Lefkada

Yes, and here's the honest answer: Lefkada delivers everything people imagine when they picture a Greek island holiday, but without the ferry drama or Santorini prices. You get turquoise water that looks photoshopped (it's not), cliff-backed beaches that regularly make "best in Europe" lists, and mountain villages where yiayias still hang washing across the lane. The fact that you can drive straight onto the island from mainland Greece makes it one of the easiest Greek islands to reach, especially if you're road-tripping from Athens or combining it with Meteora, Delphi, or Parga. It's not undiscovered, but it hasn't been polished into a luxury cliché either.

There's no direct route, so you're looking at connections. Most Australians fly into Athens, then either:

• Fly to Aktion (Preveza) Airport: About 1 hour from Athens on a domestic flight, then 20 minutes by car to Lefkada. This is the fastest option.

• Drive from Athens: Around 5 hours on good roads, entirely doable if you want flexibility or plan to stop along the way (Delphi, Galaxidi, or the coastal route through Rio-Antirrio bridge).

• Take the KTEL bus: Leaves from Kifissos station in Athens and takes about 5.5 hours. Budget-friendly but less comfortable.

If you're flying into Athens first, check out our guide to travelling to Greece from Australia for logistics on visas, packing, and timing your trip.

Technically, Lefkada is an island. But it's connected to mainland Greece by a floating causeway and swing bridge, which means you can drive straight on without catching a ferry. The bridge opens every hour to let boats through, so if you're crossing at the wrong moment, you'll wait about 10 minutes watching yachts glide past. Some people argue this makes Lefkada "not a real island." Those people are missing the point.

Five to seven days hits the sweet spot. That gives you time to beach-hop properly (Porto Katsiki alone deserves a full morning), take a boat trip to Meganisi or Atokos, explore the mountain villages without rushing, and still have a day for windsurfing in Vasiliki or floating in a cove somewhere with a cold Mythos in hand.

If you only have three days, you can see the highlights, but you'll feel like you're ticking boxes. More than a week, and you can properly slow down into island time.

September is the sweet spot for most travellers. The sea is still warm (around 24-25°C), the summer crowds have thinned, the light turns golden in the afternoons, and you won't be fighting for parking at Porto Katsiki.

May and June are gorgeous if you prefer wildflowers over sunbathing, though the water is still waking up.

July and August bring the energy: beach bars pumping, Vasiliki packed with windsurfers, nightlife in full swing. But the popular beaches get crowded by 11am, and accommodation prices peak.

October can be lovely early in the month, but many seasonal businesses close after the 20th, and you'll find a quieter, more local island. For a deeper dive on timing, see our best time to visit Greece guide.

Yes. Lefkada is larger than it looks on the map, buses are limited, and the best beaches hide down winding roads that would take hours to walk. A car also lets you time your crossings over the causeway bridge (it swings open hourly) and escape to quieter coves when the main beaches fill up. If you're not comfortable driving, a scooter works for shorter trips, but the mountain roads to places like Egremni are steep and twisty.

A few things:

• Beaches: Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma regularly appear on "best beaches in Greece" and "best beaches in Europe" lists. The west coast is dramatic, with white cliffs dropping into absurdly blue water.

• Skorpios Island: The private island where Aristotle Onassis married Jackie Kennedy. You can't step foot on it (unless you're a billionaire guest), but boat tours circle it and guides love telling the stories.

• Windsurfing: Vasiliki is one of Europe's top windsurfing spots thanks to a reliable afternoon thermal wind locals call "Eric."

• The Sappho legend: Ancient myth says the poet Sappho threw herself from Cape Lefkatas over unrequited love. It's probably not true, but it adds to the island's romantic mystique.

No. Skorpios is privately owned and closed to visitors. It's currently held under a 99-year lease by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev and is being developed into an ultra-exclusive resort. Boat tours from Nidri will take you close enough to see the beaches and hear the Jackie O stories, but you can't land. If you want the private island experience without the private island price tag, try chartering a boat to Atokos instead, where the only residents are wild pigs.

The west coast has the showstoppers:

• Porto Katsiki: The famous one. White cliffs, impossible blue water, accessed via stairs from a clifftop car park. Arrive before 10am in summer or you'll be parking on the road and walking.

• Egremni: Wilder and less developed than Porto Katsiki. Over 300 steps down (and back up), but worth it for the sense of having earned your swim.

• Kathisma: The longest beach on the island. Sandy, organised with loungers and beach bars, popular with paragliders launching from the cliffs above.

• Mylos Beach: Small, pretty, reached by foot from Agios Nikitas or by taxi boat. Good for a quieter morning.

The east coast beaches (near Nidri and Nikiana) are calmer and more family-friendly, with shallower water and less drama.

Generally, yes. Lefkada's tap water is drinkable in most areas, unlike some other Greek islands where desalination makes it taste unpleasant. That said, many locals and visitors still buy bottled water out of habit. If you're staying in a rental, ask your host. Bringing a reusable bottle and refilling it is the more sustainable move.

Lefkada has its own culinary identity, shaped by the Ionian and a history of self-sufficiency:

• Savoro: Fish pan-fried and finished with a rosemary-vinegar sauce. Simple and sharp.

• Eglouvi lentils: Grown in the mountain village of Eglouvi, these tiny lentils are famous across Greece. You'll find them in soups, salads, and stews.

• Ladopita: An olive oil pie that sounds plain but is rich and satisfying, especially from a village bakery.

• Salami Lefkados: A local cured meat with garlic and peppercorns, Venetian-influenced.

• Mandolato and pasteli: Traditional sweets made with almonds and honey.

Pair meals with Vertzami, a local red wine, or keep it classic with ouzo.

Yes. The east coast beaches (Nikiana, Ligia, Nidri area) have calmer water and easier access than the dramatic west coast. There are no big waves, the water stays shallow longer, and several beaches have facilities. Meganisi makes a great day trip with kids, and the Nidri waterfalls are an easy walk. Just be careful on the stairs at Egremni and Porto Katsiki with little ones, as they're steep and tiring.

Different vibe entirely. The Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos) have that classic whitewashed-and-blue aesthetic, dry landscapes, and Aegean light. Lefkada is greener, more rugged, and feels less "designed." It's part of the Ionian Islands, which have a different history (Venetian rather than Ottoman influence) and a different feel: more Italian, more lush, more laid-back. If you want turquoise water without the Cycladic crowds and prices, Lefkada delivers.

The Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and larger shops, but bring cash for parking fees, small beach canteens, and village bakeries. ATMs are available in Lefkada Town, Nidri, and Vasiliki.

Less so than the Cyclades or other popular Greek islands. Accommodation, food, and car hire are all cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos. A decent meal for two with wine will run €40-60 at most tavernas. Beach loungers are typically €8-15 for a set. Budget travellers can manage on €80-100 per day (excluding accommodation), while mid-range travellers spending €150-200 per day will eat well and stay comfortably.

Yes, but it's different from Cycladic island-hopping. Lefkada connects to the Ionian Islands by ferry:

• Meganisi: 25 minutes from Nidri. Small, slow-paced, and perfect for a day trip or overnight.

• Kefalonia: Ferry from Vasiliki to Fiskardo (about 1 hour). Kefalonia is larger and wilder.

• Ithaca: Also reachable from Vasiliki via Frikes.

• Corfu: No direct ferry, but you can drive to Igoumenitsa on the mainland and catch a boat.

For spontaneous day trips, the boat excursions from Nidri to Skorpios, Meganisi, and the Papanikolis Cave are the easiest option.

• Reef shoes or sturdy sandals: Many beaches are pebbly, and the stairs at Egremni and Porto Katsiki are uneven.

• Sunscreen and a hat: The Greek sun is relentless, especially in July and August.

• A light jacket: Evenings can be breezy, especially near the water or up in the mountain villages.

• Snorkelling gear: Optional, but useful if you want to explore coves without hiring equipment.

• Cash: For parking, beach canteens, and villages where cards aren't always accepted.

For a full packing list tailored to Greece, check our guide to travelling to Greece from Australia.

Very. Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, and Lefkada is quieter than most tourist destinations. Petty crime is rare, locals are helpful, and the biggest risks are sunburn and overestimating your stamina on beach stairs. Use common sense with valuables, drive carefully on mountain roads, and respect the sea (some west coast beaches have strong currents).

Greek. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In smaller villages and among older locals, you might need to gesture or use a translation app. Learning a few Greek phrases (kalimera, efharisto, parakalo) goes a long way.