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Lefkada Holidays

A dramatic, Ionian beach island

With its white sand beaches and turquoise water, Lefkada holidays can feel like a trip to the Caribbean. This charming Ionian island, which sits off the west coast of mainland Greece, has an interior thick with pine forests, olive groves and traditional stone villages set along winding roads. The colours here are paint box-dramatic – sunsets decorate the entire sky red, while in the west of the island, dramatic white cliffs plunge directly into the bright blue sea.

You could easily fill a week relaxing by the beach, but holidays to Lefkada have great options for adrenaline enthusiasts, too. You can paraglide over cliffs, windsurf and kite surf across the bays, and mountain bike on trails that cut through the forested hills. Or you can take boat rides around the island, jump straight into the crystal-clear water or swim through underwater caves. Thanks to its rich farming and fishing history, the food is delicious island-wide – don’t miss the fresh seafood and traditional olive oil cake. For a cosmopolitan evening, head to Lefkada Town to marvel at its port, colourful clapboard houses and array of lively bars and restaurants. For staggering beaches that you won’t quite believe are in Europe, sensational natural scenery and scores of outdoor activities, look no further than a holiday to Lefkada.

All resorts in Lefkada

Explore our map of Lefkada

Your Lefkada questions, answered

Yes. With so many hidden villages and beaches to find, a car gives you the freedom you need to explore the island at your leisure.
Typically, summertime is hot and sunny while winter is milder and there’s a greater chance of rain. Whatever time of year you come, there’s nearly always a pleasant, cooling breeze.
Lefkada is a spring and summer holiday destination. For hiking and sightseeing holidays around the island, book between April and early June. The weather is warm, the sky is clear, and a nice cooling breeze comes off the ocean. Summers in Lefkada peak in mid-August when the average temperature is around 27°C. This is perfect sun-worshipping weather. But it can reach a scorching 37°C on some days. So take care if you're not used to the sun or do what the Greeks do. Take the afternoon off.
Thanks to its perfect beaches, timeless villages, moreish Greek food and wide range of adventure sports, Lefkada holidays will appeal to every type of traveller.
West coast beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni are ideal for active holidaymakers who enjoy exploring. You'll find sheer white cliffs, picturesque coastal views, and clear turquoise water. Vassiliki beach sits in a natural bay along the southern coast. It's a gorgeous strip of sand and blue water surrounded by mountains and olive groves. This beach is also a popular spot for windsurfers and kayakers. Nidri Beach is the ideal place for family beach days. It's a 20-minute drive from Lefkada town and has plenty of restaurants and play-areas within walking distance.
Yes. Lefkas is the Greek pronunciation, but most holiday and travel companies will refer to it as Lefkada. You'll also hear it called Lefkada in the popular tourist spots and hotels. To make things more confusing, some people mispronounce the word as Leukas. It's worth remembering the alternative names for Lefkada. It will stop you from getting into some confusing conversations with taxi drivers and locals, especially if you venture out to the smaller towns.
Lefkada is an island in the Ionian Sea on Greece's west coast. It connects to the mainland via a long causeway and floating bridge. The island is 22 miles long and nine miles wide. It has an excellent network of highways and local roads, meaning you can reach most of the popular tourist destinations in less than an hour's drive. Renting a car is the best way to see the island as public transport is limited. Lefkada is also a good base for exploring the Ionian islands, including Kefalonia. The ferry takes just two hours.
Like most traditional Mediterranean cuisine, the food in Lefkada is an interesting mix of Italian, Turkish, and Middle-Eastern influences. Breakfast and lunch are usually light. Expect thick creamy yoghurts and fresh fruit in the morning, followed by an afternoon snack of hummus, flatbread, and a side order of olives picked from the local groves. Keftedes is one of the island's most traditional dishes. These grilled herb and garlic meatballs come on a bed of orzo pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce. Or try the stifado, a rustic lamb stew slow-cooked to perfection.
The nightlife in Lefkada is suited for couples and mature travellers looking for that chilled holiday vibe. Most bars and restaurants open till late during the tourist season. But the atmosphere is still relaxed and intimate, with people enjoying drinks and conversations on the outdoor seating areas overlooking the local beaches. The lounge bars and cocktail spots in Lefkada Town and Vassiliki offer a more luxurious, VIP experience. And, if you do get the dancing bug, jump in a taxi to Nidri where you'll find the island's liveliest nightclubs and music venues.