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Naming just 10 of our favourite activites on Lefkada during the Summer months is not easy! The list is endless. Lefkada is an island with so much to offer - deep gorges, dramatic cliff faces, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, monasteries, a host of fantastic eateries and so much more...
For those of you who want to unwind with a good book on the beach, we have countless beaches. Busy beaches with snack bars and sun loungers, or wild beaches off the beaten track. Sandy, stony, big pebbles, small pebbles!
For those of you who can't sit still and like an adventure, there are so many activities to choose from including walking, swimming, cycling, running, windsurfing & kitesurfing. This is an island offering quite literally something for everyone - which is why we love it so much.
1 - Desimi Beach
This quintessentially Greek beach is a beautiful spot to while away a day... Facing South towards the uninhabited island of Atoko, this bay enjoys all day sunshine with natural shade from the overhanging olive trees on the beach. The water is crystal clear with some good snorkeling opportunities, though the little fish in the shallows can nip your ankles! You can rent a boat from here to explore the coves further along the coast, or even a pedalo if you fancy something a bit more laid back. Pirofani Taverna right on the beach is open all day and evening in the summer months. The beer is cold and the food is local & delicious!
2 - Cape Lefkada
If you've got a hire car, or are thinking about hiring a car, then definitely head out on the long road to Cape Lefkada at the very Southern tip of the island. A new road from Vasiliki cuts out a lot of the twisting and turning. There are many a tale in Greek mythology of this site, the most famous being that Cape Lefkada is where poet Sappho threw herself off the cliff after being rejected by sea god Phaon - you'll often here the cape referred to as 'Sappho's Leap'. Today the spot is romantic, particularly at sunset with the steep cliffs and panoramic vistas of the Ionian.
Don't let the drive put you off, it's totally worth it!
3 - Diving
Discover the abundance of underwater life that the dive sites surrounding Lefkada and the neighboring islands have to offer. Anyone who says there aren't any fish in Greece is categorically WRONG! Due to the surrounding landscapes, the Ionian Sea is particularly well oxygenated and so full of life.
You'll find octopus, starfish, swordfish, scorpionfish, bream, bass, parrotfish, sardines, cuttlefish, seahorses and sea urchins to name a few. There are also a number of monk seals, dolphins and caretta-caretta sea turtles around Lefkada! For experienced divers or beginners, check out Lefkas Diving Centre in Nikiana who run frequent fun dives and courses depending on your ability.
4 - Mikros Gialos Beach
Located on the south eastern side of the island, Mikros Gialos is worth the slow journey along the winding road down from the village of Poros. The white pebbly shoreline creates stunningly clear blue water to bathe in.
With a tree clad promenade, there's enough shade to relax under to enjoy a refreshing frappé or a crunchy Greek salad from one of many small cafés and tavernas. Head to the San Nicolas Resort Hotel for a cocktail as the sun goes down over the opposite side of the bay for a special way to end the day.
5 - Kitesurfing
Agios Ioannis/Milos beach on Lefkada's north shore offers world class kitesurfing conditions and is well known internationally as an excellent spot for it! Beginners and advanced kiters from all over the world head for Lefkada all season long to enjoy the windy conditions that the wild north side of the island offers. Take lessons from Milos Beach Kitesurfing Resort or hire kit and go it alone - only if you know what you are doing mind!
If you don't fancy the adrenaline rush of kitesurfing, relaxing on the beach and watching the action is just as thrilling and the colours of all the kites dancing in the sky is absolutely beautiful.
6 - Porto Katsiki
Looking like something out of a film set, the likes of Porto Katsiki and Egremni beaches on Lefkada's south western coastline regularly top 'Europe's best beaches' lists and are often featured on the front of travel magazines worldwide - and you can see why! Dramatic white cliffs line rocky beaches that lead into the crystal clear blue waters of the Ionian. The colour is like nothing you've ever seen before and by far beats places like the Caribbean! Porto Katsiki is a must-see beach for anyone visiting the island so expect it to be a little busy (ok.. very busy) but take your towel and enjoy a swim after the drive and walk down!
7 - Boat trips
One of the best things you can with your time on Lefkada is explore beyond Lefkada by boat! The islands of Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos, Kefalonia & Ithaca are only a stones throw away and with an abundance of boat trips to choose from on Nidri Quay, you are sure to find one that suits you. The MS Christina offers a number of magical itineraries, its most popular being 'The Forgotten Islands' cruise which heads in the opposite direction of the big tripper boats and heads off the beaten track. This boat is traditional, comfortable and truly wonderful - speaking from experience!
8 - Agios Ioannis Beach
I've already mentioned this beach but it's worth mentioning twice! This 7km long stretch of pebble beach and shallow rocky water is a wild spot to feel the wind in your hair, watch the kitesurfers, snorkel the rocky outcrops and feel ALIVE! It's my favourite beach in the peak summer months when the more popular touristy beaches like Kathisma are packed. This beach is so vast that you can choose a spot on the beach away from anyone if that's what you like (like I do!) and just appreciate the peace and beauty of the day.
9 - Hiking & Mountain Biking
Although it can be extremely hot on land in the summer, there are still plenty of opportunities to head out on a leisurely walk, island hike or mountain biking adventure! Best done early in the morning or as the sun sets, explore the goat tracks and ancient monopatis through the olive groves on an organised trek or head off and do your own thing. There are numerous routes to choose from which can be found in guide books, online and eventually, in this blog! A perfect activity in the Spring & Autumn in particular when the island is in bloom.
10 - Profitis Ilias
Perched on the top of the island, looking out to the north and east of the island, you'll find Profitis Ilias. This quaint little monastery is a gorgeous spot on a clear day to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Lefkada, the mainland and beyond... With the nearest village of Eglouvi (famous for its lentil production) a good 15 minute drive away, enjoy the peace and tranquility up here away from the hustle and bustle of the towns and beaches!
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