Friends! Linked to mainland Greece by road, Lefkada wraps soaring cliffs around milky-blue water and pebble-white shores. It's small enough to beach-hop in a day, yet wild enough to feel remote.

Use this guide for prices, logistics, and time-saving tips so you spend more hours swimming than planning.

Why Go

Think "postcard Greece," then turn the saturation up. Lefkada's west coast delivers dramatic cliffs and crystalline water; the east leans calmer with coves and boat days. Expect sunbed sets at beaches for $10–18 (two loungers and an umbrella), parking $4–6, and midrange meals $12–18 per person.

Porto Katsiki

Descend the famous steps to a crescent of white pebbles under chalk cliffs. Arrive before 10:00 for easier parking. Water shoes help on stones; bring cash for snacks. In summer, small boats shuttle along the coast ($10–15 one way) if you'd rather skip the stairs on the return.

Egremni

Since a landslide cut the cliff path, the only access is by sea. Join a half-day cruise from Nydri or Vasiliki ($30–45) or hire a skipper with a small craft (from $180 per group). You'll land on a long, lightly peopled strand with unreal transparency—pack shade, there's no service.

Nydri Falls

When the heat peaks, swap sand for a short gorge walk of 20–30 minutes. After olive and citrus groves, a cool pool waits beneath smooth rock. Entry is free; budget $3–6 for a juice or iced coffee at the trailhead café. Go early in summer for quieter paths.

Milos Beach

A favorite precisely because it's tricky. From Agios Nikitas village, follow the rocky footpath over the headland (about 20 minutes) to a wide ribbon of coarse sand and gentle surf. No rentals here—pack your own umbrella, water, and picnic. Cell signal is weak; download maps offline.

Kathisma

Easier access, bigger scene. A near-kilometer of shoreline with beach clubs, showers, and changing cabins. Waves can be punchy—watch flags. Sunbeds range $12–20; free zones exist between venues. If you like parasailing or SUP, shops quote $25–40 for an hour on calmer days.

Vasiliki Wind

A thermal breeze nicknamed "Eric" shows up most afternoons, turning the bay into a windsurfing playground. Beginner lessons run $50–90; morning water is calmer for first-timers and families. Non-surfers can rent bikes ($12–20/day) to explore valley roads and overlook points.

Cape Views

Drive the peninsula to Cape Lefkatas for cliff-edge vistas and a photogenic lighthouse. Roads are paved but winding—avoid after dark if you're not used to mountain driving. There's no shade or kiosks; bring a hat, water, and sensible shoes. Sunset here feels otherworldly.

Ammoussa

Sheltered and glass-clear, this south-coast cove is perfect for snorkeling. A modest beach bar rents umbrellas ($6–8) and serves salads, grilled fish, and fries ($8–16). The polished pebble shore is bright—pack sunglasses and a rash guard for long swims.

Kavalikefta

A rough final road section keeps crowds down. Two neighboring strands—one stony (Megali Petra), one sandy (Kavalikefta)—are split by giant boulders that sculpt the waves into lagoons. Depth drops quickly; stay close with kids. Bring your own shade and plenty of water.

Boat Days

East-coast waters are dotted with coves and islets. Join a full-day small-group cruise ($40–65 per person, lunch or snacks often included) to reach boat-only beaches and sea caves. Prefer DIY? A license-free motorboat fits four to six and costs $90–180 per day plus fuel; operators provide maps and safety briefings.

Bike Trails

Lefkada is 70 percent mountainous—great for riders. Outfitters in Nydri and Lefkada Town rent hardtails ($18–30/day) and e-MTBs ($35–60/day), helmets included. Popular routes include a mellow olive-grove loop to Nydri Falls or a guided shuttle up to a ridgeline with a scenic descent to the sea.

Stay & Eat

Where to sleep: budget rooms $45–80, midrange hotels $90–160, villas with pools $180–350 (higher in July–August). For beach proximity, consider Agios Nikitas (west) or Nydri (east) without renting a car.

Food to try: grilled fish of the day ($14–22), zucchini fritters ($7–10), stuffed vegetables ($10–14), spinach-herb pies ($6–9), and tomato-cucumber salads ($7–10). Many tavernas have seaside seating; card payments are common, but keep $20–40 cash for small kiosks.

Getting Around

Fly into Aktion (PVK) near Preveza; taxi to Lefkada Town is $35–60 depending on time and luggage. Buses link Lefkada Town with major beaches ($2–4 per ride) in season, but a car maximizes freedom: compact rentals $35–70/day with basic insurance. Fuel is around $7–8 per gallon equivalent. Drive cautiously—mountain roads are narrow and twisty.

Smart Tips

- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a light dry bag.

- West-coast surf can spike suddenly—mind lifeguard flags.

- ATMs exist in main towns; smaller villages may be cash-only.

- Shade is scarce on cliff beaches—portable umbrellas pay for themselves.

- Early starts win parking and quiet coves; late afternoons bring glowing water for photos.

Final Thought

Lefkada rewards those who mix easy wins—Kathisma loungers, Nydri cruises—with little adventures like the Milos footpath or cape viewpoints. If you had one extra hour, would you spend it on a cliff-top lookout or drifting in that impossible turquoise? Let your answer shape tomorrow's plan.