Lefkas brings together a variety of interests: lagoons and rare vegetation, history, beaches with water sports, and local wines. The bridge is an important landmark for getting to the island. Lefkada Island can be reached by car without taking a ferry, as a road bridge connects it to Acarnania. Maintenance or maritime traffic may affect its operation, so check the latest conditions before setting out.
Coast, Lagoons and Nature
Gira is a narrow, seven-kilometre stretch of white sand that encloses the lagoon in the north of the island. The lagoons are notable for their protected status and ecological importance: the lagoon in Lefkada Town and the Steni Lagoon are part of the Natura 2000 network and are protected areas of particular ecological importance.
The lagoon in Lefkada Town is also a Ramsar wetland of international importance and serves as a stopover for migratory birds. The Skaros Forest is home to rare flora, including a rare species of oak. These sites showcase different aspects of the landscape: a striking sand formation, protected wetlands and distinctive forest flora. Those interested in nature can give these features different levels of priority when choosing their excursions.
Beaches and Water Sports
Kathisma Beach stretches for two kilometres and has golden sand, with opportunities for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Conditions at Vasiliki Beach are considered ideal for windsurfing, especially slalom and freestyle, although the winds are seasonal and changeable. Ai Giannis, on the northern side of Lefkada, is a popular kitesurfing spot.
Nydri has an organized centre for water skiing, wakeboarding and rides on inflatable equipment such as bananas and tubes. Operators and availability may change, so check which activities are currently available before visiting. The locations differ by activity: several beaches are associated with wind and kite sports, while Nydri also offers organized water sports and rides on the water.
Archaeology and Medieval History
The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada displays archaeological treasures from the island dating from the Middle Palaeolithic to the late Roman period, illustrating its history over a long span of time. The ancient theatre offers another way to explore the past: it was excavated in the centre of the ancient city of Lefkada and is considered the first theatre discovered in the Ionian Islands.
Santa Maura Castle adds a medieval fortification to these historic sites. It stands at the entrance to Lefkada Island and was built around 1300. The museum, theatre and fortress represent different historical periods—from archaeological finds and the ancient city to a medieval defensive structure.
Wine, Diving and Choosing Accommodation
Lefkada is known for its local wines, which visitors can taste. There are also underwater landscapes to discover: diving around Lefkada offers the chance to explore caves, faults and reefs. The modern marina in Lefkada can accommodate 620 boats; this capacity refers to the harbour, not to a specific service for visitors.
When looking for a hotel in Lefkas, it helps to first decide what matters most to you: cultural history, lagoons and forest, wind sports or other water activities. Then check the location of your accommodation in relation to the places that matter most for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ligia, Karya, Katouna, Poros, Aghios Nikitas, Sivros, Marantochori, Fterno.
For the broader travel overview: Lefkada.
