Just a mere three and a half hours from the UK is the spectacular Lefkada Island one of seven in the Ionian offering its visitors spectacular sandy beaches. Long stretches of golden sand similar to the beaches found on the Atlantic coast.
West coast beaches face the open sea and are perfect for windy water-sports and never-ending sea views whilst beaches on the East coast are more protected from the elements so much calmer.
WEST COAST BEACHES
Sweeping view of Porto Katsiki beach, Lefkada Island
PORTO KATSIKI
Among the top ten beaches in Greece and certainly one of Lefkada’s main attractions is Porto Katsiki, just over an hours southwest drive from Lefkada Town, you arrive at the spectacular Porto Katsiki beach. It’s simply breath-taking with its clear blue waters, huge vertical cliffs and stunning views an idyllic landscape surrounded by lush vegetation. Access to the beach on foot can be challenging but truly well worth the effort.
If you don’t feel like driving to this irresistible beach, why not hire a water-taxi from Nidri or Vasiliki, but remember to book your return!
EGREMNI BEACH
North of Porto Katsiki beach and at around 40km southwest of Lefkada Town lays the beautiful Egremni beach that stretches a whole 2.5 kilometres long and named after the impressive rocks that surround the beach. The walk down to the beach can be bit challenging but well worth the effort. Once on the beach the white sand and crystal-clear turquoise-blue waters paint a true exotic setting. Swimming conditions on the beach are idyllic.
KATHISMA BEACH
Kathisma beach is another major attraction that this beautiful Lefkada has to offer. Kathisma is actually the island’s longest beach and like Egremni with its white sand and turquoise waters it attracts visitors daily, any wonder why. Its beautiful backdrop surrounding the beach offers a feeling of utter tranquillity and isolation. Kathisma is located a mere 15km southeast of Lefkada Town and a few minutes away from the village of Agios Nikitas.
AVALI BEACH
If you are looking for peace and relaxation, then this is the beach for you and despite its size it never seems to get overcrowded. It’s turquoise coloured crystal-clear sea will welcome you but pack a picnic as there are no facilities on the beach an bring an umbrella for some shade. Access road to the beach can be a tad tricky and its advisable to get there early to secure your space for the day.
KAVALIKEFTA BEACH
If you don’t like getting sand everywhere and prefer a rocky beach the Kavalikefta Beach is for you. You can jump and swim off the rocks here, but before you do check the conditions are safe and the sea is calm. Right next to Kavalikefta you will find Megali Petra beach. Megali Petra translated to English is ‘Big Rock’! This beach does get busy so get there early morning to avoid the crowds.
MILOS BEACH
Located in the northwest of the island between the beaches of Kathisma and Agios Nikitas, is where we find Milos beach, another sandy beach adding to Lefkada’s long repertoire of beautiful bays. Access to the beach is via a path down to the beach which begins from a pedestrian street in Agios Nikitas. You can also access the beach by hiring a water-taxi. When the water is calm Milos beach really does offer the most wonderful swimming conditions. As the beach is located on the west coast is can be susceptible to being windy and waves.
PEFKOULIA BEACH
This beach is renowned for having a famous lookout from the main road where you have uninterrupted views of the crystal-clear waters and lush forests on the cliffs above, it really is a beautiful setting. Easily reached from Lefkada Town and Agios Nikitas there’s plenty of free car parking even during the peak summer months so always plenty of space on the beach to find your perfect spot.
AGIOS IOANNIS
Ionian Sea
Agios Ioannis is the nearest beach to the island’s capital and it’s another amazing exotic setting that Lefkada has to offer. It’s a long stretch of golden sandy beach that attracts Windsurfers and Kite Surfers throughout the summer.
Together with the water sports centres you will also find a handful of cafés along the beach as well as the beautiful whitewashed Church of Agios Ioannis. Simply stunning!
BEACHES ON THE EAST COAST OF LEFKADA
AMMOGLOSSA BEACH
An interesting beach located next to the Causeway (Floating Bridge) as you come onto Lefkada island from the mainland in the north. Due to its location it is less frequented even during the peak summer months so there is always plenty of space. The beach here has a gentle gradient with shallow waters, a perfect environment for children and not so confident swimmers to enjoy and because of the shallow waters the sea temperature is warmer than other beaches. Directly in front of this beach is the Castle of Agia Mavra, which is the largest fort on Lefkada. Parking is never a problem as there is plenty close to the beach.
VASSILIKI BEACH
Vassiliki beach is a world-renowned windsurfing mecca, the bay is long and wide and creates the most perfect conditions for sailing and windsurfing, especially in the afternoon when ‘Eric’ the catabatic wind drives into the bay. There are plenty of eating and drinking options which are all within an easy short walk. The charming little fishing village of Vassiliki is also worth wandering around too!
AGIOFILI BEACH
This medium sized bay is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. It is a great spot for snorkelling with a rocky seabed that’s home to much sea life. The beach is a tad tricky to access by car, so make it a treat by getting a hiring a boat from Vasiliki nearby! Best get there early morning to beat the rush and pick your perfect spot! This beach can also be reached on foot from Vasiliki if you don’t fancy taking the boat.
AMMOUSSA BEACH
Ammoussa beach is located 40km from Lefkada Town around a 30-minute drive. This smaller beach is well sheltered with shallow areas and therefore is known as the warmest beach on Lefkada island! With fine white pebbles and some of the clearest swimming waters on the island, Ammoussa beach is an idyllic place for families and for those who want to enjoy a piece of serenity not to mention a really refreshing swim. The rich marine life at the foot of the cliffs attracts those who enjoy snorkelling and diving. The beach is easily accessible and has a large car park.
NIDRI BEACH
If you are staying in this popular village on Lefkada, no doubt you will visit this beach. The sea conditions are as calm as a mill pond but really has a lot going on. From dinghy and yacht sailing boats bobbing about in the water, to windsurfing and paddleboard rental. There is also a great choice of water sports centres providing water-skiing and wakeboarding in the bay. The beach accessed via little paths and roads from the main street of Nidri, here you will find an abundance of tavernas, bars and independent shops.
LAKKA BEACH
This absolutely dreamy beach found on the Yelion East peninsular, it can only be accessed by boat from Nidri or Desimi! This beach is worth the effort especially for the snorkelling and the quiet surroundings. In the crystal-clear waters off the beach you will find an abundance of sea life, large and small fish, squid, octopuses, starfish and crabs. You can reach this beach by either renting a small boat or via a boat excursion company based in the named villages.
For more information about exploring Lefkada Island and our selection of villa holiday options, speak to our team on 0208 459 0777 or mail@ionianislandholidays.com.