Kalamitsi & far west (Athani)

Climbing along the west coast you reach the hill villages of Kalamitsi, Athani and Dragano, set in open, panoramic countryside. They are not seaside resorts in the classic sense, but they are the closest base to the island's most famous and spectacular beaches, such as Kathisma, Gialos, Egremni and Porto Katsiki. This is the choice for those who put the great western beaches and quiet first, accepting in return that you must drive for everything and that services on the spot are few. Accommodation is often scattered studios and villas with sea views.

Getting around

A car is essential for any movement. Several famous beaches involve steep descents or long stairways: something to weigh for those with mobility issues.

Places in this zone

Porto Katsiki

Lefkada's signature beach, and you see why at once. A crescent of pale pebbles below a sheer white cliff, with water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue. You park easily up top and walk down about a hundred steps. As the island's most famous beach it fills up fast, so arrive early and, if it gets too crowded by midday, consider moving on to Gialos. At the top there are two or three kiosks selling food and beach gear, but services on the sand are limited, so bring water and shade.

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