Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, connected to the mainland by a floating bridge.
Famous for its excellent sandy beaches with turquoise waters, its magnificent coves, ideal for docking boats and the wooded islets near the coastline, the Princess Islands.
Where to go and what to see
Nidri:
Most travelers will find themselves in Nidri, the island’s biggest resort by far. It’s an average resort but has a lovely setting and a reasonable pebble beach offering watersports.
Sivota:
Around 14km south of Nidri, the fjord-like inlet of Sivota, 2
km down a steep hill from the main road, cuts a deep gash into the coastline. This is one of the most popular stops for yachting flotillas. There’s no beach except for a remote cove, but some fine taverns, mostly specializing in fish.
Vasiliki:
Around 5km west of Sivota but longer by the winding road, Vasiliki,the island’s premier watersports resort, lies at the East end of a huge bay, cut off from the rest of the east coast by the barren peninsula of cape Doukato.
Karia:
mountainous and beautiful. Karia is the mountain village of Lefkada, 14km away from the city of Lefkada ,about 20 minutes by car.Drowned in the deep greenery that nature has unrivaled and cared for by its hospitable inhabitants. It is built on the green slopes of the mountain at an altitude of 500 meters and is renowned for its excellent climate and unparalleled natural beauty.
Beautiful beaches
Ai Giannis:
The beach of Ai Gianiis (Sant John) is one of the closest beaches to the Lefkada Town. It’s 3 km away from the center and is one of the top beaches of the island. Large in size with turquoise waters and constant winds. This beach is a meeting place for leading Windsurfing and Kite surfing Championships.
Kastro Beach:
Another beautiful beach with deep blue waters and golden sand. Mostly appreciated by locals due to its proximity to Lefkadatown.
Porto Katsiki:
This beautiful beach has been awarded as the best beach in Greece. It is located southwest of the island. This magnificent beach can be accessed via 347 steps. The clear crystal waters and the sunset from the beach create a dreaming landscape.
Egkremnoi:
A huge and impressive beach which is located 30km away from the center of Lefkada Town. This long sandy beach is surrounded by impressive cliffs. It’s considered one the top in Mediterranean.
Kathisma:
Located 14km east of the capital of Lefkada. It’s a large beach with turquoise waters and white sand. It’s very attractive for young people due to beach bars. Gialos:A beach with crystal waters and a rocky breathtaking landscape.
Agiofylli:
One of the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada with clear turquoise waters. Located in a very graphical bay on the left side of Vasiliki. You can take the boat from Vasiliki or follow the path from the southeast side.
Ligia&Nikiana:
Small pebble beaches, close to the villages of Ligia and Nikiana, ideal for families.
MikrosGialos – Poros:
MikrosGialos beach is one of the most beautiful on the island of Lefkada. It is located about 25 km south of the capital of the island, near the small village of Poros. The beach is long and sandy and the sea is blue and crystal. On the beach are available
deck chairs, umbrellas, bars and taverns.
AgiosNikitas – Pefkoulia:
This beach is located near the fishing village of AgiosNikitas, 10 km from the city of Lefkada. During the summer it can be full, valid for one of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on the island. Although readily available (with parking spaces), the beach is a half wild and untouched nature. Suitable for families with young children.
What to do while you are visiting Lefkada
Cruise in famous Scorpios and Ionian Islands
Take a cruise in the mesmerising Satellite Islands, get to know famous Scorpios, ”the island of Onasis”, Meganisi and explore the beauties of the Ionian sea.
Taste traditional delicacies
Lefkada has many traditional products for you to try.
Due to its peculiar ground and lush vegetation, you can find many types of traditional Greek honey .
Lefkada has large areas of olive trees. Many produce their own olive oil, so it will be easy to find and taste it. One of the things you must taste is the PDO (Product Denomination of Origin) products of Lefkada, the lentils of Eglouvi and Lefkadian Salami.
Taste also the traditional sweets (pastelia, mantolata, mantoles, etc.), traditional ladopita, Rozoli liquor and many more.
Lefkada also makes exceptional ice cream due to its’ proximity to Italy!
So, dive into the Lefkadian tastes and be amazed.
Visit Monastery of PanagiaFaneromeni
One of the things you certainly must see is the monastery of ”PanagiaFaneromeni”.
PanagiaFaneromeni is the most important religious centre on the island of Lefkada. Located on a hill above the Town,in the region of Frini,it gives a breathtaking panoramic view to the main entrance of Lefkada and its amazing costline.
The monastery was originally built in 1634 on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of hunting. On this site, the students of Apostle Paul had preached Christianity some centuries ago. In the Venetian times, the monastery was renovated but unfortunately it was destroyed by two large fires. In the late 19th century, the monastery was reconstructed and functions up to the present time.
Today, it hosts an interesting Ecclesiastical Museum with rare Byzantine icons, old manuscripts and gospels and a navy museum. The monks also maintain a small park that host various species of animals.
Visit Cape Lefkatas and explore its wild beauty. Many myths surround this wild place. Some say that it took its name from Lefkos, a companion of Odysseus, others say from Lefkatas, a young man who according to mythology, in his effort to escape from the rage of God Appolo, jump off the cliff. Go there and witness its wild beauty. Watch magical sunsets. Let the wind whisper in your ear, the myth of Sappho, who committed suicide for the love of Faon.
Where to eat
FRYNI STO MOLO
Lefkada
The restaurant “Frini sto Molo” is located in the east pier of the old town of Lefkada in front of the Marina and its open all year. The dining area has its own cozy atmosphere where you can try different plates from local cuisine and not only. The menu has a big selection of appetizers and main courses for all needs and the prices are normal. Don't forget to try “Molos Salad” or the “Steamed Mussels cooked with white wine” as well as the delicious dessert. There are also daily plates that you can choose among meat and steaks, fresh fish and pasta or pulses. During the summer the restaurant is moving close to the sea in the nicely pedestrian in front of the boats.
SEVEN ISLANDS
Lygia
Tavern Seven Islands is situated in Ligia, just 2 m. from the sea! (little street next to Shell)
It is a very cosy and friendly family restaurant with a lovely view over the small harbour of Ligia. You can enjoy the moon, the sun and play with the fishes; traffic is far away. Maybe, if you are lucky, you can watch some dolphins go by. The
menu of the tavern is very extensive; you can choose from homemade Greek dishes prepared by the mother of the owners, beautiful steaks, vegetarian dishes or grilled fresh fish! The staff will do its utmost to bring you a wonderful evening! Of course,
it is possible to book a table in advance.
The tavern also has a safe playground for little children.
ZOLITHROS
Mikros Gialos
In 1972 Armata's family decides for the first time to give the very fresh fish that "Barba-Nikos" was catching with his boat to the few visitors and friends. This is how we have created the small yard of "Zolithros" which some years later was meant to be the tavern that attracts everybody on the beautiful bay of "Mikros Gialos". Thirty-five years later "Barba-Nikos" continues tirelessly to barbeque the fresh fish which he fishes with his boat, Miss Yannoula fascinates us with the most delicious local recipies and the always polite and cheerful Vangelis with his jokes and willingness will serve you in a unique way so you enjoy your choices!
Trata
Nidri
Trata is a classic Greek tavern in Nydri. It is ideal for enjoying a family meal in a very family environment. The menu includes an excellent variety of dishes, cooked with fresh ingredients. Prices are very reasonable and the food is great!
Sesoula-Dragano
"Sesoula" is a traditional family tavern that has been operating since 1989 and is located in the village of Dragano in southwest Lefkada. Its name was taken from a small, uninhabited island of the Ionian Sea located just opposite. You will meet it on your way from the city of Lefkada to Porto Katsiki Beach, Gialos or to Lefkada Cape. A stop on the return will make you understand why 28 years now, it has constant customers returning here to enjoy under the vine the homemade cooked and grilled time. Open: May 1 - October 31, daily 09: 00-23: 30
Rachi-Exanthia
Rachi tavern is located in the village of Exanthia in 600m altitude and its exceptional location offers a mesmerizing view to the Ionian Sea. It is not an excess to say that when you are in Rachi you feel like being in heaven.Sometimes beauty lies in small details. Dishes that are simple, traditional and tasteful. A simple decoration with a touch of natural elements. Interesting music. Smiling personel that is there to satisfy your every request. Last but not least, the amazing location that this open space tavern is built! These details create an environment that stays indelible in mind. When you finish your dinner, drink your drink or cocktail to the new bar FLY ME and enjoy your drinks above the clouds.
Taverna Ionion
Sivota Lefkas
The hunt for perfect fish food leads us to a very nice family taverna open since 1982.
The head of the family has worked for more than 15 years cooking on boats when he decided to take the land of his father and to open a restaurant in Sivota
Today, the restaurant is run by the whole family who provide daily fresh fish and maybe the best lobsters any of us has tried on the island.
If you are fan of Greek food, don’t hesitate to order the homemade Mousaka.
The restaurnat has a lovely, friendly attitude, pleasant and helpful staff, a beautiful view of Sivota’s port and delicious food.
Ey Zhn-
Lefkada Town
With its playful 'roadhouse meets artist’s loft' decor, and an eclectic menu of everything from tacos and tandoori chicken to taramasalata, this popular little restaurant attracts a lively cosmopolitan crowd.
Pavlos-Haradiatika
Haradiatika, Lefkada
Everybody comes to the village for the famous barbecue with their local produce. Try kokoretsi, the local frygadeli, kontosouvli pork chops and splenandero and excellent quality red local wine. A prerequisite for coming up to 7 in the afternoon, otherwise you will find it hard to find a table.
Pomodoro-Nidri
The best restaurant in Lefkas!!!If you want to try authentic Italian dishes pomodoro is the only place that can offer you unforgettable tastes. Moreover the staff is friendly and polite,one feature that is very significant in a restaurant.The prices are affordable.