Beaches on Lefkas

Lefkas has some amazing beaches 62. The Agni team has visited many of the Greek islands and rates Lefkas as one of the top destinations for a beach focused holiday.

When imagining a beach, many just think of soft golden sand. Lefkas certainly offers that, but, also offers so much more. Sandy beaches are a delight but so too are the little rocky coves and fine pebble beaches that make the swimming crystal clear and snorkelling a breathtaking experience.

Our favourite beaches on Lefkas are:

Milos Beach

South of Agios Nikitas, just over the hill, about a 20min walk, is the sandy beach of Milos, one of the best stretches of beach on the entire island of Lefkas. At the top of the hill is a windmill, built in 1741 and now converted into a cafe and bar. From here, is a spectacular view over the bay. The southern end of the bay, with caves, is particularly popular with naturist bathers.

Kathisma beach

Kathisma beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, 2 km in length and just 2km from the village of Agios Nikitas. There are beach bars, umbrellas and sunbeds for hire. The colour of the water here has to be seen to be believed.

Agios Ioannis

Just a short drive from Lefkas Town is the sandy beach of Agios Ioannis (Gianis). It stretches for miles and has immense variety, from golden sands at the western end to wild windswept sand dunes, dotted with old windmills, at the other end. This is a wonderful spot for water sports due to the steady winds that are a trademark of this part of the island of Lefkas.

Pefkoulia Beach

Pefkoulia takes its name from the pine trees (pefka) that grow down the mountainside right to the shore, providing excellent shade. The crystal clear sea is quite amazing and the beach is of very fine shingle or coarse sand, which is found on most of the beaches on this coast of Lefkas.

Agios Nikitas

Agios Nikitas is a popular holiday resort but retains its old-world charm, with stone houses built very close together - originally to minimize the effects of pirate attack - and a very hospitable atmosphere. The nearby beaches are delightful - in particular, Milos Beach, accessible from the resort on foot or by taxi-boat.

Egremnoi

Egremnoi (Ekremni or Egremni) beach is an outstanding beach of coarse sand, long and not at all crowded. In part, this is due to the fact that it can only be accessed by a dirt road full of hairpin bends from the village of Athani, and then a steep flight of about 300 steps, but there is a cantina on the beach for a reviving cool drink or a snack. If you want to avoid the steps at Egremnoi, go a little further south to the beach of Porto Katsiki.

Nikiana Beach

Just 9 km from the capital Lefkas Town, is the wonderfully picturesque fishing village of Nikiana, built at the foot of the Skaros Mountain, where the unique oak forests are to be found. Nikiana has some particularly good seaside tavernas - perfect for an evening meal by moonlight! Activities include water skiing, windsurfing, fishing and climbing.

Nidri Beach

The gently shelving beaches in and around Nidri are of pebble and shingle although sand has been added to some parts of the beach. The water is generally clear, of a beautiful turquoise colour, and without currents. There is a selection of tavernas and sun beds and umbrellas can be hired on the beach. Many water sports are available, including sailing and scuba diving. This coast, with its tranquil waters and many bays and coves, is ideal for exploring by motor boat, which can be rented.

Vassiliki Beach

Vassiliki is one of the most popular resorts on the island of Lefkas. The reason for this is to be found in its position - open to the south and subject to strong winds off the land, it has proved to be an ideal spot for windsurfing and kite surfing, and is considered by those who know these things to be the best centre for these sports in Europe.
Vassiliki is 40 km south of the town of Lefkas. The bay offers many facilities, shops, tavernas, night club, camping and of course, windsurfing. A very busy resort surrounded by green hills, that make a most attractive setting.

Poros Beach

Poros is built like an amphitheatre on the slopes of a high mountain, invisible from the sea and thus enjoying protection from the pirate raids of the past. The area is very fertile with a great variety of vegetation. Below the village are the beautiful beaches of Mikros Yialos and Rouda, with clean, almost green, waters, usually very calm as the bays are protected from the winds.

Porto Katsiki

We have left the best until last, Porto Katsiki, the most famous beach on Lefkas although also the most remote beach on Lefkas! Today it is considered to be one of the most outstanding beaches in the whole of Europe and of exceptional beauty. Its blue-green waters, sparklingly clear, and white sand and steep cliffs, make it truly spectacular and quite unique.

Lefkas Beach Notes

• Parking: Finding a place to park is not normally a problem with beaches on lefkas. The only exception is Porto Katsiki which has a parking area at the top and then steps down to the beach.
• Tidal: Beaches on Lefkas have no tide. of course this is true of all beaches in the Mediterranean, but often a face that many forget.
• Suncream: Use plenty. Even the Agni team have been known to get very sunburnt. Swimming often washes off the cream so keep applying regularly.
• Beach Tavernas: The is usually a taverna close or on the beach - which are often refered to as a Kantina.