Kathisma beach (Παραλία Κάθισμα) is a long and well organized bay in Lefkada Island, Greece, near Agios Nikitas village. It is known as a local highlight, which offer easy access, endless blue colours of the Ionian Sea and incredible wide range of services.
The entire coastline of Kathisma beach is wide and spacious, where the seabed is covered by lightgrey sand and pebbles. This exceptional bay of Lefkada belongs to the best beaches of the island, filled by restaurants, cocktail bars, and long lines of sunbeds.
In the area of Agios Nikitas village this travel destination is one of the most popular places, which can be accessed quick and easy, without climbing a hill. The bay is extraordinary charming, when waves arrive from west, and paint the waters of Ionian Sea incredible blue.
Infos for season of 2026
Coordinates: 38.777219, 20.600441
You can find on maps as: Paralia Kathisma, Παραλία Κάθισμα
How to visit: by cars, by local buses from Lefkada town
Parking: free and paid parkings (up to 10 Euro)
Facilities: restaurants, umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, showers
Where to stay in Lefkada: find and book best studios, apartments, and hotels here!
One of the primary locations of ‘Lefkada Blue’ sea colours , when bigger waves arrive
Where to find Kathisma beach in Lefkada Island, and how to get there in 2026
Kathisma beach is located on the southwest coast of Lefkada Island, situated approx. 3 kilometers away from Agios Nikitas, 18 kilometers away from the capital, and 30 kilometers away from Nidri. The only access of the bay is by cars and by local buses, because there are no boat excursions, which sail here. The road conditions which leads to Kathisma beach are good overall in 2026, but drivers have to watch at the last hairpin bends just before the parking lots, because the last section of the road is getting quite narrow.
How to park in Kathisma beach, useful tips for parking
Behind the beach there are many lots as free parkings, but after these places are getting filled by cars, visitors have to drive into paid parkings. In high season months, especially in July and in June Kathisma beach is one of the most visited places on the west coast of Lefkada Island, and free parking lots fill up quickly during the morning hours.
The advantage of the paid parking lots are the shaded lots for cars, which protects cars from the summer heat. The paid and free parking lots are extremely near to the shore, just 50 meters from there.
Tip: arrive earlier than 10:00, and you will find free parking lots for your car.
Public access of the beach, local bus routes
Kathisma beach can be accessed by local buses, which depart from the bus station of Lefkada town, and run daily in summer months. The local bus stop of this travel destination is situated at one of the last bends before the beach bars, just 2 minutes walk from the coast.
Very important to know, there are no daily boat trips to Kathisma even from the ports of Nidri and from Vasiliki, due to longer sea distances – these villages are located far away from here, on the other side of the island.
Explore the best features of Kathisma beach: what to find and where to eat
Lefkada Island has many amazing places to swim on the west coastline, but Kathisma beach definitely belongs to the best travel destinations. Its reputation based primarily on the breathtaking natural scenery and the well organized areas, with easy access and wide range of services. Behind the endless blue Ionian Sea more than 10 beach bars and restaurants are waiting for guests, many of them were designed to provide cozy, clean and comfortable enviroment.
Despite organized areas the scenery is picturesque, because the entire area of the bay is surrounded by green slopes, where lush mediterranean vegetation grow, with pine trees, olive groves and flowers.
The spacious cove of Kathisma beach is approx 1 kilometer long, and quite wide at most places. The local bars and parking lots, which were constructed near behind the beach are not disturbing in a real life, because of the 50 – 70 meters wide shore.
Near the sea long lines of sunbeds and beach umbrellas can be rented, which belong to bars and restaurants. Prices of sunbeds are often highly varied here – depending on bars, actual season, and the first lines of beds usually cost more, while the other are slightly cheaper. There are empty places to use own umbrellas as well, but always check the area, because some parts are reserved for paragliding landings.
The coast and the seabed are filled mostly by lightgrey colured coarse sand and some pebbles, water shoes are not neccessary for the most people. The seabed deepens quite quick at most places, similar to the most beaches which are located on the west coast of Lefkada Island, such as to Mylos or to Megali Petra.
Most services of Kathisma beach are provided by the local cocktail bars, best known are Copla beach bar, Areia Club Restaurant, Libre, and Monato da gusto. Some restaurants offer not just cold refreshments and drinks but daily meals and dinners as well, such as Giovanni’s Grill House Restaurant, Libre, Akrogiali restaurant or Anapsiktirio.
The most picturesque parts of Kathisma beach are situated on the northern and in the southern sides, where huge rocks add more exciting views to the area. According to our experts, the two ends of the bay are usually not so crowded than the central areas, especially the southern offers slightly more privacy based on our experiences.
Sea temperatures are usually pleasant here between temperatures of 24 – 26 Celsius from June to mid September. For children and smaller kids Kathisma belong to the recommended places, where the local services make comfortable a holiday for them.
What to expect from Kathisma beach, when the blue waves arrive
The west coast of Lefkada Island, including Kathisma beach is famous for its waves and for incredible blue colours, which made many exciting water adventures to holidays. When significant sea waves arrive from the west, this bay becomes one of the best places Lefkada and Greece, to enjoy such huge waves. Watching these ‘Lefkada blue’ waves is a really unique experience and an amazing attraction for thousands of travellers.
Always be careful on the days, when big waves rule the coast of Ionian Sea – sometimes the strength of the sea waves can be dangerous also. Behind the beach there were built a lifeguard tower, which warns visitors for the actual sea conditions, when the waves are getting too dangerous for a swim. A red flag on the lifeguard tower indicate the periods, when swimming is prohibited for safety reasons.
Its important to know the Ionian Sea at Kathisma beach, and at the west coast of Lefkada Island usually have significant waves just a few days in a month. Sea surface is much calmer most of the time, so it is possible when you visit this exceptional travel destination in Greece, there will be no such strong waves. Of course when these waves arrive, kids and smaller children must stay away from the sea.
It’s worth to know when you see these big blue waves on the west coast of Lefkada Island, other famous beaches of the west have also such character, and Porto Katsiki beach or Egremni look quite similar.
What are best activities – paragliding is extremely popular
Paragliding is a unique activity in Lefkada Island, and Kathisma beach is considered as the best paragliding spot in the region. Behind the coast, in the higher mountains there are two different take off places, from where paragliders starts to fly. The primary base for paragliding center is located in Exanthia (Εξάνθεια) village, next to Rachi Restaurant (Fly Me Sun & Stars bar), which is famous from its magical sunsets as well.
Birds eye views from above are magnificient
Flight times and prices of paragliding are varied, mostly depend on companies and actual season, up to 150 Euros in 2026. The huts of the paragliding teams can be find in the car parking lot, or just ask a paraglide pilot after they had landed. The experience of Lefkada paragliding is extraordinary, the most beautiful views can be seen in sunny and hot weather, when the Ionian Sea is dressed in more blue colours than the sky.
Where to stay near Kathisma beach, tips for best apartments and hotels in the area
The area of Kathisma beach is well organized place, and offer several apartments and villas for a holiday. Behind the beach, within few hundred meters from the sea there are some accommodations as well, while the most apartments can be find in Agios Nikitas, approx 3 kilometers away.
Find and book apartments and hotels near Kathisma beach and in Agios Nikitas now!
Agios Nikitas is a charming small village of the west coast, located in fertile vallery, surrounded by pine forests. Our travel experts recommend this place especially for the atmospheres of the narrow streets, the traditional stone houses and the local restaurants. This area is one of top choices for travellers, who would like to discover the best west beaches of Lefkada Island.
To find apartments and hotels all over in Lefkada Island just click the pic below and book your accommodation!
What to see near Kathisma, other top attractions nearby
In the area of Kathisma beach there are many other amazing beaches, which are highly recommended to explore: Mylos beach and Pefkoulia beach are situated just a few kilometers away. Both of these destinations belong to local natural wonders, with crystal clear waters and top panoramic views.
Mylos is best known for its huge sand dune, and can be reached by two ways: by local taxi boats and by hiking from Ag. Nikitas. Pefkoulia has different, but very easy access for cars: it is situated directly next to the main road, where the free parking lots are.
Pefkoulia beach can be reached quick and easy
Photos and our thoughts
- Known as: Kathisma beach, Paralia Kathisma, Παραλία Κάθισμα
- 14 km southwest from Lefkada town
- Sea water color: blue, turquoise
- Sand type: coarse sand, pebbles, rocks at some places
- Depth: normal
- Sea surface: moderate, at some days significant sea wave activity
- Crowds: can be crowded (especially during high season weekends)
- Facilities: restaurants, cocktail bars, sunbeds for rent, free parking lot, paid parking lot (with shaded places), changing rooms, showers, lifeguard service, paragliding, beach volley
- Accessibility: by car, by local bus transport
Why our travel experts like
Beautiful scenery, spacious areas
Well organized with wide range of services
On the days when sea waves arrive, water colours are breathtaking
Easy access
Paragliding
Possible disadvantages
One of the most crowded beaches in July and in August
In the afternoons parking may be difficult
Sunbeds and services are expensive at some highlighted bars
Kathisma beach combines well full organized areas and natural beauty. In the last decade the bay become one of the most popular beaches of Lefkada Island, visited by thousands of travellers every year. This coast has similar popularity as Porto Katsiki beach, while other travel destinations are slightly less visited than these two, even Egremni beach has slightly less visitors.
FAQ
Are there free parkings?
Yes, many parking lots are free. But after the free parking lots are getting filled, there are only paid parking lots – it’s worth to hurry and arrive until at least 10:00, especially in July and in August.
What are costs of the paid parkings?
Depending on parking lot (there are 4-5 of these) the average price for parkings are 8 – 12 Euros in 2026.
How much costs two sunbeds and an umbrella?
In 2026 the prices are highly varied, from 10 Euro / set to 40 Euro / set. In Kathisma beach the first lines of umbrellas cost higher, while the last ones are the cheapest. The luxury sunbeds prices are 50 – 70 Euros, depending on the location.
Can i bring my own umbrella?
Yes, of course. In Greece local laws ensure free areas for guests, who can use their own beach equipments. Kathisma beach has many lines of sunbeds for rent, but there are many places, which are not organized.
Are there free showers on the beach?
The local bars provide showers for their customers, but most of these are offered only for their guests.
How crowded beach is Kathisma?
As a popular beach of the west coastline, from June to September it can be crowded. But the spacious shore is great, and provide comfortable personal areas for everyone.
It is safe for kids?
Kathisma beach is one of the most organized places on the west coast of Lefkada, with several child friendly services, such as lifeguard, restaurants and showers. In overall the area is safe, but when the sea waves are getting stronger, the parents have to watch for the kids even more for their safety.
Are water shoes neccessary?
The shore is filled by coarse sand and pebbles, with some sandy areas. If your soles are sensitive, we recommend to wear water shoes, but usually Kathisma has much less disturbing pebbles, than other places, and we never wear here.
Where is the nearest camping?
The nearest camping to Kathisma is approx. 1300 meters, which is the only one official camping site on the west coast of Lefkada.
Can i walk here from Agios Nikitas?
The village of Ag. Nikitas lies 3 kilometers away from Kathisma, connected by the east main road. This road lacks a sidewalk, so walking to here is not the safest option. If you don’t want to rent a car or bike, you can walk of course, but due to high local traffic, always be extreme cautious.
