About Lefkada
Why Lefkada?
Lefkada is a unique Ionian island - connected to the mainland by a floating bridge (Aktion), it is technically not an island without a ferry. Dramatic western beaches with white cliffs (Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Kathisma) are among Greece's finest, and the compactness of the island (35 km long) makes it easy to explore. A Lefkada holiday in 2026 combines island character with road access.
The character is developed with a focus on beaches. Lefkada has around 23,000 permanent residents, with the main town of Lefkada in the northeast. It differs from other Ionian islands in direct road access - no ferry from the mainland Peloponnese.
Position: 5 km from the mainland via the Aktion bridge, 30 km from Preveza airport.
Beaches and the sea
Lefkada beaches are among the best in Greece - sandy with white cliffs in the west, calm coves in the east.
Porto Katsiki - Lefkada's most famous beach and among Greece's top. Sandy with tall white cliffs behind.
Egremni - similarly dramatic, but accessible by boat after the 2015 earthquake (the steps were damaged).
Kathisma - a longer sandy beach with pines, organised but not aggressively.
Vasiliki - the southern tip, a shallow sandy beach, world-famous for windsurfing.
Mikros Gialos (east) - a sandy beach, family-friendly.
The water on Lefkada's west coast is turquoise with excellent visibility.
Where to stay
Lefkada town - urban hotels and apartments by the harbour, wooden houses (unique in Greece - wooden upper floors as earthquake-proofing).
Nidri (15 km south) - the main tourist centre with a marina, boat trips around Onassis's Skorpios.
Vasiliki (south) - windsurf destination, less family-oriented.
Agios Nikitas (west) - a small traditional village near the western beaches.
Ligia and Kariotes (east) - quiet, authentic.
Browse all current Lefkada listings.
Getting there
Lefkada is accessible by car via the Aktion bridge:
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Fly to Preveza (PVK), 25 km north of the bridge. From Belgrade seasonal flights (1 hour 30 minutes).
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By car from Belgrade - 1,040 km, 11 to 13 hours. After Ioannina descend toward Actium, cross the bridge to Lefkada.
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Direct bus from Belgrade to Parga/Lefkada - seasonal services.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C, the island at its prettiest in spring.
July–August - peak, sea 23–25 °C. Porto Katsiki crowded.
September - excellent, fewer crowds.
Things to see and do
Porto Katsiki - a full-day trip to the prettiest beach.
Nidri Bay trips - boats around Skorpios (the private Onassis island), Meganisi, Madouri.
Lefkada old town - wooden traditional houses, waterfront cafés.
Vasiliki for windsurfing - a world destination, summer competitions.
Dimosari waterfall - near Nidri, a 30-minute walk to the falls.
Cape Doukato - the southern tip of the island, the ancient legend of the poet Sappho.
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 50 to 105 € per night in shoulder, 75 to 155 € at peak. Villas with pools 110 to 220 €.
Weekly cost per person: 370 to 580 € shoulder, 540 to 800 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 9 to 15 €, fresh fish 14 to 22 €, glass of wine 3 to 5 €.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lefkada really an island? Technically not - it is connected by a floating bridge to the mainland. But culturally and geographically it is an island. No ferry needed.
Is Porto Katsiki accessible by car? Yes, parking on the cliff above. Then 80 steps downhill. About a 10-minute walk.
What is the difference between Lefkada and Corfu? Corfu is more developed for tourism (airport, UNESCO town). Lefkada is more compact, with better beaches. Lefkada for beaches; Corfu for culture.
Is renting a car worth it? Absolutely. The prettiest beaches are in the west, accessible only by car.
Is Vasiliki good for windsurf beginners? Yes, shallow water and constant wind - a popular school.