#1 Be mesmerized by Egkremnoi beach
Swimmers couldn’t ask for a more idyllic spot than Egkremnoi beach. Situated in the southwest of Lefkada, Egkremnoi is a magnificent place with champagne-coloured sand and translucent turquoise waters framed by breathtaking cliffs. You can reach this natural wonder either by foot or by boat, it's up to you!
#2 Explore Lefkada by bike
Cycling through Lefkada city is an experience not to be missed. If you are into adrenaline adventure, hop on your bike and explore Lefkada’s natural wonders. Lefkada’s lagoon is a bike paradise· on your bike you will pass the Castle of Agia Mavra, Gyra and Agios Ioannis beach. One of the amazing areas you can explore while on your bike is the so called Venetian olive grove. You set out from the city of Lefkada, pass through Kouzounteli and the Venetian olive grove and terminate at the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.
#3 Have a sunset drink at Fly me
Sunset watching at Fly me, Sun and Stars bar is a more than a ritual! Every evening the sky fires up in broad sweeps of pink orange and golden yellows and these amazing colours that reflect onto the clouds create a unique sunset viewing experience. Expect an open terrace overlooking the Kalamitsi village, mouth-watering finger food and a zesty and fresh cocktail list. This is Lefkada at its finest!
#4 Visit Fagottobooks, Lefkada's most beautiful bookshop
Lefkada is known as ‘the island of poets’ and this tiny, authentic bookshop only adds to that reputation. Fagottobooks is located in a quite street of the city. Here bookworms can find any kind of book including literature, maps and travel guides, fiction and history, music books and the most impressive notebooks-flipbooks. You should also check their charming yard, it's like a scene from a film set!
#5 Get a history lesson at the Castle of Agia Mavra
Built in the 14th century by the Venetian ruler Giovanni Orsini, the Castle of Agia Mavra is a wonderful historic relic and one of Lefkada's highlights. It is a model of fortification architecture of the Middle Ages, with a central core in the shape of an irregular heptagon reinforced at its 7 corners with bastions and 3 external ramparts. The Castle has undergone many changes over the centuries and a visit is a must.
#6 Save room for ladopita (olive pie)
A proper dinner is never complete without a scrumptious dessert, right? Ladopita is a signature dissert with rich, full flavor and is made with olive oil and flour, together with syrup, honey or sugar. Locals used to make ladopita only for big celebrations like feast days and panigyria but nowdays you can find it in every bakery. For a taste of ladopita pay a visit to Once upon a pie, a wonderful family-run pastry shop that specializes in homemade pies and sweets.
#7 Head to Sivota & enjoy a luxury private cruise
Sivota is one of the most picture-perfect villages of Lefkada. Bathed by the waters of the Ionian sea, this jewel-toned location with the tiny port, the abundant nature and the charming, seafront tavernas is the epitome of summer. Once there, head to Infinity Rib Cruises, a boat rental company which specializes in luxury private cruises in the Ionian islands and VIP services. Imagine yourself enjoying premium wine, fresh fruits and delicious snacks on deck as the luxury Rib boat glides effortlessly over the gentle turquoise waters. Choose a luxury Rib Cruise from the wide range of options that Infinity Rib Cruises has to offer and enjoy Lefkada and the Ionian islands to the fullest.
#8 Chill out in the sun at Kathisma beach
Thanks to its soft biscuit sand, stunning Kathisma is one of the island’s most famous beaches. In summertime, the beach draws hordes of sun lovers but if it’s windy, the waves are quite steep, so even if you consider yourself a good swimmer, you should probably avoid testing your skills in these conditions. Bonus: The sunsets here are legendary and should not be skipped.
#9 Have afternoon coffee at Boschetto café
A freddo espresso is a must and as they say...when in Greece, do as the Greeks do! After relaxing on Kathisma beach, head to Boschetto Café for a refreshing coffee. The café is conveniently located in the heart of Lefkada city and its name derives from the Italian word Boschetto which means ''small grove''. Expect fresh blend coffee, fluffy loukoumades with honey, cinnamon and chopped walnuts, friendly staff and a wonderful view!
#10 Eat at “Emerald” & “Duende” for a sophisticated dining experience
This is the hottest table in Lefkada island! Conveniently situated alongside a pool, “Emerald” & “Duende” restaurant strongly focuses on local and Mediterranean specialties prepared with ‘meraki’ , fresh ingredients and warm service – and succeeds at it all. Start with quinoa salad with chutney pineapple, mango, raisin, pomegranate, mint, pumpkin seeds, vinaigrette Xeres and avocado, continue with linguine with prawns, fresh mussels, fresh tomato, squid and seafood sauce flavored with basil and for a dessert choose their legendary chocolate bar with dark chocolate mousse on crispy fegientin, caramelized nuts and mango – pineapple sorbet.
#11 Find your zen at Porto Katsiki beach
Without doubt Porto Katsiki is one of Lefkada's most-hyped attractions. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs the beach is lapped by gleaming, aquamarine water and startlingly white pebbles. Furthermore Porto Katsiki is definitely one of the most romantic spots to witness flame-colored sunsets, so after a day spent in the sand and sun, stay a little more. Needless to say that the beach gets severely crowded in July and August.
#12 Buy unique gifts at Ear
Choosing authentic souvenirs to bring home to your friends can be a difficult task. Ear by Chara Aravani is a perfect one-stop shop for tasteful souvenirs including affordable art-work, stunning handmade accessories and unique toys.
#13 Enjoy a sailing yacht with or without a skipper
Imagine sailing the alluring crystal-clear waters of the Ionian sea, swimming and sunbathing at endless sun-baked beaches, exploring picturesque villages steeped in history, discovering idyllic bays and tempting anchorages, eating fresh fish under the stars in seafront tavernas and waking up in different places each morning. Lefkada is a mecca for sailors and this summer you can make your dream come true!
Continue reading: Sailing vacations in Lefkada island with or without a skipper
#14 Wander around the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
Located on a green pine clad hill above the city, this peaceful and inspiring monastery provides a fascinating glimpse into Lefkada’s religious traditions. The view from the monastery is stunning. One can marvel from there the olive grove, the lagoon, the town, the windmills, the beach of Ai Giannis, the mountains of Epirus and Acarnania, Preveza as well as the Ambracian Gulf in the east are also clearly visible. Next to the monastery is housed the ecclesiastical museum of Faneromeni with ecclesiastical manuscripts, rare post-byzantine pictures etc. and a small maritime museum with handcrafted wooden ship models and maritime tools from all over the world. In the courtyard of the monastery you will see numerous cute animals such as exotic birds, deer, turtles, goats etc.
#15 Head to Nydri waterfalls
The Nydri waterfalls are actually one of Lefkada’s most well-known attractions and it's quite difficult to describe how it feels to be at this brilliantly green landscape. A unique feature is that you could also swim as there is a natural swimming pool with vivid blue-green coloured water underneath the waterfall.
#16 Indulge yourself with a day cruise
Whether you are looking for the ideal day cruise or just a reason to escape and discover stunning but less known islands, we've got you covered. M/S Christina guarantees a magical cruise experience for you and your friends. The cruise starts from Nidri harbour at 9.00 and returns to original departure point at 18.00, having spend the day enjoying the treasures of Kalamos and Kastos.
Route: 1. Cave of Papanikolis 2. Formikula islands 3. Kastos village 4. Limni beach 5. Asprogiali beach 6. Barberezou beach 7. Skorpios 8. Madouri & Prince's Islands
Your day cruise package includes welcome drink, buffet lunch with wine and soft drinks, and the use of snorkeling equipment.
#17 Taste the best mandolato in town at Tratamento
Soft nougat (or mandolato) is a traditional dessert with almonds, sugar, honey and egg whites beaten into a meringue. Mandolato is a Venetian-era sweet delicacy and used to be the dessert of the aristocracy. Tratamento has made a name for itself by focusing on their homemade classics: mandolato, pasteli, mandoles, ladopita, soumada, nougat, oil cookies, florentina etc. This is the ultimate place to go for traditional Lefkadian desserts.
#18 Stroll the streets of Lefkada town
The island was ruled over by the Venetians for many years, and their legacy is evident in Lefkada's gastronomy, dialect and architecture. Start your tour from the picturesque wooden bridge at the harbour. Stroll along the seaside array of pastel-hued two-storey houses, with their characteristic tin siding, and discover the adorable cafes and elegant restaurants nested within. Then meander through the narrow streets and have your fill of well-kept gardens “loaded” with bougainvillea, sweet basil and lazy cats enjoying a midday nap. You’ll soon find yourself at the Angelos Sikelianos Museum so prided by the island’s residents, an experiential space created in 2017 in the poet’s family home.
Continue reading: A guide to discovering Lefkada city your way
Stou Pouliou: Explore Lefkada's coolest neighbourhood
#19 Hang out with a tropical cocktail in hand at Maraboo
Nestled just steps from the beach, Maraboo is a seafront hotspot and one of the most beloved beach bar restaurants in Lefkada. No matter where you sit in this breezy, open-air beach bar, you’ll have a great view of sunset over the Ionian Sea. Sip on a fruity, rum-fueled cocktail, while noshing on their beloved risotto, fish or fresh seafood.
#20 make sure to carve out time to visit Vassiliki
The photogenic village of Vassiliki with the traditional houses, the picturesque port and the the relaxing atmosphere, encapsulates the charm of Lefkada. Located on the south coast of the island, Vassiliki is also famous for its perfect windsurfing conditions. Here seasoned coaches provide hands-on training in strict accordance with international safety standards. So, whether you want to experience kite or windsurfing for the first time, or are looking to boost your skill level, Vasiliki's sports centres have exactly what you need.
Windsurfing school in Vasiliki: Human Sports
#21 Enjoy the village of Agios Nikitas
Due to its sophistication and advantageous position, Agios Nikitas, is known for being one of the prettiest spots in Lefkada. It boats a winning combination of polished cobbled alleys, stone-built houses and cobalt blue waters. The village offers numerous dining options, quaint cafes and charming shops.
#22 Visit Cape Lefkatas
Cape Lefkatas gives the impression of having been touched by a divinity, evoking in the contemplator a feeling of eternity: here the most ancients of legends meet the mystical breath of nature. A little further on is the cape's tall lighthouse, visible for miles, standing on the site of an ancient temple of Apollo. The temple was known throughout the ancient world and every year pan-Hellenic religious ceremonies were held to propitiate the gods of the sea, at which there were even human sacrifices. Legend connects the Cape to stories of redemption from unfulfilled love; most famously the lyric poetess Sappho threw herself off the cliffs here to be liberated from her unrequited love for Phaon.
Bonus! Check online Destination Lefkada Guide
This comprehensive and elegant guide will help you plan your trip to Lefkada. It includes useful tips for the visitor, rich photographic material, suggested excursions in Lefkada and the surrounding areas, amazing audiovisual material such as videos and slide shows and suggestions for accommodation, boat/ yacht rentals, gastronomy, alternative activities, entertainment, shopping, car rentals and more.
How to come to Lefkada by air, by car or bus, by sea
Boat yacht rentals in Lefkada
Accommodation in Lefkada
Car rentals in Lefkada
Text: Effie Barla
