WHERE TO STAY IN LEFKADA FOR DIFFERENT TRAVEL STYLES & BUDGETS.
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time exploring Greece over the years, I can confirm Lefkada is a truly beautiful and unique island. And an ideal place to escape to for some R&R, with a little bit of exploration.
The beaches are among the best with some of the bluest sea I’ve ever seen, the interior is rugged and green, and the food is excellent.
However, choosing where to stay can be a challenge, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the island’s geography and what each area offers.
There’s little that can dampen a holiday more, than arriving to realise that you’ve chosen to base yourself in totally the wrong location for your travel style. And if you’d just moved 5 miles south, your holiday would have been perfect.
With that in mind, I have put together this guide to assist you in making an informed decision.
Best for Families: Nikiana
Nikiana, located on the east coast, presents a strong case as the most pragmatic base for families.
The resort is close to Lefkada Town and the island’s main arterial roads, simplifying daily excursions and airport transfers. It’s also possible to use public buses to get to the resort, so you can skip a hire car if you want to.
Crucially, the east coast beaches are sheltered, making the waters consistently calm and shallow -ideal conditions for younger children. The atmosphere is generally quiet, ideal for a genuinely relaxing holiday.
Nikiana itself offers a range of family-friendly self-catering apartments and hotels, along with accessible tavernas and small supermarkets.
Hotels in Nikiana
BUDGET: Aggeliki Apartments – well priced studios with easy access to the water and great views across the bay.
MID-RANGE: NV Seafront Studios AV Properties – as the property name suggests, these apartments are right in front of the beach. Suites range from one bed to three bed, ideal for larger families.
LUXURY: Crystal Waters – three outdoor pools, breakfast included and a range of rooms available. There’s also a kids pool and playground.
Tip for Families: Given the calm nature of the east coast waters, prioritise accommodation with direct or near-direct beach access rather than relying solely on a pool.
Alternative Family Option
Although Lefkada is the hub of the island, there are a number of fantastic family friend hotels near to (but not in) town.
One example is Mousses – which offers self-catered villas with pools, but in the comfort of a hotel complex (including child care) and the option to eat in an on-site taverna in the evening. An ideal combination if you want to spend most of the time in resort, but with a few day trips.
Best for Couples: Agios Nikitas
For couples seeking a romantic and picturesque setting, Agios Nikitas on the west coast is a strong contender.
It is a charming, pedestrianised village well and truly nestled into a hillside, leading down to a small but beautiful beach.
The atmosphere is intimate, with a selection of boutique hotels and traditional guesthouses. The sunsets here are particularly memorable, and you have easy access to some of Lefkada’s most famous beaches like Mylos and Kathisma.
Hotels in Agios Nikitas
BUDGET: Alkionides Apartment – a classic beach holiday apartment. Guests love the sea views and friendly owners.
MID-RANGE: Myrto Homes Agios Nikitas – perfect if you want a mix of beach vibes and access to a pool. This small apartment complex offers privacy, but with some shared outdoor space.
LUXURY: Tellion Suites are ideal for couples looking to celebrate – there’s even a honeymoon suite. Rooms are stylish with impeccable views.
Tip for Couples: Keep in mind that this is a quiet village, so you may wish to split your time between here and perhaps somewhere a bit more lively like Nydri, depending on your travel style.
Best for Nightlife & Culture: Lefkada Town
Lefkada Town, the island’s capital, is the hub for nightlife.
While not a party island in the same vein as Mykonos, Lefkada Town offers a vibrant selection of bars and clubs, particularly during peak season.
The main pedestrianised streets and the marina area come alive in the evenings, with options ranging from relaxed cocktail bars to more energetic venues. It also provides a wide array of dining options and shops.
Hotels in Lefkada
BUDGET: Desire Place is a well located apartment, close to the centre of Lefkada.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Boschetto is an old-fashioned hotel in central Lefkada. Ideal if you want to be well in the mix of nightlife.
LUXURY: Close to the beach and just outside of Lefkada town is Allure Wellness Retreat. Ideal if you want to rest up by day and perhaps enjoy a few drinks in town in the evening.
Best for Budget Travellers: Lygia
Lygia, a small fishing village located on the east coast, offers a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.
It retains a traditional Greek charm, with local tavernas serving fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
Accommodation here tends to be simpler and more affordable than in the more prominent tourist resorts. It provides a peaceful base, and you can easily access Lefkada Town and other parts of the island by car or bus.
Hotels in Lygia
BUDGET: Tsonas apartments – guests loved the helpful hosts and location close to the water, with views to the marina.
MID-RANGE: Anthemis Luxury Villas offer a lot of value for money – close to the sea, shared pool and lovely apartments.
Alternative option for budget travellers
As an alternative, you can get some great budget apartments in the suburbs of Lefkada Town.
We stayed at Anthias Garden, which offered supremely clean apartments, with fabulous gardens. There’s a beach nearby and you can walk or cycle into Lefkada Town.
Tip for Budget Travellers: Consider self-catering accommodation to save on dining out. Travelling during the shoulder seasons (May, early June, September, October) can also result in lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Best for a bit of everything: Nidri
Nidri, situated on the east coast, is one of Lefkada’s most developed tourist resorts and caters well to those seeking a luxury experience, particularly if you are interested in yachting or upscale dining.
The harbour is a major draw, with numerous yachts mooring there, contributing to a cosmopolitan atmosphere. But you’ll also find a range of more budget friendly restaurants.
We loved Nidri, because there’s a little bit of everything. Great cafes and bakeries, beachfront bars and various boat trips available to the nearby islands of Meganisi and Skorpios. If you’re keen to explore, you can also hire boats.
This is one of those towns where you have everything you need and don’t need to leave if you don’t want to. So it’s ideal if you don’t wish to hire a car.
Hotels in Nidri
BUDGET: Ionion Apartments & Studios – these simple apartments are close to the beach and offer access to a shared swimming pool.
MID-RANGE: Thalassaki house – smart apartments right on the beach, with wonderful spacious terraces.
LUXURY: Luxury Apartment – this fabulous space has a private pool and room for up to 5 people.
Best for inland stays: Karya
Karya, in the mountainous interior of Lefkada, is an excellent base for those primarily interested in exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and hiking trails.
It is one of the largest and most authentic mountain villages, known for its traditional embroidery and charming central square with plane trees. You can also visit vineyards in close proximity.
From Karya, you can easily access both the east and west coasts, as well as the more remote northern and southern parts of the island, without being in the midst of coastal tourist activity.
Hotels in Karya
MID-RANGE: There are a handful of traditional apartments in this small village – this this one, to suit mid-range budgets.
LUXURY: Villa Amolena sleeps up to 6 people and has a private pool, plus serious views.
Tip for Explorers: A rental car is almost essential if you choose to stay in the interior. This provides the flexibility to reach various parts of the island and discover hidden gems that are not accessible by public transport.
Best for windsurfing and laid-back vibes: Vasiliki
Vasiliki, located on the southern coast of Lefkada, is a charming seaside resort known for its relaxed atmosphere and world-class windsurfing conditions.
The wide bay benefits from consistent afternoon winds, making it a favourite among both beginners and experienced windsurfers. Beyond the beach, Vasiliki retains a friendly, small-town feel, with a picturesque harbour lined with tavernas, cafes, and bars that come alive in the evenings.
That said, the area caters to all types of travellers – from sporty adventurers to couples seeking a tranquil coastal escape.
BUDGET: Hotel Phoenix – a family run hotel, close to the beach. There’s also a large swimming pool.
MID-RANGE: Elisso Hotel is a stunning looking hotel with a swimming pool and direct access to the beach (a rare find.)
LUXURY: Villa Mare – sleeping up to 6 people, this luxurious villa has sea views and a large private pool.
Tip for Visitors: If you’re planning to windsurf, visit between June and September when the “Eric” wind is at its best. For a quieter stay, consider May or October when the sea is still warm, but the crowds have thinned.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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