10 Most Beautiful Beaches on Lefkada | The Mediterranean Traveller

Lefkada is a stunning Greek island known for its dramatic beaches and raw nature.

The main appeal here is Lefkada’s west coast beaches – vast cliff beaches with steep drops that line the coast. In the sea, the limestone from the cliffs creates the effect of glowing turquoise waters. Most of these beaches are small white pebbles or coarse sand.

These beaches are very exposed and they get powerful waves on windy days. Swimming is sometimes prohibited due to the conditions – pay attention to the lifeguards. Don’t forget to bring your own parasol, water and snacks because most of them don’t have facilities right on the beach.

The east coast isn’t known for its beaches, many of which are very narrow, but are some lovely small pebble coves worth seeking out. They tend to have crystal clear waters, excellent swimming, and trees right on the beach for shade.

There are a few beaches that you can visit on one of the island’s numerous boat trips, but to make the most of discovering the island you’ll need a car. Roads can be challenging, full of hairpins, and very narrow.

Here are the top 10 most beautiful beaches that showcase the island’s natural splendour:

Egremni Beach

Egremni Beach is one of Lefkada’s blockbuster beaches and it has recently reopened after a landslide closed access in 2015. The stairway has been rebuilt and involves a 400-step descent from the parking lot at the top.

Or you could arrive by boat from Nydri or Vassiliki, there are plenty of excursion boat options.

Down on the beach, there are sun loungers and parasols available. But the only cafe and toilet facilities are back up the steps (not all the way up at the parking lot though). For this reason, the boat trip schedule only involves a short-ish stop. Make sure you come prepared because the climb up the stairs can be difficult in the heat.

Porto Katsiki

Porto Katsiki is another name synonymous with Lefkada’s beauty and you will also see it on boat trip itineraries from Nydri and Vassiliki.

Carved beneath rugged cliffs, this iconic beach offers a dramatic setting. There’s parking (€10) at the top of the cliffs and it’s a much shorter walk (around 100 steps) to the beach than Egremni.

Day trip boats tend to visit in the afternoon as in the morning you’ll be in the shade of the cliffs.

Kathisma Beach

Up in the northwest of Lefkada, you’ll find popular Kathisma Beach. With its vibrant beach bars and a range of water sports activities, Kathisma exudes an energetic charm.

This is the only one of the west coast beaches with direct road access. There’s a public bus from Agios Nikitas/Lefkada Town, although in the summer the route sometimes runs on to Nydri.

The cliffs here are not so steep and there’s enough space for swimming pools in the beach bars. Prices here (sun loungers and food) are more expensive due to the remote.

Paragliding from the hills behind is a popular activity and you’ll also find plenty of panoramic cafes/bars up in the hills behind Kathisma where you can watch the action as well as the sunset.

Agios Nikitas

If you want to stay directly on one of Lefkada’s amazing beaches then Agios Nikitas is for you.

A short drive from Kathisma and Lefkada Town on the northwest coast, Agios Nikitas is a picturesque little resort nestled in a scenic bay surrounded by lush steep hills.

The beach consists of coarse sand and has the same turquoise waters that you’ll find on the rest of the west coast beaches. You’ll have to get here early for a decent spot though as it gets very busy. There are numerous fish tavernas and cafes by the beachfront.

The bus stop is on the road at the top of the village where you’ll also find free parking.

Read more: A Quick Guide to Agios Nikitas

Agiofili Beach

Beautiful Agiofili Beach is just down the coast from the popular resort Vasiliki.

It’s a small pebble beach in a spectacular setting. The water here is impeccable and there is great snorkelling around the rocks at the edges of the beach.

However, due to its size, it does get very crowded in the summer and prices stack up as sunbeds are €20 a pair and parking is €10. You can also visit by water taxi from Vasiliki. There is no cafe so don’t forget to bring water.

Kavalikefta / Megali Petra

These two beaches are right next to each other and accessed via the same road so you get two for one. They’re both known for the large rocks (Megali Petra means ‘Big Rock’) that look as if they’ve been thrown from the cliff. They contrast with the bright hues of the sea and are popular with cliff jumpers.

Kavalikefta Beach is a small beach and the first you’ll come across from the cafe and parking lot. It’s scattered with rocks of all sizes. There are sun beds for €12-15.

Megali Petra is the larger of the two and is on the other side of the parking lot. It’s a cliff beach very much in the style of the west coast, consisting of small white pebbles and some sand. It isn’t packed with sun loungers and so has a wilder and more natural feel than some of the other beaches.

Parking is near Kavalikefta, €5-10. Beware of the access road though – it’s winding, narrow, and full of giant potholes. Large and/or low vehicles might struggle.

Milos Beach

Milos Beach is a pristine cliff beach with milky turquoise waters on the northwest coast, a short distance from Agios Nikitas.

If you’re feeling energetic you can reach it by taking the signposted trail. It’s a steep 15-minute hike up and over the hill, but you’ll be rewarded with excellent views. Be aware that the waves here are strong and there are some sections of the path which are a bit iffy.

It’s also possible to get a water taxi from Agios Nikitas (around €3) but try to avoid taking the last boat back. The boats won’t run if the conditions aren’t right.

The sun beds here are expensive (around €30-35 a pair) but there’s also plenty of free space. There are no other facilities on the beach so make sure to take everything with you.

Gialos Beach

Gialos (not to be confused with Mikros Gialis which is in the south of Lefkada) is a vast wild beach on the west coast, stretching on for 4km.

If you want room to spread out then you’ll love Gialos. It’s less crowded than its neighbouring west coast beaches and it doesn’t receive excursion boats.

The beach consists of coarse golden sand, pebbles, and large stones, and the sea itself is fairly shallow. Sea shoes are recommended.

The road is challenging but has direct beach access and parking is free. There are a few cafes and tavernas and sections of sun loungers near the road.

Ammoussa Beach

A hidden gem on the south coast, Ammoussa Beach is not too far from Agiofili. Tucked away in a secluded bay and surrounded by lush greenery, Ammoussa is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The landscape here is very reminiscent of Kefalonia which lies to its south.

The beach here is pebble and shingle and the water is translucent and deep. There’s not much in the area except a handful of villas.

That said, it is small and fills up quickly. The road runs right behind the beach and a cafe/taverna right behind.

Sun loungers are much cheaper than on the west coast, around €5-10, and include access to showers and toilets.

Pefkoulia Beach

Another one for wilderness lovers, Pefkoulia Beach is a west-facing beach between Agios Nikitas and Lefkada Town.

The main coastal road runs alongside Pefkoulia, although not at sea level, so it’s easier to access than many of the west coast beaches – no hairpin bends required.

It’s rockier than most of the other beaches (bring water shoes) and has a free camping/clothing optional vibe in parts.

There are a few sun loungers (€10) at beach bar The Deck but it’s mostly unorganised. Check the forecast before you go as winds can be unmanageable here.

Read more about Lefkada:

Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Lefkada Bus Guide

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Ionian Islands

How to Island Hop the Ionians

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