Ionian
Lefkada
The only Greek island you can drive to — with beaches that rival the Caribbean.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
Jun – Sep
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Lefkada
The west coast of Lefkada is arguably the most beautiful coastline in the Ionian, possibly in all of Greece. Porto Katsiki is a near-vertical white cliff dropping to turquoise water that looks improbable even when you're standing in it. Egremni, a 500-step descent below the clifftop road, is even more dramatic and less visited. Vassiliki Bay in the south is one of Europe's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations, with reliable thermal afternoon winds channelled by the surrounding mountains. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway — the only Greek island accessible by car — which makes arrival easy but fills it quickly in August. The main town is pleasant and functional. The island's beauty is entirely on its coastline and in the pine-covered interior.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
West coast beaches require long drives down steep, narrow roads. Lefkada Town itself is not particularly attractive.
Hidden gem
Take the boat to nearby Meganisi for an afternoon — five sleepy villages, no tourists, the Ionian as it used to be.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Lefkada — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Lefkada? +
- The best months to visit Lefkada are June to September. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Lefkada from Athens? +
- Lefkada has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Lefkada good for couples? +
- Lefkada is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Lefkada good for families with kids? +
- Lefkada is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Lefkada expensive? +
- Lefkada is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Lefkada? +
- You'll want a rental car on Lefkada — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Lefkada? +
- West coast beaches require long drives down steep, narrow roads. Lefkada Town itself is not particularly attractive.