Lefkada is the rare Greek island you can drive to: a short causeway and floating bridge connect it to the mainland, so from Paleros you're on the island in about 30 minutes — no ferry, no timetable. It's famous for impossibly blue water and dramatic white cliffs on the west coast, sheltered family beaches on the east, lively harbour towns and green mountain villages inland. A day is enough for a taste; a week wouldn't exhaust it.
The legendary west-coast beaches
The west coast is what put Lefkada on postcards. Porto Katsiki, with its sheer cliff and crescent of pale sand, is the icon. Egremni and Gialos are wild and spectacular; Kathisma is long, organised and great for a full beach day with sunbeds and cafés. Bring water and shoes for the steps, arrive earlier in high summer for parking, and don't forget your camera — the colours are real.
Harbour towns & the calm east coast
Lefkada town has a charming, slightly quirky character with its waterfront, marina and backstreets full of tavernas. Down the east coast, Nydri is the busy hub for boat trips, and pretty Nikiana and Lygia offer calmer, family-friendly swimming. From Nydri you can cruise to Skorpios (the former Onassis island), Meganisi and the Princes' Islands.
Green villages in the hills
Inland, the island turns mountainous and cool. Karya is known for its shaded square and traditional embroidery; Agios Nikitas is a tiny whitewashed resort village with a lovely beach; and the drive itself, through pine and olive, is half the pleasure. It's the perfect contrast to a morning at the beach.
Frequently asked
Do I need a ferry to reach Lefkada?
No. Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a causeway and a floating bridge, so you simply drive across — about 30 minutes from Paleros.
Which Lefkada beach is best for a first visit?
Porto Katsiki for the wow factor, or Kathisma if you want an easy, organised beach day with facilities. The west coast has the famous turquoise water.
Can I do Lefkada as a day trip from Paleros?
Absolutely. Many visitors do exactly that — a beach in the morning, lunch in a village or harbour town, and back to Paleros for dinner.
