Kavalikefta beach (Παραλία Καβαλικευτά) is a picturesque bay of Lefkada Island, Greece, which is characterized by giant rocks and tiny coves. The coast is known as Kalamitsi beach as well, because of the nearest village, and can only reached by cars.
The access of Kavalikefta beach is not always easy for drivers, due to the narrow and winding road which leads here from Kalamitsi. According to fans, this extraordinary travel destination worth all the efforts, if you like rocky beaches and untouched natural beauties.
Coordinates: 38.754137, 20.589176
You can find on maps as: Paralia Kavalikefta, Παραλία Καβαλικευτά, Kalamitsi beach
How to access: only by cars and scooters
The nearest accommodations are situated in Kalamitsi village: find and book local apartments and studios here!
Where top find Kavalikefta beach in Lefkada Island, and how to get there
Kavalikefta beach is located on the west coast of Lefkada Island, approx. 20 kilometers away from the capital, 11 kilometers away from the charming Agios Nikitas, and 38 kilometers away from Nidri. The nearest village is Kalamitsi, a mountain village 4 kilometers away. The route to the Kavalikefta beach starts in Kalamitsi, from where a narrow road, filled by hairpin bends leads down to the sea between lush olive groves.
On the route travellers have to drive through several hairpin bends and narrow sections, we recommend an experienced driver. It’s worth to know, this road which leads to Kavalikefta beach from Kalamitsi is literally the same, which leads to other gems of the region, such as to Megali Petra beach, to Avali beach and to Gaidaros. After 4 kilometers of driving and after a lot of hairpin bends, the route ends directly at the parking lots of Kavalikefta beach.
Kavalikefta beach parking
Kavalikefta beach has paid parkings, offering official parking lots for a few cars and scooters. Parking prices can be quite high, up to 15-20 Euros for a daily parking during high season months. In July and in August paid parking lots usually getting filled in the morning hours, and after that the only option for parking is to stop the car next to the extremely narrow road.
Parking next to the road is the worst solution, because last road sections are very narrow, filled by hairpin bends and potholes. Unfortunately there are no other places for parking, and the cars which park on the roadside, make sometimes very difficult traffic situations. These special parking conditions of Kalamitsi beach (and also Megali Petra beach) are mentioned often as worst in Lefkada Island, especially during highly visited summer days.
If you visit Kavalikefta beach by car (or Megali Petra beach, which is situated here as well), always keep in mind that vehicles can be damaged or scratched here by unexperienced, or negligant drivers.
We noticed the local parking conditions highly depend on actual luck and actual traffic. One of the best practices to avoid these parking difficulties in the months of July and August, is to arrive in the morning, and drive back late afternoon.
What to find in Kavalikefta beach
A decade ago Kavalikefta beach was much less popular than other beaches on the west coast of Lefkada Island, but in recent years this local attraction was discovered by thousands of travellers. The central parts are situated near the parking lot, where Kavalikefta beach bar was built. This is small restaurant, which offer cold drinks, meals and some shaded areas for guests.
Most organized parts with some sunbeds and umbrellas are situated in front of the restaurant, which can be rented. This area has the biggest rocks of Kavalikefta beach, and belong to local highlights and main attractions of this coast. The huge rocks next to the restaurant make special sea views and picturesque sections for travellers, forming small coves at some places.
The seabed here is primarily filled by coarse sand, pebbles and stones. Who are looking for some adventures, they can climb up to the top of biggest rocks, but always be very careful before jumping into the water, due to rocks of seabed. Because of these stones and rocks Kavalikefta beach is considered as not a child friendly place in Lefkada Island, smaller kids need constant supervision here.
Sea temperatures of Kavalikefta beach are similar to other western beaches of Lefkada. Average sea temperatures are pleasant during summer, with 21- 23 Celsius in May, 24 – 26 Celsius from middle of June to the first weeks of September, and 22 – 24 Celsius in post season. The coast is facing to the open waters, therefore local sea temperatures depend mostly on actual weather conditions and sea currents.
At some periods Kavalikefta beach is exposed to bigger sea waves, due to its location on the west coast of Lefkada Island. Colours of the Ionian Sea are breathtaking during these days – we mention it as ‘Lefkada blue’, when the entire coastline is filled by these exceptional colour grades. When the waves of the Ionian Sea are getting stronger, swimming could be dangerous due to large rocks and stones of the seabed.
On the southern side of Kavalikefta beach there are some secluded places and small coves, which are usually less crowded than others. In southern direction you can walk to the other superb gem of Lefkada Island, which is called Megali Petra beach. This area characterized by giant rocks as well, and the name of this place indicates it – Megali Petra beach means in English is simply ‘Giant Rock’.
Kavalikefta belong to the middle sized beaches in Lefkada Island, but altough it has become very popular in recent years, some parts, the southern areas are calmer in most cases. This exceptional beach can be recommended literally for everyone, who are interested in breathtaking places in Greece, which is surrounded by beautiful picturesque surroundings.
Because of its exceptional natural beauty and unique look, Kavalikefta beach is listed by many travellers as one of the best beaches of Lefkada. This area is filled by several great beaches in Lefkada, because within a few kilometers there can be find Megali Petra beach, Avali beach, Gaidaros beach, Kathisma beach and Mylos beach.
Apartments and studios near Kavalikefta beach, where to stay
The nearest accommodations to Kavalikefta beach are situated in Kalamitsi village, approx. 4 kilometers away from the Ionian Sea. Kalamitsi is one of the traditional mountain villages with narrow roads, where apartments, studios and villas can be rented for holidays. The village has a few restaurants, small supermarkets and relaxing atmospheres, recommended for families and for couples as well. The houses of Kalamitsi were built in the hills, therefore travellers have to drive a car or scooter to reach the nearest beaches.
Find studios and apartments of Kalamitsi, and book now!
Some of the local accommodations have mountain views, but a few have sea views as well. Seaside pedestrian roads, or long shopping streets can’t be find here, this village is recommended for relaxing holidays.
Infos and photos (Kalamitsi beach)
- Known as: Kavalikefta beach, Paralia Kavalikefta, Παραλία Καβαλικευτά, Kalamitsi beach
- Sea water color: blue, turquoise
- Sand type: pebbles, rocks, coarse sand
- Depth: deepens quickly
- Sea surface: moderate, there can be bigger waves
- Crowds: normal (parking lots are overcrowded often during high season months)
- Facilities: bar / restaurant, paid parking, sunbeds / parasols for rent
- Other Information: can be reached Megali Petra beach from here
- Accessibility: by car (narrow asphalt road), due to many rocks this coast is not recommended for disabled persons
Why we like
Beautiful, mostly untouched natural scenery
Dramatic rocks, great themes for photos
Colours of the Ionian Sea
Possible disadvantages
Parking can be difficult
Narrow roads, hairpin bends
Some people don’t like rocks
