Lefkada — Holiday Guide: Porto Katsiki, Nidri and Beaches

Lefkada is the only Ionian island you can drive to without a ferry — a floating bridge connects it to mainland Greece near the town of Preveza. This makes it uniquely accessible for road-trippers from the Balkans. Despite this ease of access, Lefkada has preserved a surprisingly unspoiled character. The beaches on its western coast — Porto Katsiki and Egremni — are regularly ranked among the most beautiful in all of Europe. The island's interior is mountainous and covered with olive groves; the eastern coast is calmer with watersports centres and flotilla sailing.

Why Lefkada?

• No ferry needed — drive straight across the bridge; the only Ionian island with this advantage
• Porto Katsiki — consistently voted one of Europe's most beautiful beaches; white pebbles and electric-blue water beneath towering white cliffs
• Relaxed character — far less commercialised than Corfu or Zakynthos
• Nidri — the island's main resort, excellent base for sailing, windsurfing and day trips to nearby islets (Meganisi, Skorpios)
• Lefkada Town — a charming island capital with Venetian-era wooden-framed houses and a relaxed café culture

Porto Katsiki — The Defining Image

Porto Katsiki ("goat harbour") is on the island's south-western tip. White pebble beach at the base of dramatic chalk-white vertical cliffs, with water so clear and vivid it seems almost unreal. Access is by steps (around 100, steep) from the clifftop parking area, or by seasonal boat service from Nidri. Arrive before 10am — the beach has no shade and fills rapidly. Bring water and sun protection.

Egremni

South of Porto Katsiki, Egremni is less visited (the access steps were partly destroyed by an earthquake in 2015 and access is now by boat only from Nidri). The effort is well rewarded: a 1.5 km stretch of grey-white pebble, crystalline water and very few people.

Nidri and the East Coast

Nidri is the island's tourist hub — a strip of restaurants, bars, boat-hire firms and travel agents on the eastern coast, facing a picturesque bay with small forested islands. Excellent for families (gentle water, shallow entry). Boat excursions from Nidri visit nearby Meganisi (the most authentic Ionian islet), Skorpios (once the Onassis family's private island) and Kastos.

Practical Information

• Getting there — Drive from Belgrade (approx. 830 km). Cross the bridge just north of Preveza (no toll). Also direct summer flights to Preveza/Aktion (PVK) airport (15 minutes from Lefkada).
• Getting around — Car essential to reach western beaches. Local buses very limited.
• Best time — June and September. July–August is peak season (windy on west coast — good for sailing, less so for sunbathing on Porto Katsiki).
• Accommodation — Wide choice in Nidri; quieter options in Agios Nikitas and Agios Ioannis.