Guide to Lefkada

Why Visit Lefkada?

Smaller and quieter than its better‑known neighbour Kefalonia, Lefkada is an island of striking contrasts and understated charm. One of the Ionian’s more low‑profile destinations, it is connected to the Greek mainland by a short causeway and floating bridge, making it possible to arrive by car, an unusual convenience that makes travel refreshingly straightforward and sets Lefkada apart from most Greek islands from the outset.

The island’s dramatic west coast is often what first captures attention. Here, towering white limestone cliffs plunge into intensely blue waters, framing vast, open beaches such as Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. Wild, windswept and undeniably beautiful, this stretch of coastline feels raw and powerful, with colours so vivid they have helped earn Lefkada its nickname as the 'Caribbean of Greece'.

Sheltered from strong winds, the east side of the island is defined by calm, clear waters, a gentler landscape and a slower, more relaxed rhythm. It’s also where most of our villas are found, perfectly positioned for swimming, boating and easy access to traditional seaside villages.

Perigiali, just north of Nidri, offers a laid‑back coastal setting with simple beaches, waterfront tavernas and convenient boat access, while remaining quieter than its livelier neighbour. Nikiana blends the feel of a traditional fishing village with crystal‑clear, swimmable waters and welcoming harbour‑front restaurants,  ideal for long lunches and unhurried evenings by the sea. Further south, Mikros Gialos is a favourite for those seeking tranquillity: a peaceful, sheltered bay framed by green hills, known for its exceptional water clarity and quietly excellent tavernas right on the shoreline.

From the east coast, the island opens outward. Small harbours and marinas make it easy to explore the wider Ionian, whether heading across to nearby Meganissi for the day or venturing further to Ithaca and Kefalonia. Life here naturally revolves around simple pleasures, mornings by the water, afternoons spent in the shade, and evenings watching the light soften across the sea.

For travellers drawn to calm waters, authentic villages and a sense of space, without sacrificing comfort or accessibility.

To explore Lefkada in more detail, including the best time to visit, how to get there, beaches, food, culture and places to stay, explore our Guide to Lefkada and start planning an island escape that suits you.

Best Time to Visit Lefkada

A villa holiday in Lefkada works beautifully from April through October, with each part of the season offering a slightly different rhythm. Late spring and early summer bring warm, settled weather without the peak‑season bustle, ideal if you like quieter beaches and leisurely drives to long, taverna lunches by the sea. By high summer, days are long and sun‑soaked, perfect for unhurried afternoons by the pool, and sunset swims before dinner on the waterfront.

From June to September, daytime temperatures typically sit in the low‑20s to early‑30s, with July and August the warmest months. According to Greeka, this sweet spot is the best time to visit Lefkada for classic beach days, sea temperatures are inviting for swimming and snorkelling, the sun shines for roughly 12 hours, and overall conditions are reliably summery. Those long, bright days translate into plenty of time on the sand, on the water, and around the villa terrace. Watersports are also in full swing at this time of year, with options ranging from gentle paddles to breezier wind‑assisted pursuits.

May and early October are sweet spots if you like gentler warmth. Days are cooler, the hills still hold their spring green, and it suits village wandering, waterfall walks, boat trips and unhurried alfresco lunches. The sea stays warm into early autumn, so swims are still rewarding, though brief showers become more likely as October goes on.

Whether you’re chasing peak‑season energy or shoulder‑season calm, Lefkada’s climate makes it a consistently appealing choice throughout the warmer months. If you’re set on high summer, book early, as the most popular properties and beachside villas fill quickly; for a little more space with the same sparkling seas, consider June or September, or the softer light of May and early October.

Getting to Lefkada

Lefkada is easy to reach for an island. Fly into Aktion National Airport (PVK) near Preveza, around 20 km from Lefkada Town, with seasonal direct flights from the UK and much of Europe. On arrival, the onward drive is straightforward: taxis and on‑site car hire are available at the terminal.

There’s no ferry. Lefkada is connected to the mainland by the Agia Mavra floating bridge, so you simply drive across. From Athens, take the toll‑road route via the Rio–Antirrio Bridge; typical driving time is 4–5 hours, traffic dependent.

Car Hire

A car hire offers freedom to explore Lefkada’s mountainous interior and traditional villages, as well as the dramatic west‑coast beaches and quieter coves that are harder to reach without your own wheels. For inland drives or a seamless arrival, we can arrange car hire and private transfers before you travel, with airport collection or delivery to your villa—so your holiday begins the moment you land, fully tailored to your itinerary.

Boat Hire

If you’re staying at a villa in Lefkada, hiring a boat is a must. Glide between hidden coves, swim in turquoise waters, and drop anchor at waterfront tavernas for an unhurried, lazy lunch. Many of our villas sit just moments from the coast, with nearby boat‑hire options that are perfect for a spontaneous picnic afloat or a full day exploring by sea. We also offer a wide choice of on‑the‑water experiences in Lefkada to suit every pace and party size. To arrange some time out on the water contact one of our villa specialists.

Culture & History in Lefkada

Shaped by sea and story alike, Lefkada takes its name from the “white” (lefkos) limestone that blazes along the cliffs at the southernmost tip of the island. 

In the 7th century  BC, the Corinthians dug a canal across the northern isthmus, effectively turning a peninsula into an island; today the same sea‑gate is crossed by a floating swing bridge that pivots for boat traffic, with the current structure dating to 1986.

The first capital, Nirikos, grew under Corinthian influence; in 1684 the Venetians moved the seat to today’s Lefkada Town, imposing a compact, breeze‑friendly street plan that still frames the old centre. At the canal entrance, the Castle of Agia Mavra (Santa Maura), founded in the early 14th century and later reworked by Ottoman and Venetian engineers, still guards the approach. 

For art and architecture, start with the town’s small private churches: low, Venetian‑influenced basilicas with painted icons and carved iconostases in the Ionian (Heptanese) tradition, look for work associated with Panagiotis Doxaras, often called the founder of the Ionian school, in churches such as Agios Minas and Pantokrator. Just outside town, Faneromeni Monastery is the island’s main working monastery; the present complex is largely late‑19th‑century, the katholikon burned in 1886 and was rebuilt, so its collection is representative rather than ancient. Back in the centre, the Lefkada Cultural Centre runs exhibitions throughout the year and houses several cultural institutions. 

Lefkada Beaches Worth Your Time

Lefkada has beaches for every mood, but the east coast stands out for its sheltered water, easy access and boat‑friendly coves, ideal for relaxed days, gentle swims and lunch at waterside tavernas. 

A deep, protected inlet with pool‑calm turquoise water and a pebble shore, Mikros Gialos lines up tavernas, sunbeds and kayaking or boat hire; snorkel by the rocks and arrive early in high season to secure parking.

Leafy and well‑sheltered, Dessimi suits a low‑key day of kayaking or paddleboarding to tucked‑away caves and coves, with simple beachside spots for lunch.

For long, calm strips of shingle and sand with watersports and classic views to Skorpios and the Prigiponisia islets, look to Nidri and neighbouring Perigiali, easy for mixed‑age groups and close to amenities.

If you just want a quick dip near cafés and mini‑markets, the small shingle beaches at Nikiana and Ligia are convenient and close to many villas.

With a picturesque, fjord‑like bay that draws yachts, Sivota pairs calm water with jetty‑side tavernas—ideal for a swim‑and‑lunch stop.

Food & Drink in Lefkada

Lefkada’s food is straightforward and ingredient‑led. You’ll see plenty of grilled fish, octopus, calamari and prawns, most of it dressed simply with olive oil, lemon and herbs. A signature staple is Eglouvi lentils, turning up in soups, stews and salads. In the capital, many places face the water with mirror‑like harbor views, while others tuck into small squares and maze‑like backstreets for a more low‑key feel. Beyond town, beach and village tavernas keep things relaxed with multi‑dish meze spreads and the day’s catch. Expect honest cooking, homemade pies and pastries, and a mix of traditional Greek kitchens alongside some polished international menus. 

Drinks are equally local. Siflogo has been producing on Lefkada since 1994; you can drop into the small winery on the road between Vassiliki and Nidri. Most tavernas pour Greek wine, beer and brandy; ouzo or tsipouro pair well with meze. For the best views, book a panoramic spot on the west coast around sunset, these fill quickly in peak months.

Where to Stay: Our Villas in Lefkada

Our Lefkada villa portfolio is focused on the east and south coasts—close to sheltered bays, small harbours and jetty access, so boat hire, swims and waterside tavernas slot naturally into each day. 

Here are a few suggestions to inspire your search:

• Sea House -  Bright, spacious and beautifully designed, Sea House is a modern retreat where luxury meets the endless blue of the Ionian Sea.
• Villa Odessa - Boasting uninterrupted views across the Ionian Sea, Villa Odessa is a contemporary five bedroom villa in Lefkada, with easy access to the nearby harbour town of Nidri.
• Villa Pikermi - Villa Pikermi is a three-bedroom villa in Lefkada, offering breathtaking sea views, a private pool, and nearby access to Mikros Gialos beach, perfect for families and small groups of friends.

To find out more about Lefkada, make sure to speak with one of our Villa Specialists or make an enquiry today.