These are the Most Beautiful Vacation Spots on Lefkada

'The White': Because massive chalk cliffs rise in the west of Lefkada, the Greek island gets this nickname. Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea and offers something for every taste during a vacation.

Where you check in is up to you. Whether in the bustling island capital, popular beach resorts, or quiet fishing villages, we show you the best vacation spots on Lefkada.

The island capital of Lefkada is located in the north and is connected by a bridge to the Greek mainland. About 7,000 people live here. After an earthquake in 1953, the city was rebuilt according to old plans. Especially picturesque are the closely spaced, colorful houses around Agios Spyridon Square and the marina with its waterfront promenade, where many restaurants, taverns, and bars are located.

Over the centuries, different occupiers influenced the island. The Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Republic, and the United Kingdom all had control here. Many of the churches and buildings date from the Venetian period. A distinctive feature is the cityscape with corrugated iron facades and bright colors. This is why many refer to it as the 'Little Havana of Greece.'

Five minutes east of the capital, the Faneromeni Monastery, the only still-inhabited monastery in the town, sits perched on a rocky outcrop. According to legend, the temple of the goddess Artemis was once here. The Faneromeni Monastery received its current form in 1734 during the Venetian rule.

Below the monastery is one of the longest beaches on the island: Paralia Agios Ioannis Beach, named after the church of the same name. According to tradition, the Apostle Paul preached Christianity here on his journey to Rome in the year 65 A.D. The highlight on the beach is the five windmills of Lefkada, which make a great photo subject, especially at sunset.

In the east of Lefkada, several villages have settled near the sea. Along the main road heading south are the island's most popular destinations: Lygia, Nikiana, and Nidri. Nidri, in particular, is gaining popularity and is now the largest resort on the east coast. Over the centuries, Nidri developed into a key port and trading center on the island.

Today, Nidri is a lively tourist spot with a variety of hotels and apartment complexes, shops, restaurants, and bars. The ultramodern port is still significant: Many excursion boats and ferries to the neighboring islands Kefalonia and Ithaca depart from here. On Nidri's little promenade, especially in the summer months, there is a lot of activity. The resort is known for its vibrant nightlife.

On the northwest coast of Lefkada is the picturesque fishing village of Agios Nikitas, one of the most popular vacation spots on Lefkada. There are numerous taverns, cafés, and supermarkets, as well as many bathing opportunities nearby. A unique feature of the village is that no cars are allowed; vehicles must be left at the main road, giving Agios Nikitas its unique charm.

Agios Nikitas Beach is a narrow section of beach with fine pebbles and crystal-clear water that gently slopes, making it suitable for families with children. Due to the bay's location, there is hardly any wind. In the high season, it is very crowded here. For those seeking a more secluded beach, there's the option to take a boat from Agios Nikitas to Milos Beach.

In the south of the island is the port town of Vasiliki, the southern ferry port. Ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca also depart from here. The old part of Vasiliki was built around the harbor and offers a beachfront promenade with numerous taverns, cafés, and bakeries. The new part consists mainly of hotels, vacation apartments, and a few beach bars.

If you're looking for a blend of beach life and a resort town, Vasiliki is the place to be. The fishing village and its sandy beach are located in a long bay. Water sports are especially popular. The conditions are ideal: Despite a good wind, the waves remain manageable. There are windsurfing schools, a diving club, and opportunities for water sports.

Anyone vacationing on Lefkada should not miss the mountain villages inland. The largest mountain village is Karya, known for its rustic center and narrow cobblestone streets. Along the main street are many large plane trees. There are few accommodation options, but several cafés and taverns. In the summer, many day-trippers visit on weekends.

Karya is known as a center of lace production. This centuries-old tradition has been preserved to this day, and some weaveries still exist. In the folklore museum, a former weaving house, visitors can gain insight into this craft.

The small mountain village of Englouvi is known for a culinary attraction. At over 700 meters altitude, the famous Fakes Englouvis, or lentils, are grown on a plateau above the quaint village. The soil here is particularly nutrient-rich, making the lentils 2.5 times richer in potassium, iron, and sodium than conventional lentils.

The village itself offers a rustic village square with several taverns where you can sample the famous lentils. A traditional dish is a hearty soup with Englouvi lentils and lots of garlic.

For a contrast to typical beach resorts, head to the small harbor town of Syvota. Situated in a deep bay, its wind-sheltered location makes it particularly popular with sailors. Along the harbor mole are numerous taverns and cafés, which are especially atmospheric in the evening with their lighting.

Especially in the summer, Syvota is a lively coastal town with good infrastructure. Besides the facilities at the harbor, the village also offers a supermarket, a bakery, and some souvenir shops. Those looking to stay overnight can check into private villas or small hotels.

In the south of Lefkada, the small mountain village of Poros is connected by a winding road to Mikros Gialos Beach. The idyllic village is built directly into a lush green hillside and consists of charming, unplastered stone houses. At the entrance to Poros, the small chapel of Analipsis serves as the village's landmark.

The village is popular because it combines the flair of a mountain village with Mediterranean beach charm. On one side of the cove is the beach, on the other side, the harbor. Many Greeks vacation here in the summer. Along the beach are several cafés, restaurants, and mini-markets, while hotels and apartments are located on the hillsides, and there is also a campsite.

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