Thinking of booking a trip to Agios Nikitas on Lefkada (also known as Lefkas)? Here’s what to expect from this picturesque beach resort.
Where is it?
Agios Nikitas is located on the northwest coast of Lefkada, north of the island’s spectacular cliff beaches and west of Lefkada Town.
For an overview of all the resort towns on the island, check out Lefkada Resort Guide.
What’s the vibe like?
Agios Nikitas is the only resort on Lefkada located on the west coast. There is no harbour here so it’s less ‘yachty’ than the east coast resorts.
It’s a small village, with one pedestrianised street which reaches downhill to the sea from the main road. Hotels and colourful tavernas flank this street, which is also lined with oleander, grape vines, and olive trees. It’s set in a landscape of steep green hills.
At the end of the street is the beach which has a particularly vibrant turquoise sea, similar to the west coast beaches, and big waves beloved by kids (and big kids).
Unsurprisingly it’s also a popular day trip destination and so can feel jam-packed and a bit claustrophobic. If you’re the type who likes space on the beach then Agios Nikitas isn’t for you. But if you don’t mind the busy beach then it’s the most scenic of Lefkada’s beach resorts.
What’s the beach like?
The beach at Agios Nikitas is small (around 100m) and the sand is a coarse golden grain. This part of Lefkada is less sheltered than the east coast and it can get wavy and windy (but not as wavy and windy as the main west coast beaches).
The water is a fascinating bright colour but not as clear as the east coast due to the combination of windier conditions and the limestone in the sand.
There are no sunloungers on the beach, it’s lined with brightly-coloured parasols. You can pick one up from one of the mini-market/souvenir shops not far from the sea. Best be here early to get a spot.
This is a popular family beach and there’s a lifeguard on duty but no watersports (except SUP) and no toilets or showers on the beach.
There are three beaches close to Agios Nikitas that give you a few more options:
Pefkoulia is north of Agios Nikitas, close to the main coastal road. You’ll need a car to get there (10-minute drive). It’s similar to Agios Nikitas beach but bigger, the sand a bit coarser, and is mostly unorganised (though there are some sun loungers to rent).
Mylos Beach is the closest to Agios Nikitas but requires a steep 20-minute hike up and over a hill (pictured below). The hike is a dirt path which is signposted from the village. Alternatively, you can take the water taxi from Agios Nikitas beach. It’s a vast coarse-sand beach backed by cliffs. The sea is bright turquoise. There are several rows of sun loungers but it’s otherwise undeveloped (no toilets, shops, or cafes). Make sure to take enough water.
Kathisma Beach is a 10-minute drive and is accessible by bus. It’s another cliff beach with coarse sand, big waves, and bright blue seas, but it’s more developed than Mylos (and busier). There are a number of beach clubs along the sands, plus watersports including parasailing.
Activities and amenities
There aren’t many activities available in Agios Nikitas beyond visiting the beaches and eating in the numerous tavernas. Food here is a mix of Greek and Italian.
Agios Nikitas Travel organise boat excursions but note that these depart from Nydri and Vasiliki and so required a transfer. They can also organise paddleboard rental, boat rental, and airport transfers.
Odyssey Hotel has a pool bar that’s open to non-guests.
There’s an ATM, a pharmacy, and a few mini-markets in Agios Nikitas. It’s not a party place, with just a handful of cafe-bars around the beach, but there are bigger beach bars at nearby Kathisma.
Transport and accessibility
From the airport:
Agios Nikitas is a 45-minute drive from Preveza-Aktion International Airport. Taxis cost €55-65.
Public transport:
Agios Nikitas is served by Lefkada’s KTEL bus service – check the KTEL website for timetables and routes. The bus stop is on the main road at the top of the village – there’s a small shelter with seating and the timetable is usually pinned up inside.
Buses run throughout the day to Lefkada Town although not as frequently as the east coast resorts. You can connect in Lefkada Town for other services. The bus is geared towards locals and is of limited use for visiting the island’s popular west coast beaches, although in the summers there’s a bus which connects Agios Nikitas and Kathisma through Lefkada Town and on to Nydri.
A single bus ticket to Lefkada Town is €1.60. A taxi from Agios Nikitas to Lefkada Town will cost you €22-25.
To reach the airport by bus you’ll have to connect in Lefkada Town with a bus running to the airport and Preveza. These aren’t quite as frequent as you might imagine and don’t necessarily coincide with airport departures and arrivals.
Accessibility:
Agios Nikitas is in a small cove surrounded by steep hills. The main road runs along the top of the village and onwards to Lefkada Town in one direction, Kathisma in the other. A smaller part-pedestrianised road runs from here down to the seafront. This is where you’ll find most of the tavernas and amenities. It’s a gentle slope, but accommodation options on either side have steeper access. The surface is mostly crazy paving.
You can park for free on the main road at the top of the village, there is some space on the road but it does fill up quickly as Agios Nikitas is so popular. It’s approximately 350m to the beach, a 5-minute walk.
There’s a small paved promenade next to the beach. A few steps are required to get to the sands.
The nearest Sea Trac for wheelchair access to the sea is at Lygia.
Prices
Prices in Agios Nikitas are average for Lefkada. Sun loungers and beach cafe prices in Kathisma are on the more expensive end of the scale. Mylos is somewhere in the middle.
Where to stay
There are lots of good-value traditional 2-star hotels and studios in Agios Nikitas, such as Ostria and Nefeli. Some have lovely landscaping and views.
Fetsis apartments are beachfront, basic and comfy.
And friendly 2-star Odyssey Hotel has a rooftop pool which provides a welcome respite from the crowds.
If you need parking you’ll have to look on the main road (be aware of traffic noise though) or in the surrounding hills where you’ll find a few villas or hotels with more space.
Read more about Lefkada:
Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide
All images © The Mediterranean Traveller