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    Lefkada (Island)

    Greece

    Lefkada (Island)

    City

    Lefkada is accessible without a ferry: A causeway with a floating swing bridge connects the island to the mainland via a narrow canal. It is known for its west coast, where white limestone cliffs plunge steeply into turquoise waters.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Greece
    7. Ionian Islands
    9. Lefkada (Island)
    Lefkada is accessible without a ferry: A causeway with a floating swing bridge connects the island to the mainland via a narrow canal. It is known for its west coast, where white limestone cliffs plunge steeply into turquoise waters.Behind this lies a mountainous island interior with lentil fields, embroidery traditions, and villages at over 700 meters altitude. On the quieter east coast, boat trips depart to the offshore islands.

    Sights in Lefkada (Island)

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Eglouvi

    Eglouvi lies at an altitude of over 700 metres, making it the island's highest village. It is known for its lentils, which grow on the terraced fields of the high plateau and are still largely harvested by hand today.Around the village are low stone huts that served farmers as field shelters. The village centre features stone houses and narrow alleys; a few tavernas can be found on the Platia.The Lentil Festival is held in early August, with large pots set up throughout the village. From Lefkada Town, it’s about a 40-minute drive via a winding mountain road; up here, it’s noticeably cooler than on the coast.
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    2Agios Donatos

    The chapel **Agios Donatos** on the island of Lefkada is a modest, yet culturally significant structure, closely linked to the region's agricultural tradition. You'll find it on the elevated Eglouvi Plateau, an area renowned for cultivating the famous Eglouvi lentils. The small stone chapel serves as a focal point for local festivals, especially in August, when the Lentil Festival takes place and the harvest is celebrated. Its simple architecture reflects the rural surroundings and offers insight into authentic island life away from the coastal resorts. From here, you often enjoy sweeping views over the plateau and the surrounding mountain landscape. Our Tip: The best time to visit Agios Donatos is during the Lentil Festival in August, to experience the vibrant local culture. Alternatively, an early morning visit is ideal for capturing the tranquility and special light for photos, before the heat of the day sets in. A rental car is recommended for the journey, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque route through the mountains.
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    3eglouvi greece

    Eglouvi, one of the highest villages on Lefkada, offers you an authentic insight into traditional Greek island life. The village is famous for its Fakes Eglouvis, the Eglouvi lentils, a product with Protected Designation of Origin that has been cultivated here for centuries. Here you'll find well-preserved stone houses and narrow alleys that have retained their original character. The church of Agios Donatos, located on a plateau above the village, is a prominent landmark and offers expansive views over the island and the Ionian Sea. Every year in August, the traditional Lentil Festival takes place, where you can sample local specialties and experience the village culture. The drive along the winding mountain roads is scenically beautiful. Our Tip: Visit Eglouvi in the morning to enjoy the village's tranquility and photograph the impressive view from Agios Donatos church. Be sure to try the local lentils in one of the tavernas; they are a culinary highlight of the region.
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    Porto Katsiki

    4Porto Katsiki

    Porto Katsiki lies on the southwest coast beneath an almost vertical limestone cliff. Its name, meaning 'Goat Harbor,' alludes to the fact that the bay was once practically only accessible to goats.A long, steep staircase leads down from the parking area above. The beach is narrow; it shrinks with high waves, and shade is only available early in the morning under the rock face. Sunbeds and a canteen are present during high season.Alternatively, boats from Vasiliki and Nydri sail to the bay. The access road from Athani is narrow and winding, and in high season, the parking lot is often full by mid-morning.
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    Egremni

    5Egremni

    Egremni is the longest of the west coast beaches and lies beneath a high, bright cliff face. Until 2015, a long staircase led down, but an earthquake in November of that year triggered a landslide that destroyed the access.Since then, the bay has primarily been accessible by boat, with excursion boats from Vasiliki and Nydri stopping here. A temporary land access was at times restored, but its status changes frequently.The pebbles are coarse, and the water drops off rapidly. There is no shade and no provisions; you must bring your own water. Before your trip, it's worth checking locally if the path is currently open.
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    Agios Nikitas and Kathisma

    6Agios Nikitas and Kathisma

    Agios Nikitas is located directly on the sea on the west coast, a former fishing village with a car-free main lane that leads down to the beach. Behind it, the slope rises steeply.A few kilometers south lies Kathisma, one of the largest and best-developed west coast beaches, with sunbeds, beach bars, and parking right behind. The seabed drops steeply, and the surf can be strong.Between the two, a footpath leads over the cliffs, about 30 minutes on foot. North of Agios Nikitas lies Pefkoulia, which is shallower and calmer in calm seas.
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    City walks in Lefkada (Island)

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Lefkada's Green Side: Waterfalls, Bays and Panoramic Views

    This walk takes you into the lush nature and picturesque coastal villages of eastern Lefkada. Experience refreshing waterfalls, enjoy spectacular views over azure bays and discover the charm of lively Nidri.

    ~2 Std. 30 Min.
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    Stops (5)

    Dining & Drinks

    Verani

    The tavern is located on the village square of Syvros in the south of the island, with tables set outdoors in the shade of large trees. The menu features grilled meats, including local sausage, as well as classics like Moussaka, Pastitsio, and baked Feta. A good portion of the clientele are locals.
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    Ασπασία

    The restaurant is part of the Aspasia Rooms and Apartments complex in Nydri, situated directly on the beach. Serving Greek cuisine, it's perfect for combining a visit with a beach day.
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    1

    Balkonaki

    The family tavern in the mountain village of Agios Petros, about six kilometers from Vasiliki, overlooks Vasiliki Bay. They serve traditional Greek home cooking such as rabbit with spaghetti, lamb with aubergine, and moussaka, with vegetables from their own garden. In summer, there's live Greek music on select evenings.
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    Food & Drink

    Lefkada combines the coastal fish cuisine with hearty mountain cuisine from the island's interior. Two products are signature items: lentils and salami.

    Lentils of Eglouvi

    High on Eglouvi's plateau, at over 700 meters, small, dark lentils are grown, renowned for their fineness. The terraced fields are still largely hand-tended. They are simply cooked with olive oil, onion, and vinegar.

    Salami from Lefkada

    The air-dried salami is traditionally made from pork and beef with pepper and herbs and sold in butcher shops in the island capital. It is firmer and spicier than the usual Greek varieties. For a souvenir, it can be vacuum-sealed.

    Riganada and Ladopita

    Riganada is toasted bread with tomato, oregano, and olive oil, a simple field worker's meal that has endured. Ladopita is a sheet cake with olive oil instead of butter. Both are found on menus in villages like Karya.
    Frappe and Coffee Culture

    Frappe and Coffee Culture

    Wie überall auf den Ionischen Inseln sitzt man lange im Kafenion, in Lefkada-Stadt vor allem in der Fußgängerzone. Neben Frappe und Freddo Espresso gibt es Mandelgebäck und Löffelsüßigkeiten. Die Rechnung kommt spät und ungefragt nie.

    Fish in Vasiliki and Sivota

    Die beiden Häfen im Süden bekommen täglich kleine Mengen Fisch, die direkt in die Tavernen am Wasser gehen. Sivota liegt in einer schmalen Fjordbucht und ist bei Seglern beliebt, entsprechend voll wird es am Abend. Abgerechnet wird nach Gewicht.

    Culture and History of Lefkada

    Ottomans and VenetiansUnlike most Ionian Islands, Lefkada was under Ottoman rule for a long time, from 1479 to 1684. Only afterwards did the Venetian period follow, lasting until 1797; later came the French, Russians, and British, and in 1864 the island became Greek. The fortress Agia Mavra by the canal dates from the pre-Venetian era, founded in the 14th century and later expanded multiple times.Building with EarthquakesDue to frequent earthquakes, a unique construction method developed in Lefkada Town: A light wooden upper floor sits atop a brick ground floor, often clad externally with painted sheet metal. These houses still characterize the Old Town today.Literature and ArchaeologyThe poets Aristotelis Valaoritis and Angelos Sikelianos hail from the island; the writer Lafcadio Hearn was born here and bears its name. The German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld excavated near Nydri in the early 20th century and put forward the controversial theory that Lefkada was Homeric Ithaca. Part of the musical tradition, as on neighboring islands, are the polyphonic Kantades.

    Nightlife

    Cafe di Paris

    This café with bar service is on Nydri's waterfront promenade, overlooking the marina. Daytime offers breakfast, Crêpes, and ice cream; evenings, cocktails. From the outdoor tables, observe the lively harbour activity.
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    Getting there and around Lefkada

    Getting There via the BridgeThe causeway at the Lefkada Canal ends at a floating swing bridge, which regularly opens for boats, stopping traffic for a few minutes. The nearest airport is Aktio near Preveza, about 20 kilometers from the canal. KTEL long-distance buses from Athens go directly to Lefkada Town; a ferry is not necessary for your arrival.On the IslandKTEL buses connect Lefkada Town with Nydri, Vasiliki, and Agios Nikitas; in summer, additional services run to specific beaches. For Porto Katsiki and the secluded bays in the southwest, you'll need your own vehicle. The west coast road is narrow and winding, with frequent landslides after heavy rain.Boats and FerriesFrom Nydri and Vasiliki, excursion boats cruise along the west coast and to the offshore islands; several beaches are more easily reached this way than by land. During peak season, ferries run from Vasiliki and Nydri to Kefalonia and Ithaka. In Lefkada Town, you can park by the canal; the core area is a pedestrian zone.

    Accommodations in Lefkada (Island)

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    Nearby

    Ionian Islands

    Ionian Islands

    The Ionian Islands, west of the mainland, contrast sharply with the Aegean: more rain, more greenery, a Venetian rather than Ottoman past. Seven larger islands, from northern Corfu to southern Kythira, feature cypresses, olive groves, and towns with arcades and bell towers. Here, travelers find limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and Italian cuisine.
    Kefalonia (Island)

    Kefalonia (Island)

    Kefalonia is, at almost 780 square kilometres, the largest of the Ionian Islands and the one with the most rugged relief: Mount Ainos rises to 1,628 metres and is covered with Greek Fir, which is botanically named after the island. Beneath the island lies a karst system where seawater disappears on one side and reappears on the other.In between lie pebble coves like Myrtos, vineyards with the Robola grape variety, and small harbours. The island is large enough for an entire week and can be easily combined with Ithaca.
    Zakynthos (Island)

    Zakynthos (Island)

    Zakynthos is the southernmost of the larger Ionian Islands and presents two faces: in the north and west, a rugged coastline with caves and Shipwreck Bay Navagio; in the south, flat sandy beaches where loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs. In between lies a fertile plain with vineyards and olive groves. The Venetians named the island Fior di Levante.
    Epirus

    Epirus

    Epirus, in northwestern Greece, stretches from the Pindos Mountains to the Ionian Sea coast. The mountains are home to the stone villages of Zagorochoria, the Vikos Gorge, and old arched bridges, while coastal towns include Parga and Sivota. Its capital is Ioannina, situated on Lake Pamvotis, featuring an Ottoman-influenced castle town. May, June, and September are ideal for hiking, while summer is best for swimming.
    Ioannina

    Ioannina

    Ioannina is the capital of Epirus and lies at an altitude of around 480 metres on the western shore of Lake Pamvotida. The walled old town, the Kastro, was the seat of Ali Pascha, who ruled the region from here around 1800. Mosques, an old synagogue, and Byzantine churches recall the Muslims, Jews, and Christians who lived here. The large university ensures bustling cafés, and the city is a good starting point for the Zagorochoria and the Vikos Gorge.

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