Lefkada 3-day Itinerary – Best things to see and do

This Lefkada 3-day itinerary is a part of our broader Ionian Islands travel guide. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information about the archipelago, regarding transportation, hotels and restaurants for the islands of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos.

Lefkada 3-Day Itinerary – What to see and do in 72 hours

Informally known as Lefkas, Lefkada is the only Ionian Island which is actually connected to mainland Greece through a modern bridge. In fact, even the local airport is technically located outside the island, which makes Lefkada a lot easier to access than its Ionian counterparts. One would think this could somehow harm the island’s remoteness and the feeling of unspoiled nature visitors usually get when visiting certain Greek islands, but the truth is that Lefkada’s postcard-perfect beaches and landscapes remain as dreamy as ever! What can we say – some things are just impossible to ruin!

That being said, if you’re on your way to Greece and looking for what to see and do in Lefkada in 3 days, we leave you with a detailed Lefkada 3-day itinerary, complete with all the tourist landmarks and points of interest you don’t want to miss.

Bus between Lefkada Airport and Lefkada Town

Before properly introducing you to our Lefkada 3-day itinerary, it’s important to know what to do right after landing. As expected, using the bus is the cheapest way to reach civilization upon touching ground at the airport, with a local vehicle taking you to Lefkada Town. However, make sure you’re boarding the right bus, as there are other services heading to Preveza and Vonitsa, which aren’t even on the island.

The buses depart from the main road located right outside the arrivals’ terminal and a single ticket will cost you 3,00€. As for running times, there are 6 daily departures from the airport towards Lefkada Town. The total distance stands at around 20km.

Once again, and though it might be infinitely easier, using a taxi is a lot more expensive as well. In order to take the same 30-minute trip to Lefkada Town, your taxi fare will be around 30€-40€.

Lefkada 3-Day Itinerary – Day 1: From Lefkada Town to Sivota

Since the island is connected to mainland Greece via a bridge, this is precisely where you’ll want to start your adventure. Right after the overpass, on Lefkada’s side, you’ll find the Agias Mavras Fort (4€), an ancient 14^th century castle, whose remains are still being excavated. During the Summer months, it’s very common for special events, fairs and street markets to be organized around the ruins. Finally entering the island proper, your first stop will be Lefkada Town, the island’s main city. Although it feels like a world-away from the charming capitals of Corfu, Santorini or Rhodes, this city still has its perks. You can wander freely through Chora (the historic center), visit the Archaeological Museum of Lefkada (2€) and explore the Panagia Faneromeni Monastery.

Once you’re done with the capital, it’s time to pick up your car (or scooter) and drive to the countryside, where you’ll come face-to-face with the Eglouvi-Stavrota Peak, the highest point in Lefkada. As one would expect, the views are nothing short of amazing, extending all the way to the coastline. You will then resume your trip and visit the Nydri Waterfalls, one of the most popular places in the island and arguably its greatest non-beach tourist attraction. This is a truly picturesque place, besides serving as a great respite from the often scorching heat of the high season. Heading further south along the shore, you’ll stop by the Mikros Gialos Beach for your very first dip in the Ionian Sea, before capping off your day at the enchanting village of Sivota. Built on the shoreline of a beautiful natural bay, this is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a late-afternoon gelato.

First day wrap-up:

• Agias Mavras Fort
• Lefkada Town – Chora
• Archaeological Museum of Lefkada
• Panagia Faneromeni Monastery
• Eglouvi-Stavrota Peak
• Nydri Waterfalls
• Mikros Gialos Beach
• Sivota

Cheap restaurant suggestions between Lefkada Town and Sivota:

• Nirikos (varied)
• Taverna Giorgalakis (Greek traditional)
• Tasty Gyros And Grill Since 1988 (gyros, souvlaki and grilled meats)
• To Koutouki (grill house)
• Anna Maria Restaurant (Greek traditional)

Lefkada 3-Day Itinerary – Day 2: The Beaches on the West Coast

If your first day was spent exploring the eastern coast of Lefkada, now it’s time to get acquainted with the opposite side of the island. As such, the day will start at the dramatic Cape Lefkada, the island’s southernmost tip, from where you will slowly make your way back up to the comfort and familiarity of the capital. Up next, you’ll be visiting the most famous place in all of Lefkada! Featuring in pretty much every single piece of content aiming to promote tourism in Greece, Porto Katsiki truly feels like a living postcard-picture. The stretch of sand, the scenic cliffs, the turquoise waters that almost look like they’re glowing under the sun – if there’s a criteria checklist for beaches that look like they’ve come straight out of paradise, I can guarantee this one ticks all the boxes!

About 10 km up north, and although it isn’t exactly easy to access, you may also go for a dip at the Egremni Beach. The problem? You’ll have to go down (and then back up) 300 stairs in order to get to the water, which may turn out to be quite the task at the end of the day! If after all this effort you still have some gas left in the tank, we recommend stopping by the village of Agios Nikitas on your way to Lefkada Town. This is where you can get on a boat (6€ roundtrip) that will take you to the beautiful-yet-remote Mylos Beach. Alternatively, you may also park your car at the village and then complete a 25-minute trail that will lead you to that same beach.

Second day wrap-up:

• Cape Lekada
• Porto Katsiki
• Egremni Beach
• Mylos Beach

Cheap restaurant suggestions between Porto Katsiki and Mylos:

• Taverna Eleni (Greek traditional)
• Sesoula Taverna (Greek traditional)
• Batzanakias (Greek traditional)
• Drymonaki (varied)
• Fat Boys (hamburgers and sandwiches)

Lefkada 3-Day Itinerary – Day 3: Boat Tour along the Islets

When you look carefully at a map of the Ionian Islands, you’ll realize that Lefkada is completely surrounded by many islets. And although some aren’t more than uninhabited rocks, others are actually pretty interesting places for a visit. That being said, and so that you can bid farewell to Lefkada, we recommend going on a mini-cruise through some of these beautiful islets.

One of the islands that you REALLY have to make sure to visit is Meganisi, where you can explore the Papanikolis Cave and swim at one of its many beaches. Besides, many of these programs also include a pitstop in Skorpios, a private island which used to be owned by the Greek millionaire Aristotle Onassis, who became famous for marrying Jackie Kennedy after the assassination of the former US President. In fact, the ceremony actually took place there!

At the end of the day, and once you’re back in Lefkada, it’s time to say goodbye to the island before you go back home or, if you’re lucky, move on to the next Ionian Island in your itinerary.

Recommended Tours:

• Boat Tour to the Islands of Meganisi and Skorpios
• Kayak Tour along the shores of Meganisi (+ Sea Caves)