Lefkada: Experience Greece Far from the Crowds

Among the lesser-known Greek islands is Lefkada. Although it has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years, the island still operates under the radar of most travelers. Why this is the case is hard to say, as it is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also incredibly diverse and full of surprises: Franzi takes you to the Greek island and shows you stunning beaches and genuine insider tips.

Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, or Mykonos: these are the usual suspects on a bucket list trip to Greece. However, the country is made up of over 3000 islands - at least when you count the smallest ones. About 230 of them are inhabited, and at least 78 have seen tourists. So why not try something new?

How about postcard-perfect white sand beaches lined with dramatic cliffs? Or perhaps a thundering waterfall, a stroll through a fishing village, or a flock of flamingos on the shore? Lefkada has the makings of an absolute dream island, and anyone looking to complement their vacation with exciting outdoor activities will find themselves in the right place here.

Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea and is connected to the mainland via a causeway. With 345 square kilometers, the island is small enough that one can drive from one end to the other in less than an hour. Like on all Greek islands, renting a car is advisable on Lefkada, as there are hardly any public transportation options, and the most beautiful beaches and bays can only be reached by car.

The landmark of Lefkada is Porto Katsiki Beach. Here, dramatic limestone cliffs tower over azure blue waters. The staircase to the bay has 110 steps, and at the bottom awaits a wide strip of bright white sand for sun-seeking visitors. There is no sand here, but the fine pebbles are quite comfortable to relax on. A particularly great atmosphere arises in the late afternoon. As the sun slowly sets over the Ionian Sea, the cliffs are bathed in bright reds and blues.

Porto Katsiki frequently appears in rankings of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Therefore, a visit is an absolute must, even though getting there requires some effort. The beach is about 40 kilometers from Lefkada Town and can be reached via relatively narrow roads and winding serpentines. It is worth leaving very early, as the road can get quite congested. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at the beach, and there is a small kiosk at the parking lot. A gas station stop is also recommended, as there is no gas station on the way from Lefkada.

Porto Katsiki may be the most famous, but certainly not the only dream beach on Lefkada. Almost as impressive is Agiofili Beach on the southern coast of the island. The bay is also beautifully nestled in the landscape, and even on cloudy days, the ocean shines in a thousand shades of blue and turquoise. The snow-white pebbles ensure crystal-clear water, making Agiofili not only a fantastic swimming spot but also a true snorkeling hotspot.

The beach can be reached via an unpaved road, at the end of which is a parking lot. During the summer months, there is also a small kiosk as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Those who want to avoid the serpentine road can take a water taxi from Vasiliki or hike along the coast from the southernmost point of Vasiliki for about 45 minutes.

Especially among families, Kathisma Beach is one of the most popular bathing spots on the island. It is easily accessible and just a few minutes from Agios Nikitas on the west coast. During the day, one can relax wonderfully here and enjoy the shallow water and soft sand. But there's also a lively atmosphere in the evenings: directly across from the beach, there is a fantastic pool and cocktail bar where you can enjoy a drink while watching the breathtaking sunset.

Tiny but still beautiful is Afteli Beach on the west coast. Getting there is also a bit of an effort: the bay is a half-hour drive from Nydri, and the last four kilometers are via a narrow winding road. However, it is worth it because once you arrive, you can enjoy wonderful snorkeling and swimming in the clear water. There is also a nice little restaurant that serves snacks and drinks to your sunbed.

Hiking is a popular activity on Lefkada, and many visitors come specifically for this reason. The region around Mount Elati, which rises 1160 meters, is particularly favored. The highest mountain on the island is also called Stavrota and offers beautiful hiking trails of all difficulty levels. There are also challenging hikes available in the mountainous region, so it's worth having good hiking gear. Here the Lefkada prefecture has compiled the most beautiful hiking routes on the island.

A short but particularly beautiful trail leads to the Dimosari Waterfall. It is considered the most beautiful on the island and is located near Nydri. The trail begins at a parking lot three kilometers outside the village. From there, it's about a 20-minute walk over picturesque bridges and past stunning rock formations to reach the waterfall. During the summer months, it is advisable to bring swimwear as a small pool forms at the foot of Dimosari, providing a wonderful refreshment on warm days.

In addition to hikers and those in search of peace, there's a third group of people who regularly flock to Lefkada. We're talking about water sports enthusiasts, as the island is an absolute paradise for wind and kitesurfers. Particularly popular is Milos Beach in the northwest, which is among the best and most renowned surf spots in Europe.

In Nydri, enthusiasts of all water sports can also find their interests. In the island's most touristy spot, various activities are offered - from parasailing, wakeboarding, and water skiing to boat tours and kayaking, there is something for everyone.

For a stunning sunset on Lefkada, a trip to Cape Duke is worth it. Better known as Cape Lefkatas, it is considered the most photogenic spot on the island. Not only is it lovely to watch the sun set like a glowing red ball into the ocean from the 14-meter-high lighthouse, but many secluded spots around the cape offer romantic hours for couples. By the way, Cape Duke also has a mystical story: in his Odyssey, Homer placed the entrance to the underworld at this spot.

Lefkada is incredibly diverse, and you won't get bored too quickly. However, if you have some time to spare, a detour to the neighboring island of Meganisi is a must. Here too, you can find great coves and crystal-clear water. But the highlight of the island is the traditional Greek lifestyle, which is lived even more intensely here than in the more touristy regions.

To explore some of the beautiful small villages, head to Katomeri. The residents live here from olive cultivation, and it is incredibly fun to wander through the narrow streets and admire the whitewashed, intricately designed houses. The fishing village of Vathy has particularly great restaurants and cafés directly at the harbor.

Meganisi is significantly smaller than Lefkada and can be completely circled by car in less than an hour. However, the vehicle should not be larger than a compact car. In the villages, the streets are often so narrow that larger cars quickly get stuck. Traveling by scooter is much more relaxed; one can rent them directly at the ferry terminal.

Unfortunately, there aren't many ferries from Lefkada to Meganisi. It is best to take the first one at 7 AM (Note: ferry times differ on weekends). Departing from Nydri, the crossing takes about half an hour. An overview of prices and ferry times can be found here.

While typical tourist destinations like Crete or Santorini can barely handle the crowds in high season, Lefkada has retained its original charm. Here, visitors are still astonished to see someone wandering into the small villages. And when they dine at the rustic tavern in the evening, the fish is caught straight from the sea in front of them. In Lefkada, time seems to tick a little differently. And especially when you see older people sitting for hours in the shade of the cafés, you can't help but shift down a gear and simply go with the flow. Authentic Greek culture and a vacation as it should be - Lefkada definitely has what it takes to be a dream island.

The highlights of Lefkada: