This Greek island has white-sand coves, steep limestone cliffs, and clear waters. The mountain villages, Nidri's fishing boats, and Vasiliki's port add local character.
A 50-meter floating bridge connects Lefkada to mainland Greece - the only Greek island you can drive to without a ferry. You can swim beneath 200-meter limestone cliffs at Porto Katsiki, watch women weave intricate needle lace patterns in Karya village, or windsurf in Vassiliki Bay where afternoon winds reach 4-6 Beaufort. Walk through cypress forests to reach the 15-meter Dimosari waterfall, or take a boat from Nydri harbor to explore the sea caves of Meganisi.
Getting to Lefkada
You can drive straight onto Lefkada via a 50-meter floating bridge from the mainland. The nearest airport is Preveza-Aktion, 25 minutes away by car. Regular flights arrive from Athens year-round, while summer brings direct connections from several European cities.
Beaches of the West Coast
The western coastline has several beaches accessible by different means. At Porto Katsiki, 347 steps lead down limestone cliffs to the sea. Egremni Beach stretches for 2.5 kilometers with white pebbles and clear waters, accessible via a steep stairway. Kathisma Beach has a paved road to the shore, with beach bars and water sports equipment rentals from June to September.
Windsurfing in Vassiliki
The wind in Vassiliki Bay follows a daily pattern. Morning waters stay calm at 1-2 Beaufort until noon, suitable for beginners. Between 2-4 PM, thermal winds typically reach 4-6 Beaufort, creating waves for advanced windsurfing. Five schools operate from May to October, providing equipment and lessons for all skill levels.
Villages in the Mountains
In Karya village, local women create needle lace using techniques dating to the 1600s. You can walk the Dimosari Gorge path through oak and plane trees to reach a 15-meter waterfall. Stone-paved paths connect mountain villages, passing olive groves and stone wells built during the 1600s Venetian period.
Food and Local Products
Farmers in Egklouvi village grow lentils at 900 meters altitude, a variety known throughout Greece. The island has olive trees over 500 years old, producing oil sold in local markets. Fresh fish arrives daily at tavernas from local fishing boats, and small vineyards grow vertzami grapes, a variety found only on Lefkada.
Island Hopping from Nydri
Boats depart Nydri harbor every two hours to nearby islands. Meganisi has three villages - Vathy, Katomeri, and Spartochori - plus several swim-accessible sea caves. You can see Skorpios island's shoreline on boat tours passing the former Onassis private island. Daily ferries connect to Kefalonia and Ithaca, though these larger islands need a full day to explore.
