Last Update
August 28, 2025 7:14 PM

Lefkada

 Lefkada

Quick Info

 Lefkada
Connected to the mainland by a bridge but soaked in island soul, Lefkada is one of Greece’s most spectacular yet accessible islands. Famous for dazzling turquoise waters, white cliff-backed beaches, and windsurfing meccas, Lefkada is where rugged nature meets Ionian elegance. From the postcard-perfect shores of Porto Katsiki to the tranquil inland waterfalls and mountain villages, this island is a dream for beach lovers, sailors, and explorers. Whether you're sailing the calm Ionian Sea, sipping ouzo by the port of Nidri, or chasing sunset views in Agios Nikitas, Lefkada offers an unforgettable escape without needing a ferry.
Capital:
Main cities:
Lefkada Town, Nidri, Vasiliki, Agios Nikitas, Sivota, Karya, Nikiana
International airport:
Aktion International Airport (PVK), 20 minutes from Lefkada via causeway
Population:
Around 23,000
Area:
Approximately 335.8 sq km
Dependency Status:
Part of Greece
Language:
Greek, English, Italian
Currency:
Euro (€)
Time zone:
GMT: +2 (GMT+3 in summer)
Country Code:
+30 2645
Driving:
Right-hand side
Electricity:
Type C and F (European standard), 230V, 50Hz
Emergency Number:
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% or rounding up is typical
Tipping:

Map

Best Time to Visit

Lefkada

The best time to visit Lefkada is from May to October, when the Ionian waters are warm and the beaches are dazzling. July and August are peak season, perfect for nightlife and beach life but can be crowded. May, June, and September offer the sweet spot—great weather, swimmable seas, and fewer crowds.

Spring and early summer are ideal for hiking, sailing, and waterfall-chasing, while autumn offers romantic sunsets, wine harvests, and relaxed tavernas.

Top 10 Attractions in

Lefkada

  • Porto Katsiki Beach
    Towering white cliffs plunge into blue waters at this iconic beach. Accessible by car and stairs, it’s a must-see on any Lefkada trip.
  • Egremni Beach
    Remote and dramatic, Egremni feels like paradise on Earth. The descent is steep, but boat access makes it easier—and oh so worth it.
  • Nidri Waterfalls (Dimosari Gorge)
    A lush inland walk through a gorge leads to refreshing waterfalls. Great for families, photographers, and a mid-summer cool down.
  • Agios Nikitas Village
    A postcard-perfect village with whitewashed alleys, cozy tavernas, and access to stunning Milos Beach via footpath or taxi boat.
  • Skorpios Island
    Formerly owned by Aristotle Onassis, this private island sits off Nidri’s coast. While visiting the island itself is restricted, boat tours offer great views and stories.
  • Lefkada Town
    The island’s capital mixes colorful Venetian architecture with a laid-back marina vibe. Explore the old fortress, marina promenade, and lively town squares.
  • Karya Village
    High in the mountains, Karya is known for its traditional embroidery, cool air, and quaint tavernas serving rich, homemade meals.
  • Faneromeni Monastery
    Perched above Lefkada Town, this peaceful monastery offers panoramic views and a small zoo. It’s an important religious and cultural site.
  • Kathisma Beach
    Popular with younger crowds, this long, scenic beach is backed by bars and tavernas. Great for sunsets and people-watching.
  • Sivota Fishing Village
    A dreamy port lined with yachts, cafés, and waterfront dining. Ideal for a sunset dinner or sailing departure.

Local Tips -

Lefkada

  • Rent a boat in Nidri
    No license needed for small motorboats—explore hidden beaches and coves at your own pace.
  • Start beach days early
    Popular beaches like Porto Katsiki get crowded. Arrive before 10 AM for the best parking and peace.
  • Visit in September for wine harvests
    Less crowded and still warm—plus you’ll see locals harvesting grapes and enjoy wine festivals.
  • Try windsurfing in Vasiliki
    This southern bay is internationally known for its perfect wind conditions. Rent gear or take a lesson!
  • Bring water shoes
    Many beaches have pebbles or rocky entries—these make swimming much more comfortable.
  • Explore the mountain villages
    Beyond the coast, villages like Karya and Eglouvi offer a slower, traditional vibe—and the best food.
  • Don’t miss Lefkada’s east coast by boat
    The coast between Nidri and Sivota is filled with secret coves and lush islands—ideal for boat day trips.
  • Eat where locals eat
    Skip tourist traps—look for tavernas filled with Greek families, especially inland or off the beaten path.
  • Catch the sunset at Exanthia
    Head to Rachi restaurant in Exanthia for a stunning meal with jaw-dropping sunset views.
  • Use the floating bridge
    Lefkada’s entry point is a unique floating bridge that swings to let boats pass—watching it is an experience itself.

Carnivals and Festivals in

Lefkada

  • International Folklore Festival (August)
    One of the most colorful events in the Ionian, with dance troupes from around the world parading through Lefkada Town.
  • Feast of Agia Kyriaki (July 7)
    Held in Nidri with processions, fireworks, and plenty of live music and food.
  • Wine Festival in Sfakiotes (August)
    Celebrates the island’s winemaking traditions with tastings, food stalls, and traditional music.
  • Lefkas Carnival (February/March)
    A festive pre-Lenten celebration with costumes, satirical floats, and family-friendly events.
  • Religious Feasts in Eglouvi and Karya
    Smaller local festivals filled with dancing, food, and panigiri (open-air parties) honoring local saints.

Cool Facts About

Lefkada

  • It’s one of the only Greek islands you can drive to
    No ferry needed—just cross the floating bridge and you’re on the island!
  • It inspired Homer’s Ithaca
    Some scholars argue Lefkada is the real Ithaca from The Odyssey, not the neighboring island.
  • Aristotle Onassis made Skorpios famous
    The billionaire Greek tycoon turned this nearby island into a luxury hideaway for the rich and famous.
  • It has over 20 spectacular beaches
    Each one unique—some wild, some gentle, some cliff-lined—all postcard-worthy.
  • Eglouvi lentils are a protected product
    They’re so prized that they have PGI status and are celebrated in a yearly lentil festival!
  • Lefkada has no airport on the island
    But thanks to Aktion Airport on the mainland, it’s incredibly easy to reach by car or taxi.
  • It’s a sailing hotspot
    The calm Ionian Sea and protected bays make Lefkada a dream for yachting and flotilla holidays.
  • Earthquakes helped shape its cliffs
    Seismic activity over millennia created the island’s dramatic coastline and white cliffs.
  • You can hike from sea to summit
    Mount Elati (1,158m) offers trails and views stretching across the Ionian.
  • It’s more affordable than Cyclades islands
    Lefkada offers stunning beauty without the sky-high prices of Santorini or Mykonos.
  • FAQ

    Do you need a visa to visit the island?
    No visa is required for EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand citizens for visits up to 90 days. Lefkada follows the Schengen visa rules, like the rest of Greece.

    What is the best way to get to the island?
    Lefkada is connected to mainland Greece by a causeway and floating bridge. You can fly into Aktion International Airport (Preveza - PVK) and reach Lefkada Town in 20 minutes by car or taxi. Alternatively, drive from Athens (about 4.5 hours) or take a bus from major cities like Patras or Thessaloniki.

    Should I rent a car on the island?
    Yes. Lefkada is a large island with dramatic coastlines, mountain villages, and hidden beaches. A car or scooter is the best way to explore it fully. Roads are well maintained but winding in the west.

    Is the island wheelchair accessible?
    Partially. Lefkada Town, Nidri, and Vasiliki have modern infrastructure with wheelchair access in many places. However, some beaches and cliffside roads can be challenging. It's best to check with individual accommodations.

    What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
    Must-sees include Porto Katsiki and Egremni Beach, Lefkada Castle, Nidri waterfalls, Agios Nikitas village, and the floating bridge at Lefkada Town. Sailors flock to the Onassis island of Skorpios, just off Nidri.

    What are the best beaches on the island?
    Lefkada boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world:

    • Porto Katsiki – iconic cliffs and turquoise sea
    • Egremni – remote, dramatic, and unforgettable
    • Kathisma – vibrant and great for sunset views
    • Milos Beach – accessible by boat or foot
    • Agiofili – a hidden cove near Vasiliki
    • Pefkoulia – long, scenic, and less crowded
    • Vasiliki – best for windsurfing and water sports

    What is unique about the island’s wildlife?
    Lefkada is a haven for migratory birds, especially in its lagoons and wetlands near Lefkada Town. Inland, you may spot foxes, hedgehogs, rare butterflies, and wild orchids during spring.

    What traditional foods should you try on the island?
    Try Eglouvi lentils, Savoro fish, pasteli (sesame-honey bars), ladopita (olive oil cake), and local wines like Vertzami. Don’t miss the cheese pies in mountain villages or fresh seafood in Sivota.

    Can you drink tap water on the island?
    Yes, tap water is safe in most areas, especially in Lefkada Town and main villages. In remote areas, bottled water may be preferred.

    What is the nightlife like on the island?
    Lefkada has a chilled yet lively nightlife. Enjoy cocktail bars in Nidri, beach clubs in Kathisma, and live music in Lefkada Town. Don’t expect Mykonos-style clubbing, but do expect good vibes, open-air bars, and dancing on the beach.

    How can I stay connected to the internet on the island?
    Most hotels, apartments, and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is strong across the island, including on many beaches.

    What are some local souvenirs to bring home?
    Pick up Lefkadian honey, Eglouvi lentils, olive oil, traditional lacework, handmade ceramics, and bottled Vertzami wine or tsipouro.

    20 Essential Words

  • Kalimera – Good morning
  • Kalispera – Good evening
  • Efharisto – Thank you
  • Parakalo – Please / You're welcome
  • Yamas – Cheers
  • Taverna – Traditional restaurant
  • Nero – Water
  • Kafeneio – Coffee shop
  • Psomi – Bread
  • Thalassa – Sea
  • Platia – Square
  • Hora – Town center
  • Kastro – Castle
  • Krasi – Wine
  • Tiri – Cheese
  • Souvlaki – Skewered meat
  • Kalo taxidi – Have a good trip
  • Paralia – Beach
  • Agapi – Love
  • Opa! – Greek exclamation of joy
  • Famous figures connected to

    Lefkada

  • Angelos Sikelianos
    Born in Lefkada Town in 1884, Sikelianos is one of Greece’s most beloved poets and playwrights. His work blended Greek mythology with modern nationalism, and today, his birthplace is a museum honoring his legacy.
  • Aristotle Onassis
    While not from Lefkada, the shipping magnate famously bought Skorpios Island, just off Lefkada’s east coast. He hosted celebrities, royalty, and Jackie Kennedy there, putting Lefkada in the international spotlight.
  • Nikos Svoronos
    This renowned Greek historian, born in Lefkada in 1911, is known for his critical work on modern Greek history and society. His ideas influenced generations of scholars and students.
  • Lefkadios Hern (a.k.a. Koizumi Yakumo)
    Though born in Lefkada, Hearn gained fame in Japan for documenting folklore and ghost stories. He became a cultural bridge between Greece and Japan and is celebrated in both countries.
  • Dimos Roussos (Demis Roussos)
    The international Greek singer visited Lefkada frequently and loved the Ionian breeze. His soft rock and romantic ballads made him a household name in the '70s and '80s.
  • Kostas Karyotakis
    The melancholic poet referenced Lefkada in his works, capturing its romantic isolation and raw beauty. He spent time in the region during his brief but influential life.
  • Anni Synodinou
    The award-winning actress and politician performed in Lefkada’s cultural festivals and supported the island’s artistic scene throughout her career.
  • Nana Mouskouri
    The world-famous singer with roots across Greece has performed in Lefkada, praising the island’s natural acoustics and serene landscapes.
  • Spyridon Tzanetopoulos
    Also known by his pen name "Takis Theodoropoulos", this novelist and essayist was born in Lefkada and incorporates island themes in his work.
  • Fotis Verginis
    A professional basketball player from Lefkada who played in Greece’s top leagues. His success is a source of pride for locals and youth athletes.
  • Films and TV Shows Shot on the Island

    • “El Greco” (2007)
      Scenes from this historical film about the legendary painter were filmed near Lefkada’s Monastery of Faneromeni, capturing its spiritual and scenic atmosphere.
    • “The Two Faces of January” (2014)
      Though mainly filmed in Crete and Athens, select coastal and sailing scenes were shot near Lefkada and its islets, adding Ionian elegance to the thriller.
    • “Windsurfing the World” (Documentary)
      This international sports documentary highlighted Vasiliki Bay, showcasing it as one of the best windsurfing destinations in Europe.
    • “My Greek Odyssey” (TV Series)
      The travel show dedicated a full episode to Lefkada and Skorpios, highlighting local food, sailing, and natural wonders.
    • “Eglouvi” (Short Documentary)
      A Greek short film documenting the life and lentil farming traditions of Eglouvi village, preserving agricultural culture and storytelling.
    • “Chef on the Road” (Greek TV)
      This popular cooking series visited Lefkada to spotlight traditional Ionian recipes, especially lentil-based dishes and seafood specialties.
    • “Greece: The Islands” (Travel Channel)
      Lefkada was featured in an episode exploring off-the-beaten-path islands, emphasizing Porto Katsiki and Egremni’s dramatic scenery.
    • “The Durrells” (ITV Series)
      Though mostly shot in Corfu, sailing shots around the Ionian included Lefkada’s eastern coves and islets.
    • “Mediterranean Blue” (Art Film)
      An independent romantic drama used Lefkada’s western beaches as a symbol of escape and emotional rebirth.
    • “Greece From Above” (Documentary)
      Aerial shots of Egremni, Nidri, and Skorpios made Lefkada a visual highlight in this beautifully filmed National Geographic-style production.

    Videos