Lefkada: Lagoons, Forests and Historic Places

In northern Lefkada, Gira surrounds the lagoon with a seven-kilometre strip of white sand. The lagoon near Lefkada Town is classified as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and forms part of the Natura 2000 network; it is also designated as a protected area of particular ecological importance. Migratory birds use it as a stopover, and many rare bird species can be found there. The lagoon is also home to traditional fish farms with distinctive reed structures, where fish live and grow under natural conditions. Here, an important natural area and a traditional use of the land come together.

Getting here and finding your way around

Lefkada Town lies on the island’s northeastern edge, close to the mainland coast, and can be reached via an arched bridge. Other options for travelling to Lefkada include the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras, as well as Aktion Airport. Check connections before you travel. Lefkada has a modern marina with space for 620 boats. The port of Vasiliki has regular connections to Ithaca and Kefalonia and is used by many travellers wishing to explore other Ionian Islands; check connections before travelling, as transport services may change.

Lagoons, forests and trails

Lefkada’s landscape features a variety of natural settings: in the north, Gira borders the lagoon with a long strip of sand, while Pefkoulia is a pine forest that stretches down to the sea and ends at a sandy beach of the same name. Skaros Forest is known as an important natural monument. Its rare flora includes a species of oak that is difficult to find.

A network of hiking and walking trails runs through the Melissas Gorge and its surroundings. The path through the gorge is about two kilometres long, and the crossing takes roughly an hour. Trail conditions can vary, so allow some extra time. For a nature-focused stay, you can choose between forest landscapes and a specific gorge hike with a defined duration.

History and culture in town

The fortress of Agia Mavra was originally built by the Franks in 1300 and is considered an outstanding example of fortification architecture. At the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada, the island’s archaeological treasures span the Middle Palaeolithic to the late Roman period; the exhibition traces the development of its history.

The Church of Agios Spyridon is another prominent historic building in town. It stands in the central square and is regarded as the town’s first church, as well as a religious, cultural and historical monument. Outside the town, the salt pans recall another part of the region’s history: they ceased operating in 1947, but their significance to the region’s history remains. The museum, fortress, church and salt pans each offer a different focus, from archaeological history to architectural and working history.

Water sports in different locations

Vasiliki Beach offers suitable conditions for windsurfing, including slalom and freestyle. Wind conditions are seasonal and variable. Ai Giannis on Lefkada’s northern side is considered a suitable kitesurfing spot, also depending on seasonal and changing wind conditions. Nydri has an organised centre for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable rides such as banana boats and towable tubes. Operators and availability may change; check the current offerings when planning your trip. These locations therefore cater to different water sports and interests.

Regional cuisine

Traditional Lefkada cuisine includes thyme honey and the rare Vertzami wine. Englouvi lentils are another distinctive regional speciality: they are a rare variety grown in the mountain village of the same name. Handmade pies include Lahanopita, Briani, Macaronopita and Ladopita.

If you are looking for a hotel on Lefkada, you can start by deciding which themes you want your stay to focus on: town history and the lagoon, nature trails, water sports or regional cuisine. Lefkada Town has its own focus on culture and the lagoon, while Vasiliki, Ai Giannis and Nydri are the locations mentioned for different water activities. Tailor your search to the focus you want, and check connections before making firm day plans.

Discover more destinations: Exanthia, Ligia, Lefkada, Kastos, Sivota, Athani, Karya, Asprogerakata, Alexandros, Sivros, Kariotes, Poros, Nydri, Katouna, Spanochori, Geni, Meganisi, Apolpaina, Lefkas, Kalavros, Kálamos, Vasiliki, Perigiali, Aghios Petros, Episkopos, Spartochori, Fterno, Ellomenos, Marantochori, Vafkeri, Katochori, Platistoma, Nikiana, Aghios Nikitas, Aghios Nikolaos Niras.

For the overview of the wider region: Ionian Islands.