The Best Places to Stay in Lefkada include the coastal village of Nydri with its traditional taverns and the beach resort of Vassiliki. You can also choose to stay in a luxury hotel or a villa in Lefkada Town.
Vassiliki is a bustling tourist village full of colourful fishing boats and sandy beaches. It is especially popular amongst windsurfers.
Nydri
Nydri is a low-rise resort that hugs 3 beaches. This makes it a popular spot to stay in Lefkada for families and couples looking for peace and quiet on their holiday. It’s also a base for nearby cruises to Skorpios and Meganisi. Accommodation here ranges from spacious guesthouses and apartments to budget hotels and beach resorts, all of which tend to offer excellent value for money. Many are close to the water, and while they may have a main road running through them noise isn’t a big issue because scooters and motorbikes tend to travel at a much lower speed than cars.
There are plenty of tavernas and bars catering to families, although there are also some that cater to slightly older crowds. The town’s biggest beach, Agios Ioannis, is a fantastic spot for snorkelling. This is a shingle beach that also has sections of sandy shoreline, and the waters are calmer than those at Porto Katsiki. There are sunbeds available to rent, and the beach also has a few cafes and bars.
The other big draw of this area is its proximity to the beaches found on the southwestern end of the island, including the famous Porto Katsiki, backed by a hulking white cliff. This is a massively popular beach for watersports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. It can get crowded at times, and there aren’t as many places to eat and drink, but this is still one of the best places to stay in Lefkada for beach lovers.
Further south is the tiny village of Ligia, or Lygia as it’s often spelt. This isn’t a proper beach resort, but it does have some clean pebble beaches and a few good fish tavernas. It’s a popular choice among British travellers on a package deal, and the cheap rooms at Artemis Pension and Kariotes Camping are highly rated.
Vassiliki
Vassiliki is one of the main places to stay in Lefkada for those seeking high-end luxury hotels and resorts. It is also the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to popular beaches like Porto Katsiki and Agiofili beach, as well as the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaki. You can easily reach these beaches by catching the ferry boats from Vassiliki harbour.
You can easily find a wide range of accommodation in Vassiliki, with hotels ranging from 4-star villas to 5-star luxury resorts and boutique hotels. There are also a few hostels and budget hotels in the area, as well as stylish apartments and studios that are perfect for solo travellers or couples.
There are a number of great restaurants in the area, including Restaurant Oceans (sea food), Vagelaras, Giannis Grill House and Starfish Restaurant. The town is also home to a few bars and cafes where you can enjoy a drink while enjoying the sea view. You can also take a boat ride to the island of Ithaki, which is only a few minutes away from Vassiliki.
Those who prefer a quiet holiday can head a bit south of Vassiliki to the village of Ligia. This small fishing village isn’t as touristy as some of the other larger beach resorts on the island, but it has a nice vibe and some good fish tavernas. It is also the gateway to the picturesque mountains of the island, which are ideal for hiking.
Another option is to head further south to Sivota, a charming little fishing village that reminded us quite a lot of Fiscardo on Kefalonia. It’s a very pretty place to visit, with a quaint old harbour, heaps of saffron-coloured fishing nets and pink bougainvillea draping the waterfront tavernas. Ionian Villas manages a stunning 3 bedroom villa here called Akonita, which is perfect for families and has a fantastic position overlooking the beach. The imposing castle of Agia Mavra is also nearby, which makes it a great place to visit for those who enjoy exploring history and culture.
Agios Nikolaos
Located just north of Lefkada Town, this village is a great place to stay for families. It has plenty of things to do, from shopping at the local market to dining on delicious Greek food. Families will also love the beaches and the quiet atmosphere. There are also several family-friendly hotels in Agios Nikitas, making it a perfect place to stay in Lefkada for a relaxing vacation.
If you want to splurge, check out the luxurious Nikita Suite, which sleeps up to five people. This stylish accommodation is located a short walk from the city beach and is surrounded by lush forests. Its contemporary design blends Greek tradition and modern convenience, making it the best place to stay in Lefkada. It’s also eco-friendly, using solar power to keep its rooms cool and energy-efficient.
You’ll find a variety of accommodations in Agios Nikolaos, from affordable family-friendly options like the Artemis Pension and Kariotes Camping to high-end luxury villas with private pools and stunning views. There’s also a small selection of apartments and hotels to choose from in the nearby village of Kariotes. This area is also home to the famous Agiofili Beach, which has crystal clear waters and a gorgeous backdrop of cliffs.
For those looking for something a little more laid back, you can also visit the beautiful town of Nydri. This seaside settlement has many restaurants and tavernas, as well as shops and supermarkets. It’s also close to some of the island’s most popular beaches, including Porto Katsiki and Egremni.
Another excellent option for a family trip is Vassiliki, which is a charming fishing village with a picturesque atmosphere and lovely beaches. Its beaches are sheltered by calm natural ports and offer plenty of space for lounging and swimming, making them ideal for families with kids. The village is a great choice for families who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the bigger resorts, but still have easy access to all the attractions on the island.
Agia Mavra
Lefkada is renowned for its postcard-perfect bays, emerald waters, and verdant hills. But there is so much more to this idyllic island than meets the eye.
One of the most important sights on the island is the medieval castle of Agia Mavra in Nydri. During the Venetian and Ottoman times, the castle was one of the most important forts on the western border of the island. Its heptagonal shape and the presence of a lighthouse on its west bastion make it an unmissable sight for visitors.
The castle also hosts an exposition of local artifacts including Roman marble statuary, and a variety of mosaics from Byzantine churches. It is believed that the Apostle Paul visited this very spot in the 1st century AD, and the church he stayed in still stands here today.
After visiting the castle, take a stroll through the narrow paved alleys of Nydri’s old town and visit some of its shops and cafes. Once the sun goes down, head to Agios Spyridonas square for some drinks and dinner in a lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing vacation, there are plenty of beach bars in and around Lefkada where you can spend the day relaxing by the water. The white-pebbled Pefkoulia Beach is a short drive north from Agios Nikitas, and although it can get busy during the summer, its stunning beauty cannot be denied. The wide, sandy Kathisma Beach is another great option, and it offers some of the best snorkelling in Lefkada.
Getting around Lefkada is easy and straightforward. The bus service runs frequently during the peak season and there are many car hire companies operating on the island.
The island is also home to some beautiful beaches where you can enjoy windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. Another popular activity is hiking to the Dimossari waterfalls in Nidri. The water here is crystal clear, and it flows into a rocky pool that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. There is also a restaurant where you can buy drinks and snacks. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try your luck at fishing or diving!