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Lefkas is one of the beautiful Ionian islands in Greece. It is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with a mountainous interior full of traditional villages and an impressive coastline with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water. A vacation to Lefkas equals a true color spectacle. Lefkas is therefore a wonderful destination to escape for a while under the Greek sun! Curious about what to do on Lefkada? We share our best tips, hotspots and attractions for a vacation on Lefkas. These are all our personal tips!
A vacation to the island of Lefkas
Lefkas, also called Lefkada, is one of the larger Ionian islands and is located on the west coast of Greece. Unlike many other islands, Lefkas is easily accessible via a pontoon bridge from the mainland. As a result, you do not need to take a ferry to get there, although boats depart daily to surrounding islands such as Meganisi and Kefalonia.
What makes Lefkas so special? The rugged, mountainous landscape, interspersed with bright blue bays and traditional villages. It is an island where you can explore nature or culture during the day, and in the evening settle down in a cozy taverna overlooking the sea. Lefkas is therefore the ideal destination for those looking for variety: from beach to adventure, from rest to conviviality.
1. Discover the most beautiful beaches of Lefkas
Lefkas is known for its spectacular beaches, where turquoise waters and impressive cliffs surround you. From hidden coves to popular beaches with beach bars, Lefkas has it all. Want to know which beaches you really should not miss? Check out our extensive article: the most beautiful beaches of Lefkas.
Some stunning beaches you can already put on your list are:
Porto Katsiki: one of the most famous beaches in Greece, with an insane view from the cliffs;
Milos Beach: accessible only by hiking trail or boat, but absolutely worth it;
Kathisma Beach: lively, with cozy beach clubs and fantastic sunsets.
Klimaki Beach: a hidden gem that you can only reach by boat. This secluded bay feels like a true paradise.
Tip: Do you want to explore the most beautiful beaches in complete freedom? Then a rental car is really a must. Via Sunnycars you rent a car carefree and are all-in insured. Highly recommended!
Also read: The most beautiful beaches of Lefkas
Lefkas is an ideal vacation destination for beach lovers. Curious about the most beautiful beaches? We share our personal tips.
2. Visit the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni on Lefkas
On a green hill just outside Lefkas town you will find the monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, a place where peace and religion come together. This monastery is the main religious center of the island and is still frequently visited by locals. It towers over its surroundings and is built in a beautiful location, viz. on the spot where the first temple of Lefkas once stood. But not only that, because the view of the town and the bay is also breathtaking.
Wander through the monastery and garden, learn more about its historical significance and feast your eyes on the panoramic views.
3. Go to the viewpoint at Cape Lefkatas and the Doukato lighthouse
One of the most impressive places on Lefkas is undoubtedly Cape Lefkatas, located on the southernmost tip of the island. Here the white lighthouse of Doukato towers high above the rugged limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the endless Ionian Sea.
For the story around the Cape, we take you way back into history. Indeed, in ancient times, the temple Apollo, dedicated to the Greek god Apollon, was built here. According to Greek mythology, people jumped down from here to get rid of heartbreak. The Doukato lighthouse you can find there today was built in 1890. The lighthouse has a tower height of 14 meters and a focal height of 70 meters. You unfortunately cannot enter the lighthouse, but the stunning view of the Cape alone is well worth it.
Tip: for the best view, don't just go directly to the Cape, but drive about 3 minutes further. You will come across a place where you can park your car along the road and climb a rock. Here you will have the best view of the rugged cliffs and Doukato lighthouse.
4. Stroll through the most beautiful villages of Lefkas
Do you love typical Greek atmospheres, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets and taverns where the smell of grilled meat meets you? Then you will love Lefkas! The island is full of authentic villages where time sometimes seems to stand still. From mountain villages with panoramic views to cozy fishing villages by the sea, it is wonderful to wander through them.
A few villages not to be missed:
Englouvi: known for its traditional lentil cultivation;
Nikiana: a friendly coastal town with nice taverns.
Agios Nikitas: perhaps the most charming village on the island.
Vasiliki: loved by water sports enthusiasts and a fine place for a leisurely lunch on the harbor.
Discover all our tips in the article on the most beautiful villages of Lefkas.
Also read: The most beautiful villages of Lefkas
Anyone who loves the Greek atmosphere will undoubtedly love coming to Lefkas. There are in fact incredibly nice, cozy villages here. These are the best!
5. Hike to Nydri Falls and take a refreshing dip (Dimosari)
One of the most enjoyable nature outings on Lefkas is the hike to Nydri Falls, also known as Dimosari Falls. This place is hidden in the greenery and we recommend it mainly because of the beautiful hike to it. During the hike you walk along a babbling river and through a gorge-like environment. Nice to leave the hustle and bustle behind you and enjoy nature to the fullest.
The hike to the falls takes about 45 minutes (one way). It can be quite tough in the summer heat, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. In the early and late season, this outing is the most fun because then there is still plenty of water flowing and you can even take a refreshing dip in the (ice cold!) water of the waterfall. We were there in June, which was just right.
Tip: near the parking lot is a cozy little tent where you can settle down after your walk for a drink or a snack in the shade of a large plane tree. A nice place to catch your breath again.
6. A day on the water: take a boat trip along the coast of Lefkas
For us, a boat trip remains one of the finest ways to really experience an island. Swaying on the waves, the wind through your hair, snorkeling in clear water and enjoying breathtaking views along the way, that ultimate vacation feeling is guaranteed.
On Lefkas, we took a day trip with Odysseia, an authentic pirate boat that takes you to the most beautiful spots around the island. During this unforgettable day you sail past the impressive cave of Papanikolis, the picturesque village of Spartohori on the island of Meganissi, and you stop at the exclusive Klimaki Beach for a delicious barbecue on the beach. Highly recommended if you want to discover Lefkas from a different side!
7. Enjoy Greek cuisine on Lefkas
Of course, a visit to Lefkas is not complete without enjoying Greek cuisine in one of the cozy tavernas.
One of our favorites is Lithanofli in the village of Englouvi, where you can taste homemade specialties and where you are surrounded by locals. In the lively coastal village of Nikiana you will find Taverna O Minas, the place for the very best fresh fish, straight from the Ionian Sea on your plate.
For those who love the classic Greek pita and souvlaki, Yannis Grill House in Vasiliki comes highly recommended. They also serve tasty vegan options here, which is a nice surprise for anyone who wants to eat plant-based. And want to get away from the hustle and bustle? The cozy mountain village of Karya houses San Psema, a taverna where traditional flavors and views come together to create an unforgettable experience.
After a day at the beach, there is nothing finer than settling down at Taverna Panorama, near the famous Porto Katsiki beach. Here, with a glass of local wine in your hand, you can watch one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. At least as nice is Monato, a cozy beach club on the promenade of Kathisma, where you can enjoy tasty cocktails and snacks between swimming and sunbathing.
The best places to stay on Lefkas
Where best to stay on Lefkas depends, of course, on your personal preferences. Do you want to be close to the beach, enjoy peace and luxury, or just central to easily explore the island? We have some personal tips for you!
During our trip, we stayed at the Porto Galini Resort & Spa, a magnificent hotel equipped with all amenities. The resort has a private beach, several pools and a delicious restaurant. It is a wonderful place to completely unwind after a day of adventure on Lefkas.
Want to explore more options? Then read our comprehensive guide to where to stay on Lefkas with even more personal recommendations for your vacation.
Beautiful package holidays to Lefkas
Would you rather plan your vacation completely carefree? Then take a look at nice package holidays to Lefkas. Often you will find good deals where hotel, flight and sometimes even a rental car are already arranged for you. Discover the best options at reliable providers:
Practical tips for Lefkas: how to get to the island
To reach the island of Lefkas, it is best to fly to Aktion Airport (PVK) in Preveza. This airport is located in Epirus on the mainland of Greece. From this airport, it is about a 20-kilometer drive to Lefkas town (about 25 minutes). There are direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Aktion Preveza. Airlines offering direct flights to Preveza are Skycanner and TUIfly. The flight from Amsterdam takes just over 3 hours, making it an ideal short flight destination for a relaxing Greek vacation.
With its pristine nature, stunning beaches, charming villages and hospitality, Lefkas is ready to welcome you to the island.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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