Lefkada Travel Guide – Beaches, Villages, Skorpios & Insider Tips
Porto Katsiki
Lefkada (Lefkas) is one of the easiest Greek islands to visit. No ferry, just a bridge from the mainland. It’s known for jaw-dropping beaches like Porto Katsiki, glamorous neighbours like Skorpios (Jackie Onassis’ island), and laid-back villages where life slows down.
Why Lefkada Is Greece’s “Caribbean” Without the Price Tag
Picture cliffs tumbling into water so bright it almost glows. That’s Lefkada. Unlike Mykonos or Santorini, it hasn’t been smoothed into a luxury postcard. It’s rugged, unpolished, and that’s part of the charm.
The island is nicknamed the “Caribbean of Greece” thanks to its turquoise waters and dramatic coastline. And because you can drive straight across the floating causeway from the mainland, Lefkada is also one of the cheapest and easiest Ionian islands to reach.
The History of Lefkada
Lefkada’s story stretches back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks once believed the poet Sappho leapt from Cape Lefkatas, giving the island a mythical aura. Over the centuries, its position in the Ionian Sea made it a prize for empires and traders alike.
During the Middle Ages, the Venetians left the deepest mark. From the 17th century until the late 18th century, Lefkada was under Venetian rule. They fortified the island with castles and defensive walls, most famously the Agia Mavra fortress near the causeway. Venetian influence is still visible in the island’s architecture—colourful wooden-fronted houses with tiled roofs, narrow lanes, and arcaded streets built to withstand earthquakes.
Later came periods under the French and British, before the island was united with Greece in 1864 along with the rest of the Ionian Islands. Each era layered new details onto Lefkada’s character, from neoclassical buildings to churches decorated with intricate woodcarvings. Today, wandering through Lefkada Town reveals this layered history, where Venetian-style balconies sit above cafes buzzing with modern island life.
Best Time to Visit Lefkada
When should you visit Lefkada?
May & June: Beaches are quiet, wildflowers cover the hills, and the sea warms up.
July & August: The island buzzes with energy. Perfect if you love nightlife and beach bars, but expect crowds.
September & October: Warm water, golden sunsets, and half the people. Keep in mind that after around the 20th of October, many seaside hotels, restaurants, and seasonal businesses close for winter.
How many days do you need? Five to seven days is ideal. You’ll have time for beaches, boat trips, inland villages, and maybe even a sunset paraglide.
Getting There and Getting Around
The closest airport is Aktion (Preveza) Airport, just 20 minutes away. From there, it’s an easy drive across the causeway. You can also catch a long-distance KTEL bus from Athens directly to Lefkada, take an expensive taxi transfer if you prefer comfort, or even arrive by sail if you’re island-hopping the Ionian.
Do you need a car in Lefkada?
Yes. The island is big, buses are rare, and the best spots hide down winding roads. A car also helps you time your trips around the causeway bridge, which swings open every hour to let boats pass.
Egremni Beach
The Beaches That Made Lefkada Famous
What are the best beaches in Lefkada?
Porto Katsiki: Greece’s superstar beach. Towering cliffs, white pebbles, and that impossible blue water.
Egremni Beach: Remote and wild. Hundreds of steps take you down, but you’ll feel like you’ve found your own private paradise.
Kathisma Beach: Wide, sandy, and full of energy. Think loungers, cocktails, and paragliders swooping overhead.
Milos Beach: Quieter, reached on foot or by taxi boat from Agios Nikitas.
Agiofili & Pefkoulia: Smaller, family-friendly beaches where you can swim without the chaos.
Insider tip: Go early morning or late afternoon. At noon, parking is a battle.
Villages, Views and Hidden Corners
Lefkada Town: Earthquake-resistant wooden houses, Venetian-style streets, and plenty of cafés to linger in.
Vasiliki: A windsurfing hotspot with a reliable afternoon wind locals call “Eric.”
Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni: Just outside town, it’s steeped in history and offers panoramic views.
Agios Nikitas & Sivota: Fishing villages turned foodie havens with fresh seafood and chilled harbour vibes.
The Island of Skorpios: Jackie Onassis’ Private Playground
Just off the coast sits Skorpios, once owned by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. In the 1960s, it became the playground of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Maria Callas, and a roll call of celebrities. Parties here were legendary.
Today, Skorpios is privately owned under a 99‑year lease to Russian entrepreneur Dmitry Rybolovlev, though it remains tied to the Onassis legend. The island is being redeveloped into one of the world’s most exclusive luxury resorts, with villas, wellness centres, and even the historic Pink House, where Jackie Kennedy once stayed. Access is limited to around 50 guests at a time, ensuring absolute privacy.
Boat tours still circle Skorpios, and guides love retelling Jackie O’s glamorous summers and the whispers of what happened behind those guarded shores. Visitors can’t step foot on the island unless part of the private experience, but sailing around it feels like brushing against a piece of history.
Meganisi & Atakos: Day Trips Worth Making
Meganisi is Lefkada’s neighbour, just 25 minutes by ferry from Nidri. It’s smaller, slower, and dotted with coves that feel untouched. You’ll need your own transport. You can take your car or scooter onto the ferry, and once there, you can loop the whole island in a day. Don’t miss Papanikolis Cave, once a submarine hideout, which is accessible by boat.
Atakos Island is wilder still. Known for its turquoise bays and unexpected residents—pigs that roam freely along the beaches. Curious? We’ve covered their story in full in our article, Atokos, The Island Where Wild Pigs Join Your Beach Party.
Food and Wine You Can’t Miss
Lefkada is proudly local when it comes to food. Don’t leave without trying:
Savoro fish: Pan-fried and finished with rosemary vinegar.
Eglouvi lentils: Tiny, earthy, and famous across Greece.
Ladopita: Olive oil pie, best from a village bakery.
Pair it with Vertzamo wine, a local red, or keep it classic with ouzo on ice at sunset.
Where to eat in Lefkada:
Rachi (Exanthia): Famous for sunsets that rival Santorini.
Molos (Nidri): Seafood fresh off the boat.
Avali Cantine (Kathisma): Cliffside, bohemian, and perfect for lazy lunches.
Adventures Beyond the Sand
Lefkada isn’t only about beaches. It’s an adventure island.
Windsurfing in Vasiliki: World-class thanks to the steady “Eric” wind.
Paragliding: Take off from Exanthia and float above Kathisma Beach.
Hiking: Trails through Dimossari Gorge lead to waterfalls you can swim in.
Sailing: Join a cruise to hidden caves and swim-in bays.
Cycling: Rent e-bikes and ride between mountain villages.
Where to Stay in Lefkada
Luxury: Villas with infinity pools in Nidri or Sivota.
Mid-range: Boutique hotels in Agios Nikitas or Lefkada Town.
Budget: Family-run guesthouses inland or beachside camping at Kathisma.
Tip: In July and August, book months ahead.
5-Day Itinerary for Lefkada
Day 1: Explore Lefkada Town and Panagia Faneromeni Monastery.
Day 2: Porto Katsiki + Egremni beaches.
Day 3: Windsurfing in Vasiliki, dinner in Sivota.
Day 4: Boat trip to Skorpios and Meganisi.
Day 5: Inland villages + sunset dinner at Rachi.
Quick FAQs About Lefkada
Is Lefkada worth visiting?
Yes. It’s easy to reach, affordable, and home to some of Europe’s best beaches.
How do you get to Lefkada from Athens?
By car in 5 hours or a 1-hour flight to Aktion Airport.
What is Lefkada famous for?
Beaches like Porto Katsiki, Skorpios island, Jackie Onassis, and world-class windsurfing.
Can you go to Skorpios island?
No, but you can sail around it on boat tours.
Why Lefkada Should Be on Your Greek Island Travel List
Lefkada has everything people dream of when they think “Greek island”—beaches, villages, food, and a brush with history—without the ferry queues or inflated prices. It’s Greece at its most natural, with a little glamour floating just offshore on Skorpios.
