When it comes to choosing an island in Greece, Santorini is often the first to come to mind. It’s certainly on my bucket list, but when you’re tired and seeking tranquility, dealing with the crowds can be overwhelming, especially with all the YouTubers and influencers filling up every spot. On top of that, prices in Santorini can be quite steep, making it difficult to enjoy 15 days of good accommodation. So, we decided to explore somewhere different, and that’s how we chose Lefkada. I couldn’t be happier with our choice. Lefkada, the hidden gem of the west, offers stunning turquoise beaches and lush forests, giving you the perfect chance to reconnect with nature.
Egremni Beach
Egremni Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Lefkada. The road leading to it is both scenic and tiring, offering stunning views but also a challenging walk due to its steep and long path. Once you reach the end of the road, you’ll need to descend over 300 stairs to get down to the beach. Many visitors opt to take a taxi boat or join a day cruise that includes Egremni and other nearby destinations, making the journey more convenient while still enjoying the incredible scenery
Porto Katsiki
Porto Katsiki is another exquisite beach in Lefkada, known for its turquoise waters and striking white stones that give the beach its unique color. To reach the beach, you need to descend a number of stairs, but it’s much easier compared to Egremni Beach. Porto Katsiki is often crowded with people, and many boats on day trips stop by, playing loud music, so it’s not the best spot for relaxation. However, if you visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds thin out, it can be much more peaceful. The view from the parking lot is breathtaking, especially at sunset, and there are several viewpoints along the way perfect for photography and admiring the scenery.
On the way to Porto Katsiki, the road is incredibly scenic, with numerous viewpoints where you can stop and simply take in the breathtaking landscapes. Along the route, you’ll also find a few cafés perched on the edge of the cliffs, offering beautiful terraces where you can enjoy a drink while admiring the stunning views below. We always drive around the island to fully discover it and enjoy our time in nature. Along the way, we often come across spots perfect for sitting and watching the sunset, like the one in the picture. We were just driving when we saw the view and decided to stop. Some people were sitting quietly, a couple with a bottle of wine, others simply there to soak in the beauty. It’s one of those simple, unplanned moments that makes exploring the island so special.
Kathisma Beach
Kathisma Beach is another stunning beach in Lefkada, located very close to our accommodation (Villa Timoklia) and known for its impressive length. One side of the beach is organized, with plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, and beach bars, while the other side remains more natural, where you can bring your own umbrella or even a small tent.
The water is a striking aqua blue, at some points, it honestly feels like swimming in a pool. The white rocks, however, can make entering the water a bit tricky, so swimming shoes are highly recommended. This quieter side of the beach lies beneath a cliff, surrounded by trees and green bushes, giving it a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Before reaching the beach, there’s an incredible viewpoint where you can stop and admire Kathisma from above. The area also features a small cave and a paragliding spot for adventure lovers, adding even more character to this beautiful stretch of coast.
Nikiana
Nikiana is another beautiful area on the island of Lefkada, with a more touristy and lively vibe compared to the quieter spots. As you approach Nikiana, you’ll notice more accommodations, restaurants, bars, and a generally busier atmosphere. At the same time, the area is dotted with many natural beaches where, instead of renting sunbeds, you can simply use the shade of the trees as your umbrella. These beaches feel more authentic and relaxed, perfect for enjoying the sun and sea in a simple, unpretentious way.
Nikiana offered us more fun, even if it felt less luxurious than other parts of Lefkada. The view from our apartment was stunning, as you can see in the pictures, and it made us enjoy every moment we spent there. The sunrise is a story on its own, I had to wake up early just to watch it, then happily go back to sleep, grateful to have witnessed such beauty.
Nikiana also provides easy access to several scenic beaches that are less crowded than the island’s most famous ones. We tried many before finally choosing one just two minutes’ drive from our place. It had an almost private feeling, with the same familiar faces every day. We found our little spot under a tree, between the rocks, so beautiful that just remembering it now makes me smile.
Downtown Lefkada
Downtown Lefkada is charming like any town in Greece, bustling with cafés and restaurants. The pedestrian road is lined with shopping stores, especially for souvenirs and handicrafts, making it a great place to stroll. One of the highlights is a little bridge and a boardwalk along the canal, where you can enjoy a pleasant walk. This canal eventually leads to the sea, and the area around it is filled with pubs, bars, and restaurants. If you keep walking by the marina, you’ll spot numerous yachts, sailboats, and catamarans. The waterfront is also dotted with many restaurants where you can sit and dine while enjoying the view.
Old Windmills
At the entrance of Lefkada Island, you will notice on your right several old windmills sitting on the sand of Milli Beach. These windmills, located in the Gyra area, are remnants of Lefkada’s past, when they were used to grind grain with the help of the strong winds from the Ionian Sea. Some of the windmills have been restored, while others remain as picturesque ruins. At sunset, they create a stunning scene, with their silhouettes standing out against the colorful sky. This spot is perfect for a peaceful walk and a favorite for photographers.
The Lighthouse
The lighthouse in Lefkada, located at the very far edge of the island at Cape Doukato, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and a stunning sunset, much like other beautiful spots on the island. Although the parking area is a bit away from the lighthouse, you’ll need to hike a short distance to reach it, making the experience feel even more rewarding. The scenic drive to the lighthouse, winding through Lefkada’s captivating landscapes, is something we really enjoyed, .
Tips For Your Visit To Lefkada
- For swimming in Lefkada, it’s highly recommended to wear swimming shoes due to the many rocks underwater that can make it difficult to swim comfortably, especially for your little ones.
- For popular beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni, be aware that parking can cost around 10 euros. To avoid paying that fee, it’s best to arrive early and secure a free spot for your car. Also, make sure to pack enough food and beverages, as the restaurants there tend to be quite expensive. Don’t forget to bring your own tent and umbrella, as there is no natural shade available on these beaches.
- Kathisma Beach is stunning and a great spot for swimming, but it’s also a popular nudist beach for both men and women. If you feel uncomfortable with this, it might be better to explore other beaches in Lefkada.
- Take your car and explore the beauty of Lefkada. The island is quite large and offers breathtaking views at every turn. As you drive, you’ll come across charming villages with simple coffee shops and pizzerias that boast extraordinary views. Along the way, you’ll also discover hidden beaches and stunning viewpoints, especially at sunset, which are incredibly picturesque and perfect for photographs.
- If you have little ones and want to be close to the beaches, Nikiana might be a better choice. The town has several family-friendly beaches just minutes away, making it convenient if you need to return to your accommodation or change plans quickly. Additionally, there are plenty of stores nearby for anything you may need. While Lefkada’s more famous beaches are beautiful, they tend to be farther away, so staying in Nikiana offers easier access and flexibility for families.
- For accommodation, I highly recommend “Villa Timoklia” which was absolutely perfect, it is located near Kathisma beach. The house is beautifully decorated, fully equipped, and makes you feel right at home. It offers stunning views of both the mountains and the sea, and the cool breeze that comes through the windows at night, carrying the scent of pine from the surrounding forest, is simply priceless. On top of that, the hospitality of Timoklia and her family made our stay unforgettable. She reminded me of my mom, warmly welcoming us with afternoon coffee and treats. Every morning, she served traditional food for breakfast, and even provided some meals during the day. Her kindness and generosity went far beyond what we expected, making the experience truly special.
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