Learn informations about Lefkada roads and the local road conditions: what do you expect when you discover the island by car or by scooter.
The quality of the roads of Lefkada is varied: the main roads are mostly in good condition, but the side roads has two faces. You can’t find any motorways here, because the mountanious area does not support the constructions of wide and high speed roads. The primary road network of the island is quite simple: two main roads were built on the island, on the west and on the east, but there is a third one which lead into the mountains from Lefkada town to the direction of Karya village.
These roads are connected to each other, and the main road network of Lefkada forms an oval – like an egg – and it goes around the island. All of the roads in Lefkada are free to use, and there are no tolls or payment sections. The asphalt is patched in many places, but deep holes and other faults are not typical on the main roads of Lefkada.
Lefkada roads on the east coast
On the east coast of the island the main road connects Lefkada town with the several popular tourist resorts such as Lygia, Nikiana, Nidri and Vasiliki. The road starts from the southern side of Lefkada town, and goes through the villages. In this section there is only one bypass road around Nidri, which let through traffic flow without interference from local traffic, to reduce congestion in the built-up area. Driving on the east coast is the easiest way in Lefkada, there are no significant steep roads and just a few hairpin bends. Many times, especially in the north the road goes directly next to the coast, offering great views for drivers and passengers to some emerald bays of the east coast.
From the east main road there are junctions to side roads, which connect smaller villages (such as the tiny fishing resort, Sivota) and some beaches to the island’s life. The side roads are also asphalted, but have less good quality, these are much narrow and have far more road faults. When you drive on these roads, it’s worth to drive more carefully.
Roads on the west coast
The west part of Lefkada is totally different than the east coast, due to the mountains. The amazing natural scenery with cliffs and valleys do not support the wider roads, so driving in this side is much more complicated. The main road of the west coast starts from Lefkada town, and goes through Tsoukalades, Agios Nikitas, Chortata and Agios Petros villages. In the north part of the road, between Lefkada town and Agios Nikitas it is not complecated and easy to drive, because the asphalt is significantly wider here and has less serpentines. There is one of the best lookouts which you can meet: when the road turns towards the sea after leaving Tsoukalades, the panoramic views to Pefkoulia beach and to the endless Ionian Sea will impress you!
On the west coast of Lefkada road conditions after Agios Nikitas become slightly harder, because the asphalt is much more narrow and winding. Reaching at some villages the width of the road will be narrow to one lane, and you may need special caution for the oncoming traffic, especially in Kalamitsi. Villages are far less common than the eastern side, you will meet just a few settlements.
On the west coast road signs indicate the routes, which leave to the most beautiful beaches of Lefkada. These are the most winding Lefkada roads, with several serpentines, steep roads and hairpin bends. The quality of the narrow roads is varied, somewhere you will drive on new sections, but there are many in poor conditions.
In the heart of the mountains the best road quality is located between Lefkada town and Karya – these are winding, but wide sections. The roads in the mountains, when you leave Karya in the south are narrow, especially which lead to Egklouvi and to Vafkeri.
Don’t forget, always follow traffic rules on Lefkada roads to avoid accidents. Drive safe and enjoy Lefkada roads!
Traffic rules
- Driving licence: EU and EEA countries accepted, need to be valid
- Driving on the right, overtaking on the left
- Seatbelt obligatory
- Drink driving law: max 0,05%
- Fines when breaking the rules / law: from 40 to 1200 Euro
Lefkada speed limits
- Towns, built up areas: 50 km/h
- Outside: 90 km/h
For travellers recommended apartments in Lefkada just click here!
