May 13, 2022

Blessed with crystal clear waters, unique natural beauty and diversity, Lefkada has all the ingredients for family adventures. What is more it is the only island in Greece which can be reached with the ease and comfort of your car, so you don't have to go through the hassle of taking the ferry boat. Lefkada is neither small nor big so it is perfect for families as it doesn’t require long drives while at the same time there are plenty of family-friendly activities, including lots of things that children and adults alike will enjoy.

For culturally curious families

Angelos Sikelianos Museum © Andreas Thermos
Angelos Sikelianos Museum © Andreas Thermos

For an introduction to the fascinating history of Lefkada, head to the medieval Castle of Agia Mavra, a wonderful castle closely intertwined with the complex political and social history of the island. Its existence dates back to the early 14th century when the Venetian ruler Giovanni Orsini, received the island as a dowry after his wedding with the daughter of the Despot of Epirus Nikiforos I. Everyone from Ottomans, Venetians, French and British have had an enduring attraction to the Castle of Agia Mavra, so it changed hands many times. Inside the Castle ruins still stand of buildings from the days of Venetian domination – barracks, ammunition stores, administrative buildings, a hospital, dwellings – on which some work was done during the British occupation.

The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada and the Angelos Sikelianos Museum are a must-visit on your Lefkada bucket list. The first was founded in 1999 to house and protect antiquities from island and covers a large chronological period, from the Paleolithic times till the late Roman years. Angelos Sikelianos Museum was entirely funded by the National Bank and delivered to the local community in 2017. It is a special museum of international standards which sheds light into the ideas, the personality and the life of the famous lyric poet.

Continue reading: 6 amazing free things to do in Lefkada city

Grab your gear

Aqua Safari for all ages ©  Nautilus Diving Club
Aqua Safari for all ages © Nautilus Diving Club

Vassiliki is an excellent option for your next snorkelling adventure. To get into the water safely, we recommend you the Nautilus Diving Club, a dive centre which offers courses for all levels and organizes an amazing 2-hour program for the whole family. Kids will adore ''The Wall'', a stunning drop off surrounded from a shallow Mediterranean reef. You will have phenomenal visibility here and your kids will spot an array of wonderful sea creatures such as colourful fish, calamari, starfish and a plethora of seashells. Next stop is the Lagoon, a gorgeous diving spot with crystal clear waters and breath-taking underwater views. Last stop, the Americano reef, a majestic spot to snorkel as the waters are calm and quite shallow to the reef.

Daily cruise with a mythical sailboat

Daily cruise with ©  Odysseia Daily Cruises
Daily cruise with © Odysseia Daily Cruises

Island hopping always adds a bit of adventure and Odysseia will steal your roving hearts. For people who value uniqueness, Greek mythology and love the personal touch, sailing on this wonderful wooden sailboat is like an unhurried journey into the past. Children of all ages, like modern adventurers, will have the opportunity to explore Skorpios, Madouri and the Prince’s islands, a charming collection of islands of the east coast of Lefkada, visit Meganissi, an enchanting island blessed with refreshing waters and lush vegetation and the remarkable Papanikolis Cave, which is the second largest sea cave in Greece. The itinerary is designed to avoid long cruising distances, allowing you and your kids to spend most of the day swimming in the inviting, azure waters of the Ionian Sea, exploring, or just soaking up the sun!

Departure from Nydri port at 09:30 A.M.
Return to Nydri port at 17:30 P.M.
Duration: Apx. 8 hours

Odysseia Daily Cruises

Watersports & fun water adventures

© Kavvadas Watersports
© Kavvadas Watersports

Well, there is something unique about the call of the sea when it comes to summer vacations, don't you think so? Apart from swimming and beach-hopping, watersports or activities is the perfect way for the whole family to cool off, to embrace new challenges and spend quality time together while making the most of being by the sea. For more adrenaline-filled fun, head to Kavvadas Watersports in Nydri. Whether it’s crazy sofa, pedal boat or kayak, you’re sure to find something new to try.

Kavvadas watersports

Continue reading: Lefkada is synonymous with sports
5 water experiences to have in Lefkada this summer

Let's have some (extra) fun!

© Vassiliki Aqua park
© Vassiliki Aqua park

Vassiliki Aqua park which was established in 2019 with a brand new set of inflatable toys, has everything you could want from a fun-filled family day out. The park offers you the ''King of the Mountain'', a challenging structure with climbing walls located on multiple sides. The kids can race to the top of the semi-pyramidal structure using handholds or rope (that's for the stronger folks), then jump or descend using the amazing and thrilling slide. Furthermore they can use the Catapult, which sends children swinging or launching themselves over the water.

Operation period
01/07 – 30/08
Hours
Every Day  10:00AM–07.00PM

Vassiliki Aqua park

BONUS! This comprehensive and free guide will help you plan your trip to Lefkada.

Text: Effie Barla