Where to stay in Lefkada: the best areas for your kind of holiday
Lefkada is small, but its roads wind. A comparison of the main areas: who each suits, what is near the beaches and where you can manage without a car.
- Without a car: Lefkada Town, the main bus hub.
- For the west coast beaches: Agios Nikitas or Kathisma.
- Families and boat trips: Nidri. Windsurfing: Vasiliki. Quiet: Sivota.
Decide first what matters most, beaches, services or quiet, then book. In most areas you should rent a car. There is nothing kosher on the island, so plan meals ahead if you keep kosher.
Where to stay in Lefkada
Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a bridge, and the nearest airport is Aktion (Preveza), about half an hour's drive from Lefkada Town. The island is small, about 35 km from north to south, but the roads wind. So where you stay decides how much you drive each day. Most of the famous beaches, such as Porto Katsiki and Egremni, are on the west coast. Most of the convenient towns are in the north and east.
Quick comparison of the main areas
| Area | Location | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lefkada Town | North, by the bridge | Restaurants, shops and the main bus station | Can be noisy in the evening |
| Agios Nikitas | North-west coast | Couples, beaches within walking distance | Small village, limited summer parking |
| Kathisma | West coast | Families and sunset lovers | A beach area rather than a village |
| Nidri | East coast | Families, boat trips to nearby islands | Busy in season, small town beach |
| Vasiliki | South | Windsurfing and water sports | Far from the north, long drives |
| Sivota | South-east | Quiet, fish tavernas, yachts | Few services |
| Mountain villages (Karya and others) | Inland | Quiet, views, local life | You need a car |
Lefkada Town: easiest without a car
The capital has a small old town, waterfront restaurants and shops. It is also the main bus hub, so it suits travellers who are not renting a car. Northern beaches such as Agios Ioannis are close by.
Agios Nikitas and Kathisma: for the west coast beaches
Agios Nikitas is a small fishing village that has kept its traditional feel, with its own beach. Kathisma, a little further south, is a long beach with facilities and fine sunsets, and it is more family-friendly than the wilder west coast beaches. From both it is easy to reach Lefkada's famous beaches. See also Lefkada's best beaches.
Nidri: for families and boat trips
Nidri is the island's busiest resort and the main port for boats and ferries to nearby islands such as Meganisi. It has plenty of restaurants and activities, but it is crowded in summer. It suits families who want services within walking distance. More ideas: Lefkada with kids.
Vasiliki and Sivota: the quiet south
Vasiliki is known as one of Europe's best windsurfing spots, with mid-range hotels and campsites. Sivota is a quiet fishing village in a bay, with fish tavernas and yachts. Both are far from the north, so they suit travellers who plan to spend most of their time in the south.
Do you need a car in Lefkada?
Outside Lefkada Town and Nidri, almost certainly. Public transport is limited and the west coast beaches are at the end of winding roads. If you stay in a mountain village, a car is essential.
Kosher food and Shabbat in Lefkada
Lefkada has no Chabad house or kosher restaurant, so kosher-keeping travellers need to plan ahead. See kosher food and Shabbat in Lefkada and Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
Getting there
Aktion airport has direct summer flights from Israel, and flights via Athens the rest of the year. Details in flights to Preveza and Lefkada from Israel and on our Lefkada page.
FAQ
Where is the best place to stay in Lefkada? For beautiful beaches, Agios Nikitas or Kathisma. For families who want services within walking distance, Nidri. Without a car, Lefkada Town.
Do you need to rent a car in Lefkada? In most areas yes, because public transport is limited and the west coast beaches are far from the towns.
How long is the drive from the airport to Lefkada Town? About half an hour from Aktion (Preveza) airport, over the bridge that joins the island to the mainland.
Is there a kosher hotel in Lefkada? We found no kosher hotel or restaurant on the island. Plan your meals ahead and use kosher deliveries from elsewhere in Greece.
