Where is the best place to stay in Lefkada?
By Olga Kousi. February 17, 2025
With its unique accessibility from the Greek mainland via a floating boat bridge, Lefkada is a fantastic holiday destination. Situated in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, Lefkada is famous for its lush nature and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by imposing pine-covered white cliffs, the island’s stunning beaches tempt in crowds of local and foreign visitors all year round. It could be argued, though, that Lefkada’s interior - peppered with ancient olive groves, archaeological sites, and beautiful mountain villages - is what makes them loyal fans who keep coming back for more.
Within the island of Lefkada, there are many destinations worth staying for different reasons, each with its distinct charm. Lefkada Town, with its manicured main square, vibrant marina, and historic Venetian-influenced buildings, is certainly one to not miss. Nydri, with its cosmopolitan buzz and waterfront tavernas, right across Onassi’s beloved Skopios, is another hotspot.
For more authenticity and great beaches, travellers prefer Agios Nikitas, which preserves its traditional fishing village atmosphere, or Geni, a peninsula considered a hidden gem. Windsurfers, on the other hand, consistently choose the south of the island, where the protected Vasiliki Bay offers perfect water sports conditions.If you are interested in where to stay in Lefkada, you may also be interested in where to stay in Kefalonia.
Best places to stay in Lefkada
Lefkada Town
History / Traditio / Culture
Lefkada Town is an ideal destination for lovers of history, traditional architecture, and local culture. Located right by the entrance to the island, driving onto it is quite a spectacular sight. After passing a serene coastal lagoon that is a haven for rare birds and wildlife, visitors are greeted with a close-up view of the magnificent Santa Maura Castle while waiting for the floating bridge to rotate.
The road then winds past a bustling marina, to finally end up in the island’s capital. Lefkada Town’s picturesque alleyways hold centuries of history. A unique fusion of Eastern Ottoman and Western Italian influences is evident as one walks around the town’s plethora of historic churches, libraries, museums, and residential buildings that seem to have been untouched by time.
This distinctive Eastern-Western blend is also reflected in the island’s cuisine, with Lefkada Town’s restaurants serving the best of both worlds.
Nydri
Nightlife / Dining / Entertainment
Nydri is for travellers who want to be close to the island’s hot spots. This small town on the eastern coast of Lefkada is famous for having it all: access to the best cafés, bars, and restaurants, as well as proximity to natural attractions like the Dimossari waterfalls (the very best place to be on the island if you’re looking to cool down from the intense Greek summer heat!) and great views across its waterfront to the islets of Madouri and Onassis’ Skorpios.
The legendary shipping magnate’s statue stands proudly in the middle of Nydri’s promenade, serving as a permanent reminder of the area’s glamorous past.
Nydri is also considered a prime location thanks to its little port, from which visitors can take the ferry to Meganisi, as well as arrange boat trips on smaller vessels to explore nearby islands and secluded beaches.
Geni
Tranquillity / Seafood / Yachting
Geni is a great place to stay for those who enjoy a slow-paced holiday in quiet, idyllic villages. On the east of Lefkada, this hidden gem of a village is not too far from Nydri, and yet it is often overlooked by visitors to the island.
A hilly, verdant peninsula, Geni overlooks the delightful Vlycho Bay, which is a natural harbour, offering incredible views of the yacht-filled waters by day and twinkling boat lights by night. Geni’s seafront tavernas are also something to write home about.
These family-run establishments, ranging from quaint to sophisticated, all serve the freshest of the day’s catches and are positioned so close to the water that diners can almost feel the waves beneath their feet. Geni’s small pebble beach, Desimi, stays relatively quiet even in busy months, making the peninsula a perfectly peaceful island retreat.
Vasiliki
Windsurfers / Water Sports
Vasiliki is the ultimate destination for windsurfers and watersports lovers, as the area’s protected bay catches perfect afternoon winds. A seaside village on the south of the Lefkada island, Vasiliki is located 38 kilometres from Lefkada Town and 22 kilometres from Nydri.
This distance hardly matters, though, as the village is completely self-contained, with everything one might need right on hand. Vasiliki’s main attraction is, without a doubt, its massive pebble beach. The rugged mountains behind it paint a magnificent contrast with its azure waters, creating a picture-perfect view that stays with travellers for life.
The village also boasts excellent tavernas, lively bars that come to life when the sun sets, and plenty of boutiques and souvenir shops. Conveniently, Vasiliki’s port connects directly to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia, making day trips to other Ionian gems very easily accessible.
Agios Nikitas
Romance / Authenticity
Agios Nikitas is a great spot for romantic travellers looking for a traditional Greek village feel. A gorgeous village on the northwest of the island, Agios Nikitas has a pedestrianized stone-paved main street running down to a small, safe beach.
This is quite unique in Lefkada and, for this reason, the village stands out as a window into old Greece among the island’s more modern seaside resorts. Travellers will find everything they need for an idyllic holiday in Agios Nikitas. This beautiful village has several tavernas serving traditional Greek food, lovely cafés, bars, bakeries, and a few small shops and supermarkets.
Agios Nikitas’ proximity to the iconic beaches of Pefkoulia and Kathisma makes exploring the west coast of the island super easy, while its strategic location just 12 kilometres from Lefkada Town also means the island’s capital is just a short drive away.
Our recommended hotels in Lefkada
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in LefkadaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
