Is Lefkada Town Worth Visiting 2025? Our Reasons To Visit

Going to Lefkada Greece? Check if Lefkada town is worth visiting for you.

After spending a couples of days in Lefkada Town, we soon discovered that this is your go-to for everything you might need: whether it’s car or motorbike rentals, comfortable accommodations, delightful dining spots, or exciting boat excursions.

But is Lefkada Town more than just a stopover for exploring more of the island? Or should it be a destination in itself during your beach getaway? We’ll dive into all you need to know to help you decide whether to just pass through or linger a few nights.

Is Lefkada Town Worth Visiting in 2025?

Lefkada town is charming and diverse and is worth visiting. The town center with the narrow streets and colorful houses is a must-see. Walk along the marina to admire the view over the water and the many huge yachts. The town is also a great base for exploring Lefkada Island.

Lefkada Town is not only charming with its local vibe and cultural pulse—through museums and festivals—but it’s also perfectly located near Preveza International Airport. Whether you’re arriving by plane or car, you’ll pass through the island’s main town on your way.

We arrived early at the airport and were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves settled into our accommodation in Lefkada Town within just 30 minutes. Its location is as convenient as it is welcoming.

Since Lefkada is a small island, everything you need is just a short drive away. In one day, you can visit the iconic Egremni Beach and Porto Katsiki, and on another, you can rent a boat from Nidri to explore the breathtaking east coast.

We decided to take a road trip around the island, spending three nights in Lefkada Town. While we highly recommend exploring the island to get the full experience, Lefkada Town is an ideal base for your holiday—practical, convenient, and full of charm.

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Things to do in Lefkada Town

Lefkada Town isn’t just a convenient place to stay—it’s also a great destination in its own right. Nestled along the water, it offers the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The old town, with its vibrant, colourful buildings lining the narrow streets, is charming and full of character.

Wondering what to do while visiting or staying in Lefkada Town? Here’s what this beautiful town has to offer.

1. Wander the little streets

What we loved most about Lefkada Town is its enchanting old quarter, with tiny streets lined by colourful houses that give it a unique charm.

The best way to explore this maze of narrow lanes is on foot or by motorbike—perfect for leisurely strolls where you can wander and get lost in the atmosphere.

While most of the streets are residential, you’ll also find a few hotels tucked in. As you head closer to the main square, you’ll be greeted by a selection of cozy restaurants, lively cafes, and charming shops.

Nearly every street leads you to the town’s main square or to the picturesque waterfront. But if you take the main road along the marina, you’ll discover more traditional houses, often crafted with a solid stone base and wooden upper floors, adding to the town’s authentic character.

2. Stroll Along Lefkada Town’s Marina

Lefkada Town is beautifully surrounded by water. On the northern side, you’ll find a scenic walkway along the water, with the popular wooden bridge connecting directly to the town. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the stunning sunset.

Heading toward the east side, you’ll find the harbour, which has undergone significant upgrades over the years to accommodate the large numbers of yachts that dock here.

We were truly impressed by the massive yachts, each one more luxurious than the next.

The Ionian Islands are undoubtedly a fantastic destination to explore by boat, and we can easily imagine Lefkada Town being the ideal base to start your adventures, whether along the coast or venturing further inland.

3. Head to Lefkada Town’s Beaches & Sealake

It might not be immediately obvious as you stroll through the town, but Lefkada Town is actually just a short 10-minute drive from a few fantastic beaches. These spots are perfect if you’re staying in the town and prefer not to drive too far to enjoy the sand and sea.

While these beaches often don’t make it onto the “top 10” lists of Lefkada’s best beaches, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how beautiful they are nonetheless.

On the east side of Lefkada Town, just across the main bridge, you’ll find Kastro and Ammoglosa Beaches. These sandy stretches are calm with hardly any waves, making them a favorite among locals—perfect for soaking up the authentic Greek vibe.

On the west side of town, you’ll discover Agios Ioannis Beach, a long stretch of shoreline where the afternoon winds often pick up, making swimming a bit challenging. However, it’s the ideal spot for windsurfing and kite surfing.

During our visit, we took a scenic drive around the loop, crossing the bridge and turning left onto the Peninsula. The road led us to various parts of Agios Ioannis Beach. For a more untouched, undeveloped experience, head to the northern part of the beach.

At the southern tip, you’ll find a few accommodations and restaurants, all with a laid-back, low-key vibe. It’s still quite underdeveloped, which adds to its charm. I loved the atmosphere here—it really made me feel like this is what many of Lefkada’s beach villages must have looked like years ago.

The lagoon on the peninsula is a sea lake that becomes a haven for migratory birds at the start of autumn. During the winter months, it hosts a variety of birds, including herons, cormorants, and swans, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Beaches a within 30-minute drive:

Agios Nikitas and Milos Beach

Agios Nikitas is an incredibly charming village, though it can get quite busy, especially its small beach. Fortunately, the stunning Milos Beach is just around the corner, easily accessible by foot or boat.

Pefouklia beach

At our last day in Lefkada Town we discovered one of our favorite beaches on the island: Pefkoulia Beach. When driving toward it, you’ll be struck by its breathtaking view from above, with the vibrant colours of the water are incredible.

Once you arrive at the beach, it can feel crowded during peak season. However, if you walk further down the shore, you’ll easily find a quieter spot to enjoy almost entirely to yourself.

Kathisma Beach

Just past Agios Nikitas, you’ll spot a sign for Kathisma Beach. The drive there is simple and straightforward. To be honest, we didn’t stay long, as the beach is lined with rows of sun loungers and umbrellas belonging to the many restaurants nearby.

While it feels a bit more organised compared to other beaches, especially with activities like paragliding, it might still be worth a visit for its water activities. If you’re looking to try paragliding, we highly recommend doing it here—the view from above must be absolutely spectacular.

Beaches at Nidri and Nikiana

On the west side of Lefkada Town, you’ll find the popular villages of Nidri and Nikiana, both offering beach spots along the busy main road. One of the most popular beaches is Episkopos Beach in Nikiana.

However, there’s much more to explore beyond the row of restaurants and hotels in these towns.

In Nidri, we discovered a small, peaceful stretch of beach near a beach club. If you’re into this vibe, we highly recommend checking out this area for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience.

If you want to check out more beaches further away, but still possible to visit in a day check out the best beaches Lefkada.

4. Enjoy the many in Restaurants and Cafes

Not surprisingly there are loads of restaurants to choose from in Lekfada town. You can find anything you feel like, from traditional Greek food and Italian to even burgers and fries.

Yes, they have it all.

Lefkada Town offers a wide variety of restaurants, so you’re never short on options. Whether you’re craving traditional Greek dishes, Italian, or even burgers and fries, you’ll find it all.

We discovered plenty of great places throughout town, but one of our favorite spots was along the marina. It felt more relaxed and less crowded, and we enjoyed the cool ocean breeze. Plus, our son loved watching the boats while we waited for our dinner.

For the best food, we recommend steering clear of the restaurants in the main square and instead seeking out the hidden gems tucked away in the charming little streets.

One thing that surprised us was the lack of waterfront restaurants along the northern part of the island. However, it’s an ideal spot for a refreshing drink as the day winds down, all while enjoying a stunning sunset.

Beyond the bustling parts of town, there are also many cozy cafes scattered around Lefkada. They serve up delicious cakes, coffee, and light lunches, ensuring you’ll never go hungry during your visit.

5. Visit the Lefkada Town Sights

Lefkada Town is home to a number of fascinating museums, making it a great option for a rainy day visit. While museums might not be the first thing you think of during the summer months, they offer a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into the island’s culture and history.

The Angelos Sikelianos Museum highlights the life of the renowned Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos. Housed in his birthplace, this museum is located in the heart of the town and is a must-visit for literature and history enthusiasts.

The Archaeological Museum of Lefkada is a small yet informative spot, showcasing the island’s rich past. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged by historical periods. One room covers the early life of Lefkada’s residents, while another displays statues of deities, funeral monuments, urns, and traditional costumes. There’s also a space honoring William Dorpfeld, the archaeologist who conducted extensive excavations on the island.

Tucked away in the narrow streets of Lefkada Town is the Church of Agios Nikolaos, a beautiful Greek Orthodox church. Though it’s easy to miss as you wander by, the church’s exterior is stunning, and we can only imagine how stunning the interior must be. If you have the chance, we highly recommend stepping inside.

Just before you cross the bridge from the mainland to Lefkada, you’ll come across the ruins of the Castle of Agia Maura. Built to protect the island from pirates and invaders, the remains of this historical fortress are still visible today.

6. Enjoy the Yearly Festivals in Lefkada Town

If you visit Lefkada during the summer, you’re in for a treat! The island comes alive with vibrant traditional festivals that offer a glimpse into its local culture.

The dates change every year, and details for 2025 are still not always known. Don’t worry—you can always ask your accommodation for the exact dates.

July

• Gastronomic Festival: The festival for food lovers. At this festival, local chefs prepare traditional recipes. There is also the time to discover more of the local products. It usually takes place at Marka Square in downtown Lefkada
• Lefkas Music Week: A celebration of music featuring performances from international instrumentalists and musicians who teach at the Lefkas Music School. Throughout the week, you can enjoy concerts and chamber ensembles in various venues around the town.
• Fiesta del Canal: A lively music festival held at night, complete with fireworks lighting up the sky at the western canal of the capital.

August

• Virgin Mary Celebrations: Two significant days for Lefkada and Greece as a whole, these days are dedicated to the Virgin Mary (or Panagia in Greek), the island’s patron saint. (source: Atlas Obscura) The celebrations are deeply religious, with Orthodox churches honoring her through various services and festivities.
• Varkarola: This beautiful tradition involves a parade of traditional boats sailing along the capital’s canals, with singers on board performing Ionian cantatas.
• International Folklore Dance Festival: This colourful celebration of global culture brings together folklore dance groups from all over the world. Held at the open-air theater in the capital, it’s an incredible opportunity to witness different dance traditions and lively performances from various countries.

These festivals bring Lefkada’s culture to life, so be sure to take the time to visit and join in the fun!

7. Go On Day trips from Lefkada Town

As mentioned earlier, when staying in Lefkada Town, everything you need is within an hour’s drive. This makes it the ideal base for exploring the island, and going on day trips is one of the best ways to fully experience Lefkada’s natural beauty and its stunning beaches.

Here are four great day trip ideas to make the most of your time on the island:

Day trip Egremni Beach and Porto Katsiki Beach

These are probably the most famous beaches of Lefkada island and we can fully understand why.

Egremni Beach is a long long-stretched beach set along white cliffs. The combination of the white sand and the steep cliffs together with the amazing blue Ionian sea is stunning.

There is a catch though….

It is quite a hike down to get there. First, you need to walk downhill for 1km followed by hundreds of stairs. It isn’t all too bad, since you will be admiring the view the whole time.

The bad thing is walking back up….so be prepared.

Porto Katsiki Beach is a short drive from Egremni Beach. This makes it ideal to combine a visit to these beaches. This beach is smaller than Egremni so it fills up quickly in the summer season.

That said, try to find a spot furthest away from the entrance. You are likely to find a quiet spot here.

We highly suggest stopping at Taverna Oasis, located just at the junction to Porto Katsiki. It is a great spot for lunch or something small.

Day trip Waterfall and Mountains

While Lefkada Island is famous for its amazing beaches, the Nydri Waterfalls (also known as Dimosari Waterfalls) are worth visiting. The hike along the river gorge is pretty doable.

The waterfall and its green vegetation are very pretty. But what we particularly loved was the fact that we could swim in the water.

It can get pretty busy here so try to go early in the morning.

From the Nydri Waterfalls continue driving the mountains to Karya, a cute mountain village known for its winery. Then return to Lefkada downhill through the mountains again. From here you will have magnificent views of Lefkada town.

If you have lots of time left, you can also drive from Karya to one of the western coast beaches such as Avali Beach, Kavalikefta Beach, Milos Beach near the village of Agios Nikitas and Pefkoulia Beach.

It is quite a detour to get to Avali or Kavalikefta Beach but the road through the mountains is wonderful. You will pass little villages and have amazing views of the ocean.

Day trip Vasiliki and Karya

Vasiliki is a nice town located in the south of Lefkada island. It is known as a place for water sports, such as windsurfing.

We particularly enjoyed having Greek Yoghurt with fruit and lunch in the center of town, which is located along a harbor.

Instead of taking the main road from Lefkada town to Vasiliki we highly recommend taking the route passing the mountain villages of Karya, Egklouvi, Manasi, and Nikolis.

The mountain area offers wonderful panoramic views and lush vegetation, even in the summer months.

Once in Vasiliki head to the famous and gorgeous Agiofili beach before heading back to Lefkada.

Either choose the main road on the west side which is somewhat quieter than the east and stop at Agios Nikitas.

Or visit the wonderful villages of Sivota or Mikros Gialos on the southern part of the island before heading to Nidri or Nikiana to enjoy a fresh fish dinner. The road along the eastern coast of the island is very busy though, so expect more traffic here.

Day trip West Coast Beaches Hopping

The west coast offers the most incredible cliff beaches set along crystal clear waters. To get there you will be driving along small winding and twisting roads down to the beaches. It is a fun driving experience.

You can head to Avali Beach with the nearby Gaidores and Kavalikefta Beach.

Avali and Kavalikefta are quite busy but if you make the effort and walk further away you will leave the crowd behind. There are a couple of small restaurants here.

The beach in Gaidores is a bit rougher due to the many stones and boulders, however, like everywhere in Lefkada the water is crystal clear here. So a wonderful beach to be on as well.

Gialos Beach is a 1-hour drive and a bit further away than the beaches mentioned above.

However, driving to this beach is nice as it will take you through a lot of olive groves. There are many stands selling olive oils too, so definitely a great place to get some.

Gialos beach is pretty long making it an ideal place to go to if you want some space.

There are two beach shacks here which are perfect for lunch.

All these beaches have an extremely relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps because there aren’t many hotels or other activities going on here.

Check out our list of things to do in Lefkada Island if want more ideas for your holiday

8. Rent your own boat at Nidri

While Lefkada Town is the island’s main hub, Nidri is the real tourist hotspot. It’s packed with hotels, restaurants, and the typical souvenir shops. Plus, the main road offers easy access to the beaches with calm waters, and countless excursions depart from here to explore the nearby small islands.

One of the best things about this part of Lefkada is the opportunity to rent a boat and explore on your own. There are plenty of boat rental options, and the best part? You don’t need a license to take one out.

With no open water to navigate, it’s the perfect spot to hop on a small boat and discover the hidden bays and beaches along the east coast. You might think renting a boat would be pricey, but during our visit in high season, we found that you could rent one for the day for around 150 euros.

While that’s a bit of an investment for a day, if you’re like us—a family of three—an organized day trip (like the sea kayaking adventure we did) would cost about the same, so it’s a great alternative if you’re looking for a more personal experience.

Nidri and Nikiana are located along the busy main road, which can make walking around less appealing. However, Nidri does have a pedestrian zone filled with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.The water here is beautiful and calm, making it ideal for swimming and water sports.

Although Nidri is a popular place to stay, we preferred the vibe of Lefkada Town. Thankfully, it’s just a 15-minute drive from Nidri, so if you need to join a boat tour, rent a boat, or simply explore the area, it’s quick and easy to get there.

9. Day trip Sailboat cruises from Lefkada Town

While most boat day trips depart from Nidri, Lefkada Town is also home to a number of sailing companies offering exciting adventures. Many sailboat cruises begin here, often lasting a week, giving you the chance to explore Lefkada and its nearby islands in style.

During our stay in Lefkada, we spoke with a few people who spent two weeks on the island—one week aboard a sailboat and another on land. They had an unforgettable experience and highly recommended it.

We can easily imagine how incredible it would be to sail around the nearby islands, perhaps even spotting dolphins, and taking a refreshing dip in the stunning turquoise waters whenever you feel like ti.

If we ever return to Lefkada, we’ll definitely look into this sailing experience—it sounds like an adventure not to be missed!

Best time to visit Lefkada Town

Like most Greek islands, the best time to visit Lefkada Town is in late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). In these months, the weather is still warm, but there are fewer crowds than in the summer months. You will be able to experience the town more comfortably, without the extreme heat and heavy crowds.

As expected, the busiest time to visit Lefkada Town is in July and August. While Lefkada is the ideal European beach holiday destination, we were surprised that it wasn’t as overcrowded as, say, Corfu.

Although it might not be the best time to visit for many, this is the time when the island more or less comes alive. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle and the high summer temperatures, this is a great time to experience the island’s lively atmosphere and spectacular beaches.

Consider going between November and April for a quieter and more relaxed experience. The weather is pretty chilly, and it can rain a lot, so make sure you bring proper clothing. Lefkada Town is the ideal place to stay during the off-season, as many coastal towns have closed for the winter months.

How to get around Lefkada Town

Lefkada Town is a small, walkable city. If you’re staying here, you don’t necessarily need a car. We wouldn’t recommend one, especially during the summer when the streets get crowded and finding a parking spot becomes a real challenge.

However, if you choose not to have a car, you may feel limited to the town itself. While there are plenty of things to do in Lefkada Town, you’ll likely see it all in one day, and to truly explore the island, you’ll need to venture out.

Lefkada Town is a great starting point if you’d rather not drive but still want to explore independently. You can find the island’s main bus station here, and it offers regular services in the summer to other seaside villages like Vasiliki and Nidri.

But for more flexibility, we recommend renting a motor scooter. You don’t need one for your entire stay. Still, it’s super convenient, especially if your accommodation is a little outside the town. We learned the hard way—walking in 30+ degree heat wasn’t something we’d do again!

Renting a car or scooter for day trips is the best way to enjoy the island thoroughly. There are plenty of rental companies along the main street in Lefkada Town offering cars, scooters, ATVs, and even bicycles.

We rented our motorbikes at Lefkas on Wheels. They were very helpful and super friendly when we needed to change our bookings.

But more importantly, when we had trouble with one of our bikes, they immediately sent someone to fix it on the spot.

With this in mind, you will be driving to every corner of the island carefree.

Where to stay in Lefkada Town

You have several great accommodation options in Lefkada, depending on the experience you’re after. Stay in the heart of Lefkada, in its charming old town, or along the bustling waterfront where all the action happens.

Alternatively, you can opt for a quieter spot just outside the town, often with more space, a garden, and maybe even a pool.

With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Lefkada. For more details on accommodation in Lefkada Towns, be sure to check out our guide to the 6 best towns to stay on Lefkada Island. Lefkada Town is of course included as well.

How to get to Lefkada Town

If you’re arriving at Lefkada from Preveza Airport by car or taxi, you’ll be in Lefkada Town in just about 30 minutes. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you cross the iconic bridge that connects the Greek mainland to the island.

This is one of the main reasons why Lefkada Town is such a great place to visit and stay—it’s the closest town to Aktion International Airport (also known as Preveza Airport). Direct flights regularly depart and arrive here, making it incredibly convenient for travelers.

If you haven’t arranged transportation in advance, taxis are available at the airport to take you to Lefkada. While not the cheapest option (a ride to Lefkada Town will cost around 40 euros), it’s certainly convenient, especially if you’re headed directly into the town. Other destinations on the island may cost a bit more.

This makes Lefkada Town an ideal base, especially if you plan to rent a car and explore the island after you arrive. Plus, if you have an early flight the next day, you can easily arrange for a quick 20-minute ride back to the airport.

Final Thoughts: Is Lefkada Worth Visiting?

As you can tell, we highly recommend visiting Lefkada Town. Whether you’re just stopping by for a quick stroll in the late afternoon to explore the charming little streets or planning to stay here for your entire Lefkada holiday, the town has a lot to offer.

Lefkada Town is well-equipped with a variety of accommodation options, excellent restaurants, and great shopping. Plus, since the island is quite small, you can easily reach any part of it within an hour.

That said, most tourism on the island is centered in Nidri. Many visitors end up there, likely because it’s home to many hotels included in holiday package deals. Nidri has a pleasant pedestrian-only street and a lovely harbor, and the ocean water is nice, but we found that the beaches weren’t as impressive. Also, the town itself is located right along the island’s main road, so getting in and out always means passing through it.

In contrast, getting around Lefkada Town is much more enjoyable. You can wander through the quieter side streets to reach any part of town. We also found the beautiful beaches along the west coast to be more accessible from Lefkada Town than from Nidri.

So, if you’re torn between the two, we wholeheartedly recommend Lefkada Town based on our experience. But of course, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your visit.

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