Rent a car and explore idyllic Lefkas

Lefkas, also known as Lefkada, is an island in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of Greece. It is known for its beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush, green landscape. It is a mountainous island, with Mount Stavrota (1,157 m) as its highest peak. You can fully enjoy the sun, sea, and beach, but be sure to explore the rest of the island by renting a car: you’ll drive along quiet, winding roads and through enchanting villages, all while taking in the fantastic views along the way. Leave your rental car behind every now and then to get active: hiking, biking, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, paragliding… it’s all possible on Lefkas.

There is no airport on the island itself; the gateway is Preveza Aktion Airport, on the Greek mainland. From that airport, it’s about a twenty-minute drive by rental car to Lefkada Town—that is, if the pontoon bridge isn’t raised to let boats through. That happens every hour. Oh well, you can grab a seat on a terrace nearby while watching the boats sail by. Or visit the medieval Agia Mavra fortress located there.

Lefkada Town

The capital of Lefkada is located on the northern tip of the island and offers a charming blend of culture, history, and modern life. The colorful houses in the narrow streets and alleys are mostly built in the Venetian style, as the city was rebuilt after Venice conquered the island at the end of the seventeenth century. Lefkada Town is bordered by the sea on three sides, and many of the bars, cafés, and restaurants enjoy a beautiful waterfront location. The terraces around the harbor are especially popular. There you’ll also find Lefkada’s charming old wooden bridge, which is particularly crowded in the evening at sunset. The lively central square is also surrounded by taverns and cafés.

Another attraction is the many churches scattered throughout the city, which are definitely worth stepping inside to see. Admire the beautifully carved icons and religious paintings. The most famous churches are Agios Spyridon and Agios Nikolaos, but there are many more. It’s worth noting that many bell towers have a metal structure, making them resistant to earthquakes. There’s also a small but fascinating Archaeological Museum that traces the history of the island and its inhabitants back to the Stone Age.

Faneromeni Monastery

To the west of the capital, near the village of Frini, the Faneromeni Monastery stands high on a hill. Surrounded by lush greenery, this monastery is Lefkada’s most important religious site. It houses a church museum featuring Byzantine icons and relics. The Maritime Museum in the basement is a real highlight, featuring dozens of wooden models of ancient Chinese and Egyptian seagoing vessels, including Cleopatra’s flagship, as well as Noah’s Ark and a model of the Titanic. Thanks to the monastery’s elevated location, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Lefkada Town, the Ionian Sea, and, in the distance, the mountains of the Greek mainland.

Porto Katsiki Beach

You’ve probably seen Lefkada’s most famous beach in a photo (like the one above). Porto Katsiki, nestled at the foot of a high, sheer cliff, consistently ranks among the top 10 most beautiful Greek beaches. The green, overgrown top of the cliff, the steep limestone rock face, and the white sandy beach contrast beautifully with the blue of the sea. It’s not hard to see why this spot in the southwest of the island is so popular. The downside is that it can get quite crowded as a result, and tourist boats come and go constantly. You can, however, simply drive there in your rental car via a winding road that descends to the (paid) parking lot. From that parking lot, you walk down a staircase with eighty steps. Before you start your descent, we recommend stopping for a moment to enjoy the fantastic view.

The Most Beautiful Beaches of Lefkada

Porto Katsiki is undoubtedly the most popular beach, but there are many more beautiful beaches to be found on Lefkada. The varied coastline features numerous sandy beaches, secluded pebble coves, and dramatic white cliffs. Most beaches are accessible by car (and then on foot), but a few can only be reached by boat. Below, we highlight just a few beaches you can reach by rental car, though sometimes you’ll have to walk quite a distance.

Egremni

Egremni is located just north of Porto Katsiki, but it’s much quieter because it’s not as easily accessible. However, your effort will be rewarded, because this beach, too, lies at the base of a steep cliff and is breathtakingly beautiful, with golden sand and fine white pebbles. From the village of Athani, it’s almost four kilometers by car to the parking lot. From there, you’ll need to walk another kilometer and descend a long flight of stairs (400 steps!) to reach the beach. Keep in mind that you’ll have to climb those stairs and the steep path back up after your visit to the beach! So make sure you save some energy and water for the return trip. You’ll have to carry all your belongings with you, because although there’s a small restaurant at the top of the stairs, there are no facilities on the beach itself. That, incidentally, is part of its charm.

Gialos

A little further north, you’ll find Paralia Gialos (not to be confused with Mikros Gialos, which is located on the southeast coast). A very winding but well-paved road leads there from Athani. It’s a wide, long beach consisting of sand and pebbles, and you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs there. There are also several taverns.

Kavalikefta / Avali

To the west of the village of Kalamitsi are several fantastic beaches. Here, too, narrow roads wind through the dense vegetation. Starting from Kalamitsi, the sandy beaches of Kavalikefta and Megali Petra are on the left, and the pebble beach of Avali is on the right. Megali Petra has no facilities and can only be reached on foot. The large rocks in the sea near Kavalikefta act as breakwaters and make it easier to swim there.

Ammoussa / Langkadaki

The pebble beach of Ammoussa lies on the rocky south coast, and its crystal-clear water makes it a perfect spot for snorkeling. Here, too, the road leading to it is narrow and winding. At the end of that road, there’s a large parking lot right near the beach where you can park your rental car. Unfortunately, this beach is somewhat marred by the many beach umbrellas. If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet, you can walk along the coastal path to the left toward the small pebble beach of Langkadaki.

Mikros Gialos / Sivota

Poros is a beautiful traditional village, built against lush, forested slopes in the south of Lefkada. Four kilometers from the village lies the stunning bay of Mikros Gialos, a small, picturesque spot where fishing boats moor.

If you drive further south, you’ll reach Sivota, a picturesque fishing village nestled along a sheltered bay with a long seaside promenade lined with terraces. The fishing harbor is now primarily a marina where you can rent a (sailing) boat to cruise along the southern coast of Lefkada or even to neighboring islets.

Agios Ioannis

Just west of the capital lies Agios Ioannis Beach, which is very popular among kitesurfers. That’s because there’s almost always a fairly strong wind here in the afternoon, which is further amplified by the high cliff on the south side of the beach. Only when the wind is from the southwest does that cliff actually act as an obstacle, and you’ll find most kitesurfers in the northern part.

Nidri / Geni

Although the most beautiful beaches are on the west coast, the tourist resorts are mainly located on the east coast. This is due to the easier access. Nidri is the heart of tourism on Lefkada. Naturally, you’ll find a large number of taverns and bars here, especially along the harbor. There are also a few nightclubs. There are pebble beaches nearby, but they’re nowhere near as beautiful as the beaches on the west coast. The bay near Nidri is quite busy due to the many pleasure boats. Across the bay lies Geni, which is much quieter than Nidri. It’s a lovely place to drive to in the evening in your rental car to dine on a terrace overlooking the water.

Another great spot to drive to is the viewpoint called The Balcony. To get there, follow the road to Karya from the village of Perigiali. After two and a half kilometers, you’ll reach a bend in the road where you’ll have a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape and the islets off the east coast of Lefkada.

Dimossari Waterfalls

About four kilometers from Nidri, you’ll reach the parking lot for the Dimossari Waterfalls, also known as the Nidri Waterfalls. From the parking lot, a fairly easy trail leads through a wooded gorge to the waterfalls. After the first waterfall, continue through the narrow gorge to the Rachi Waterfall with its pools of refreshing mountain water, where you can swim. It’s best to visit this spot in the spring, as there is little or no water at all in the summer and fall. Incidentally, the hike through the rocky valley is beautiful in its own right.

Even during the dry season, when there isn’t much water, you can enjoy the beauty of nature at this special location. The hiking trails, wooden bridges, and stairways wind through dense woodland, and the landscape is breathtaking—full of caves, massive boulders, and cliffs—and you’ll also find the ruins of an old watermill there.

Mount Skaros

Mount Skaros offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. There are several routes: from Nikiana on the coast or from the village of Kolivata. In Kolivata, the hiking trail starts at Maria’s Taverna and then runs past the cemetery behind it. The trail is marked with orange signs. The closer you get to the summit, the denser the oak forests become. These trees are hundreds of years old, and this species of oak is found only on Lefkada. From the summit, you’ll enjoy an incredible view: to the north, you can see Lefkada Town, Preveza, and beyond; to the east lie the mountains of the mainland; and to the south, you’ll see the islands of Skorpios and Meganisi.

An alternative route begins just north of Kolivata. Along the road toward Nikiana, you’ll see a turnoff marked “Dryodasos Skaron.” Please note: the first part is still paved, but further on it becomes a dirt road. It’s best not to drive your rental car on that section.

In Nikiana, the hiking trail starts behind the Crystal Waters Hotel, where a narrow, paved road climbs steeply upward. After nearly a kilometer (and four hairpin turns), you’ll see a small path on the left side of the road that slopes slightly downward. The first ten meters of this path are paved, and that marks the start of the hiking trail to the summit of Mount Skaros.

Karya

We briefly mentioned the road to Karya above. In this charming mountain village, you’re far removed from the hustle and bustle of the coast. It’s known for its beautiful old stone houses, narrow streets, and rich history of lace-making and weaving. There are still artisanal shops selling handmade lace and lace-trimmed clothing, as well as traditional embroidery, rugs, and blankets. You can see and experience how people used to live and work there at the fascinating Folklore Museum, on the outskirts of the village. Outside, you’ll find old farming tools, tobacco and olive oil presses, and a traditional oven. Inside, you’ll learn more about how the thread used for embroidery was made and how it was dyed with natural dyes derived from flowers and plants. You’ll also see two traditional homes with period furnishings and an equally historic barbershop.

Eglouvi / road to Nidri

Eglouvi is located at an elevation of 730 meters, making it the highest village on Lefkada and also one of the oldest on the island. The terraces on the charming little central square are shaded by large trees. There, you can order the region’s specialty: lentil soup. For generations, the farmers here have been growing lentils on the mountain plateau above the village. These lentils are so popular that they’re often sold out shortly after the harvest in July and August, though the local taverns do set some aside specifically for that soup. Every year, on August 6, the village celebrates the Festival of Lentils.

Do you enjoy a lovely winding route with fascinating views? Then take the road from Eglouvi to Nidri, via Vavkeri. That little village, just east of Eglouvi, is also very traditional, but most of the old houses have now been transformed into expensive and exclusive vacation homes. After passing through this village, you’ll frequently be treated to beautiful views of Meganisi, Skorpios, and the other islets between Lefkada and the Greek mainland.

Mount Elati

Or would you like to go a little higher from Eglouvi? Then take the route over Mount Elati (also known as Stavrota ), which, at 1,157 meters, is the highest peak on Lefkada. Are you worried your rental car won’t handle a narrow, winding mountain road? But that’s exactly the beauty of it: the route over this mountain is well-paved, and most of it is even a two-lane road! Of course, you shouldn’t be afraid of the occasional sharp turn, but otherwise this road is perfectly manageable, and here, too, you’ll enjoy phenomenal views. Just watch out for goats crossing the road! Among other things, there’s a beautiful viewpoint just past the little chapel of Agia Paraskevi. For seasoned hikers, there are hiking trails across “the roof of Lefkada.”

The village of Agios Illias is the center of winemaking on Lefkas. The southern slopes are dotted with grapevines. In this village, you can choose between driving to the east coast or descending to Syvros. The latter route has about thirty hairpin turns, but it’s also mostly a two-lane road. Only the sections through the villages are quite narrow.

Syvros

The area around the village of Syvros is known for its natural springs and waterfalls. At one time, there were no fewer than 24 water mills here used to irrigate the crops. Virtually all the mills are now in ruins; one was restored but is no longer accessible.

Just south of the village lies the Daphne Forest, and you can imagine why the nymph from Greek mythology chose to bathe right here, surrounded by dense vegetation. A beautiful hiking trail has been laid out along all nine springs and waterfalls around Syvros. The entire trail is nearly eight kilometers long and starts at the village’s central square. If you drive south on the road from Syvros, you’ll see a sign pointing to the trail leading to the Daphne Waterfall, but there’s nowhere to park your rental car. So follow the hiking route from Syvros or Vournikas. In Syvros, you can drive close to the Kerasia Waterfall, east of the village. On the other side of the village, the Karoucha Cave is worth a visit—if not for the cave itself, then certainly for the beautiful natural surroundings.

In the village itself is the Fabbrica Olive Museum, where you can learn more about olive oil production in days gone by. A video is shown, and the exhibits include an antique olive press. Of course, you can also taste olive oil, but it doesn’t come from this facility, which is solely a museum. Reviews of this museum vary quite a bit. Some visitors feel it’s nothing more than a rather pushy sales pitch, but there are also visitors who appreciate the old tools and the explanations of traditional production methods.

Vasiliki

The bay near Vasiliki on the southern coast of Lefkada is a favorite among windsurfers. That’s actually hard to imagine, because the bay is surrounded by green mountains. In the morning, there’s usually just a light breeze at most, but later in the afternoon, a wind almost always picks up, blowing in over the mountains. That’s the moment the windsurfers have been waiting for, and they head out onto the water in droves. The beach, with its large pebbles, slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for beginners. More advanced surfers head further out toward the open sea. In addition to surfing, you can go canoeing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and sailing on a catamaran in the bay. You can go paragliding from the mountains surrounding Vasiliki. There are also boats that sail to the small beach of Agiofili. You can get there by rental car as well, but be sure to arrive early, as the parking lot fills up by 10 a.m.

Cape Lefkatas / Cape Doukato

From Vasiliki, you drive along a well-maintained road past the bay to the southernmost tip of the island: Cape Lefkatas, also known as Cape Doukato. According to legend, it was here that the Greek poet Sappho threw herself off the cliff because her love for the sailor Phaon went unrequited. There is also said to have once been a sanctuary here dedicated to Apollo Delphinios, the protector of seafarers, but nothing remains of it today. A 14-meter-high lighthouse now stands in its place. The view of the cliffs of Lefkada is breathtaking, and you can clearly see the other Ionian islands, Ithaca and Kefalonia. The deep sea below the cape is a great spot for diving, but only if you’re an experienced diver and accompanied by a guide, as the currents are strong.

Just before you reach the lighthouse, you’ll pass the Agios Nikolaos Iras Monastery. Due to its remote location, it was once used as a place of exile for wayward clergy. Today, it’s a convent, home to just three nuns. There’s a small shop where they sell homemade honey, among other things.

Sights on the Greek mainland

Since Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a pontoon bridge, you can easily drive there if you’ve rented a car.

Nicopolis

North of Preveza lie the fascinating ruins of the Roman city of Nicopolis, the “city of victory.” The city was situated at a strategic location on the isthmus between the Ionian Sea and the Ambracian Gulf and, at its peak, had no fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. The highlights—including an odeon, an amphitheater, an aqueduct, mosaics, and Roman baths—are quite spread out, so a rental car is a must here. To fully understand the archaeological excavations, it’s best to first visit the Nicopolis Museum in Preveza. Between the airport and Preveza is an underwater tunnel for which you have to pay a toll, but it’s only a small amount.

Koronisia

In the heart of the Ambracian Gulf lies one of Greece’s smallest inhabited islands: Koronisia. In reality, it is not an island at all, but a peninsula with just one village, connected to the mainland by a long, narrow strip of land. The first part of the route from Preveza winds through a somewhat monotonous agricultural landscape, but wait until you reach the start of the isthmus. With lagoons on either side, you’ll feel as if you’re driving through the water, while the green islet looms in the distance. The entire gulf is a protected nature reserve, where more than two hundred bird species have been spotted and where dolphins and turtles also make appearances.

Island Hopping from Lefkada

From Lefkas, you can easily visit nearby islands. If you want to take your rental car on the ferry, you’ll need permission from the rental company. But if not, you can also take a day trip without a car to a neighboring island, such as Meganisi. The ferry to this peaceful island departs from Nydri and takes only twenty minutes. Ferries to the larger island of Ithaca also depart from Nydri, but the crossing is shorter from Vasiliki. You can also take a boat from Vasiliki to Fiskardo on Kefalonia, but that island is more than twice the size of Lefkas and therefore deserves more than just a day trip.

Why Rent a Car on Lefkas

Lefkas is about forty kilometers long, while its greatest width is about fifteen kilometers. Well, it’s such a small island—do you really need a car there? No, not if you book a resort and plan to spend your entire vacation there. But that would be a real shame, because the island has so much to offer, as you’ve read in the description above of the most beautiful and fun sights on Lefkas. Even if you just want to visit different beaches, a rental car is a lifesaver. Some of the most spectacular beaches are only easily accessible by car. And what about bringing your beach gear, snacks, and other essentials? A car really does come in handy! In addition to the beaches, Lefkada has charming villages, picturesque mountain roads, and panoramic viewpoints that are easier to reach by car. Plus, when you rent a car on Lefkada, you won’t be dependent on bus schedules or the availability of taxis. In short: rent a car on Lefkada so you can fully enjoy this idyllic island!