Ionian Islands · The Ionian you can drive to
Lefkada
Lefkada is the Ionian island you can drive to, crossing a floating bridge into a world of white pebble beaches, electric blue water and stone villages in green valleys. We plan private Lefkada trips around the famous west coast beaches and the quiet mountain squares.
Travel to Lefkada across the floating bridge and get ready for dramatic, unspoiled beaches of white pebbles and electric blue water. The interior holds green valleys dotted with traditional stone villages and leafy squares.
The island you drive to
We are no strangers to Greek ferries; all in all, we have probably spent months of our lives on their decks. When it comes to reaching Lefkada, however, forget the stress of catching a flight or making the port in time: the passage from mainland Greece, via the island’s floating bridge, takes about one minute. The appeal once you arrive is the nature. Lefkada has earned the nickname of the Caribbean of Greece thanks to its magnificent coastline, and while you cannot really go wrong with any of its beaches, we especially recommend Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Mylos.
Explore Lefkada
Lefkada is so beautiful you could simply explore on your own and be guaranteed a great time. But some corners are that little bit more special.
Egremni Beach
A gorgeous beach with pristine water, and a sandy one at that, so there is no awkward clambering out of the sea. Egremni is accessible only by boat from Nydri and Vasiliki, which keeps it feeling wonderfully remote.
Lefkada Town
The capital is the island’s administrative, economic and cultural centre, set on the northeastern side and home to about 8,000 residents, most engaged in agriculture and tourism. It makes an easy, atmospheric base.
Mylos Beach
Fourteen kilometres south of town, Mylos stays uncrowded because it takes effort to reach: a water taxi from Agios Nikitas, or a fifteen minute hike down. Like most things in life, you appreciate what you work for, and this stunner rewards the trip.
A walk through Lefkada’s history
Lefkada, one of the seven Ionian Islands, took its name from Cape Lefkatas. One version says the name comes from the white colour of the cape’s rocks; another traces it to Lefkos, a companion of Odysseus. In antiquity the cape was famous: tradition held that anyone who leapt from its rocks could escape the torment of love. Zeus was said to rest there between his affairs, Sappho leapt to free herself of her love for Phaon, and Aphrodite chose the same end after losing Adonis. Another tradition ties the cape to its temple of Apollo: once a year, the myth says, the people of Lefkada cast a convict from the rock to purify the city and keep evil at bay.
Pairing Lefkada
Lefkada slots naturally into an Ionian route with Kefalonia and Ithaca to the south, and for wider island inspiration, Sifnos and Mykonos carry the journey into the Cyclades.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Lefkada
- Best Bar Maraboo Beach Bar
A proper Ibiza-style beach club with a panoramic view of Scorpios, Madouri and Agia Kiriaki set against the deep Ionian blue. We definitely dig the vibe.
- Best Beach Porto Katsiki
The island's most famous beach and undoubtedly the crown jewel of its remarkable coast, where steep cliffs meet the pebbled shore and exotic cyan water. Honestly, the best of a great bunch that includes Egremni and Mylos.
- Best Daytrip Lefkada's villages
Tsipouro under the shady plane trees of Karya's square is good for the soul. Then head for Exanthia, an amphitheatre village named for the six families who founded it, one dreamlike balcony over what may be the finest view in the Ionian.
- Best Local Specialty Savoro
Fish marinated in a mixture of vinegar, oil, rosemary, garlic and raisins. One pungent collection of ingredients, and one that will stick in your mind for a long, long while.
- Best Sight Dimossari Waterfalls
A little paradise of greenery near Nidri, reached by a thirty minute walk up the gorge, ending in a lake framed by spectacular rocks. Perfect for a refreshing dip on hot summer days.
- Best Wine De Blanckk
A wine lover's paradise in Nidri run by a Danish couple who fell for Lefkada after twelve years of holidays here. What Bob and Anja don't know about Greek wine isn't worth knowing.
Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a causeway and floating bridge, so no ferry is needed; the nearest airport is Aktion near Preveza (PVK), around half an hour away.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Lefkada, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.