Lefkada’s crystal clear, turquoise waters make it a laid-back paradise and the perfect getaway.
Known for the amazing landscape and the exotic water, beaches in Lefkada are considered among the most beautiful in Greece but also in the Mediterranean Sea. Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma are the most famous Lefkada beaches, while Agios Ioannis and Vassiliki are great places for windsurfing and other watersports. In general, beaches on the western side of the island are the most impressive ones due to their deep blue color.
Which beaches to visit?
If you are looking for some of the best beaches in the world, Lefkada is the place to go. The island, which measures just 35km long and 15km wide, is home to incredible blue waters, sandy beaches and hidden pebbly coves. Getting to the beaches is half the fun – the roads around the island are steep, curvy and full of hairpin and hair-raising bends. The mission is always worth it though.
The western coast will dazzle you with its beautiful beaches, such as Porto Katsiki (jaw-droppingly beautiful), Egremni, Gialos and Kathisma
I recommend spending a morning on Egremni beach – now only accessible by boat after a huge earthquake in November 2015 made it impossible to access by road. Be sure to go prepared as there are no amenities on the beach – take water (lots of water), snacks and umbrellas, and try to get there early to avoid the hoards of tourists that will no doubt arrive late-morning by ferry.
Breathtaking Milos beach is another favourite. It’s accessible by a rocky mountain path – which takes about 30 minutes to hike – or by a little boat from Agios Nikitas, a gorgeous little village worth stopping off at for lunch or an ice cream.
Agiofilli, which is super close to Vasiliki, holds a little sheltered cove known as Fourth Beach – perfect at sunset. Lastly, make sure you check out Gialos beach for its chilled vibe. There is a cute bar there that does a mean club sandwich and an afternoon cocktail if you’re looking for a sundowner.
What to do?
You don’t need a license to hire a boat on Lefkada, so it’s possible to take a boat from the port of Vasiliki and spend the day visiting beaches along the south-east coast. Stop in to Agiofilli for a swim and then carry on to Ammoussa beach for lunch at the gorgeous beachfront taverna.
Another idea would be to take out a scooter or little jeep one day – the only way to really explore the island.
Another day, rent a boat with a driver to take you around to Egremni, a beach only accessible by boat. It’s much better than jumping on one of the big commercial ferries with their set departure times and blaring music.
It’s also worth mentioning, Lefkada is the windsurfing capital of Europe. With its wide and sheltered bay, and the afternoon wind known as ‘Eric’, you can try your hand at any kind of watersports along Pondi beach.
If you have a spare day to fill, I’d also suggest taking a day trip over to the neighbouring islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia. Regular ferries run from the ports of Nidri and Vasiliki, making it possible to explore those beautiful islands as well.
Where to eat?
You can’t beat the local food on Lefkada. Think fresh fish, fried squid, Greek salad, lots of bread and cheese, moussaka, pastitsio and fried zucchini balls. Book a table at Starfish, one of the most friendly and popular seaside restaurants in Vasiliki.
For a casual gyros lunch, head to Yianni’s.
And then opposite Yianni’s you will find Cafe Lifikadis, which stays open from dawn to dusk. The lovely locals gather there each morning to order their frappé and shoot the breeze. It is great spot for your morning coffee.
A little further inland, you will find a great local restaurant called The Old Plane Tree that does some excellent meatballs – definitely worth a visit.
At Ammoussa Beach there is an excellent beach taverna, which does a number of Greek favourites – from giant Greek salads to fried squid, dips and an icy cold Mythos. Enjoy while sitting under the huge fig trees opposite the sea.
I also love the port town of Sivota and the restaurants that line the water’s edge, and the village of Agios Nikitas, which brims with gorgeous tavernas, cafes and ice cream shops.
