By Colin Cooper
If you’re drawn to the idea of exploring Greece on foot, Lefkada is the perfect destination. This Ionian island combines easy access with a network of old stone paths and mountain tracks that connect villages, springs, chapels, and viewpoints. In just a short walk, you can leave the bustle of the coast behind and find yourself among olive groves, vineyards, and high ridges with sweeping sea views.
Thanks to the Lefkada Trails project, many of these routes have been carefully mapped and described. Whether you prefer a gentle ramble through shady valleys or a more ambitious mountain hike, the island offers trails for every pace and mood. Walking here means slowing down, hearing goat bells in the distance, and discovering an authentic side of Lefkada often missed by visitors.
A New Guide for 2026
For 2026, the Lefkada Trails project has written a newhiking book to be published by Fagotto Books, giving visitors a beautifully designed printed companion to the island’s network of trails. It’s the ideal resource for anyone eager to see beyond the beaches and discover Lefkada’s hidden heart—step by step, path by path.
What to Do on Foot
Begin with the central villages around Karya and Englouvi, where paths climb through pine forests to reach old windmills, threshing floors, and mountaintop churches that look out across the island. Skaros Mountain offers forested trails and dramatic viewpoints across the Ionian Sea, while in summer a walk to the Dimosari waterfalls near Nidri provides a refreshing reward.
Another highlight is the Syvros Springs walk, a shaded circuit along old stone paths that passes several natural springs and waterfalls. Sheltered by plane trees and cooled by running water, it’s one of the best walks for hot summer days.
For those looking for higher adventure, the plateau of Mount Elati, crowned by the peak of Stavrotas at 1,200 m, is crossed by routes that traverse open ridges and the rocky high plateau. The views stretch from Ithaca to Paxos, and experienced walkers can link paths together here for a full day’s mountain hike.
The variety is one of Lefkada’s greatest charms: from short paths that lead down to hidden beaches, to ridge walks that follow the island’s spine, and even the multi-day Lefkada Trail—a long-distance route that runs from one end of the island to the other. Every step reveals something unexpected: a ruined watermill, a tiny chapel in the cypresses, or a hillside filled with the scent of thyme and oregano. With the new Lefkada Trails book in hand, you can choose walks that match your time, energy, and curiosity.
When to Hike
The most rewarding seasons are spring and autumn. In spring the island comes alive with a carpet of wildflowers, and on warm evenings fireflies dance in the fields. Autumn offers softer light, rich colours, and cooler days perfect for long walks. Summer, by contrast, can be very hot—best reserved for short, shaded routes or early morning and evening strolls.
Practical Tips for Hikers
- Footwear: Trails are often stony, so sturdy shoes are essential.
- Supplies: Carry water, a hat, and sunscreen; village springs are refreshing but not always on route.
- Respect: Close gates, greet locals, and tread lightly—these are living landscapes, not museum pieces.
- Navigation: Download the free GPS route files from lefkadatrails.com and follow every trail on your mobile phone app for extra confidence.
