If you visit Lefkada in 2023, you should keep in mind some imporant things about driving in the island. Read traffic rules and driving hints below for your safety!
How to drive in Lefkada island?
First of all, the island has mountanious landscapes, and most of the roads are characterized by these capabilities. If you have never driven in mountains before, always be very careful. Some roads of Lefkada (especially on the west coast) are not suitable for novice drivers.
The steep slopes can be very hard for vehicle brakes, so don’t forget to use your gears to downshift by using engine brake. Driving on the main roads of Lefkada is not too difficult, but you must keep in mind that traffic increases significantly in the summer months. Most of the tourists visit Lefkada from May till September, so the roads of the island getting filled by unexperienced drivers who just learn the roads of island with rented cars. A practical info, that the roads of the east coast are much wider than the windig and narrow roads of west coast, on the east coast driving is faster and easier.
You will meet on the roads with dozens of motorbikes and quads, some of these are rented bikes, the others are local people. The scooters are changing their speed and direction quickly and suddenly, so please drive carefully and safely. Some drivers do not respect the speed limits, particularly on the larger roads, but to avoid accidents compliance with the rules is strongly recommended. If you drive in Lefkada, always follow traffic rules.
Lefkada speed limits 2023
- Limit in towns and villages: 50 km/h
- Out of town: 90 km/h
Useful informations for driving in Lefkada
The GPS and navigation systems works well at most of the time, but keep your eye on the road signs, because occasionally the navigation fails and will take you to dirt roads. Road signs indicate mostly in Greek and English language, but that does not mean you will always see them. Sometimes the signs are hidden by trees or just missing, so a map of Lefkada can be very useful.
- In the villages there are several one ways roads, so always be sure of the traffic rules before you drive into a street.
- Always wear your seatbelt, whilst the car is moving – it is recommended for your passengers as well. Children under 10 years must sit in the back seat.
- Follow the parking rules! Do not park on closing lines or at parking forbidden signs.
- Using your mobile phone without a hands free kit whilst driving is illegal.
- In Greece the legal limit is 0.5 mg, which equates to a small glass of beer. Do not drive if you drink alcohol!
The promenades of Nidri and Lefkada town are closed for traffic in the evenings – always watch the road signs for similar hints