
Lefkada, Greece—an Ionian gem famous for turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and authentic Greek charm.
📍 Overview
- Location: Ionian Islands, western Greece
- Access: Connected to the mainland via a causeway and floating bridge (no ferry needed!)
- Best Time to Visit: Late May to early October (peak: July–August)
🏖️ Top Beaches
- Porto Katsiki
- Iconic white cliffs and vibrant blue waters
- Best accessed by car or boat
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Egremni Beach
- Remote and stunning
- Requires descending a long staircase (over 300 steps)
- Great for photography and swimming
- Kathisma Beach
- More organized, with beach bars and umbrellas
- Good for paragliding
- Amazing sunsets
- Milos Beach (near Agios Nikitas)
- Hidden gem, reachable via a short hike or taxi boat
- Less crowded, naturist-friendly section
🏞️ Things to Do
- Explore Lefkada Town
Quaint alleys, Venetian architecture, marina, and vibrant nightlife. - Visit Nidri
A lively tourist resort with boat rentals, tavernas, and access to nearby islets (like Skorpios, once owned by Onassis). - Boat Tours
Daily trips to Meganisi, Kefalonia, and Ithaca.
Private yachts or group cruises available from Nidri or Vasiliki. - Waterfalls of Dimosari (near Nidri)
Short hike through lush greenery to a refreshing natural pool. - Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Particularly good in Vasiliki Bay and Milos Beach for consistent wind conditions.
⛪ Cultural & Historical Sights
- Faneromeni Monastery (3 km from Lefkada Town)
Located on a hill with views and a small zoo. - Archaeological Museum of Lefkada
Exhibits from the Paleolithic era to Roman times. - Agia Mavra Castle
A Venetian-era fortress at the island’s entrance.
🍽️ Food & Drink
Must-try local dishes:
- Savoro fish – Fish marinated with rosemary, garlic, and vinegar
- Lentils from Eglouvi – Famous mountain-grown lentils
- Bakaliaros skordalia – Fried cod with garlic mash
- Local wines (try the Vertzami red)
Top Tavernas:
- Taverna Rachi (in Exanthia) – Cliffside dining with a view
- Kolyvata Taverna – Authentic, hidden gem
- Thymari (in Lefkada Town) – Modern Greek cuisine
🛍️ Shopping
- Local products: Honey, handmade pasta, olive oil, lacework, Lefkadian wine
- Boutiques in Lefkada Town and Nidri for souvenirs, jewelry, and artisan crafts
🚗 Getting Around
- Car or scooter rental is recommended for full island exploration
- Local buses run between major towns but are infrequent
- Taxis and water taxis available in touristic areas
🛏️ Where to Stay
- Lefkada Town: Best for nightlife and convenience
- Nidri: Great for families and excursions
- Vasiliki: Ideal for windsurfing and laid-back vibes
- Agios Nikitas: Quaint, car-free village with easy beach access
- Luxury stays: Villas in Sivota and Meganisi
🧳 Travel Tips
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Greek (English widely spoken)
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants)
- Tap water: Safe in most areas, bottled recommended in some villages