Although Lefkada is the only Greek island accessible by land (via a causeway first built in 500 B.C.E.), its main attractions are the incredible white-sand beaches Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, and Egremni, which are featured on countless Greek tourism posters. The annual Ionian Regatta starts in Nydri’s marina. Mild winds and a smattering of small islands with plenty of anchorages make this part of the Ionian ideal for inexperienced sailors. Strong gusts in the northern part of the island are a favorite among kitesurfers (who swoop above Agios Ioannis beach) and windsurfers (who whiz across Vassiliki Bay).
Family days out on the beach are integral to Greek culture, so beaches get busier on the weekends. If you have babies or toddlers, head to Naxos, fringed with miles and miles of powdery sand, or tiny Antiparos, ringed with shallow, sandy bays. Active kids will find plenty to keep them busy on the postcard-pretty beaches of Lefkada, from kayaking to kitesurfing, waterskiing to windsurfing. If your kids aren’t strong swimmers, keep a close eye on them; lifeguards are rare on Greek beaches, and there are few restrictions on permissible swimming distances.
Photo by Philippe Turpin / age fotostock
