1. Relax on the best beaches in the world
On any website or brochure for Lefkada, or Greece as a whole, you’ll see an image of an extraordinary beach, from this island. The 2 best beaches of Lefkada, you should visit is Porto Katsiki & Egremnoi!
Porto Katsiki is accessible by car. There are more than 300 steps you should climb down, but the landscape will reward you! Porto Katsiki is a magnificent natural attraction of Lefkada and among the 10 best beaches in Greece and in the Mediterranean. The name is said to be because formerly only goats could reach this area (Katsiki means Goat in the Greek language).
Egremnoi on the other hand, is accessible only by boat! From an earthquake back on 2015 the 350 stairs were destroyed. The beach is about 2.5km long, so it never gets crowded. If you search for peace and relaxation, this is absolutely the place to be!
The natural beauty of both Porto Katsiki & Egremnoi beaches is one of the most recognisable of the island. Rough white cliffs form a wild yet impressive scenery and a unique antithesis with the turquoise blue Ionian waters. The unique view of the white cliffs over the beach combined with the surrounding green of the area and the turquoise water of the sea make these beaches a “must visit” for tourists.
2. Admire the most beautiful sunset
Lefkada has nothing to envy from Santorini, regarding the sunset! The west part of Lefkada, with many hilltops and extraordinary views of the sea is the best place to visit and enjoy the most beautiful sunset you have ever seen!
You have the advantage to decide whether you want to have a cocktail, seating in one of the restaurants / bars on the hilltop, or if you prefer to be alone seating on the beach with your other half by your side and no one else!
If you prefer to stay at the beach, Kathisma offers a nice view of the sunset! Drimonas & Exantheia are some small villages on the hilltop above Kathisma beach, where you will find some nice bar/restaurants to have your cocktail or dinner, watching the sunset, above the clouds! We suggest you to visit Amente in Drimonas or Rachi in Exantheia! If you are on the southest part of Lefkada there are many options for food in the village of Athani, that will let you watch the sunset and all the nice scenery around!
3. Daily Sailing Cruise around Lefkada
If you only had one day in Lefkada, this is how you should spend it! There are so beautiful places to visit by boat around Lefkada that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to do so!
The small islands of Scorpios and Meganisi are only some miles away for Nidri, and offer hidden gems you can explore and enjoy every moment of it! Small beaches accessible only by boat, will make you want to stop to dive without second thoughts. Meganisi, has many options to have a good lunch too, with homemade food or fresh fish! Don’t forget to visit Papanikolis’ caves in the south west part of the island. Beaches accessible only by boat are also Agiofili (near Vassiliki), Egremnoi and Milos.
Daily cruises are also available to Kefalonia of Ithaca!
4. Water sports and adventure
Lefkada is a well known destination for Kitesurfing & Windsurfing! There are some Kitesurf clubs in the north part of Lefkada in the beach of Ai Giannis! In the summer, the location couldn’t be better with sun and thermal wind every day (pretty much)! In the mornings the sea conditions are like a mill pond, so you can either have a lazy morning or go SUPing before the Maistro arrives. In the evenings you can kite until the sun goes down, which not only gives you a good long kiting session, but also some wonderful photo opportunities!
The other popular activity in Lefkada, is of course Windsurfing! The most known beach across Europe is Vassiliki bay, with strong winds that create the most suitable weather conditions for windsurfing. Vasiliki beach is a windsurfing paradise.
5. Lighthouse Doukato
The Doukato Lighthouse was built in 1890 at the Lefkatas Cape, where in the ancient times were the temple of Apollon Lefkatas, protector of the seamen. Its tower has a height of 14 meters and focal plane 70. From that spot the view reaches to Kefalonia & Ithaca!
6. Karia Village
Karia is perhaps the best known traditional mountain village of Lefkas island. It lies south of Lefkada Town and southeast of Agios Nikitas. In this traditional village you will find a picturesque square surrounded by old plane trees and lovely cafes and is known as the locals spot. Karia village is also well know for its traditional embroidery. In the Folklore Museum in the town you can familiarize with the work of Maria Koutsochero and her technique.
7. Hiking
The best way to take in the beautiful landscapes and views of Lefkada is when you explore the island by foot, walking through olive groves and through beautiful untouched nature. The mountainous area of Lefkada is full of canyons, ravines, springs, rich vegetation, rare flowers and scenic pathways ideal for long walks and excursions in the nature.
8. Monastery Faneromeni
The monastery of Faneromeni was built in the green pine clad hill, on the west side of the town, where the view of Aghios Ioannis, Gira and Castle was magical. The monastery has a long history. The disciples of the Apostle Paul, who first arrived on the island, preached in this place Christianity to the local inhabitants. The building itself was built in 1634 and due to the fire was renovated in the 19th century. The monastery is open to visitors every day between 8-14h and 16-20h. For those who are not appropriately dressed, there are clothes at the entrance that can be used.
9. Lefkas Wine Tasting
Wines produced on the Ionian Islands have little in common with those produced elsewhere in Greece, thanks to both the grape varieties used and the archipelago’s wine-making traditions, which were heavily influenced by four centuries of Venetian rule. If you are a Wine and Gastronomy lover, then you might be interessted in the local wine made at Lefkaditiki Gi Winery.
10. City Center
Lefkada town is the capital of the island of Lefkas. The main street, the pedestrianized backbone of the city, branches off from this area. Named after the archaeologist William Dörpfeld it extends as far as the central square and is lined with arcades of exclusive shops and cafés, which are just one of the many aspects that make Lefkada Town such a pleasant place to stroll through.