Ionian
Meganisi
Lefkada's quiet neighbour — deep bays, olive groves, and sailing yachts at anchor.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Meganisi
Meganisi is a small island just south of Lefkada, almost entirely visited by sailors passing through the Ionian. It has three villages, several beautiful deep-water bays where yachts anchor overnight, excellent fresh fish, and a pace of life that is genuinely unhurried. The turquoise water in Porto Spilia and Vathy is among the best in the Ionian. Almost unknown to non-sailing tourists.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Difficult to visit without being on a sailing holiday — limited ferry connections from Lefkada.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Meganisi — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Meganisi? +
- The best months to visit Meganisi are May to October. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Meganisi from Athens? +
- Meganisi 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 Meganisi good for couples? +
- Meganisi is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Meganisi good for families with kids? +
- Meganisi is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Meganisi expensive? +
- Meganisi is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Meganisi? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Meganisi. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Meganisi? +
- Difficult to visit without being on a sailing holiday — limited ferry connections from Lefkada.