10 must-see things to do in Lefkada

Lefkada or Lefkas, you’ll find several names, but they all refer to this Ionian island on the west coast of Greece. Known for its magnificent beaches, among the most beautiful in Europe, Lefkada is above all an island of many points of interest. Wondering what to see and do in Lefkada? We’ve put together our best-of, the top 10 must-sees in Lefkada .

To put it simply, the largest and most beautiful beaches, such as Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Mylos, are found on the west coast. Mountain villages like Karya are more in the center of the island. Last but not least, there are several seaside villages on the east coast, such as Nydri, which have benefited from tourism.

You can also find our practical tips for Lefkada: How to get there? Where to stay? Getting around?

1 – Farniente on Lefkada’s most beautiful beaches

Lefkada’s most beautiful beaches are located on the west coast of the island, and are said to be among the most beautiful in the world (or Europe…). In any case, you’ll be impressed by the shades of blue in Lefkada.

My favourite: Porto Katsiki beach

As soon as you arrive at the site, the view of this large beach surrounded byhuge white cliffs is superb. The water is so blue, turquoise in places, that it looks milky against the white rocks of the cliffs. Impressive!

This pebble beach is accessible by road (parking charge approx. €10, otherwise park further up the road). You can then climb down to the top of the staircase, which is protected by a barrier and is child- and flip-flop-friendly!

We advise you to go early in the morning, as the beach is very popular. Don’t forget your parasol. Of course, shade is not recommended at the foot of this friable cliff. Barriers are installed to delimit the danger zone.

Bonus: The snack bars at the top of the cliff, just before the stairs, even deliver to the beach! Just call and we’ll bring your freddo cappuccino or snack right to your briefcase.

Egremni beach

Like Porto Katsiki, other beaches in the south-west are among the most beautiful in Europe, such as Egremni beach. With its difficult access, this beach has to be earned. Indeed, as the road is closed to traffic following the 2016 earthquake, you’ll have to walk 30-40 mins, then descend over 400 steps (don’t think about the climb back up…). But your effort will be rewarded once you reach this magnificent beach. There’s also a kiosk selling drinks and sandwiches, and parasols for hire.

And many more beautiful beaches…

Gialos beach is another of the beaches on Lefkada’s south-west coast that is well worth a visit.

Still on the west coast, but this time to the north, you’ll also find beautiful long white pebble beaches. Kathisma, Pefkoulia and the magnificent beach of Mylos.

To the south, Agiofili beach is another lovely pebble beach, with turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs. Access is by caique from Vasiliki, or on foot (30 mins walk with steps). The beach is also accessible by car: once parked, it’s a 5-minute walk down a few steps.

2 – Visit the town of Lefkada

As on many Greek islands, the capital is named after the island itself. The town of Lefkada is located in the very north of the island, as soon as you enter from the floating bridge.

It’s a pretty town with narrow streets, beautiful houses with colorful shutters, stores and cafés…

Here’s an idea for an itinerary through the city:

We recommend parking in one of the parking lots near the marina. Stroll through the old town, lose yourself in the narrow streets and reach the pedestrianized Ioannou Mela, a pleasant street lined with small shops. Continuing up towards the top of the town, the central Lefkadas square, surrounded by cafés and restaurants, is the ideal place for a short break.

If you wish, you can cross the town and visit the Lefkada Archaeological Museum , a small but interesting museum whose main exhibit is the Pied Piper surrounded by his nymphs. From here, head for the sea, along a promenade lined with bars and tavernas, towards Lefkada’s famous, photogenic wooden bridge. The ideal spot for sunset photos, with the added bonus of the pier’s multicolored lighting. Finally, continue your stroll along the harbour while sipping a freddo, for example, to reach the marina parking lot.

3 – Discover Agios Nikitas

Agios Nikitas is a pretty little fishing village on the island’s west coast. This is a pedestrian-only village, with a parking lot around the bend. Otherwise, park on the side of the road.

The main street of Agios Nikitas is lined with stores of all kinds, cafés and tavernas. And at the far end, you’ll find a small beach with calm water, ideal for children.

Often very busy, take a walk along the coastal path to enjoy the peace and quiet. We also recommend a visit to the magnificent beach of Mylos. Either on foot, which takes 40 mins, or by water cab (€3 per person).

4 – Explore the interior of the island and its mountain villages

The village of Karya is a mountain village as we like them. Narrow streets, old stone houses, not forgetting the central square under the plane trees, surrounded by tavernas and cafés, the ideal place to relax. You’ll also find a number of artisan boutiques, and if you’re looking for an embroidered rug, this is the place to go!

Indeed, Karya and yarn craftsmanship is quite a story! To find out more, we also recommend a visit to the Folklore Museum. This is a small but very interesting museum of handicrafts (weaving and embroidery), dedicated to Maria Koutsochero, a village woman who brought the art of embroidery here in the 19th century. It also houses a collection of objects from the past, telling the story of daily life in the village at the time. The guided tour is given by the owner, who likes to tell the story of his ancestors who lived here.

Another inland village is Eglouvi, the island’s highest village. It’s a village of traditional architecture, with its kafeneio in the central square in the shade of plane trees. It’s also a starting point for hiking trails through the forest to chapels and windmill ruins. And each village has its own speciality: here, lentils and honey are in the limelight.

And as is often the case in the mountains, it’s when you head back towards the coast that you discover the island’s most beautiful landscapes. Like the view from Karya on the way to Nidri, or from the Profiti Ilias church not far from Eglouvi.

5 – Stroll to Nydri

Nydri, or Nidri, is a seaside resort ideally located on the east coast of Lefkada. However, this former fishing village has become very touristy. You’ll find numerous agencies offering a wide range of water activities windsurfing, canoeing, diving… It’s also a popular departure point for sea excursions (Madouri, Sparti, Skorpios and Skorpidi islets) and ferries to Ithaca, Kefalonia and Meganisi.

As an alternative to the beach, we recommend a visit to the Nydri waterfalls. Beware: in summer, the waterfalls can run dry! From Nydri, head for Rakhi. Once past the village, follow the signs to the Nydri waterfalls parking lot. From here, start a short 15-minute walk (quite popular). You’ll then see a succession of small waterfalls and turquoise pools before arriving at the large Dimosari waterfall. As an added bonus, next to the parking lot you’ll find the Platanos café, perfectly situated for a break in the shade of the plane tree.

6 – A quiet retreat in Sivota Bay

If you’re looking for a more authentic place on Lefkada, head further south on the island.

15 km south of Nydri, the bay of Sivota is home to a typical seaside village with a marina.

In this small village, you can stroll along the quayside or stop off at the psarotaverna to enjoy grilled fish and squid on a table close to the water.

7 – Take a boat trip

And to discover the island of Lefkada in a different way, why not hire a boat for the day?

Whether you choose a small boat without a license or a skippered sailboat, set off to discover quiet beaches. In secluded, hard-to-reach coves, you can swim in complete tranquillity. We particularly recommend Click & Boat for boat rentals (for all budgets).

You can also choose from these day trips, which we haven’t tested but which look pretty interesting. Discover the islands of Meganisi, Kastos and Skorpios, or head for Kefalonia and Ithaca.

8 – Discovering Northern Lefkada

On leaving the island, take in the ballet on the Agia Mavra or Santa Maura bridge (Lefkada’s former name in Venetian times). The ends are lifted, and the bridge pivots completely to rest alongside the canal. Boats and sailboats can thus circulate easily.

You can also visit the ancient Venetian fortress Agia Mavra (entrance €3) and its lighthouse. Very little remains of this 14th-century château, apart from the outer walls and a few buildings. From here, however, you’ll have a fine view of Lefkada town and the entrance to the island.

We also recommend a stop at the Faneromenis monastery and its beautifully decorated church. Located high up in the south of Frini, Moni Faneromenis is a haven of peace. It offers a superb view of the lagoon and the town of Lefkada. It boasts a naval and religious museum, as well as a mini zoo in its verdant garden, which is sure to delight children.

9 – Enjoy seaside sports activities

The island of Lefkada is also full of spots for water sports. The long Agios Ioannis beach can be recognized by its windmills. Situated in the north-west of the island, it’s a haven for kitesurfers and windsurfers. To the south of the island, towards Vasiliki, you’ll also find good windsurfing spots.

For those who prefer more leisurely watersports, or for families with children, the east coast of the island is the place for you. There are many places to visit by canoe : swimming in secluded coves, visiting the blue caves accessible only by sea… It’s also a good opportunity to snorkel and admire Lefkada’s multicolored fauna (corals, red starfish…).

One of the excursions we tried out was the 3 1/2-hour canoe trip from Mikros Gialos to Rouda Bay. We were with our children, 2 per canoe, and had a great time with our guide.

And for fans of aerial thrills, why not take a paragliding flight over Kathisma beach?

10 – Admire the view from the Lefkada jump

Cape Lefkada, Cape Durato or Saut de Leucade is located at the tip of the south-western tip of the island of Lefkada. According to legend, it was from here that unhappy lovers threw themselves to cure their sorrows…

We were recommended one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the lighthouse and the white cliffs jutting out into the turquoise sea.

Stop at the hairpin bend, just before taking the last road to the lighthouse. From here, you can admire one of Lefkada’s most beautiful sunsets, with the lighthouse perched at the end of the cliff. The road is very easy to access as it has recently been resurfaced. This will take you to the end of the road, where you’ll find a parking area near the lighthouse.

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Read also our articles :

• Lefkada or Lefkada, the most accessible of the Ionian islands.
• Practical tips for Lefkada: How to get there? Where to stay?

^{Virginie W.}