Lefkada Island (Λευκάδα) is amazing island in Greece, which is famous for its dramatic beaches, green hills and charming coastal resorts. Our travel guide provides all the informations about Lefkada from basics to deeper knowledge.
Before you travel, know the best beaches, learn more about the top local attractions, and discover beautiful monasteries, panoramic views and traditional villages, which are so amazing even in the beautiful country of Greece!
Where to find Lefkada Island in Greece
The beautiful Lefkada Island (can meet on maps as Λευκάδα in Greek language) is located on the west coastline of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. The other well known name of the island is Lefkas, which means ‘white’ in Greek. Lefkada is a very special one among Greek islands, because it can be accessed very easy. You do not have to travel by ferry, because the connection to the mainland is ensured by a floating bridge.
This bridge which connect Lefkada with Greece is known as the floating bridge of Agia Mavra (F/B Agia Mavra), which is responsible for the primary access of the island. Due to mountainous geographical conditions Lefkada hasn’t got an own airport, but the nearest airport is known as Preveza Aktio International Airport. This airport is situated just approx. 20 kilometers away from Lefkada Island, literraly next to Preveza town.
Someone define this facility as Lefkada Airport, but it’s worth to know that it’s not correct, travellers have to drive to the island through the bridge by car, or must catch a local public transport, such as bus, taxi or transfer service.
Preveza Airport (PVK, Preveza Aktion Airport) is a small, but effective airport which serves several international flights from a lot of countries in Europe, and also domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. These news are great for travellers, because despite the fact that Lefkada Island doesn’t have its own airport, it can be reached by flights from Greece and from several European countries.
If you would like to arrive to Lefkada Island by plane, just search the flights to Preveza (codename: PVK)!
Informations which you should know about Lefkada Island
Lefkada Island is a member of the seven Ionian Islands, which are the following from north to south: Corfu (Kerkyra), Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kythira. Lefkada is known by the Greek Mithology as well due some local legends, one of the most famous myth connects to Sappho. She who was an ancient poet, who jumped off from the steep cliffs of Cape Doukato, according to myths.
Thousands years ago Lefkada Island was a well known island in the region, its capital was known as ‘Leukas’ or Lefkas. The ancient city of Leukas was one of the most significant settlements in the area Ionian Sea, which owned strong military and ship fleet, and had its own coins and economy. When the area became under Roman influence, the city was slowly depopulated, and it has lost its importance.
The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Λευκάδας) in Lefkada town is dedicated for these ancient findings, and worth to visit to learn more about the past of the island.
In the middle ages Lefkada Island was under Venetian, Ottoman, French, and English leadership, while finally became a part of Greece in 1864.
The capital of the island is known as the same as the island, Lefkada or Lefkada town (you can find on maps as Λευκάδα). The town is a charming place with and old town, and has picturesque streets, ideal for sightseeing tours and walks. The town is famous for its great restaurants, tourist shops and services, literraly a nice small town of Greece.
After you have arrived to Lefkada Island through the pontoon bridge, the town is situated just approx. 1,2 kilometer away from the entrance of the island. The main road which comes from the Greek mainland to Lefkada, leads through the town.
The weather is truly mediterranean, which means hot and dry summer, and mild winter months. From late May to end of September the weather is suitable for a summer holiday with a lot ot sunny hours, and the sea temperatures are the best from mid June till mid September.
Sea temperatures are also pleasant and ideal for swimming and snorkling. During summer months sea temperatures can be rise up to 26 Celsius, depending on actual weather conditions and location of the beach.
Geography of Lefkada Island
In Greece Lefkada is a relatively small island, its area is just about 301 square kilometres. The geographical conditions are mainly mountanious with deep valleys and some plateaus.
The highest peak is located in the southern areas and called Stavrota, with a height of 1158 meters. The roads follow the local geography, which means some of the local roads are quite winding and narrow, especially in the mountains.
The flattest parts of Lefkada Island can be find in the area of the capital and near Nidri, but most of the coastal villages were built on plain land.
The villages of Lefkada Island are charming
Most of the villages and tourist resorts of Lefkada Island are located on the east coast, which is slightly less mountanious than the western side. The most popular seaside resorts are Lefkada town (capital), Lygia, Nikiana, Nidri, Vasiliki and Agios Nikitas, but there are a lot of settlements which offer numerous great apartments, studios and villas for travellers.
- Lefkada villages on the east coast: Lefkada town, Lygia, Episkopos, Nikiana, Perigiali, Nidri (Nydri), Vlycho, Syvota, Vasiliki, Ponti
- Relevant villages on the west coast and near the west coast: Agios Ioannis, Tsoukalades, Agios Nikitas, Kalamitsi, Dragano, Athani
- Significant mountain villages: Karya, Lazarata, Drymonas, Exanthia, Egklouvi, Vafkeri, Syvros, Agios Petros
If you are looking for accommodation options in Lefkada Island for 2025 vacations, just take a look and book:
Best beaches of Lefkada Island are homes of incredible blue colours
Lefkada Island is best known for its best beaches, which are listed among top beaches in Greece and also in Europe. As you can see on our photos, the amazing blue colours and crystal clear waters of Ionian Sea are very special all over the world, and you will meet often the phrase ‘Lefkada Blue’.
The marvelous sea and the steep white cliffs are usually known as the local trademarks, and hard to find an another island in the Mediterranean with such amazing natural capabilities.
It’s worth to know there are large differences between the beaches of the west coast and the east coast of Lefkada Island, but on both sides can be find amazing places.
The most famous beaches of Lefkada island:
- Porto Katsiki beach (Παραλία Πόρτο Κατσίκι)
- Egremni beach (Παραλία Εγκρεμνοί)
- Kathisma beach (Παραλία Κάθισμα)
- Mylos beach (Παραλία Μύλος)
- Agios Ioannis beach (Παραλία Άγιος Ιωάννης)
- Avali Beach (Παραλία Αβάλι)
- Kavalikefta beach (Παραλία Καβαλικευτά)
- Megali Petra beach (Παραλία Μεγάλη Πέτρα)
- Gaidaros beach (Παραλία Γάιδαρος)
- Gialos beach (Παραλία Γιαλός)
- Afteli beach (Παραλία Αφτέλι)
- Mikros Gialos beach (Παραλία Μικρός Γιαλός)
- Desimi beach (Παραλία Δεσίμι)
- Nidri beach
- Ammoglossa beach (Αμμόγλωσσα)
Final words about Lefkada
We visited a lot of amazing islands in Greece, but Lefkada Island is a very special place in this beautiful country. The entire coastline is breathtaking, so don’t be surprised when you see this gem listed among the most beautiful Greek islands.
Today the economy is primarily based on tourism and agriculture. Every year thousands of visitors arrive from several countries, who discover the top places and hidden gems, many of them are using our travel guides for exploring and sightseeing the local highlights.
According to many, the best attractions of Lefkada are the exceptional natural beauty which can be find here, the breathtaking blue-coloured beaches, the picturesque seaside resorts and fishing villages, and of course the unique atmospheres of the island.
Very important information about the island of Lefkada, make sure to book an apartment in advance! The best apartments and hotels fill up quickly, so it’s not worth the wait for booking.
For Lefkada vacations in 2025 you can find reviews, photos and booking options of local apartments, studios and hotels here!
Visit Lefkada island in Greece, and read our detailed travel guides before your trip for relevant informations: fall in love with this amazing Ionian Island!
