About Lefkada

Lefkada is one of the loveliest islands in Greece, and indeed the Mediterranean. It possesses unique natural beauty, lush mountains, spectacular beaches, great culture and a wonderful climate. Lefkada (Lefkas) is the only island that is connected to Mainland Greece by road, providing easy access to visitors.

While in Lefkada, we recommend visiting the places and sites linked with the island’s great history, such as :

The capital town, Lefkada, with its historical city center, splendid architecture, narrow alleyways and the Agia Mavra Castle, all of which offer visitors a taste of the cultural heritage of the island. Lefkada Town also possesses many shops, restaurants, bars and clubs that are open all day.

The cosmopolitan village of Nydri is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Lefkada Island. Nydri is located opposite 3 well-known isles: Onasis’ “Scorpios”, Valaoritis’ “Madouri” and Livanos’ “Scorpidi”, and will be your starting point for cruises to these islands and to beautiful beaches on the island. Nydri has a lovely sandy beach, where a number of water sports are offered. The Waterfalls of Nydri, an area of unparalleled natural beauty.

Ionian Islands Region

Further information

Location Information: Episkopos is 200m from Nikiana which is a pretty little coastal village on the east coast with an abundance of great fish tavernas located on the beachfront and on the picturesque harbor. There are handful of cafes and bars right on the beach, motorboat hire, mountain biking, a dinghy sailing and windsurfing center plus two yacht charter companies.

At least 5 mini markets and bakeries can be found on the main road through the village plus a butcher and a pharmacy. The beach is shingle and is perfect for snorkeling. Nikiana is an ideal location for those who wish to be close to everything and at the same time to enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday in a truly Greek atmosphere. Lefkas Town, 10 mins drive, is the main commercial center and has the best shopping facilities on the island.

There is a quayside road south of the causeway entrance with a busy marina. The High Street runs through the center of town and is also known as the ‘Pazari’, this is the main street for shopping and cafes. A mid-morning coffee in the square is ideal for a break and a perfect opportunity to see the Lefkadians in ‘action’! The architecture has been mainly influenced by the Venetians and the post Byzantine traditions but also by the Turkish and the English. The houses in the main part of the town are two storey buildings, very closely packed, without yards or gardens and with narrow alleyways running between them.

It is lovely to walk around the back streets of the town where you are also more likely to see the typical Lefkadian houses wrapped in brightly painted corrugated iron – a form of protection against earthquakes introduced by the English during their rule of the island. Nidri, 10 mins drive, is the primary holiday resort on Lefkas. There are a variety of tavernas, restaurants and cafes here, also a handful of bars and a couple of nightclubs. The majority of shopping and tourist facilities are on the main street.

On the seafront, known as the ‘Paralia’, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Pringiponissa islands – amongst which is Scorpios, owned by the Onassis family. Cruises and Ferryboats operate from here to Cephalonia and Ithaca. Agios Nikitas, 20 mins drive, on the north-west tip of the island, is a pretty little village surrounded by fabulous beaches such as Pefkoulia, Kathisma and Kalamitsi. It has adequate tourist facilities, many tavernas, restaurants and a few shops. The nucleus of the village has been placed under preservation order, thus maintaining the traditional Ionian ambiance. Vassiliki, 30 mins drive, in the south is a self-contained tourist resort with a full range of facilities.

The harbor is lined with restaurants and cafes and the main street has a fair number of shops. Souvenir shopping is usually quite good here, there are lots of shops which specialize in casual wear and sports gear. Vassiliki is of particular interest to windsurf fans. Many sailing companies operate from here and you may hire windsurf boards and catamarans on a daily or hourly basis. Vassiliki has a ferry port operating a service to Cephalonia and Ithaca. Beaches Agios Giannis – Milos – Gyra – Kastro (10 mins drive) A length of approximately 12 kms of fine shingle beach beginning as Agios Giannis Beach which is dotted with tavernas and cafes. Further along is Milos Beach with kite surfing facilities, a couple of cafes and a restaurant. On the northern point is Gyra Beach favored by the locals with a small taverna right on the beach, sunbeds and a cafe. The stretch ends with Kastro Beach, completely virgin without any facilities. This stretch of beach is mostly very fine shingle and in some places sand. Milos Beach – Agios Nikitas (20 mins drive) To get to it you must go to Agios Nikitas and take a sea taxi operating a taxi service to and from Milos departing from the beach at the end of Agios Nikitas Main Street. Kalamitsi Beach (approx. 1 hr drive).

One of the most beautiful beaches on Lefkas. Fine shingle dotted with rock formations and a long stretch of pure white shingle beach. There are two small cafés down here and not much with regards to sun beds and beach facilities. Porto Katsiki Beach (approx. 1hr drive) Porto Katsiki, the best known beach, is today considered one of the most outstanding in the whole of Europe. This is a beach of exceptional beauty at the most southern tip of the island. A gorgeous shingle beach framed by high limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water. There are cafes and tavernas at the beach and sunbed facilities on the beach. Engremni Beach (approx. 1 hr drive). 296 or so, steps lead down to this stunning beach virginal fine shingle beach. One of the top beaches in the Ionian Sea this is a must for visitors to Lefkas island. As with Porto Katsiki it is a gorgeous beach framed by high limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water. Further afield it is easy to visit Ancient Sites such as Nikopolis, the divine Acherontas springs and the Necromateion close to Parga.

Travel information.

How to get there

Car necessary.
Distances :

• Nearest AIRPORT – Aktion (PVK): 25 Kilometres.
• Nearest FERRY – Nidri: 8 Kilometres.
• Nearest BEACH – Episkopos 200 m.
• Nearest BARPUB – Episkopos 200 m.
• Nearest RESTAURANT -Episkopos: 200m.
• Preveza Airport 25 km.
• Athens Airport 400km.
• Ioannina Airport 130 km.
• Harbor of Igoumenitsa 150 km. (ferry connection from Italy-Agona ,and other ports).
• Harbor of Patra 200km. (ferry connection from Italy-Agona ,and other ports)

Lefkada on Google Maps

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