The 14 things to do in Leucade

Visiting Leucade is essential on a trip to Greece. Renowned as the most beautiful island in Europe, its beaches and small villages await you!

Are you wondering what to do in Leucade during your stay in the Ionian Islands? Rest assured, its 325 square kilometers are full of beautiful white beaches, picturesque villages, green mountains and other treasures to discover. His name, Leucade, means “white” in honour of his chalk cliffs, particularly visible south of the island.

Located all west of Greece, close to Italy, it is easily accessible because connected to the continent by a bridge. Its geographical location has also earned it to be thrown between the Ottomans and the Venetians for centuries. Today, it is particularly known for its turquoise water, its lush nature between sea and mountains and its Eglouvi lenses.

Ready to visit Leucade? Follow the guide to discover one of the treasures of the Greek archipelago!

1. Lefkada or Leucade

The capital of the island, Lefkada welcomes you as soon as you arrive. Renowned as an anchor point, it integrates the must-sees with its pretty colourful houses. Here, the city invites you to stroll through its alleys and enter its churches, a true portrait of the Venetian era that characterizes them.

A witness of centuries of history, Lefkada has as an out-of-time air anchored in its architecture. To finish on a cultural note, go to the archaeological museum where you will discover the whole history of the island, from the Paleolithic to the modern era.

2. The beach of Porto Katsiki

Located southwest of Porto Katsiki Island is one of the most famous beaches of Leucade. Edged by beautiful white chalk cliffs, you reach it by a small winding road and a flight of steep steps. True to its reputation, Porto Katsiki is very busy: don’t hesitate to go there early and to set you apart to fully enjoy it.

You can then turn to the most remote beach, where there are usually less people. Also think about having your picnic and parasol, the shade is almost absent.

3. The west coast of Leucade

If you’re wondering what to do in Leucade to discover the wild side, rent a car especially to travel the west coast of the island. Indeed, it offers panoramas full of charms and eclectic, between sea, mountain and olive fields.

4. Agia Mavra Castle

Unable to visit Leucade without going to see the castle of Agia Mavra, also called Santa Maura. Installed at a small kilometre from the capital, it bears the trace of the various periods of occupation of Leucade, tracing its enlivened history. Built in the 14th century, it was intended to collect the inhabitants of the island and defend them against pirates.

5. Nirikos

If you ask that to do in Leucade to find out more about its past, do not miss the ruins of its former capital. Nirikos was, until 1300 BC, the largest city in Lefkada. Today it is a beautiful archaeological site.

6. Cape Lefkata

It is also called the Cap de la Dame, or Saut de Leucade. According to a legend, the lovers threw themselves off the cliff after their decay: either they went out alive and healed, or they would die. Always is it that this imposing white cliff is superb. Unable to visit Leucade without going to admire the panorama that this course offers!

7. Nidri, the port of Leucade

If you are a follower of nautical activities and ask yourself to do in Leucade to enjoy its turquoise water, the seaside resort of Nidri is a must. It is located in the middle of the east coast of the island. You can practice windsurfing, as well as padle, kayaking, diving...

8. A boat ride

What if you take advantage of your walk on the docks of the port of Leucade to rent your own small boat?

Indeed, rent a boat During the day you will be able to observe Nidri from another angle and explore the coves around. A great experience to live with family or friends!

9. Dimosari waterfalls

Only a few kilometers from Nidri, Dimosari waterfalls are absolutely to be discovered. This will give you the opportunity of a nice hike in the mountains, the ideal when you want to visit Leucade.

10. The church Panagia Faneromeni

This pretty monastery is a perfect example of an Orthodox monument. It is positioned on a hill, on the road between Leucade and Nikitas. The legend tells us that the Apostle Saint Paul would have gone there. It offers a nice view of the city of Leucade and its garden includes several species of animals.

11. Vasiliki

This pretty seaside resort is located south of the island. Quieter than Nidri, its lovely fishing port is unanimous. If you’re a fan/windsurfer and you’re wondering that doing in Leucade is also the ideal spot. Thus, each summer, Vasiliki hosts the water sports festival. If you’re a follower, it’s an appointment not to be missed!

12. Eglouvi

This charming mountain village has preserved all its authenticity. Located in the centre of the island, it is known for its exceptional lenses that are also appreciated throughout Greece! Enjoy your visit to Leucade, admire the hilly landscape and enjoy a lentil salad.

13. Egremni

The beach of Egremni is renowned for its beauty. Its access is at the moment a little difficult, the road being unusable since an earthquake. However, you can go by boat. Take 3 h from Nidri and 1 h from Vasiliki. Work is already under way to restore land access to the state.

14. To do and see also around Leucade

If you still have a bit of time to visit Leucade and its surroundings, enjoy it to discover the charming little islands around.

• Skorpios: it is a private island, you cannot land. However, a boat from Nidri will allow you to unveil it from the sea.
• Madouri: it is also a private and uninhabited island. You will see a house that was a 19th century poet, Aristotelis Valaoritis.
• The islands of Thilia and Taphos
• Meganissi and its famous caves, to contemplate from the sea.

How to get to Leucade?

Now that you know what to do in Leucade, you still have to plan your trip.

By plane

To come visit Leucade, you can fly. The island is located 20 minutes from an airport in Aktion, named Préveza (PVK). However, there are no direct flights from France. You will have at least one stopover, usually in Germany or the UK. Flights are scheduled from May to September. If you want to go to this period, consider studying prices using a flight comparison as Ulysses to find the one that will be adapted to your budget and your travel dates.

To win Leucade once your plane lands, collect your baggage and get out of the airport. One bus line liaises five times a day per week. The stop is located on the main road. You can also rent a car or take a cab.

By ferry

The ferry crossing is all indicated if you plan to spend a few days on another Ionian island. A journey can be made from nearby Ionian islands such as Patras and Kyllini. Here are the main ferry lines that connect Leucade to the other islands and the average duration of each crossing.

Note : Their frequency changes considerably according to the tourist season. There can be no connection during the low season, while in periods of high attendance some connections are made up to 6 times a day.

• Patras – Leucade
• Kyllini – Ithaque – Leucade
• Corfu – Paxi – Leucade
• Igoumenitsa – Paxi – Leucade

By road

The island of Leucade is connected to the continent by a bridge . So you can easily get there if you have a rental car. For example, count 5 hours from Athens and 2 hours from Patras.

Otherwise, know that a line of bus Ktel serves the island several times a day from Athens. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours. This is the most economical way to go to Leucade. Another bus line connects Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, to Leucade in 7 hours. This trip is carried out twice a week.

How to move to Leucade?

Once you arrive, you can move by car or scooter to be totally free from your movements. Otherwise, the Ktel buses provide daily desserts on the island.

Where to stay in Leucade?

To stay in Leucade and make sure you have adequate accommodation, book it well in advance, especially if you go there in high season (between June and August). Rates are also much higher in summer than in other months. To find your hotel room at the best price, feel free to use Compare hotels .

The city of Leucade

The city of Leucade is all indicated if you like evening entertainment. Very dynamic, multiple clubs, bars and restaurants will welcome you once your visits are complete. So there are all kinds of accommodation, from the youth hostel to the luxurious hotel, to the Airbnb .

Nidri and Vasiliki

Nidri and Vasiliki are the best known resorts in Leucade. There are also various and varied accommodations, from the campsite to the hotel. If you like lively port cities, opt for Nidri. For a little quieter environment, Vasiliki is more appropriate. With respect to the geographic location, Vasiliki is ideal if you want to explore the island in its entirety. Nidri is the city to prefer if you want to practice water sports.

Now you know what to do in Leucade to enjoy your trip! What is your must-see?