolished in the best way — like you’ve discovered something you weren’t supposed to find.