Gira beach (Παραλία Γύρας) is the northenmost coast of Lefkada Island, Greece, where the nature formed a peninsula, an interesting geographical shape with a shallow lagoon behind. This place is known by some maps as Gyra or Παραλία Γύρας in Greek language, and offer a calm areas for swimming, with very easy access near the capital of Lefkada.
The sea is shallow at many places, and there can be find some organized areas with bars, directly next the coast.
Coordinates: 38.849562, 20.697084
You can find on maps as: Paralia Gyra, Παραλία Γύρας
How to access: by cars
Where to stay: find and book Lefkada studios and apartments here!
Where to find Gyra beach in Lefkada Island, and how to get there
Gyra beach or Gira is located just 2,5 kilometers from Lefkada town and 3 kilometers away from Agios Ioannis, it can be reached by car or by walking. The floating bridge of Agia Mavra is situated near as well, within one kilometer. This coast is the northernmost point of Lefkada Island, which is known for its old windmills, sand dunes and barren landscapes.
On local maps it can be clearly seen Gira beach is a continuation of the turquoise coloured Agios Ioannis beach. The area of Gira starts from the north old windmills, and lasts until the east side of the peninsula, where Kastro beach and Ammoglossa beach are also located.
The access of Gira beach is very easy, this travel destination can be reached from two different directions. Firstly, just follow the asphalt road which leads from Lefkada town to Agios Ioannis, and follow the road next to the old, ruined windmills. Drive further a few hundred meters from the last windmill, when after a you will see a bar on the left, after a large road bend.
The second option to access Gira beach is perhaps more easier, just drive in the direction of the floating bridge from Lefkada town, drive straight and do not drive across the bridge. When you follow the road, after a left bend you reach Kastro beach, and from there the road leads directly to Gira.
Gyra beach informations
Gira beach is a long coast of Lefkada Island with its length of 2 kilometers, and has organized and unorganized parts both. After leaving the old windmills (from the direction of Agios Ioannis) few dirt trails leads down to the beach, or if we go slightly further, we meet the organized parts of Gira, where a small and free parking lot and a cantina were built.
One of the significant bars of Gira beach is Kantina Gyra da Varka (Καντίνα Τρύπια Βάρκα Λευκάδα), a small and quiet place with a free parking lot. This small food truck offers refreshments and snacks for guests. Near this tiny cantina the seabed of Ionian Sea is quite shallow, with coarse sand and some stones. When the winds are not strong, this place can be suitable for children also.
The other organized place in Gyra beach, former Blue Sea bar is situated just 100 meters away from the small cantin. This area is slightly larger, which offer usually sunbeds for rent, free parking lots for cars are situated next to the road. Due to length of Gira, there are a lot of areas, which are much more abandoned and offer some privacy, and which are secluded spots for nudism.
Visitors mostly like the calm atmospheres and the shallow waters of the crystal clear Ionian Sea. The seabed is filled by coarse sand at most places, but there are many parts, where stones lie under sea surface. Due to north location the area of Gira beach is sometimes windy, especially in the late afternoons.
Other significant beaches near Gira beach
By visiting the area of Gyra beach travellers can explore the best kitesurf spot in Lefkada Island as well. Near the old windmills, between Agios Ioannis beach and Gira beach kitesurfers sail in the afternoons, adn use the powers of the special winds, which arrive from the west. If you would like to visit the place and you are interested to see in this amazing extreme sport, drive here between 3 – 4 PM.
Most kitesurfers sail here in the afternoons, to enjoy the high speed and the exciting stunts.
Another significant travel destinations near Gira are Kastro beach and Ammoglossa beach, which can be find on the east side of the beach. You can connect your trip by visiting the medieval castle of Agia Mavra, an important historical sight of Lefkada Island, situated literally just a few hundred meters away from Gira. The fort was under Venetian and Turkish control a few hundres years ago, and its thick walls are still standing.
Where to stay near Gyra beach
The nearest accommodations to Gira beach can be find in Agios Ioannis and in Lefkada town, 2-4 kilometers away from this coast. Agios Ioannis is a calm place with numerous apartments and studios, many of them are excellent for a relaxing holiday, and have spacious gardens.
The beach of Agios Ioannis is well known for its turquoise coloured waters, easy to access and belong to the organized areas with bars and restaurants.The capital of Lefkada has some hotels as well, and there can be find some highlights for sightseeing. The old town with its colourful houses and old chapels are picturesque, the pedestrian roads are filled by souvenir shops, restaurants and coffee bars.
The local apartments and studios are especially recommended for travellers who have car, because from here discovering Lefkada Island is quick and easy.
Photos and other infos
- Known as: Paralia Gyra, Παραλία Γύρας
- Sea water color: blue
- Sand type: pebbles, some rocks
- Depth: shallow / normal
- Sea surface: moderate
- Crowds: usually not crowded
- Facilities: cantina, bar during high season, free parking, sunbeds for rent
- Accessibility: by car, by bicycle from Lefkada town
Why we like
Calm and relaxing atmospheres without crowds
Shallow waters
Easy to find secluded areas
Very easy access
Possible disadvantages
Some periods can be windy







