We had no concept after we visited Lefkada that we’d be visiting probably the most stunning islands on this planet. Lush vegetation, white sand seashores, and the bluest water I’ve ever seen was ready.
Because of its easy connection to mainland Greece, Lefkada is definitely accessible for many vacationers. As soon as on the island, there are many issues to do in Lefkada for all!
The place is Lefkada?
Lefkada is an island within the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece. It’s a very mountainous and luxurious island, like lots of the different Ionian Greek Islands.
It’s a preferred island to go to as it’s related to the mainland by a causeway, that means you don’t must hop on a ferry to get right here for those who don’t need to. It’s a 5 hour drive to get between Athens and Lefkada. There are additionally ferry connections to Kefalonia and Ithaca.
Easy methods to get to Lefkada island
So far as Greece journey goes, attending to Lefkada is comparatively easy. Aktion Nationwide Airport is the gateway to Lefkada if arriving by air. It is a small regional airport that primarily providers flights to Athens. Although there are seasonal flights that hook up with Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and different main European locations.
You can even hire a automotive in Athens, or elsewhere in Greece, and drive onto Lefkada by way of a bridge. There is no such thing as a ferry to Lefkada from Athens or different ports in mainland Greece.
Greatest Issues to do in Lefkada
Plan a Seashore Day at Porto Katsiki
There are lots of seashores on Lefkada, however Porto Katsiki is just not solely probably the most stunning one on the island however maybe in the entire of Europe. The gorgeous seashore is surrounded by steep, white cliffs and it’s important to descend 347 steps to get right down to it.
The seashore options clear, blue waters excellent for a refreshing dip. Carry every little thing you’ll want for the seashore, as soon as it’s possible you’ll your approach down the steps it’s unlikely you’ll need to hike again up for a chew to eat. When you can solely do one factor on Lefkada, make certain it’s to go to Porto Katsiki.
Spend a day at Egremni Seashore
When you hit up Porto Katsiki, one of many subsequent finest issues to do in Lefkada is get pleasure from Egremni Seashore.
Egremni or Egremnoi is a distant seashore on the southwest coast of the island. Its remoteness doesn’t imply it’s not standard although. There’s a highway that may take you as shut as doable (an earthquake in 2015 destroyed a part of the highway) earlier than beachgoers should transcend a neverending 350 or so steps. Don’t fear, the view is value it -until it’s important to climb again up!
When you get to the seashore you’ll get pleasure from stunning white pebbly sand the clearest blue water you may have ever seen. You’ll need to carry all that you just want right down to the seashore with you as there may be nothing on the seashore moreover just a few locals promoting water and umbrella leases.
When you don’t need to park and stroll it’s additionally doable to get to Egremni Seashore by boat from Nidri or Vasiliki port.
Try Nydri Waterfalls
The stroll from the parking space to Nydri Waterfalls is simply 875 yards however alongside the path, you’ll get your first style of the world’s magnificence. Cross by way of lush greenery, citrus bushes and olive groves earlier than getting into a ravine resulting in the falls. The beautiful scene that awaits options the 40-foot waterfalls surrounded by bushes and distinctive rock formations.
You’ll be able to take a dip within the cool, clear waters under the falls. In the beginning of the path, there’s a restaurant promoting refreshments, make certain to seize a drink, you’ll need it on a sizzling day in Lefkada!
Take a Drive to Cape Lefkada
On the finish of the peninsula within the south of the island. A slim, maintained highway leads proper to the cape.
When you’re searching for a pleasant place to take a scenic drive on the island, Cape Lefkada is a superb selection. Alongside the highway that results in the cape, you’ll see spectacular views of the shoreline and close by islands.
Upon arrival, you’ll see white cliffs dropping greater than 200 ft to the ocean. The realm has historic and legendary significance and the cape’s lighthouse was in-built 1890. Cape Lefkada is likely one of the finest locations to absorb a kind of Greek sunsets that the area is thought for.
Go on a Mountain Biking Journey
Lefkada is the proper vacation spot for mountain bikers as a result of a lot of the inside of the island is mountainous and rugged with numerous trails appropriate for all ranges. Whether or not you need to take a slower trip by way of rolling terrain or an thrilling journey up and down mountains, there are trails for you.
Many overlook beautiful vistas and go by villages and high sights. Most aren’t open to automobiles. Among the hottest trails embrace Lazarata Drop, Karia Path, Previous Village Drop, Bush Whacker and Fanerwmeni Path. You’ll be able to hire mountain bikes and associated gear at Get Energetic in Nydri.
Get Energetic is positioned at 310 84 Nydri in an olive grove behind the village. Bike leases are €20 per day. Guided rides are between €20 and €50. Get Energetic provides numerous guided rides for all ages and ranges.
Hike Eglouvi – Stavrota Peak
On the southwest aspect of the mountain vary in Protected Forest Karyas, Exanthias, Agios llias, Nikoli is that this stunning Greece hike.
Eglouvi – Stavrota Peak is the tallest peak on Lefkada and a hike round this eight-mile loop path is an effective way to see among the finest aerial views of the island and its stunning shoreline. Alongside the best way, you’ll see forest areas, wildflowers and wide-open areas so far as the attention can see.
The perfect time of 12 months to hike this path is between April and November, nonetheless for those who go within the warmth of the day throughout July and August make certain to pack loads of water, meals, and sunscreen. Plan to place a minimum of 5 hours apart to finish the hike.
Take pleasure in a Meal and Drink with a View at Rachi Restaurant
If a scrumptious Greek meal on high of a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea is in your listing of must-do issues in Lefkada, look no additional than Rachi Restaurant. This peaceable mountaintop eatery within the village of Exanthia is the place you’ll wine and dine on an out of doors terrace with the ocean as your backdrop.
On the menu, you’ll discover seafood specialties and lots of native dishes made with recent greens picked recent from the property’s backyard together with salads, Greek pasta and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, keep some time and luxuriate in a glass of wine (strive the selfmade native Vertzami) or espresso because the solar units.
When you aren’t feeling dinner head proper subsequent door to the sister property, FLY ME solar&stars bar for one of the best cocktails with a stupendous view for sundown.
Spend a Day in Lefkada City
The principle hub and largest city on the island is Lefkada City. Truthfully, it’s removed from probably the most stunning or thrilling Greek city, and it’s principally identified for being residence to the bridge that connects the island to mainland Greece. Nevertheless it additionally has lots of the island’s high eating places, bars, retailers and museums.
Though lots of the previous buildings had been destroyed in an earthquake, some stay intact together with Agios Spyridon which was constructed within the 1600s.
Be sure that to take a look at Mela Road which is legendary for its stunning coated passageways.
Go to the Fortress of Agia Mavra
Constructed within the 1300s, the Fortress of Agia Mavra is a captivating place to go to as a result of archaeological digs are a standard sight. The hanging former fortification provides a glimpse into the previous but in addition an opportunity to see what’s nonetheless being uncovered.
Agia Mavra Church can be positioned on this web site. It prices €4 to enter. The positioning is closed on Tuesdays and closes at 15:00 every day.
Go on a Mini-cruise
There are lots of small islands round Lefkada and a enjoyable factor to do is to take a day cruise round these islands. Probably the most well-known island, which is simply about two miles away, is the small non-public island of Skorpios which was as soon as owned by Aristotle Onassis.
The lavish events of yesteryear are not however the island nonetheless has allure, and you’ll go to it by taking a day journey with Greca. The primary cease of the journey is Papanikolis Cave and onto Giovani’s Cave and Lakka Seashore on the island of Meganisi.
Right here, you’ll get pleasure from some free time to discover earlier than heading to Scorpios the place you’ll get pleasure from a refreshing swim within the clear waters of a picturesque seashore.
There are lots of boar operators that depart Nidri Port and head east to the islands. The Odysseia is an superior choice, The prices is round €57 per individual for the day.
On Meganisi, use a few of your free time to climb the hill in Spartochori Village the place you’ll get pleasure from beautiful views of the bay.
Discover the Village of Sivota
Within the south of the island about 20 miles from Lefkada City is a surprising Greek village. The village of Sivota is alleged to be probably the most stunning on the island. With its stunning bay surrounded by hills and forest, you’ll discover loads of locations to benefit from the views and chill out by the ocean.
As you discover the downtown space, you’ll discover many eating places, cafes and boutiques. Though it’s a preferred place for vacationers, the city maintains a peaceable setting the place you may relaxation your drained ft and benefit from the small issues like a cup of espresso at a sidewalk cafe or a stroll by way of the again roads.
There are two pretty seashores alongside the harbor which might be excellent for a dip. One is located a number of hundred ft from the Yacht Bar Cafe and the opposite one is on the south aspect of the harbour.
Go to the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
Within the northwest of the island just a few miles from Lefkada City at Frini is a improbable monastery to go to.
The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni is a historic web site on high of a mountain and probably the most vital spiritual facilities on the island. The unique construction was destroyed by fireplace within the 1800s and at this time, the reconstructed monastery is residence to stunning gardens, a library and a museum housing previous Byzantine relics, manuscripts and gospels. The inside is a captivating place to discover, and the outside is the place you’ll discover beautiful views of the city and coast.
A costume code is enforced right here. Modest clothes is required and if you end up not dressed accordingly, there are cover-ups accessible.
Go Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a well-liked sport in Lefkada as a result of there are such a lot of locations the place the winds are good! When you already know easy methods to windsurf, you may hire gear from a number of sport retailers across the island together with Horizon Watersports, Membership Vass and Surf Lodge.
The perfect locations to windsurf are Vassiliki and Agios Nikolaos. When you’re a newbie and want to learn to windsurf, Nefeli Membership provides classes from €35 per individual relying on the kind of lesson and stage.
You can even keep on the resort at Nefeli Membership and mix your lodging with each day classes.
Hike the Kolyvata – Antenna Plateau
The Kolyvata – Antenna Plateau is a 7.5-mile loop path that passes alongside coastal areas and thru a forest. Beginning in Kolyvata close to Skaros, you’ll observe an previous path to the plateau. Alongside the best way, you’ll see unbelievable views and go by the Fifteenth-century Lokkini Ekklisia Monastery.
The perfect time of 12 months to hike this path is from March to December. It’s beneficial to place a complete morning and afternoon apart to finish it so you may benefit from the sights alongside the best way and cease for a lunch earlier than dusk.
Cool off at Mylos Seashore
Attending to Mylos Seashore is an journey in itself, as a result of it’s solely accessible by way of a hike or boat. Nevertheless, the trouble is value it as a result of this seashore is superb! Because it’s so distant, you gained’t get enormous crowds right here and also you’re surrounded by nature. Admire steep cliffs and swim in clear, blue waters.
f you need to hike to Mylos Seashore, you’ll discover the path within the village of Agios Nikitas which is within the northwest of the island about 9 miles from Lefkada City. The hike takes about 25 minutes however if you wish to get there faster, you may take a five-minute boat trip from the seashore in Agios Nikitas. A ship taxi will value you round €6.
On the north aspect of the seashore, there are sunbeds for hire for €20 per couple.
Observe Nature on the Sea Lakes of Lefkada
Surrounding Lefkada City are two lagoons named Divari and Ivaria. The distinctive ecosystem of this protected space is the proper setting for a lot of crops, birds and different wildlife. Among the birds you would possibly spot embrace loufas, kormoranos, larks, herons, falarides, hawks, owls and tsikniades. Weasels, foxes and hares are sometimes noticed close to the lagoons as properly.
Early within the morning earlier than dawn or within the night earlier than sundown are one of the best instances to identify wildlife.
Pattern Native Wine
Lefkada has excellent wine-producing circumstances and a number of other wineries across the island produce scrumptious wines utilizing Vardea advert Vertzami grape varietals. Within the south of the island close to Fterno, about 15 miles from Lefkada City is an excellent vineyard. The Lefkas Earth Vineyard provides excursions, tastings and the chance to buy their wines.
A tour of this vineyard provides a captivating perception into how the wine is made. As you observe your information by way of the assorted buildings, you’ll hear in regards to the numerous levels of wine manufacturing and see the instruments and manufacturing amenities used.
The tour features a tasting. The tour and wine tasting are free and a bottle prices between €7 and €9 a bottle. Attempt the dry white Vardea which is likely one of the hottest wines made on web site.
Get a Historical past Lesson on the Archaeological Museum
Lefkada is filled with historical past relationship again 1000’s of years and one of the best ways to get an summary of that historical past is with a go to to the Archaeological Museum for simply €2 per individual. Right here, you’ll discover 4 rooms devoted to the individuals, tradition and historical past of the island from Paleolithic instances to Roman instances.
Artifacts on show embrace cash, fishing and farming gear, musical devices, weapons, collectible figurines and gadgets associated to historical funeral ceremonies.
Spend an Afternoon on the Seashore Bar
Step away from the ocean and luxuriate in just a few hours absorbing the solar and the drinks at a seashore bar. Close to Kathisma Seashore are loads of enjoyable and hip seashore bars to waste away just a few hours. We cherished Copla Lefkada as that they had nice smoothies and an superior pool to hop in.
Benefit from the Rocky Terrain at Paralia Agios Nikitas
All Lefkada seashores are superb, however we significantly cherished swimming across the big rocks at Agios Nikitas and take into account visiting right here among the best issues to do in Lefkada. Right here you may sunbathe simply steps away from a purchasing road in addition to just a few scrumptious Greek tavernas.
Take a Hike Round Gyrapetra Cape
Gyrapetra Cape is a loop path appropriate for all ranges. Alongside this six-mile path, you’ll see spectacular views and go alongside a number of seashores together with Gyra and Agia and Panagia Gyra. You should definitely take a look at the Fortress Agia Mavra which is alongside this path.
Attend the Worldwide Folklore Pageant
When you’re in Lefkada over the last week in August, take a look at the Worldwide Folklore Pageant. For a few years, this well-known pageant has introduced 1000’s of artists, musicians, singers and dancers from all around the world collectively to find out about and showcase totally different traditions.
This celebration of native and worldwide tradition opens with a lavish parade adopted by every week of performances. Many occasions happen within the courtyard of the first college.
The price to attend is simply €5 – €10 per present. In the course of the opening ceremony, every group will present a pattern of their efficiency so you may higher resolve which full occasions to attend all through the week.
Make Your Base on the Villa Veneziano
One of the best ways to get an genuine native expertise is to remain in an intimate, centrally positioned villa. Villa Veneziano is small, nevertheless it has every little thing you’ll want. An ideal ambiance is created with Venetian decor, lush gardens and beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. The perfect half is the gorgeous pavilion that opens to a pool and solar terrace. It’s location in Perigiali on Lefkada’s east coast is simply 5 minutes from Nydri.
Benefit from the pretty public areas across the property together with a kitchen, lounge space and out of doors eating space with BBQ amenities.
Easy methods to Get Round Lefkada
Renting a automotive in Greece and driving is one of the best ways to get round Lefkada. Though it could not seem like it on a map, Lefkada is a big island and it might probably take virtually an hour to get from one level to the subsequent in a rental automotive. Plus the winding seaside roads are extraordinarily enjoyable to drive.
It’s additionally doable to hire a 4×4, however we usually choose out of those in Greece. I desire my AC and shade whereas driving, and infrequently a rental automotive is cheaper than a quad.
If you’re coming from Athens it could be value trying into renting a automotive in Athens and driving to Lefkada. Rental charges are sometimes cheaper in Athens than on the islands.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Lefkada
The perfect time to go to Lefkada is between June and September. I significantly love visiting Greece in June and September and the temperatures are decrease and the crowds aren’t at their peak. A lot of the images on this article had been taken in late June.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?
The Excellent Ionian Itinerary?
Yearly we strive to take a look at a brand new chain of Greek Islands. Why? Properly as a result of Greece is our favourite nation to journey to! Throughout this journey, we visited the Ionian Islands. We began in Corfu, we took the ferry to the mainland, and drove to Lefkada.
After our time on Lefkada, we took one other ferry to the quiet island of Ithaca. We solely wished we had extra time in order that we may have added on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
The place to Keep on Lefkada
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Lefkada! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed below are just a few related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Sources
- ‘Howdy’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Forex: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival totally free. Test together with your embassy to see if that’s you.
- Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are delicate and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.
- What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect an excellent pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.
- Price range: When you’re within the preliminary levels of planning take a look at our superior put up that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.
- Lease a Automobile: We propose most guests take into account renting a automotive for one of the best journey doable. Attempt Uncover Vehicles to match quotes from totally different rental companies. Test Worth Right here!
- Defend Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We at all times carry journey insurance coverage to guard from harm, theft, or a canceled journey.
- Excursions in Greece: Try our listing of one of the best excursions you may get pleasure from in Greece!
- Journey Adapter: Be sure to discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.