Where to stay in Lefkada Greece – 6 Towns + Highlights
We had a pretty difficult time deciding on where to stay in Lefkada. As always, we wanted to go on a road trip so we had to book several accommodations.
But somehow it was pretty difficult to choose where to stay in Lefkada.
We made a few mistakes when booking and planning our places to stay in Lefkada. These mistakes could have been easily avoided and we will, of course, share them with you!
But if you want the straightforward answer to the big question:
Where to stay in Lefkada depends on your holiday style. Want a base for day trips around the island? Check Lefkada town, Nidri or Vasiliki. Prefer a lively town or a peaceful village? Then Agios Nikitas or Mikros Gialos are nice. Planning a road trip? Lefkada has enough choices around the island.
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Each village has its charm and attracts different holidaygoers. So which one is the best for you? Continue reading to find out…
How to find the best place to stay in Lefkada?
Before searching for your ideal accommodation in Lefkada we have listed a couple of questions that will help you make the right choice. They will help you decide WHERE the best place is for you to stay and WHICH accommodation is best.
When will you be going?
The time of year is a huge deal breaker when finding the best place to stay in Lefkada. Life is a total opposite compared to the winter and summer months…
Like most Greek islands the busiest months in Lefkada are from June to September. If you choose to stay in towns such as Lefkada, Nidri, and Agios Nikitas expect to be surrounded by a lot of people. This isn’t a bad thing, but something you should consider when booking your accommodation.
But you can also book something further away from the town center or choose a whole different village entirely.
On the other hand, in the shoulder months, you might want to stay in the most popular villages. Crowds have not arrived yet and many things can be closed too, especially in the smaller villages from November to March.
Hotel room prices can more than double in the summer months. Accommodation that is USD50 per night at the end of September, can be USD125 in July and August. This is of course the case for many destinations. But be aware that while a room might be USD125 it is still worth USD50, if you know what I mean….
How will you be traveling?
After a two-week round trip on Lefkada, we highly recommend renting a car or motorbike and staying at different parts of the island. We were surprised by how diverse a small island like Lefkada can be.
Each town or village we stayed at was surprisingly different…
However, we understand that this is not the ideal holiday for everybody. Luckily, you can reach almost any destination in Lekfada within 1,5 hours. This makes this island the perfect destination for those who want to stay in one town (or two) but still aim to see lots of the island.
Don’t want to drive at all?
A public bus connects Lefkada Town, Agios Nikitas with Vasiliki and will stop at bigger villages such as Nikiana and Nidri along the way. It is a good way to travel around, especially in the summer months as buses go more frequently.
However, to explore the west coast and the most beautiful beaches, you must rent transportation or go on a boat trip that leaves from the popular towns.
Mistakes to avoid when finding a place to stay in Lefkada
Once we were touring around Lefkada, we soon realized we had made a couple of mistakes concerning the choice of accommodation. Luckily it didn’t affect how much we enjoyed our holiday in Lefkada.
These tips are probably applicable to most destinations in the world 😊
1. We didn’t book accommodation on time
You need to book ahead if you want some choice in accommodation during the peak season. In the summer season, places fill up quickly. If you plan to do a road trip around the island, you want to find something nice along the route.
For instance, we wanted to spend two nights in Agios Nikitas. However, we were too late and couldn’t find anything appropriate in this charming beach village. Eventually, we ended up in Karya, a lush green mountain village.
While we would have preferred to stay near the beach, Karya did allow us to discover the mountains of the island which we wouldn’t have wanted to miss out on.
2. We searched for accommodation with a pool
Our son can spend the whole day in the pool. So since Lefkada is a beach destination we thought we had to meet halfway and at least arrange accommodation with a swimming pool.
These types of accommodation are more expensive but at least everybody would be happy. Or so we thought.
We soon discovered that the crystal-clear water in Lefkada is just as attractive for a little kid, especially if the beach was just within walking distance.
So if you are traveling with a kid with similar preferences, try to find accommodation within walking distance of the beach instead of one with a pool.
3. Charming vs cheap
During our Lefkada holiday, we soon learned that the accommodation influences how you experience the destination.
Initially, we booked a little cabin at a camping site at Mikros Gialos. It was cancelled last minute so we had to find another place to stay. Many accommodations in the price range we were thinking of were full.
So we decided to pay more and go for Sea Pebbles, a small accommodation right at Mikros Gialos beach. And it was the best decision!
Mikros Gialos became one of our favorite villages in Lefkada, because we woke up to a quiet beach, swam before the crowd arrived, and enjoyed overlooking the water in the evenings.
For your holiday in Lefkada, we highly recommend booking at least one accommodation right at the beach. Waking up and being the first on the beach is a wonderful experience, just like jumping in the water right after dinner…
We also learned when staying in a busy area such as Vasiliki or Lefkada Town, it is worth paying more for comfortable and well-located accommodations.
We made the mistake of going budget in Nikiana. Nikiana and Nidri are the most popular tourist towns in Lefkada. As expected accommodation can be expensive. We decided on one of the cheap hotels and regretted it instantly when we opened the door to our room.
Everything was available and it was clean, but very outdated and basic. Plus it was along the busy main road. It didn’t give us the happy feeling we had so far in Lefkada.
So if searching for accommodation in towns like Nidri, choose comfort and a nice location over price.
4. Villa with a pool but no shade and far away from everything
Well, this isn’t a mistake we made but we met a family at the beach who told us about their gorgeous villa.
We saw a lot of villas with pools on the island, and more are being built especially along the small roads leading to the beaches. Some are in the middle of nowhere.
Make sure where the villa is exactly located if this is something for you
The family who stayed at a villa for their entire holiday told us that they were staying at a very new bright white villa with a pool however there was no shade at all. After breakfast, they had to leave to escape the extreme heat.
So check the location and pictures properly to avoid being disappointed. Villas also often have a minimum number of nights you have to book. So even more reason to double-check what the conditions are before booking…
Where to stay in Lefkada?
- Lefkada Town
- Vasiliki
- Agios Nikitas
- Nidri
- Mikros Gialos
- Meganisi Island
After staying in 6 accommodations in 5 different villages, we have listed the 6 best places to stay in Lefkada.
Each of them has a different character and offers different things. However since the island is small, you can easily drive from one corner of the island to the other. So whichever village you choose, you can still visit all the highlights on day trips.
We added the town’s highlights to our list together with, its beaches, other beaches within a 30-minute drive, and lovely day trips you can do when staying there.
Related post: How Many Days For Lefkada? 3-Days To 1-Week Itinerary
1. Lefkada Town
Lefkada is the island’s main town. It is located in the northern part of Lefkada and you will pass through it when arriving at Preveza Airport.
It is a lovely city and a nice place to stay as well. Distance to the popular and charming beaches is not that far. When staying in Lefkada town it is easy to explore the west coast one day and the east coast the other.
Related post: Is Lefkada Town worth visiting? Top 10 Reasons to Visit
Highlights Lefkada Town
Lefkada Old Town
Historical Sights
The scenic Lefkada Harbour
Lefkada Wooden Bridge
Restaurants and Shops
Lefkada Sea Lake
Lefkada Town Beaches
The beaches of Lefkada town are located north. You will need to rent a car or motorbike to reach them. They are worth the visit if you seek a quiet long-stretched sandy beach.
Expect amazing blue water, waves if the wind picks up, and a beach all to yourself. These beaches are popular among wind and kite surfers but can be enjoyed by the beach and sunbath lovers.
If the wind has settled this less popular beach is just as perfect as other Lefkada beaches.
Western Part of Agios Ioannis Beach
Eastern Part of Agios Ioannis Beach
Beaches near Lefkada Town (max. 30 mins. drive)
Tsoukalades Beach
Pefkoulia Beach
Beaches at Nikiana & Nidri
Day trips from Lefkada Town
Lefkada is small and you can drive around the island in 2 hours. However, what fun is that? You will be stuck on the main road the entire time, missing out on the stunning beaches and mountain roads.
So when in Lefkada town we highly recommend checking out these day trips:
Lefkada – Karya – Agios Nikitas or Pefkoulia Beach
- From Lefkada main town head to the mountains along a scenic route to Karya where you can enjoy a drink in the shade. From there continue down toward the West Coast
- Take in the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea and head to Agios Nikitas for lunch. Stay in Agios Nikitas and hop on a boat to the amazing Milos beach. Or you can continue driving a bit further and choose to stop at Pefkoulia Beach. Both are incredible beaches, so we will leave it up to you to choose…
Nidri Waterfalls – East Coast Hidden Beaches
- Wake up early for a short drive to the Nidri waterfalls. It can get busy in the high season so it is best to go before the crowd arrives. The water is chilly, nevertheless, it is worth jumping in and experiencing this beautiful place to the fullest.
- From Nidri Waterfalls head to Nidri Harbour. Many companies rent out small boats which you can take out without a specific license. Enjoy the day on the water exploring the hidden little beaches and stunning clear water along the east part of the island. Book the boat way ahead to receive a confirmation on time.
Where to stay in Lefkada Town
Moiras Apartments: A practical place to stay for families. It’s a large apartment with a spacious balcony just a 10-minute walk from the old town. Free private parking is available.
Sunilio Apartments Lefkada: Stylish modern apartments that have just been renovated. Located in the center, but away from the busyness. There are various apartment sizes, so perfect for couples or larger groups. The private pool is located on the top floor. Parking is available.
Avra Apartments: Surrounded by a lush garden, and the opportunity to jump in their big pool Avra is a great place to stay after touring around the island. The air conditioning in the rooms is comfortable, just like their huge terrace.
Lefkada Princess Junior Suite: Tucked away in the traditional alleys of Lefkada town, this accommodation offers a double suite or a loft (suitable for 4 people). There is a communal lounge and garden where you can relax at the end of the day. Be aware that there is no parking available here.
Silencio Villas: Located in the hills, yet not too far from Lefkada town this exceptional accommodation offers luxurious rooms with stunning views. The luxurious villas come with 1 or 3 air-conditioned rooms. If you feel like something different, you can opt for a stay on their yacht with a private pool right on their premises. You have to see it to believe it…
2. Vasiliki
Vasiliki is located in the southern part of the island. While it is still a fishing village, many accommodations are built along its main road, the beach, and the surrounding hills.
We particularly like Vasiliki Marina. The restaurants along the water are a wonderful place to relax and watch over the green emerald water and mountains.
Highlights Vasiliki
Water sports, Wind and Kite Surfing
Vasiliki Marina
Shopping and Restaurants
Boat Cruise To The Best Beaches
Vasiliki Beaches
Ponti Beach
Beaches near Vasiliki (max. 30 mins drive)
Vasisliki has a couple of nearby beaches located east of town that are worth visiting. They tend to fill up quickly because they are beautiful but small.
Towards the West, you can find the two most popular beaches on the island: Egremni Beach and Porto Katsiki Beach. You can reach both of them easily from Vasiliki.
So if you want to feel a sense of peace in the high season, arrive early at these beaches and leave before it gets packed.
Agiofili Beach
Ammoussa Beach
Afteli Beach
Porto Katsiki Beach
Egremni Beach
Day trips from Vasiliki
Karya – Gialos Beach
- This day trip will take you to Karya, a picturesque village mountain. Several routes take you there but we were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the landscape, views, and villages were when following the road to Agios Petros, Nikolis, and Egklouvi to Karya.
- After enjoying a stop in the shade of the big trees in Karya head town to the west coast to Gialos beach. Before reaching the hairpin road to the beach you will pass beautiful olive oil plantations. If you haven’t had the chance yet you can also decide to go to Egremni or Porto Katsiki Beach
Villages Sivato – Syvros Trough Olive Oil Plantations
- Head east to the picturesque village of Sivato set within a green bay and along the most stunning clear water.
- When ready drive up north along the little roads of Syvros. It will take you along the olive oil plantations and provide beautiful views.
Sunset Cape Lefkatas Lighthouse
- After a day at the beach head to the most southern point of Lefkada. Here you can enjoy the magnificent views and beautiful sunset.
Where to stay in Vasiliki
Heras Garden: Wake up to the stunning view of Ponti Beach and its amazing blue water. The charming rooms at Heras Garden all come with a comfortable balcony surrounded by a lush garden. There are steep hills and turns to get there so for confident drivers only.
Ilios Studios: This gem ticks all the boxes: clean and modern interior, spacious balcony with stunning sea views, close proximity of Vasiliki town yet in a quiet area, and best of all just a short walk from a little secluded beach. The accommodation offers triple rooms. Free parking available
Meltemi Studios: the sea-view studios at Meltemi have a fresh and bright look. It’s perfectly located near town so everything you need, including the beach is within walking distance. Parking is available but not on-site. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
Il Viaggio Verde: This small-scale accommodation offers various types of rooms: 2 junior suites, 2 superior apartments, and 2 villas with private pools. It is located 1km outside Vasiliki, offering a quiet and peaceful stay. The breakfast is one to remember, just as the friendly hosts.
Seascape Villas – Seeking a luxurious stay right at the beach? Seascape offers modern decorated 2-bedroom villas with a private pool. It is located just minutes from Vasiliki Marina, making it possible to enjoy the beach and town to the fullest. Accommodation offers free airport transfers. A minimum 3-night stay (off-season even more) is required.
3. Agios Nikitas
We were positively surprised at how cute Agios Nikitas was. It is a very tourist-oriented beach village but still holds a charming character.
It is a pedestrian-only village so you must park just outside the village. Walk through the little main street, pass many shops and restaurants, and end up at its beautiful beach.
Agios Nikitas Beach
Milos Beach
Beaches near Agios Nikitas (max. 30 mins. drive)
Kathisma Beach
Magali Beach
Kavalikefta Beach
Avali Beach
Gaidores Beach
Tsoukalades beach
Pefkoulia Beach
Day trips from Agios Nikitas
Agios Nikitas is just a 25-minute drive from Lefkada town. So it is easy to head to the main town of Lefkada island to enjoy its highlights.
The day trips mentioned for Lefkada Town can be applied for Agios Nikitas as well.
Where to stay in Agios Nikitas
Pansion Vasso: This basic yet comfortable family-owned accommodation is the perfect place for those looking for a quiet stay. It is located just outside town yet still within walking distance. Free parking is available. This place books up fast as it is a good value for money considering its great location.
Caltabania Suites: These tastefully decorated apartments with a pool and the best sea view in Agios Nikitas is a pleasure to stay at. It is a short stroll from the beautiful town beach and the many restaurants. Free parking is available, so it is an ideal base to explore Lefkada. A minimum stay of 4 nights is required. Ideal for families and couples.
Fetsis Apartments: Basic yet very charming apartments right at Agios Nikitas Beach. This small beachfront accommodation is the place to enjoy the beach before the crowd arrives and fall asleep to the sound of the sea.
Hotel Selini: Located just outside the town’s main street, this small hotel offers a quiet place to stay. The rooms are brightly decorated and the white-painted wooden ceilings give a nice touch. There are double rooms with a balcony that offers stunning sea views. Triple rooms are available as well.
Pantazis Studios: Located in the heart of Agios Nikitas, this accommodation offers studios and apartments with verandahs or balconies overlooking the town and sea. It’s welcoming for families, groups of friends, and couples. Everything is beautifully maintained and cared for. Restaurants and beaches are just a stone’s throw away.
4. Nidri
To be straight to the point, we didn’t like Nidri and its nearby village Nikiana. So why mention it here?
Well, you might be looking for accommodation when on a road trip or a quick stop-over to catch the ferry to Meganisi Island. Additionally, you can rent little boats at Nidri Harbour to explore the beautiful beaches nearby.
But what’s not to like about Nidri?
Unlike the other villages in Lefkada, we think it was not as charming. It felt overcrowded with accommodations, tourist facilities, shops, and restaurants offering all sorts of dishes (such as English breakfast).
Additionally, both Nikianan and Nidri are set along the busy main road of Lefkada. So wherever you want to go to, let’s say the beach or dinner you always have to pass it. There is however a section in Nidri and along the harbour that is for pedestrians only, which is convenient of course.
On the plus side, the small beaches behind the hotels, restaurants, and beach hotels are pretty. The clear, shallow, and calm waters are ideal for swimming and for kids.
Highlights Nidri
Marina
Nidri Waterfalls
Restaurants and Shopping
Boat trips (day tour or boat rental)
Nidri Beaches
Nikiana Beaches
Beaches near Nidri (max. 30 min. drive)
Agios Ioannis
Desimi Beach
Kamari Beach
Mikros Gialos
Day trips from Nidri
Meganisi Island
- Rent a motorbike and head to the Nidri harbour where a ferry leaves for Meganisi Island. The ferry goes 4 to 5 times a day in the summer months. It takes about 40 minutes to cross to Meganisi Island where you can tour along the little roads to the deserted beaches and small villages.
West Coast Beaches via the mountains
- Head up the road towards Karya and enjoy the mountain scenery and view. Once in Karya, you will continue down again toward the West Coast
- Along the West Coast you can choose one of the many gorgeous beaches. The most popular are Egremni and Porto Katsiki Beach.
- Drive back to Nidri via Vasiliki where you can enjoy dinner at the waterfront with views of the mountains. From there continue back to Nidri.
Where to stay in Nidri or Nikiana
Alexia Studios: These studios are located in Perigiali, just around the corner of the pedestrian-only street of Nydri and even a shorter distance to the beach. All studios come with a balcony. There is on-site parking.
Athina résidence: This accommodation is perfectly located near town and the harbor. It’s a great option if you are traveling as a couple, or family (quadruple room is ideal with small children). The rooms are exceptionally clean and all have a balcony. Their on-site parking is very convenient.
Phillipos Studios: If you are looking for something just out of town, then check this modern minimalistic accommodation with pool. The spacious clean rooms are a great welcome after a long day trip. Double, triple, and family rooms available.
Azul Apartments: Spacious and clean apartment with a view of the garden, pool, or mountains. Despite its location, it is a quiet place. It’s close to shops and all the restaurants. Highly recommended for couples. Free parking is available.
5. Mikros Gialos
We enjoyed staying at Mikros Gialos. It’s a small beach town where hotels, restaurants, and its camping site dominate. During the day it can get busy, but once the sun starts to set there is a pleasant calmness.
The water is crystal clear and wonderful to swim in.
Mikros Gialos Beach
As mentioned above, the pebbled Mikros Gialos beach is pretty busy during the high season. However, if you find a nice spot at the very end, you can easily enjoy a relaxing day here.
The calm water is ideal for swimming. And if you are a reasonable good swimmer you can even swim to the bay around the corner, where you can find a little secluded beach.
Beaches near Mikros Gialos (max. 30 min. drive)
Desimi beach
Kamari Beach
Afteli Beach
Ammoussa Beach
Agiofili Beach
Vasiliki Beach
Day trips from Mikros Gialos
Olive Plantations – Mountains – Egremni Beach
- This day trip will start with a drive along the olive plantations towards Syvros. After some refreshments, continue driving through the mountains from where you will be greeted with amazing ocean views.
- Continue down towards the West Coast and spend some time at the quiet Gialos beach or go for the breathtaking Egremni beach (make sure to bring food and drinks with you).
- Towards the afternoon have an early dinner at Vasiliki Marine before driving back to Mikros Gialos
Where to stay at Mikros Gialos
Sea Pebbles Studio: Located at the very end of Mikros Gialos beach, this cute accommodation is an ideal place to stay right at the beach. The interior design is simple, yet comfortable. The best part is opening the balcony doors to a full view of the ocean and mountains.
Captain Nick Aparthotel: The rooms at this accommodation are nice and spacious in a quiet part of town. You have easy access to the water and a small beach. The main beach is a 5-minute walk away. The Molos and Tavern Zolithros are some of the nicest restaurants at Mikros Gialos and are just around the corner.
Yioka House: If you are looking for a charming place far but not too far away from the crowd, check out Yioka House. It is located along a dirt road west of Mikros Gialos and offers a peaceful stay with stunning views. There is an adult-only policy and a minimum of 4 nights is required.
6. Meganisi Island
Meganisi Island is located off the eastern coast of Lefkada. The lush green island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and has many coves. It’s the perfect escape from the business of Lefkada during the high season.
Vathy and Spartochori are charming villages that offer enough choice in traditional Greek food. A highlight of Meganisi is the second largest sea cave in the world: Papanikolis Cave. You can easily reach it by boat.
Ferries to Maganisi Island depart from Nidri and take about 40 minutes to reach.
Where to stay on Meganisi Island
Amphitheatro Boutique Hotel: A modern hotel with an elegant design is just 5 minutes from Vathy. Their large pool terrace is a comfortable place to relax while enjoying the views and the surrounding olive groves. Go for their tasty breakfast included option to get the 100% holiday feeling at the start of your day.
Elia Village: spacious rooms with lovely ocean views and just a stone’s throw away from a tiny beach. It is a bit far from the action and you will need your wheels to get to restaurants and shops, but this makes it a quiet and relaxing place to stay.
Konstas Stone Island House: Feel at home during your holiday at this welcoming accommodation located in Spartochori. The clean accommodation comes with a spacious verandah making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the island. Located just outside town, however, restaurants and shops are just minutes away.
Conclusion: Where to stay in Lefkada
We hope we have given you great tips and suggestions for finding your stay in Lefkada. Accommodation does play a huge part in your holiday experience, especially after a day touring the island.
That said, even if you have chosen an accommodation that isn’t what you expected it is 100% guaranteed that the host or owners are very friendly and helpful. English is well-spoken in Lefkada so it is easy to chat away. So that can never go wrong when traveling around the beautiful island of Lefkada.
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