Lefkada's best beaches: Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and 10 more (2026)
Lefkada is famous for turquoise beaches below white cliffs. These are the island's best beaches, what to know about steps and waves, and which suit children.
- Porto Katsiki and Egremni are the famous ones, but you reach them by steps: 100+ at Porto Katsiki, 400+ at Egremni.
- Better for kids: Kathisma, Mikros Gialos and Afteli, with relatively shallow water.
- West-coast beaches can get waves in the afternoon. Go in the morning.
Plan one or two beaches a day, as drives between them take time. With small children or a pushchair, choose beaches without steps, and save Porto Katsiki for a boat day or an early start.
Why are Lefkada's beaches so famous?
Lefkada, in the Ionian, is linked to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive there. Its west side has white sand and pebble beaches, turquoise water and tall white cliffs — the island's most photographed beaches.
Lefkada's best beaches
| Beach | What's special | Access | For kids? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Katsiki | Turquoise water below a ~100 m cliff | Road, then 100+ steps; also by boat | Less suitable because of the steps |
| Egremni | Bigger, no shade | Road and 400+ steps, or by boat | Not for small kids |
| Kathisma | Long beach with pines, water sports, paragliding | Road and parking, sunbeds, restaurants | Yes, shallow water popular with kids |
| Megali Petra | Wild, cliffs and turquoise water | Road and a walk, few facilities | Older kids |
| Avali | White sand, big rocks, sunsets | Road, beach café | Yes, on calm days |
| Gialos | Large, quiet beach near Egremni | Road, café | Careful when there are waves |
| Agios Nikitas | Sheltered bay in a resort village, good snorkelling | Road, tavernas and shops | Yes |
| Milos | Long white beach next to Agios Nikitas | Boat, or about a 20-minute walk | Older kids |
| Pefkoulia | Large pine-lined beach near town | Road, sunbeds, café | Yes |
| Agiofili | Small cove, white pebbles, deep water | Steps and a walk, or boat from Vasiliki | Less |
| Mikros Gialos | Sheltered cove, shallow green water | Road, sunbeds, tavernas | Very — "ideal for families" |
| Afteli | Quiet, shaded by trees | Scenic road, sunbeds | Yes |
| Vasiliki | Long bay, windsurfing hub | Road, water sports | Teens |
How to get to Lefkada's beaches
- By car: easiest. The beaches are spread out and the west-coast roads wind.
- By boat: Porto Katsiki and Egremni can also be reached by boat, Agiofili by boat from Vasiliki, and Milos by boat from Agios Nikitas — no steps.
- Parking: at Porto Katsiki and Kathisma car parks fill up in summer. Arrive before 10:00.
Tips for Lefkada's beaches
- Waves: the west coast can be rough, especially in the afternoon. With kids, choose sheltered bays.
- Shade: Egremni and some wild beaches have none. Bring an umbrella and water.
- Water shoes help on pebble beaches.
- Sunset: on the west coast, e.g. Kathisma and Avali.
More on Lefkada
- Island guide: Lefkada.
- Flights: in summer there are direct flights to Aktion–Preveza airport, about 18 km from Lefkada town. See Greek islands with direct flights from Israel.
- Kids: Greece with kids month by month.
Which Lefkada beach suits you?
- With small children: Mikros Gialos, Agios Nikitas, Pefkoulia and Kathisma on calm days — road access and shallower or more sheltered water.
- For the famous view: Porto Katsiki and Egremni; be ready for steps, or arrive by boat.
- For quiet: Afteli, Gialos and Megali Petra.
- For water sports: Vasiliki for windsurfing, Kathisma for paragliding and water sports.
A suggested west-coast day: Porto Katsiki early in the morning before the car park fills, a beach with tavernas and shade at midday, then Kathisma or Avali for sunset. If the west is rough, switch to the more sheltered beaches in the south and east, such as Mikros Gialos.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Lefkada? Porto Katsiki and Egremni are the most famous. Kathisma and Agios Nikitas are easier and still very beautiful.
How many steps are there at Porto Katsiki? More than 100 stone steps from the road. Egremni has more than 400. You can reach both by boat as well.
Which Lefkada beach is good for kids? Kathisma, Mikros Gialos, Afteli and Agios Nikitas, with relatively calm water and facilities.
Do I need a car for Lefkada's beaches? Highly recommended. Beaches are spread out and buses don't reach them all. A day boat trip is another option.
