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We had no concept once we visited Lefkada that we’d be visiting one of the vital stunning islands on this planet. Lush vegetation, white sand seashores, and the bluest water I’ve ever seen was ready.
Because of its easy connection to mainland Greece, Lefkada is definitely accessible for many vacationers. As soon as on the island, there are many issues to do in Lefkada for all!
The place is Lefkada?
Lefkada is an island within the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece. It’s a very mountainous and luxurious island, like lots of the different Ionian Greek Islands.
It’s a well-liked island to go to as it’s related to the mainland by a causeway, that means you don’t must hop on a ferry to get right here if you happen to don’t wish to. It’s a 5 hour drive to get between Athens and Lefkada. There are additionally ferry connections to Kefalonia and Ithaca.
Easy methods to get to Lefkada island
So far as Greece journey goes, attending to Lefkada is comparatively easy. Aktion Nationwide Airport is the gateway to Lefkada if arriving by air. It is a small regional airport that primarily providers flights to Athens. Although there are seasonal flights that hook up with Amsterdam, Paris, Milan and different main European locations.
You can too hire a automobile in Athens, or elsewhere in Greece, and drive onto Lefkada by way of a bridge. There isn’t any ferry to Lefkada from Athens or different ports in mainland Greece.
Greatest Issues to do in Lefkada
Plan a Seashore Day at Porto Katsiki
There are various seashores on Lefkada, however Porto Katsiki shouldn’t be solely probably the most stunning one on the island however maybe in the entire of Europe. The attractive seashore is surrounded by steep, white cliffs and you need to descend 80 steps to get right down to it.
The seashore options clear, blue waters good for a refreshing dip. Deliver all the things you’ll want for the seashore, as soon as it’s possible you’ll your method down the steps it’s unlikely you’ll wish to hike again up for a chunk to eat. When you can solely do one factor on Lefkada, be sure it’s to go to Porto Katsiki because it’s among the best issues to do in Greece.
Spend a day at Egremni Seashore
When you hit up Porto Katsiki, one of many subsequent greatest issues to do in Lefkada is take pleasure in Egremni Seashore.
Egremni or Egremnoi is a distant seashore on the southwest coast of the island. Its remoteness doesn’t imply it’s not well-liked although. There’s a highway that can take you as shut as attainable (an earthquake in 2015 destroyed a part of the highway) earlier than beachgoers should transcend a neverending 350 or so steps. Don’t fear, the view is price it -until you need to climb again up!
When you get to the seashore you’ll take pleasure in stunning white pebbly sand the clearest blue water you’ve gotten ever seen. You’ll wish to carry all that you just want right down to the seashore with you as there may be nothing on the seashore moreover just a few locals promoting water and umbrella leases.
When you don’t wish to park and stroll it’s additionally attainable to get to Egremni Seashore by boat from Nidri or Vasiliki port.
Take a look at Nydri Waterfalls
The stroll from the parking space to Nydri Waterfalls is simply 875 yards however alongside the path, you’ll get your first style of the world’s magnificence. Cross by way of lush greenery, citrus timber and olive groves earlier than coming into a ravine resulting in the falls. The gorgeous scene that awaits options the 40-foot waterfalls surrounded by timber and distinctive rock formations.
You may take a dip within the cool, clear waters under the falls. Originally of the path, there’s a restaurant promoting refreshments, be sure to seize a drink, you’ll need it on a scorching day in Lefkada!
Take a Drive to Cape Lefkada
On the finish of the peninsula within the south of the island. A slim, maintained highway leads proper to the cape.
When you’re in search of a pleasant place to take a scenic drive on the island, Cape Lefkada is a superb alternative. Alongside the highway that results in the cape, you’ll see spectacular views of the shoreline and close by islands.
Upon arrival, you’ll see white cliffs dropping greater than 200 ft to the ocean. The world has historic and legendary significance and the cape’s lighthouse was inbuilt 1890. Cape Lefkada is likely one of the greatest locations to absorb a kind of Greek sunsets that the area is thought for.
Go on a Mountain Biking Journey
Lefkada is the proper vacation spot for mountain bikers as a result of a lot of the inside of the island is mountainous and rugged with various trails appropriate for all ranges. Whether or not you wish to take a slower experience by way of rolling terrain or an thrilling journey up and down mountains, there are trails for you.
Many overlook gorgeous vistas and go by villages and prime sights. Most aren’t open to autos. Among the hottest trails embrace Lazarata Drop, Karia Path, Outdated Village Drop, Bush Whacker and Fanerwmeni Path. You may hire mountain bikes and associated tools at Get Energetic in Nydri.
Get Energetic is positioned at 310 84 Nydri in an olive grove behind the village. Bike leases are €20 per day. Guided rides are between €20 and €50. Get Energetic provides numerous guided rides for all ages and ranges.
Hike Eglouvi – Stavrota Peak
On the southwest aspect of the mountain vary in Protected Forest Karyas, Exanthias, Agios llias, Nikoli is that this stunning Greece hike.
Eglouvi – Stavrota Peak is the tallest peak on Lefkada and a hike round this eight-mile loop path is a good way to see a few of the greatest aerial views of the island and its stunning shoreline. Alongside the best way, you’ll see forest areas, wildflowers and wide-open areas so far as the attention can see.
The perfect time of yr to hike this path is between April and November, nevertheless if you happen to go within the warmth of the day throughout July and August be sure to pack loads of water, meals, and sunscreen. Plan to place at the very least 5 hours apart to finish the hike.
Take pleasure in a Meal and Drink with a View at Rachi Restaurant
If a scrumptious Greek meal on prime of a mountain overlooking the Ionian Sea is in your checklist of must-do issues in Lefkada, look no additional than Rachi Restaurant. This peaceable mountaintop eatery within the village of Exanthia is the place you’ll wine and dine on an outside terrace with the ocean as your backdrop.
On the menu, you’ll discover seafood specialties and plenty of native dishes made with contemporary greens picked contemporary from the property’s backyard together with salads, Greek pasta and vegetarian dishes. After dinner, keep some time and revel in a glass of wine (attempt the home made native Vertzami) or espresso because the solar units.
When you aren’t feeling dinner head proper subsequent door to the sister property, FLY ME solar&stars bar for the perfect cocktails with an exquisite view for sundown.
Spend a Day in Lefkada City
The principle hub and largest city on the island is Lefkada City. Actually, it’s removed from probably the most stunning or thrilling Greek city, and it’s largely identified for being house to the bridge that connects the island to mainland Greece. Nonetheless it additionally has lots of the island’s prime eating places, bars, outlets and museums.
Though lots of the outdated buildings have been destroyed in an earthquake, some stay intact together with Agios Spyridon which was constructed within the 1600s.
Ensure to take a look at Mela Road which is known for its stunning coated passageways.
Go to the Fortress of Agia Mavra
Constructed within the 1300s, the Fortress of Agia Mavra is a captivating place to go to as a result of archaeological digs are a typical sight. The hanging former fortification provides a glimpse into the previous but additionally an opportunity to see what’s nonetheless being uncovered.
Agia Mavra Church can also be positioned on this website. It prices €4 to enter. The location is closed on Tuesdays and closes at 15:00 every day.
Go on a Mini-cruise
There are various small islands round Lefkada and a enjoyable factor to do is to take a day cruise round these islands. Probably the most well-known island, which is simply about two miles away, is the small personal island of Skorpios which was as soon as owned by Aristotle Onassis.
The lavish events of yesteryear are now not however the island nonetheless has allure, and you’ll go to it by taking a day journey with Greca. The primary cease of the journey is Papanikolis Cave and onto Giovani’s Cave and Lakka Seashore on the island of Meganisi.
Right here, you’ll take pleasure in some free time to discover earlier than heading to Scorpios the place you’ll take pleasure in a refreshing swim within the clear waters of a picturesque seashore.
There are various boar operators that depart Nidri Port and head east to the islands. The Odysseia is an superior choice, The prices is round €57 per particular person for the day.
On Meganisi, use a few of your free time to climb the hill in Spartochori Village the place you’ll take pleasure in gorgeous views of the bay.
Discover the Village of Sivota
Within the south of the island about 20 miles from Lefkada City is a surprising Greek village. The village of Sivota is claimed to be one of the vital stunning on the island. With its stunning bay surrounded by hills and forest, you’ll discover loads of locations to benefit from the views and chill out by the ocean.
As you discover the downtown space, you’ll discover many eating places, cafes and boutiques. Though it’s a well-liked place for vacationers, the city maintains a peaceable setting the place you’ll be able to relaxation your drained ft and benefit from the small issues like a cup of espresso at a sidewalk cafe or a stroll by way of the again roads.
There are two beautiful seashores alongside the harbor which might be good for a dip. One is located a number of hundred ft from the Yacht Bar Cafe and the opposite one is on the south aspect of the harbour.
Go to the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni
Within the northwest of the island just a few miles from Lefkada City at Frini is a improbable monastery to go to.
The Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni is a historic website on prime of a mountain and one of the vital necessary spiritual facilities on the island. The unique construction was destroyed by hearth within the 1800s and right now, the reconstructed monastery is house to stunning gardens, a library and a museum housing outdated Byzantine relics, manuscripts and gospels. The inside is a captivating place to discover, and the outside is the place you’ll discover gorgeous views of the city and coast.
A gown code is enforced right here. Modest clothes is required and if you end up not dressed accordingly, there are cover-ups accessible.
Go Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a well-liked sport in Lefkada as a result of there are such a lot of locations the place the winds are excellent! When you already know the way to windsurf, you’ll be able to hire tools from a number of sport outlets across the island together with Horizon Watersports, Membership Vass and Surf Resort.
The perfect locations to windsurf are Vassiliki and Agios Nikolaos. When you’re a newbie and want to learn to windsurf, Nefeli Membership provides classes from €35 per particular person relying on the kind of lesson and stage.
You can too keep on the resort at Nefeli Membership and mix your lodging with every day classes.
Hike the Kolyvata – Antenna Plateau
The Kolyvata – Antenna Plateau is a 7.5-mile loop path that passes alongside coastal areas and thru a forest. Beginning in Kolyvata close to Skaros, you’ll observe an outdated path to the plateau. Alongside the best way, you’ll see unbelievable views and go by the Fifteenth-century Lokkini Ekklisia Monastery.
The perfect time of yr to hike this path is from March to December. It’s really useful to place a whole morning and afternoon apart to finish it so you’ll be able to benefit from the sights alongside the best way and cease for a lunch earlier than dusk.
Cool off at Mylos Seashore
Attending to Mylos Seashore is an journey in itself, as a result of it’s solely accessible by way of a hike or boat. Nonetheless, the trouble is price it as a result of this seashore is superb! Because it’s so distant, you received’t get big crowds right here and also you’re surrounded by nature. Admire steep cliffs and swim in clear, blue waters.
f you wish to hike to Mylos Seashore, you’ll discover the path within the village of Agios Nikitas which is within the northwest of the island about 9 miles from Lefkada City. The hike takes about 25 minutes however if you wish to get there faster, you’ll be able to take a five-minute boat experience from the seashore in Agios Nikitas. A ship taxi will price you round €6.
On the north aspect of the seashore, there are sunbeds for hire for €20 per couple.
Observe Nature on the Sea Lakes of Lefkada
Surrounding Lefkada City are two lagoons named Divari and Ivaria. The distinctive ecosystem of this protected space is the proper setting for a lot of vegetation, birds and different wildlife. Among the birds you may spot embrace loufas, kormoranos, larks, herons, falarides, hawks, owls and tsikniades. Weasels, foxes and hares are sometimes noticed close to the lagoons as nicely.
Early within the morning earlier than dawn or within the night earlier than sundown are the perfect instances to identify wildlife.
Pattern Native Wine
Lefkada has good wine-producing situations and several other wineries across the island produce scrumptious wines utilizing Vardea advert Vertzami grape varietals. Within the south of the island close to Fterno, about 15 miles from Lefkada City is a superb vineyard. The Lefkas Earth Vineyard provides excursions, tastings and the chance to buy their wines.
A tour of this vineyard provides a captivating perception into how the wine is made. As you observe your information by way of the assorted buildings, you’ll hear concerning the numerous levels of wine manufacturing and see the instruments and manufacturing services used.
The tour features a tasting. The tour and wine tasting are free and a bottle prices between €7 and €9 a bottle. Attempt the dry white Vardea which is likely one of the hottest wines made on website.
Get a Historical past Lesson on the Archaeological Museum
Lefkada is filled with historical past relationship again hundreds of years and one of the best ways to get an outline of that historical past is with a go to to the Archaeological Museum for simply €2 per particular person. Right here, you’ll discover 4 rooms devoted to the folks, tradition and historical past of the island from Paleolithic instances to Roman instances.
Artifacts on show embrace cash, fishing and farming tools, musical devices, weapons, collectible figurines and objects associated to historic funeral ceremonies.
Spend an Afternoon on the Seashore Bar
Step away from the ocean and revel in just a few hours absorbing the solar and the drinks at a seashore bar. Close to Kathisma Seashore are loads of enjoyable and hip seashore bars to waste away just a few hours. We liked Copla Lefkada as that they had nice smoothies and an superior pool to hop in.
Benefit from the Rocky Terrain at Paralia Agios Nikitas
All Lefkada seashores are superb, however we notably liked swimming across the large rocks at Agios Nikitas and take into account visiting right here among the best issues to do in Lefkada. Right here you’ll be able to sunbathe simply steps away from a procuring road in addition to just a few scrumptious Greek tavernas.
Take a Hike Round Gyrapetra Cape
Gyrapetra Cape is a loop path appropriate for all ranges. Alongside this six-mile path, you’ll see spectacular views and go alongside a number of seashores together with Gyra and Agia and Panagia Gyra. Make sure you try the Fortress Agia Mavra which is alongside this path.
Attend the Worldwide Folklore Pageant
When you’re in Lefkada over the past week in August, try the Worldwide Folklore Pageant. For a few years, this well-known pageant has introduced hundreds of artists, musicians, singers and dancers from everywhere in the world collectively to find out about and showcase completely different traditions.
This celebration of native and worldwide tradition opens with a lavish parade adopted by every week of performances. Many occasions happen within the courtyard of the first faculty.
The price to attend is simply €5 – €10 per present. Throughout the opening ceremony, every group will present a pattern of their efficiency so you’ll be able to higher determine which full occasions to attend all through the week.
Make Your Base on the Villa Veneziano
One of the best ways to get an genuine native expertise is to remain in an intimate, centrally positioned villa. Villa Veneziano is small, but it surely has all the things you’ll want. An ideal ambiance is created with Venetian decor, lush gardens and gorgeous views of the Ionian Sea. The perfect half is the gorgeous pavilion that opens to a pool and solar terrace. It’s location in Perigiali on Lefkada’s east coast is simply 5 minutes from Nydri.
Benefit from the beautiful public areas across the property together with a kitchen, lounge space and out of doors eating space with BBQ services.
Easy methods to Get Round Lefkada
Renting a automobile in Greece and driving is one of the best ways to get round Lefkada. Though it could not appear like it on a map, Lefkada is a big island and it may well take nearly an hour to get from one level to the following in a rental automobile. Plus the winding seaside roads are extraordinarily enjoyable to drive.
It’s additionally attainable to hire a 4×4, however we usually decide out of those in Greece. I desire my AC and shade whereas driving, and infrequently a rental automobile is cheaper than a quad.
In case you are coming from Athens it could be price trying into renting a automobile in Athens and driving to Lefkada. Rental charges are sometimes cheaper in Athens than on the islands.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to Lefkada
The perfect time to go to Lefkada is between June and September. I notably love visiting Greece in June and September and the temperatures are decrease and the crowds aren’t at their peak. A lot of the images on this article have been taken in late June.
When is the Greatest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?
The Good Ionian Itinerary?
Yearly we attempt to take a look at a brand new chain of Greek Islands. Why? Properly as a result of Greece is our favourite nation to journey to! Throughout this journey, we visited the Ionian Islands. We began in Corfu, we took the ferry to the mainland, and drove to Lefkada.
After our time on Lefkada, we took one other ferry to the quiet island of Ithaca. We solely wished we had extra time in order that we might have added on Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
The place to Keep on Lefkada
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Lefkada! Hopefully you discovered it helpful. Listed below are just a few related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Sources
- ‘Hiya’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Foreign money: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival totally free. Test together with your embassy to see if that’s you.
- Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are gentle and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.
- What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect a superb pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.
- Funds: When you’re within the preliminary levels of planning try our superior put up that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.
- Lease a Automotive: We advise most guests take into account renting a automobile for the perfect journey attainable. Attempt Uncover Vehicles to check quotes from completely different rental businesses. Test Value Right here!
- Shield Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We at all times carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from harm, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.
- Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our checklist of the perfect excursions you’ll be able to take pleasure in in Greece!
- Journey Adapter: Be sure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, it’s possible you’ll be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.
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