Lefkada is a place that I have travelled to a few times now. I always love my time on this island because it offers so many beautiful spots. There are so many amazing things to do in Lefkada and it’s the perfect beach destination. The beaches are what keep me coming back.
I’m Francesco Mancini and I’m a luxury travel blogger. I was born and raised in Bari, Italy. I left home at 19 to follow my dreams. One of my biggest passions has always been traveling and so I quit my job and have been travelling around the world for the last seven years.
Travel has always been special to me. Ever since my first flight to London, when I board a plane now I feel so happy. Nothing compares to it. Photography has also played a big role in my life. I love capturing beautiful memories with my camera. For me it’s more than a passion.
My grandad was a talented photographer and he passed his knowledge onto my parents who have been working in this industry for over 50 years. That’s where my passion and talent comes from.
As mentioned above, I’ve been to Lefkada twice. The first time we rented a sailboat from the Lefkas Marina and cruised around the islands. My second visit was for a family vacation where we rented a car and hopped around all the beaches everyday.
Both experiences were amazing, but certainly the sailing trip around the islands was a highlight. It was probably one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
My Favourite Place in Lefkada: Porto Katsiki
I’d say Porto Katsiki is my favorite place in Lefkada. The reason is the beauty of this place. To get there is an experience in itself because you need to hike a mountain. When you get to the other side the view is stunning.
The white sand beach in contrast with the light blue water is sensational. It was here that I captured one of my all time favourite photos.
10 Best Things To Do in Lefkada
1. Sail around Lefkada and the Ionian Islands
Lefkada has so much beauty to explore and the best way to discover it is by sailing. The majestic mountains and beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters are the perfect scenery for a summer vacation.
The Ionian islands can only be described as a hidden heaven – some of them are more enchanting and beautiful than the popular Cyclades islands.
2. Taste the Delicious Local Cuisine of Lefkada
Lefkada, like most of Greece, will appeal to foodies and gourmets. There’s fantastic eating right across the island. The most popular restaurants are located in the main town of Nidri. For example, a great place to try the traditional island cuisine of Lefkada is Toms Seaside restaurant. They also do a selection of popular Greek and international dishes.
3. Hire a Car and Drive to Every Corner of the Island
If you plan on doing a road trip on the mainland of Greece then you can actually include Lefkada on your itinerary as it’s one of the only Greek Islands that you can drive to. Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. There are so many beautiful little towns and seaside villages to explore in Lefkada. Hiring a car makes life that much easier!
4. Explore the Beautiful Beaches of Lefkada
The beaches of Lefkada are some of the most beautiful not only in Greece but in the entire Mediterranean. As mentioned prior, Porto Katsiki is the most stunning beach in Lefkada. Then there are beaches like Egremni and Kathisma which are well worth visiting for the day. As a general rule of thumb, the beaches located on the western side of the island are the best.
5. Visit the Capital of the Island, Lefkada Town
Lefkada Town is situated on the north east coast of the island and is a bustling little centre. The towns population is around 10,000 people with most of the locals here relying on tourism for work.
Lefkada Town’s marina is one of the main attractions. It’s one of the most modern marinas in all of Greece and has become its own mini-metropolis over the years with a thriving restaurant and bar scene.
6. Go Kitesurfing and Windsurfing on Lefkada
Agios Ioannis and Vassiliki are the best places on Lefkada for windsurfing and other watersports. Vassiliki in particular is known for its strong blustery winds perfect for kitesurfing. The best time of year to visit is in July and August when the winds get up to 20-25 knots per day consistently.
If you’re looking for a European destination with reliable wind, blue skies and nice beaches for your windsurfing then Lefkada is the place to be.
7. Discover an Underwater World on a Snorkelling Trip
The beaches are what makes Lefkada famous but its snorkelling is amazing too. The best spots are on the east and south coast of the island – especially places such as Porto Katsiki, Mylos, Megali Petra and Agiofili.
The key is to stay away from busy sandy beaches and look for beaches with rocks and coves. There are plenty of options to go snorkelling by yourself or jump on a snorkelling cruise tour. It’s up to you!
8. Hike in the Green Valleys and Rugged Mountains of Lefkada
Hiking is a fantastic activity to enjoy on Lefkada. The hinterland is rich with lush valleys and beautiful mountains to walk through. There are some quaint little Greek villages to visit on the way too.
I would recommend the three following hikes: Melissa Gorge, Skaron Forest and Dimossari Gorge and Rachi Waterfall. Immerse yourself in all of the unspoilt nature that Lefkada has to offer.
9. Spend a Day out on the Water Fishing
Is there anything more relaxing than a day out on the water fishing? Enjoy the blue of the sky and blue of the water one of the many fishing charters offered by tour operators in Lefkada.
Go fishing at the best hidden spots around the island plus visit beautiful beaches along the way such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni. The best part is at the end of the day you can cook and taste the fish you caught.
10. Meet the Amazing Local People of Lefkada
If you get the opportunity make sure you strike up a conversation with the locals of Lefkada. They are famous for their courtesy and generosity. Local people will tell you about the best places to visit on the island. If you’re lucky they might even invite you into their homes for dinner. One of the best things about travel is getting the chance to meet new people.
Locals are super friendly and they love their land. I’ve found that the people here are distinct from other Greek islands because they care deeply about their heritage and culture. They work to preserve their culture as much as they can, while embracing tourism and some development.
What you Need to Know Before you Go
Certainly if you are considering visiting this beautiful island, you need to consider renting a car or motorcycle because otherwise it will be hard to explore all the beautiful beaches. Also don’t forget to try the local restaurants by the beach. I’d highly recommend trying the pita gyros and grilled fish. Absolutely delicious Greek dishes!
When it comes to accommodation, I’ve personally stayed 10 minutes from Nidri. I really like this place because it’s located right in the middle of the island and you can get everywhere from there. It also has a nice evening atmosphere. The hotel is called Crystal Waters. It was a fantastic stay!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my guide on all things Lefkada. You really can’t miss this pearl of the Ionian Islands on your trip to Greece – it’s breathtakingly beautiful!
