Lefkada★★
Lefkada is the Ionian island that doesn't need a ferry. A floating swing bridge connects it to the mainland — you simply drive over it by car. This makes Lefkada the most accessible of the Ionian Islands and at the same time one that is often underestimated. Unjustly, because the west coast has beaches that rival the Caribbean.
The island (303 km², 23,000 inhabitants) is mountainous and densely forested. The west coast drops in dramatic cliffs to the sea, at the foot of which white pebble beaches hide in turquoise waters. The east coast is gentler, with sheltered bays and views of the offshore islands Meganisi, Skorpios (Aristotle Onassis' private island!), and Madouri.
Lefkada Town in the north is unspectacular but charming: Low earthquake-proof houses (upper floors made of wood and tin instead of stone), lively pedestrian zone, good taverns. The place does not live from tourism but is a real Greek small town.
Plan 3–5 days. Rental car recommended, especially for the west coast beaches.
Porto Katsiki★★★
Porto Katsiki is among the top 3 beaches in Greece — and that means something in a country with thousands of beaches. A crescent-shaped bay framed by vertical, bright white limestone cliffs that rise 100 meters high. The water in front: such an intense turquoise that you constantly want to rub your eyes.
The name means "Goat Harbor" — because in the past only goats could climb down the cliffs. Today, about 80 steep concrete steps lead from the parking lot down to the beach (an alternative route is available in summer). The descent takes 5 minutes, the ascent in the afternoon heat is somewhat more strenuous.
On the beach: white pebbles, sunbed rental (8–10€/set), a kiosk for drinks and snacks. In July/August, it gets crowded from 11 hrs — come early or after 16 hrs when many leave and the light on the cliffs turns golden.
Access: 40 km southwest of Lefkada Town (approx. 50 min.). Large parking lot above (free). In summer, shuttle buses from Vasiliki.
💡 Tipp
The most beautiful moment at Porto Katsiki is in the late afternoon (5–7 pm): The sun is low, the cliffs glow golden, the day-trippers are gone, and the water is warmest. Perfect.
Egremni Beach
Egremni was until 2015 Lefkada's second super beach — a 2 km long white pebble beach under 200-meter cliffs, accessible via a staircase with 347 steps. Then came the earthquake in November 2015, which destroyed the stairs and caused massive landslides.
Since then, Egremni is mainly accessible by boat. In summer, taxi boats run from Vasiliki (from €10 one-way, about 20 min.). An alternative footpath from above exists, but it is steep, unpaved, and only suitable for experienced hikers (about 30 min. descent, shoes with good grip required).
The effort is worth it: Egremni is wilder and more secluded than Porto Katsiki, the cliffs even more dramatic, and on many days you have the beach almost to yourself. No infrastructure — bring everything with you.
Nidri & the Islands
Nidri on the east coast is Lefkada's tourist center — a pretty harbor town with tavernas, shops, and the starting point for boat tours to the nearby islands.
Meganisi
The small neighboring island (20 km², 1,100 inhabitants) is accessible by ferry from Nidri (30 min., €3). Three villages, hardly any tourists, crystal clear bays, excellent fish tavernas. The perfect day trip for those seeking peace.
Skorpios — Onassis' Private Island
The legendary private island of Aristotle Onassis, where he married Jackie Kennedy in 1968, lies directly off Nidri. After Onassis' death in 1975 and his daughter Christina's in 1988, the island belonged to the Onassis Foundation. In 2013, it was reportedly sold for €100 million to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev. Entry is forbidden, but excursion boats pass close by and tell the stories — of Onassis' parties, Maria Callas' tears, and Jackie O's bikini photos that made the paparazzi rich.
Day Trip Routes from Nidri
The most popular tour (from €25 p.p.): Nidri → Meganisi (swimming break) → Skorpios (pass by) → Porto Katsiki (swimming break, by boat!) → back. All day, 10 am–6 pm, including a light lunch on some boats.
Windsurfing in Vasiliki
Vasiliki at the southern tip of Lefkada is one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe — and that's due to a meteorological phenomenon called "Eric". That's what the locals call the thermal afternoon wind that sets in like clockwork every day between 12 and 2 pm and blows until evening. In the morning, the bay is mirror-smooth (perfect for beginners), in the afternoon, the wind increases to 4–6 Beaufort (paradise for advanced and kitesurfers).
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Schools:
- Club Vass — The most famous station, since 1987. Courses from €50/day, equipment rental from €30/day. British-run, international.
- Wildwind — Focus on catamaran sailing and windsurfing. Packages with accommodation from €600/week.
- Neilson — All-inclusive sports hotel with windsurfing program. From €800/week.
Vasiliki itself is a relaxed village with good fish and the ferry port to Kefalonia (Fiskardo, 1.5 hours) and Ithaca (Frikes, 1 hour).
💡 Tipp
Learning to windsurf on Lefkada is ideal: calm water in the morning for beginners, wind in the afternoon for advanced. Most schools offer 5-day courses (from €200) that take you from beginner to independent surfer.