Surrounded by the crystalline, turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, is undoubtedly a blessed destination. This little slice of paradise has everything you need for a memorable vacation: lush, dense forests, quaint villages, and world-renowned beaches. Photographs hardly do justice to Lefkada’s beaches; to fully grasp this extraordinary beauty, you must witness it.
Located just off the west coast of the Greek mainland, Lefkada is easily accessible via a causeway. Warmly welcoming and unpretentious, it promises a memorable summer adventure filled with authentic experiences. Here are some of our favorite highlights— yet Lefkada promises so much more to its guests.
Spectacular Beaches and Exhilarating Activities in Lefkada
Kathisma, Egremni, and Porto Katsiki are just a few names that evoke picture-perfect visions of paradise, their beauty even more breathtaking when experienced firsthand. These beaches are celebrated globally, ranking top among the Mediterranean’s most stunning shores, if not the world. Awarded with prestigious Blue Flags for their cleanliness and organization, they contribute to Greece’s excellent reputation as a leading beach destination.
Visualize pristine sands, gently caressed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, forming an idyllic backdrop perfect for tranquil relaxation or thrilling adventures. Whether you’re catching the exhilarating winds while windsurfing at Vasiliki, mastering your kitesurfing skills at Myli, or gracefully soaring through the skies via paragliding from the cliffs of Kathisma, the coast of Lefkada is a boundless playground.
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Satisfy your adventurous spirit with an array of experiences: sail around secluded coves, enjoy scenic horseback rides, explore rugged trails on mountain bikes, or even marvel at the island from above in a prop plane. Each experience here promises memories that resonate deeply with the young at heart.
Charming Inland Villages and Rich Heritage
There is astounding beauty inland, too. Explore Lefkada’s 15 villages, each brimming with tradition and distinct character. Karya, renowned for its intricate “Karsaniko” needlework embroidery, offers a glimpse into Lefkadian heritage through its eloquently crafted textiles. Every year, on the 11th of August, the villagers revive a charming tradition by staging a representation of a traditional wedding—an intimate event held annually since 1979.
At the heart of Karya stands the imposing Agios Spyridonas Church, constructed in the late 19th century. Just outside the village, you will find the Monastery of Saint John, dating back to 1605, famous for its magnificent frescoes and intricately carved wooden temple.
Englouvi village, the highest on the island, is perched atop a plateau, about 730 meters above sea level. It is famed for its PDO Englouvi lentils—small yet bursting with flavor. Today, the village has fewer than 200 residents who honor its timeless agricultural traditions, primarily growing organic lentils. The fertile land, rich in potassium and sheltered by surrounding hills, makes for a favorable environment to grow lentils of extraordinary taste and nutritional value.
The vibrant seaside village of Nidri, with its picturesque marina lined with tavernas, cafes, and shops, is the ideal departure point for sailing adventures around the neighboring islands, including the legendary Skorpios, which was once owned by the shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
Vassiliki, on the island’s southern coast, attracts windsurfing enthusiasts from around the world thanks to its perfect wind conditions and lively atmosphere. Visitors can soak up lively evenings along the waterfront, dotted with inviting restaurants and charming boutiques.
The car-free village of Agios Nikitas sprawls around the bay of the same name. Built amphitheatrically amidst lush olive groves, its traditional architecture beautifully coexists with the natural beauty of lush greenery and striking white rocks. Recognized as a traditional settlement, Agios Nikitas combines a quaint charm with a lively vibe. You can catch a water taxi from its picturesque port to the stunning Mylos beach. Its laid-back vibe is ideal for family vacations with kids.
Gastronomy: Lefkada’s Culinary Traditions
Lefkada’s culinary delights are a testament to the island’s diverse landscape. For a taste of local flair, attend the festive feast of Agios Donatos on August 7. Savor hearty bowls of Englouvi lentils prepared in traditional cauldrons – one of the island’s star dishes. Once the evening service at the church of St. Donato concludes, the villagers gather to prepare lentils in large cauldrons. The dish is usually accompanied by humble flavors such as salted sardines, olives, bread, and homemade wine, creating a festive atmosphere with music and dance. Don’t miss trying the famous Lefkadian salami and sausages produced with locally sourced meat and seasoned with aromatic herbs based on traditional recipes passed down since Venetian times.
Indulge in the golden sweetness of local honey, reflective of Lefkada’s lush landscape. The villages of southwestern Lefkada, such as Dragano and Athani, are primarily known for producing thyme honey. Its distinct, aromatic profile and exceptional taste perfectly capture the essence of Lefkada’s flora. Smaller quantities of honey are also made from almond blossoms, citrus trees, spruce, and arbutus, offering a rich diversity of flavors that delight and surprise the palate.
Other Experiences: Culture, Nature, and Timeless Legends
Lefkada offers an array of experiences that stretch beyond the sea. Discover the iconic Cape Lefkada, where mythology and romance merge at Sappho’s Leap. This dramatic white cliff, once home to the Temple of Apollo, now holds a lighthouse and the echoes of ancient sacrifices—first to gods, then, as legend has it, to lost love.
For a glimpse of the medieval world, visit the Venetian Castle of Agia Mavra. Fortified in 1300 by Giovanni Orsini, this historic site overlooks a unique lagoon ecosystem adorned with windmills, fishermen’s homes, and a rainbow of bird species.
In the evenings, enjoy a leisurely walk through the whimsical alleyways of Lefkada Town. With its colorful sheet-metal facades—a clever architectural solution to earthquakes—charming squares, ornate churches, and Ionian-style icons, every corner has a story.
Nature lovers will delight in Lefkada’s hidden treasures, like the Venetian Olive Grove, a centuries-old plantation perfect for peaceful walks and bike rides under the whispering leaves of immortal trees. And don’t miss the Dimosari Waterfalls, where cascading waters tumble over ancient rocks into a turquoise pool that invites you for an irresistible dip.
Sail to the Nearby Island Gems
Lefkada is a sailing paradise. From the bustling marina of Nydri, sailing boats and yachts set sail for the nearby secluded island sanctuaries. One of the highlights is Scorpios, which was once the private refuge of Aristotle Onassis. Imagine legendary gatherings with icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill, and Jackie O aboard his famous yacht, Christina.
Two alluring islands—Kastos and Kalamos—are scattered like hidden treasures around Lefkada. Kalamos immediately captivates with its dramatic mountainous landscape rising to an impressive 800 meters, cloaked in lush pine forests set against vivid emerald waters. Kalamos has been inhabited since ancient times and is rich in history. It was strategically significant during Greece’s Revolution of 1821, serving as a safe haven for national heroes such as Kolokotronis (Greek general) and the family of Karaiskakis (Greek military commander and a leader of the Greek War of Independence).
A short journey away, Kastos offers an entirely different yet equally enchanting experience. As the smallest inhabited island of the Ionian group, Kastos maintains a peaceful atmosphere, untouched by cars or traffic, with fewer than 50 permanent residents. Boats arriving at this secluded paradise do not even carry vehicles.
Meganisi, another captivating gem near Lefkada, is loved for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and numerous sea caves. Most notably, the famous Papanikolis Cave was a hideout for submarines during World War II. With three charming villages—Vathi, Katomeri, and Spartochori—Meganisi is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and authentic Greek island charm.
Close Proximity to Preveza and Nikopolis
A short drive from Lefkada lies the historic city of Preveza, one of Greece’s best-kept secrets – where the Ionian Sea meets the Ambracian Gulf. Nearby, the ancient ruins of Nikopolis stand as silent witnesses to time, founded by Emperor Augustus to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Actium. The Ambracian Gulf is home to bottlenose dolphins; you can spot these magical creatures on a sailing trip just a little further from the coast. Preveza is famed for its outstanding seafood and succulent shrimp dishes, promising a delightful culinary experience in one of its several family-owned taverns.
Lefkada is one of those places where you can truly connect to the land. Whether you’re basking on sunlit beaches, wandering through villages steeped in tradition, savoring its culinary delights, or tracing the threads of history. Are you ready to explore its treasures?