Cape Lefkatas (and known as Cape Doukato, Akrotiri, Φάρος Ακρωτηρίου Λευκάδας) is the southernmost part of Lefkada Island, where breathtaking panoramic views and the iconic lighthouse of Lefkada can be visited.
Thousands of years ago on the steep cliffs of Cape Lefkatas the Sanctuary of Apollo was built, mentioned by ancient legends in many historical events.
The location, where the cliffs of Cape Lefkatas and the lighthouse of Lefkada can be find, is the same where the famous Greek poet, Sappho jumped off the high cliffs. In recent years the lighthouse became an amazing travel destination, which is listed often as best local attractions due to its romantic scenery, and exceptional panoramic lookouts to the deep blue Ionian Sea and to the white cliffs.
Coordinates: 38.563096, 20.543046
You can find on maps as: Lefkada lighthouse, Akrotiri, Φάρος Ακρωτηρίου Λευκάδας
Where to stay: find studios, apartments and hotels here and book now!
Where to find Cape Lefkatas and the Lighthouse of Lefkada Island, and how to get there in 2026
Cape Lefkatas and the Lighthouse of Lefkada Island (Akrotiri) are located in the southern region, 49 kilometers away from Lefkada town, 35 kilometers from Agios Nikitas, 36 kilometers away from Nidri, and 15 kilometers away from Vasiliki. While driving to the southernmost place the island, we can notice the white cliffs and the silhuette of the lighthouse of Lefkada from a few places.
The road which leads to Cape Lefkatas and to the lighthouse is narrow and winding, but the its overall quality is quite good – it was built just more than a decade ago.
Before we reach the end of the road and the parking lot, there is a great place for panoramic photos, which is mentioned as ‘view of Lefkada Lighthouse’ by some maps. If we decide to climb up to the viewpoint, we must be very careful, because it is very steep on its top, and dangerous due to the slippery rocks.
After a few hundred meters from here the journey ends in the small parking lot of the lighthouse, where parking is free. The parking lot is small sized, but provide enough lots for 14-15 cars. From the lighthouse parking a dirt trail leads up to the cliffs of Cape Lefkatas, and to the building of the lighthouse as well.
Public buses from the villages of the island don’t arrive to Cape Lefkatas, so to visit this travel destination we have to drive a car, scooter or quad. During some boat trips, which depart from Nidri and Vasiliki to the best beaches of the west coast, passengers can see the high cliffs, and the silhouette of the lighthouse, when they sail around the peninsula of Akrotiri.
Meet the exciting history of Cape Lefkatas and the Lighthouse of Lefkada
In the ancient times the peninsula of Akroriti (Cape Lefkatas) was dedicated to the Greek God Apollon. In the area of Cape Lefkatas Greek archeologists found many ancient coins, small sculptures, and ruins of a Greek temple of Apollon, who was a god of music, dance, archery, and poetry.
According to local archeologists the steep cliffs of Cape Lefkatas have a legend. The Greek poet Sappho jumped off these heights, and died here in 569 B.C., because of her unrequited love to Phaon, the ferryman.
In recent years the steep white cliffs of Cape Lefkatas and the Lighthouse of Lefkada Island became one of the best sights of the region, listed literally by every travel guides for the exceptional panoramic views.
The steep cliffs of this coastline are really high, up to 20 – 110 meters heights, and these rocks are almost vertical at most places. A few years ago a fence was built in the garden of the lighthouse to prevent accidents, because the lookout above the cliffs of Cape Lefkatas is situated on top of this incredible steep place.
The most important infos about the Lighthouse of Lefkada: how is looks in 2026
The original lighthouse of Lefkada was built in 1890, but an earthquake ruined it in 1950. The building, which can be seen today, is the second, which was built in 1956. The Lighthouse of Lefkada looks like as you imagine a typical lighthouse in Greece: a high, rounded shaped building with whitewashed walls.
It was built on the highest point of the south, from where it makes sailing significantly safer. The lighthouse is 14 meters high, and visitors can’t enter into the rooms of the building – it is locked for security reasons.
According to fans, the picturesque cliffs of Cape Lefkatas and the silhouette of the white lighthouse belong to the best sights in Lefkada Island, which show the unique charm of the Ionian Islands for travellers.
Sunset trip tip: did you know, that these cliffs and the lighthouse is considered as one of the best sunset spots in Lefkada? Some travellers visit Cape Lefkatas in late afternoon, when you can admire the orange coloured walls, and the magical views, when the sun falls into the endless blue Ionian Sea.
It’s worth to know that organized trips usually don’t arrive here, this land can be reached only by cars, or scooters. The nearest beaches are Porto Katsiki beach approx. 15 kilometers away, Egremni beach approx. 16 kilometers away, and the long shore of Gialos 18 kilometers away.
Tip: when you plan to a visit to the Lighthouse of Lefkada Island, this attraction can be easily combined with a beach day. When you spend your day on the best southern beaches, you can connect a trip to discover the are of the lighthouse as well – these place are situated near to each other. We usually take a trip here, when we are in Porto Katsiki.
Where to stay near the lighthouse of Lefkada
The entire area of Cape Lefkatas is uninhabited, and lacks accomodations. The nearest studios and apartments are situated in Vasiliki (and in Ponti) approx. 15 kilometers away, which is popular coastal village with charming port, excursion boats and a bunch of resturants. The mountain village of the southwest, Athani is also near, offering calmer atmospheres and sea views.
Photos and other infos
- Known as in Greek: Φάρος Ακρωτηρίου Λευκάδας
- Location: Lefkada 310 82, Greece
- Facilities: free parking lot
- Accessibility: by car, by motorbicycle (public buses don’t run)
- Entry fee / ticket: free (but can’t enter into the building of a lighthouse)
FAQ
Is the road safe, which leads here?
The route to Cape Lefkatas is narrow, but a safe road section. If you are experienced driver, driving here is not difficult. You only have to take care of oncoming traffic primarily, due to narrow roads.
How difficult or hard to climb up to the lighthouse from the parking lot of Cape Lefkatas?
The parking lot was built quite near to the building, literally just 50-100 meters from there (depend on which route we choose). The easy way is a dirt trail, which lacks climbing but slightly longer, while there is a shorter path, where we must climb up through a few rocks.
How safe are these cliffs?
Due to the heights, it’s not recommended to climb up to the top of the cliffs, or walk until we reach the edge. The garden of the lighthouse is fenced, which not let visitors to fall from above, but by visiting other places you have to take care of your own.
How can we see the interior of the lighthouse?
The building of the lighthouse is a private property, and it is not allowed to enter into the building. But there is one day, when we have a chance to see it from inside: when Greeks celebrate the International Lighthouse Day (often the 3rd weekend of the year), the owner usually opens the doors of the lighthouse, and we can go inside.
