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The complete traveller’s guide to Lefkada
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Lefkada, also known as Lefkas, is one of Greece’s most visually striking islands and one of the easiest to reach. Connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, it offers the freedom and beauty of an island holiday without ferries or long transfers. You land, collect the car and within around 30 minutes you’re crossing onto the island, ready to start your holiday.
Green, mountainous and edged by dramatic white cliffs plunging into turquoise seas, Lefkada combines jaw-dropping scenery with traditional Greek charm. It’s an island that works beautifully for couples, families and groups, whether you want relaxation, adventure, culture or a bit of everything.
Where is Lefkada and what is it like?
Lefkada sits in the Ionian Sea, off Greece’s west coast. Unlike many Greek islands, it feels refreshingly unspoilt, particularly inland, where olive groves, pine forests and farming villages still shape everyday life.
The island is compact. It takes less than two hours to drive from north to south, making it ideal for exploring without spending hours on the road. You’ll find lively resort towns, quiet coves, traditional villages and dramatic viewpoints all within easy reach of each other.
Getting around Lefkada is straightforward, and while you don’t have to hire a car, it does make exploring the island much easier. When you land at Preveza Airport, car hire desks are right there, so you can pick up your car immediately and be on the road to Lefkada within minutes, with no ferry involved. Taxis are widely available in Lefkada Town, Nydri and the larger resorts and work well for short journeys or evenings out, while local buses connect the main towns and villages. Boat hire and water taxis are also a popular way to reach beaches and nearby islands, particularly from Nydri and Vasiliki, making it easy to mix and match transport depending on how relaxed or adventurous you want your holiday to be.
Lefkada Town: Old streets and easy evenings
Built by the Venetians, Lefkada Town is a colourful, compact capital full of character. Narrow alleyways known as sokakia twist through the pedestrian-only Old Town, leading you past churches, small shops and traditional cafés.
The central square is the heart of evening life, especially for families. Parents dine while children play nearby, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Along the marina, cafés and bars are perfect for a sundowner while watching yachts drift in and out.
After siesta, the town comes alive with traditional tavernas, stylish cocktail bars and some excellent ice cream parlours. It’s lively without being rowdy, and ideal if you enjoy evenings out without full-on nightlife.
Beaches: Lefkada’s show-stopping coastline
Lefkada is famous for its beaches, and for good reason. Many are consistently ranked among the most beautiful in Europe.
Porto Katsiki
Perhaps the island’s most iconic beach, Porto Katsiki is framed by towering white cliffs and vivid blue water. Access is via steps or by boat. It’s family-friendly but busy in high season.
Kathisma
A long sand and shingle beach popular with a younger crowd. Sunbeds, cafés, restaurants and swimming pools are available, and there’s usually space to spread out if you walk a little further along the beach.
Agios Nikitas
A small, attractive beach at the bottom of a traditional village. Popular with families and ideal for combining beach time with lunch in a taverna.
Agios Ioannis
Close to Lefkada Town, this beach catches the northerly winds and is a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Even if you’re not taking part, it’s great fun to watch from a beach bar at sunset.
Egremni
Wild, vast and dramatic, Egremni is currently best accessed by sea. Pale sand, clear water and unforgettable sunsets make it worth the effort.
Inland Lefkada: Villages and traditions
Away from the coast, Lefkada feels like a step back in time.
Karya
Famous for its embroidery and lace, Karya has a shaded central square where coffee drinking and backgammon games are a way of life. There are small shops selling handmade crafts, and a museum celebrating traditional village life.
Englouvi
The highest village on the island, known for its lentils and thyme honey. It’s a wonderful place to stop for lunch or pick up authentic local produce.
What can you do in Lefkada?
Lefkada is perfect if you like choice.
Boat hire from Nydri or Vasiliki, often with no licence required, to explore hidden coves and nearby islands like Meganissi
Watersports including sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing
Paragliding from Exhanthia, gliding from the mountains back to the coast with panoramic island views
Cycling and walking through countryside and coastal roads
Self-drive exploring, looping around the island in a single day if you wish
Food and drink: Simple, fresh and local
Lefkada’s food is classic Greek cooking at its best. Meals often begin with mezedes such as aubergine dip, spicy feta, stuffed vine leaves and courgette flowers.
Fresh fish and meat are grilled simply, salads are always seasonal and drenched in olive oil, and local specialities include Englouvi lentils, air-dried salami with garlic and peppercorns, nougat and thyme-infused honey sold from roadside stalls.
Drink-wise, try tsipouro or raki, pine-scented retsina with fish, and local wines such as Vertzamo and Vardea.
Events and festivals
Lefkada has a lively calendar of events, especially in summer.
Easter is the biggest celebration, marked by processions, feasting and church services
August brings the International Folklore Festival, with parades, music and dancing from around the world
September sees the Ionian Regatta in Nydri, filling the harbour with sailing boats
October features Oxi Day, with parades and flag displays across the island
Weather and best time to travel
May and June are warm, green and quieter, ideal for sightseeing and villa holidays
July and August are hot and lively, perfect for families and beach lovers
September is one of the best months, with warm seas and a more relaxed atmosphere
October is quieter and ideal for couples wanting scenery and local culture
How to get to Lefkada from the UK
You can fly into Preveza Airport from several UK airports.
Flight time around 3 hours 15 to 25 minutes
Approximately 30 minutes’ drive to Lefkada
No ferries required
The island is two hours ahead of UK time and uses the Euro.
Accommodation ideas in Lefkada
This is a small selection that I have available...
Groups
Discover our top-rated, most luxurious villas, with exceptional service to match. Perfect for milestone birthdays, multi-generational trips and friend get togethers.
Callista (villa)
Sleeps: 10 | Bedrooms: 5 | Bathrooms: 5
Best for: Big groups who want wow-factor views and plenty of space to spread out.
Why it works:
Huge private pool and spacious terraces built for outdoor living
Sweeping sea views that you’ll never get bored of
Open-plan living, dining and kitchen area made for socialising
Concierge support available to arrange extras like private chef, boat trips and dinner bookings
Location vibe: Great base for exploring Nidri, Lefkada Town and the west coast villages.
Alessia (villa)
Sleeps: 8 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4
Best for: Family gatherings, anniversaries and groups who want facilities as well as luxury.
Why it works:
Large private pool plus extensive grounds
Private tennis court
Stunning sea and mountain views
Brilliant location for exploring the west coast and sunset spots
Extra touches: Ideal if you love the idea of villa life but still want plenty to do without leaving home base.
Families
Stress-free family holidays with extras that make life easier. From toddlers to teens, with space, comfort and family-friendly facilities.
Villa Simi
Sleeps: 6 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 4
Best for: Smaller groups who want stylish interiors plus direct access to the sea.
Why it works:
Infinity pool and multiple terraces for lounging and dining
Pontoon with direct sea access, shared only with sister villas
Short walk to tavernas in Nikiana
Strong option if you’re pairing villas together for a larger group holiday
Location vibe: Great for exploring inland villages, Lefkada Town and getting out on the water from nearby Nidri.
Mousses Crèche & Kids’ Clubs (villa collection with childcare)
Sleeps: 2 to 6 | Bedrooms: 2 to 3 | Villas: 12
Best for: Families who want proper downtime because the childcare is taken care of.
Why it works:
On-site crèche and kids’ clubs run by fully qualified nannies
Large gated pool plus toddler-friendly shallow pool
Secure gardens and plenty of lawn space for play
Poolside taverna and child-friendly menu
Option for food delivery to your villa at no extra charge
Mini-market close by and easy access to the beach
Age groups covered:
Hatchlings Crèche: 6 months to 3 years
Turtles Club: 4 to 6 years
Dolphins: 7 to 11 years (main school holidays only)
Extra nice touch: Movie nights so parents can sneak off for a romantic dinner.
Acqua di Mare – Villa Bella
Sleeps: 4 | Bedrooms: 2 | Bathrooms: 2
Best for: Small families who want beachfront ease with their own private pool.
Why it works:
Beach at the end of the garden, with gently shelving sand into the sea
Private pool plus lawned garden for little ones
Walking distance to tavernas
Easy drive to Nidri and Lefkada Town
Great option if: You want the convenience of being right by the sea without hotel-style crowds.
Couples
Romantic escapes, grown-up comfort and beautiful views. Perfect for quieter seasons, special occasions and switch-off holidays.
Katouna Suites (hotel - adult only)
Sleeps: 2 | Suites: 10
Best for: Couples who want a stylish, adult-only base with panoramic views.
Why it works:
Contemporary suites with terraces or balconies overlooking the sea
Gorgeous infinity pool and cabanas for laid-back days
Concierge support for boat trips, dinner reservations and beach recommendations
Walkable to a pretty village with tavernas
Around 15 minutes by car to Lefkada Town for evenings out
Extra touches: Treatment room with massages available on request.
San Nicolas Hotel
Sleeps: 2 to 4 | Suites available
Best for: Couples who want beachfront luxury plus easy access to the sea.
Why it works:
Beautiful bay setting with direct sea access
Beach bar, restaurant and beach club vibe
Boat hire and non-motorised water sports available
Adult-only suites available outside peak weeks
Short stroll to Mikros Gialos village and its tavernas
Great option if: You want a relaxed, romantic feel but still like having facilities on-site.
Why Lefkada is so special
Lefkada combines dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches, traditional villages and easy travel in a way few Greek islands manage. It’s relaxed but never dull, scenic without being remote, and flexible enough to suit first-time visitors and seasoned Greece lovers alike.
Whether you’re planning a villa holiday, a family escape or a relaxed couples’ break, Lefkada is one of those places that quietly exceeds expectations and stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
If you’d like help tailoring a Lefkada holiday to suit you, that’s where I come in. I’ll help you choose the right area, the right style of accommodation and the best time to go, making the whole process easy and stress free from start to finish.
