Lefkada is the only Greek island connected to the mainland by a causeway — a fact that makes it more accessible than most, but does nothing to diminish its beauty. The west coast beaches, in particular, are among the finest in Greece: dramatic white cliffs dropping to turquoise water of extraordinary clarity.

The Island

Lefkada is a medium-sized Ionian island — around 303 square kilometres — with a permanent population of around 23,000 people. The landscape is varied: the west coast is dramatic and cliffy, the east coast more sheltered and green, the interior mountainous with traditional villages. The main settlement is Lefkada Town, a charming, earthquake-resistant town of wooden-framed houses and Venetian campaniles.

Sights and Attractions

Lefkada Town is one of the most distinctive towns in the Ionian — its traditional architecture, with wooden upper storeys and corrugated metal facades (a response to frequent earthquakes), gives it a character quite unlike anywhere else in Greece. The Santa Maura Castle at the causeway entrance is a well-preserved Venetian fortification.

The Folklore Museum in Lefkada Town has an excellent collection of traditional costumes, tools and household objects. The village of Karya in the interior is famous for its embroidery — a tradition that has been maintained for centuries.

Cape Lefkatas at the southern tip of the island is where the poet Sappho is said to have leapt to her death — a dramatic headland with a lighthouse and extraordinary views.

Beaches

Lefkada's west coast beaches are the island's great glory. Porto Katsiki is the most famous — a dramatic cove of white cliffs and turquoise water, accessible by steps from the clifftop. Egremni (partially restored after a 2015 landslide) is even more dramatic. Kathisma is a long, sandy beach with a more relaxed atmosphere. On the east coast, Nydri is the main resort, with calmer water and views over the small islands of Meganisi, Sparti and Madouri.

Sailing

Lefkada is one of the great sailing bases of the Mediterranean. The sheltered waters of the east coast, the nearby islands and the reliable summer winds make it ideal for both experienced sailors and beginners. Several charter companies operate from Nydri.

Eating and Drinking

The food on Lefkada is excellent — influenced by the Ionian tradition, with an emphasis on fresh fish, olive oil and local produce. Sto Molo in Lefkada Town is the place for fresh fish; Sapfo in Nydri serves traditional Greek cuisine with views over the water.

How to Get There

Lefkada is reached by road from the mainland via the causeway — a two-hour drive from Athens or a short drive from Preveza airport, which has seasonal flights from the UK and other European cities.

Best For

Lefkada suits a wide range of travellers — those who want dramatic beaches and clear water, sailing enthusiasts, families who want a relaxed Ionian holiday and those who want to combine island life with easy access to the mainland.

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Thinking about Lefkada? Talk to us — we can build it into an Ionian itinerary that takes in Meganisi, Ithaca and Kefalonia.