We had no concept after we visited Lefkada that we’d be visiting one of the lovely islands on the planet. Lush vegetation, white sand seashores, and the bluest water I’ve ever seen was ready.
Due to its easy connection to mainland Greece, Lefkada is well accessible for many vacationers. As soon as on the island, there are many issues to do in Lefkada for all!
The place is Lefkada?
Earlier than we dig into the very best issues to do in Lefkada, let’s discuss location. Lefkada is an island within the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece. It’s a very mountainous and plush island, like most 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 should 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.
The best way 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. This can be 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 too lease a automotive in Athens, or elsewhere in Greece, and drive onto Lefkada by way of a bridge. There isn’t any ferry to Lefkada from Athens or different ports in mainland Greece.
The Greatest Issues to do in Lefkada
Plan a Seaside Day at Porto Katsiki
There are lots of seashores on Lefkada, however Porto Katsiki shouldn’t be solely probably the most lovely one on the island however maybe in the entire of Europe. The gorgeous seashore is surrounded by steep, white cliffs and you need to descend 80 steps to get all the way down to it.
The seashore options clear, blue waters excellent for a refreshing dip. Carry all the things you’ll want for the seashore, as soon as chances are you’ll your method down the steps it’s unlikely you’ll need to hike again up for a chew to eat. In case you can solely do one factor on Lefkada, ensure it’s to go to Porto Katsiki because it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Greece.
Spend a day at Egremni Seaside
When you hit up Porto Katsiki, one of many subsequent greatest issues to do in Lefkada is take pleasure in Egremni Seaside.
Egremni or Egremnoi is a distant seashore on the southwest coast of the island. Its remoteness doesn’t imply it’s not in style although. There’s a street that may take you as shut as potential (an earthquake in 2015 destroyed a part of the street) earlier than beachgoers should transcend a neverending 350 or so steps. Don’t fear, the view is price it -until you need to climb again up!
When you get to the seashore you’ll take pleasure in lovely white pebbly sand the clearest blue water you have got ever seen. You’ll need to deliver all that you simply want all the way down to the seashore with you as there’s nothing on the seashore moreover a number of locals promoting water and umbrella leases.
In case you don’t need to park and stroll it’s additionally potential to get to Egremni Seaside by boat from Nidri or Vasiliki port.
Take a look at Nydri Waterfalls
The stroll from the parking space to Nydri Waterfalls is just 875 yards however alongside the path, you’ll get your first style of the realm’s magnificence. Move via lush greenery, citrus timber and olive groves earlier than getting into a ravine resulting in the falls. The gorgeous scene that awaits options the 40-foot waterfalls surrounded by timber and distinctive rock formations.
You possibly can take a dip within the cool, clear waters beneath the falls. At first of the path, there’s a restaurant promoting refreshments, ensure to seize a drink, you’ll need it on a scorching day in Lefkada!
Take a Drive to Cape Lefkada
On the finish of the peninsula within the south of the island. A slim, maintained street leads proper to the cape.
In case you’re on the lookout for a pleasant place to take a scenic drive on the island, Cape Lefkada is a superb alternative. Alongside the street 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 toes to the ocean. The world has historic and legendary significance and the cape’s lighthouse was inbuilt 1890. Cape Lefkada is among the greatest locations to soak up a type of Greek sunsets that the area is thought for.
Go on a Mountain Biking Journey
If you’re on the lookout for a little bit of exercise, top-of-the-line issues to do in Lefkada is go mountain biking. 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 various trails appropriate for all ranges. Whether or not you need to take a slower journey via rolling terrain or an thrilling journey up and down mountains, there are trails for you.
Many overlook gorgeous vistas and cross by villages and high sights. Most aren’t open to autos. A number of the hottest trails embrace Lazarata Drop, Karia Path, Outdated Village Drop, Bush Whacker and Fanerwmeni Path. You possibly can lease mountain bikes and associated tools 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 facet of the mountain vary in Protected Forest Karyas, Exanthias, Agios llias, Nikoli is that this lovely Greece hike.
Eglouvi – Stavrota Peak is the tallest peak on Lefkada and a hike round this eight-mile loop path is a good way to see among the greatest aerial views of the island and its lovely shoreline. Alongside the way in which, you’ll see forest areas, wildflowers and wide-open areas so far as the attention can see.
The most effective 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 ensure to pack loads of water, meals, and sunscreen. Plan to place at the very least 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 plenty of native dishes made with contemporary greens picked contemporary from the property’s backyard together with salads, Greek pasta and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, keep some time and revel in a glass of wine (strive the do-it-yourself native Vertzami) or espresso because the solar units.
In case you aren’t feeling dinner head proper subsequent door to the sister property, FLY ME solar&stars bar for the very best cocktails with a good looking view for sundown.
Spend a Day in Lefkada City
The primary hub and largest city on the island is Lefkada City. Truthfully, it’s removed from probably the most lovely or thrilling Greek city, and it’s largely identified for being house to the bridge that connects the island to mainland Greece. Nonetheless it additionally has most of the island’s high eating places, bars, retailers and museums.
Though most of the outdated buildings had been destroyed in an earthquake, some stay intact together with Agios Spyridon which was constructed within the 1600s.
Be certain that to take a look at Mela Road which is known for its lovely lined 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 typical sight. The hanging former fortification provides a glimpse into the previous but additionally an opportunity to see what’s nonetheless being uncovered.
Agia Mavra Church can be positioned on this website. It prices €4 to enter. The location 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. Essentially the most well-known island, which is just 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 may 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 Seaside on the island of Meganisi.
Right here, you’ll take pleasure in some free time to discover earlier than heading to Scorpios the place you’ll take pleasure in 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 take pleasure in gorgeous views of the bay.
Discover the Village of Sivota
Within the south of the island about 20 miles from Lefkada City is a shocking Greek village. The village of Sivota is alleged to be one of the lovely on the island. With its lovely bay surrounded by hills and forest, you’ll discover loads of locations to benefit from the views and calm down 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 possibly can relaxation your drained toes and benefit from the small issues like a cup of espresso at a sidewalk cafe or a stroll via the again roads.
There are two pretty seashores alongside the harbor which can be excellent for a dip. One is located a number of hundred toes from the Yacht Bar Cafe and the opposite one is on the south facet of the harbour.
Go to the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
Within the northwest of the island a number of miles from Lefkada City at Frini is a unbelievable monastery to go to.
The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni is a historic website on high of a mountain and one of the essential spiritual facilities on the island. The unique construction was destroyed by hearth within the 1800s and at this time, the reconstructed monastery is house to lovely gardens, a library and a museum housing outdated Byzantine relics, manuscripts and gospels. The inside is a captivating place to discover, and the outside is the place you’ll discover gorgeous views of the city and coast.
A gown code is enforced right here. Modest clothes is required and if you end up not dressed accordingly, there are cover-ups accessible.
Go Windsurfing
If you wish to get lively within the water, top-of-the-line issues to do is 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! In case you already know the best way to windsurf, you possibly can lease tools from a number of sport retailers across the island together with Horizon Watersports, Membership Vass and Surf Lodge.
The most effective locations to windsurf are Vassiliki and Agios Nikolaos. In case you’re a newbie and want to discover ways to windsurf, Nefeli Membership provides classes from €35 per individual relying on the kind of lesson and degree.
You can too keep on the resort at Nefeli Membership and mix your lodging with day by 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 comply with an outdated path to the plateau. Alongside the way in which, you’ll see unbelievable views and cross by the Fifteenth-century Lokkini Ekklisia Monastery.
The most effective time of 12 months to hike this path is from March to December. It’s really useful to place a whole morning and afternoon apart to finish it so you possibly can benefit from the sights alongside the way in which and cease for a lunch earlier than dusk.
Cool off at Mylos Seaside
Attending to Mylos Seaside is an journey in itself, as a result of it’s solely accessible by way of a hike or boat. Nonetheless, the trouble is price 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 Seaside, 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 possibly can take a five-minute boat journey from the seashore in Agios Nikitas. A ship taxi will price you round €6.
On the north facet of the seashore, there are sunbeds for lease 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. A number of the birds you may 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 the very best occasions to identify wildlife.
Pattern Native Wine
Lefkada has excellent wine-producing situations 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 comply with your information via the varied buildings, you’ll hear in regards to the numerous phases 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. Strive the dry white Vardea which is among the hottest wines made on website.
Get a Historical past Lesson on the Archaeological Museum
Lefkada is filled with historical past relationship again 1000’s of years and the easiest way 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 occasions to Roman occasions.
Artifacts on show embrace cash, fishing and farming tools, musical devices, weapons, collectible figurines and objects associated to historical funeral ceremonies.
Spend an Afternoon on the Seaside Bar
Simply wanting to hang around for the day? The most effective issues to do in Lefkada is hang around at one of many many seashore bars. Step away from the ocean and revel in a number of hours absorbing the solar and the drinks at a seashore bar.
Close to Kathisma Seaside are loads of enjoyable and hip seashore bars to waste away a number of hours. We beloved Copla Lefkada as they’d 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 notably beloved swimming across the large rocks at Agios Nikitas and contemplate visiting right here top-of-the-line issues to do in Lefkada. Right here you possibly can sunbathe simply steps away from a purchasing road in addition to a number of 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 cross alongside a number of seashores together with Gyra and Agia and Panagia Gyra. Make sure to try the Fortress Agia Mavra which is alongside this path.
Attend the Worldwide Folklore Competition
In case you’re in Lefkada over the past week in August, try the Worldwide Folklore Competition. For a few years, this well-known competition has introduced 1000’s of artists, musicians, singers and dancers from everywhere in the world collectively to study and showcase totally different traditions.
This celebration of native and worldwide tradition opens with a lavish parade adopted by per week of performances. Many occasions happen within the courtyard of the first faculty.
The fee to attend is simply €5 – €10 per present. Throughout the opening ceremony, every group will present a pattern of their efficiency so you possibly can higher determine 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 all the things you’ll want. An ideal ambiance is created with Venetian decor, lush gardens and gorgeous views of the Ionian Sea. The most effective half is the attractive 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 outside eating space with BBQ amenities.
The best way to Get Round Lefkada
Renting a automotive in Greece and driving is the easiest way to get round Lefkada. Though it might not seem like it on a map, Lefkada is a big island and it might probably take nearly an hour to get from one level to the following in a rental automotive. Plus the winding seaside roads are extraordinarily enjoyable to drive.
It’s additionally potential to lease a 4×4, however we sometimes choose out of those in Greece. I desire my AC and shade whereas driving, and sometimes a rental automotive is cheaper than a quad.
If you’re coming from Athens it might be price wanting 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 most effective time to go to Lefkada is between June and September. I notably 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, 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. After, the very best factor to do is attempt to catch a ferry to 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 a number of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Assets
‘Hi there’ 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 along 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.Finances: In case you’re within the preliminary phases of planning, try our superior submit that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.Lease a Automotive: We advise most guests contemplate renting a automotive for the very best journey potential. Strive Uncover Vehicles to check quotes from totally different rental businesses. Test Value Right here!Shield Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from damage, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our listing of the very best excursions you possibly can take pleasure in in Greece!Journey Adapter: Be sure to discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, chances are you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.