Beaches - 5th Continent

Lefkada offers some of the finest beaches to be found in the Mediterranean and Europe.

WEST COAST

PEFKOULIA, AGIOS NIKITAS, KATHISMA, MYLOS, EGREMNI, PORTO KATSIKI

Lefkada’swest coast is renowned for its rugged landscape and exotic beaches. Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma are often listed among the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches.

Taking the road headed for Lefkada’s west coast passes through lovely little villages and lush settings. The picturesque village Agios Nikitas is home to the beach of the same name. This bay, surrounded by rocks, offers a magical view of the Ionian Sea. Its fine, white sand and emerald waters create a paradise setting for visitors.

Pefkoulia, situated before Agios Nikitas, is a large sandy beach with immaculate, clean waters and a pine forest reaching the sand. Earthquake-related landslides have resulted in scattered rocks here, making the setting a little more challenging. This beach is serviced at just one section. Beyond its large rock, Pefkoulia is a particularly popular attraction for nudists.

Kathisma, a cosmopolitan beach that is serviced with sunbeds, beach umbrellas, restaurants and many beach bars, is an enormous sandy beach located 15 km from the island’s main town. Getting to this beach is rather easy. The route, passing through small villages and the lush landscape of the island’s west, is made even more delightful by its panoramic view. You will enjoy impressive viewing along the way, before encountering the spectacular Ionian Sea.

Porto Katsiki and Egremni offer even more impressive settings, along with turquoise waters. The natural beauty of Porto Katsiki beach, a rock cliff, offers one of the most impressive landscapes, for which the island is renowned. A number of canteens selling refreshments are available at the top. Visitors may also place orders for drinks and coffee from the beach area.

The unrivalled beauty of Egremni beach in Lefkada has established the location as one of the most stunning and much-publicized settings in the world. Its name is derived from the impressive cliffs that surround the beach and the huge rocks that seemingly hang from high up. The swimming conditions offered by the water here, clean and turquoise, are among Europe’s finest. Also, Egremni is one of Lefkada’s biggest beaches, measuring over 2.5 km long. If seeking tranquility and relaxation at picturesque surroundings, this beautiful part of Lefkada will not disappoint.

If you had to pick one spot for encapsulating the true meaning of Greek summer, it would be Mylos. An iconic beach stretched over 730 metres, it is covered with coarse sand and white pebbles and engulfed by spectacular, rugged rocks and impressive sand dunes. No matter how much you may have heard or read about the energy or rugged charm of Mylos, nothing can describethe experience when first dipping into its crystal-clear, deep-blue waters.

KALAMITSI (KAVALIKEFTA, MEGALI PETRA, AVALI), GIALOS

Close to Kalamitisi, three sandy beaches with white pebbles, Kavalikefta, Megali Petra and Avali, offer turquoise, crystal-clear watersas well as rock settings. These beaches are equipped with canteens, some sunbeds and beach umbrellas. The road along the way poses minor challenges as it is slightly narrow. However, reaching these three beaches more than compensates.

Gialos, situated a little before the village Athani, is a big sandy beach that is also frequented by campers. Its transparent waters, in all shades of blue, blend harmoniously with the lush greenery, while the tranquility offered by the setting is unrivalled. A canteen operates here.

East coast

NIKIANA, PASSAS, NYDRI, DESIMI

The standout beach in east coast village Nikiana is Limni, situated just off the village centre. This beach has fine sand and shallow waters. It is popular among families with children and the elderly as a result of its very easy access and relatively shallower waters, compared to the island’s west coast beaches. Nikiana’s proximity to the mainland’s Aitoloakarnania, directly opposite, offers a very lovely, scenic view.

Stou Pasa, a beach with an unusual name, is situated between Perigiali and Nikiana. Its name, linked to the period of Ottoman rule, is shared by a nearby spring on the slopes of the mountain. Stou Pasa is a small yet noteworthy beach as it offers visitors a relaxing experience with a wonderful view of the Aitoloakarnania shores and the region’s lush islets. Also, Stou Pasa is detached from the noisy coastal road and under the natural shade provided by the mountain.

Nydri beach offers shallow, sheltered waters, always calm, and is fully serviced. Visitors will find, at a short distance, all they need in terms of food, entertainment and water sports.

Desimi beach is located at a cove, on the outer side of the Vlicho peninsula. Small and shady, the beach is ideal for canoeing, to explore the small bays and caves along the shoreline. Desimi beach is pebbled. Two organised camping grounds operate here.

South coast

MIKROS GIALOS, VASILIKI, AGIOFILI, AFTELI, AMMOUSO

Mikros Gialos beach is situated at a serene natural bay, below the village Poros. Virtually secluded, the beach protrudes from the green mountains that surround it and sports a white pebbled beach. The Ionian Sea’s crystal-clear turquoise waters rest calmly alongside the beach. The surrounding mountains offer natural protection from the winds, resulting in calm waters throughout most of the day. Mikros Gialos is perfect for visitors appreciating quiet holidays or feeling the need to relax close to nature.

Vasiliki beach is pebbled along the waterline but its seabed swiftly becomes sandy. The waters here are shallow. Vasiliki is regarded as one of the Mediterranean’s finest windsurfing spots, courtesy of its extremely appropriate wind conditions. Holidaymakers of various nationalities and water sports enthusiasts all gather here, transforming Vasiliki into an international hotspot.

Agiofili beach is one of the island’s most impressive pebbled beaches. Situated at a small cove west of Vasiliki, its waters are turquoise and crystal-clear.

As Agiofili attracts big crowds during the summer’s busiest months of July and August, visiting in the early morning hours is recommended if you would rather avoid the masses.

Afteli beach, a small cove best known among visitors from abroad, is a popular spot during the summer months. The lush and bushy vegetation embracing the cove and reaching all the way to the water instantly impresses. The beach is covered in pebbles, while the water is a magical turquoise colour.

Amousso beach, located deep within a gulf, is surrounded by rocks, isolated, pebble-covered and offers calm, immaculately clean waters. It is serviced to a great extent. Beach umbrellas, sunbeds and a taverna are available here. Amousso draws many visitors in August.

North coast

AGIOS IOANNIS, MYLOI, KASTRO, AMMOGLOSSA

Agios Ioannis, Myloi, Kastro and Ammoglossa beaches are situated close to Lefkada’s main town. At Agios Ioannis, the waters are turquoise and irresistible. Sometimes, wind conditions become slightly gusty here, perfect for windsurfers and kitesurfers. This beach is patrolled by a lifesaver.

Myloi beach, a major attraction for water sport enthusiasts, ranks as one of the most popular spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Greece and Europe. A small number of old wind mills along this beach create a charming atmosphere that is further enhanced during sunset.

Kastro and Ammoglossa are the nearest beaches to Lefkada’s entry point. Both are sandy with crystal-clear waters. Besides the lure of white and golden sand, they are also located close to the main town, making them popular choices for locals and visitors.