FOR the beauty of the Caribbean that’s much closer to home, the Greek island of Lefkada comes pretty close.
Often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Greece‘, the island is the biggest in the Ionian Sea and has direct UK flights.
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Lefkada has been called the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ Credit: Alamy
Kathisma is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island Credit: Alamy
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Lefkada is known for its bright blue waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs – much like you’d find in the likes of Barbados and Jamaica.
But luckily for Brits, this island is much closer as just under 4hr30 away, compared to the Caribbean’s nine hours.
Not only is it as warm as 26C in spring, but the island has some amazing beaches for spending the day on too.
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Some of the top sandy escapes include Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Kathisma.
Porto Katsiki translates to ‘Goat Port’ and it was formerly home to just goats as it was largely inaccessible by people, because of its steep cliffs.
Now, the white-pebbled beach is accessible by a pathway down to the sand.
Egremni on the southwest coast of Lefkada is known for its ‘dramatic white cliffs’ and is hard to access unless by boat – if not, you have to take the steep staircase with over 400 steps.
Kathisma is easily accessible and much more family-friendly with a long stretch of golden sand dotted with sunloungers and beach bars.
Lefkada has a bustling town too; the capital is at the northern tip of the island and is easily accessed by the bridge from the mainland.
Here you’ll find colourful, traditional houses filled with shops, cafés, and churches.
The best part is that it’s all walkable in around 20 minutes.
For some culture, head to the Agia Mavra Fortress, a 14th-century Venetian castle at the entrance to the island.
If you want to find fresh food, head to Sikelianou Square near the seafront which is lined with Greek and Mediterranean restaurants.
Agios Nikitas is one of the most charming coastal resorts on the island.
It’s tucked around the bay of the same name and is built in amongst olive groves.
There are plenty of outdoor restaurants with sunny terraces like T’agnantio that overlooks the bay.
Here you can enjoy local specialities, salads, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.
One visitor even wrote on Tripadvisor that it has the “best food on the island”; another said it was the “best Greek food I’ve ever had”.
The island has pretty tavernas with outdoor seating and often, sea views Credit: Alamy
For more holidays in Greece, here are some of our favourite resorts…
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Blue Bay Beach Resort, Rhodes
The four-star Blue Bay Beach Resort sits a stone’s throw away from this beach, and has its own pools, splash park and water slides. Here you’re only a 15-minute drive away from Rhodes Old Town, where UNESCO-listed medieval streets wind through castle-like architecture. Make sure to check out the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.
BOOK HERE
Gouves Bay Hotel, Crete
Gouves Bay Hotel keeps things simple on a sunny Greek island location right by the sea. This hotel has a relaxed, family-friendly feel with two pools, a kids’ club and easy all-inclusive dining. And if you fancy a change of atmosphere, Gouves’ bars and tavernas are just a short walk away for your choice of evening drinks with a view.
BOOK HERE
Aegean View Aqua Resort, Kos
The picturesque hotel is perched up high and surrounded by lush greenery in the historic harbour town of Kos. Here you’ll find a huge swimming pool and a waterpark, as well as activities like darts, tennis, football and more. There’s evening entertainment six days a week, and an on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna to unwind.
BOOK HERE
TUI Blue Lagoon Queen, Halkidiki
This mega resort with six pools and its own waterpark is rated five stars by TUI. In the main restaurant, you’ll see show cooking displays as you take your pick from an extensive international buffet. Plus, Kalives beach is on the doorstep of this hotel, with its strikingly blue water and soft golden sands.
BOOK HERE
Geni Village has ‘floating’ tavernas and restaurants at the waterfront Credit: Alamy
Across the island from Agios Nikitas is Geni Village.
It’s renowned for its waterfront dining, especially on Vlycho Bay where some restaurants actually feel like they’re floating.
It’s even easier to visit Lefkada now thanks to its new £3million marina which opened in April 2025.
If you’re not going to the island by boat, another way to get to Lefkada is by a 50-metre long car bridge that connects to the mainland.
In spring, you can fly to nearby Preveza from £29 with Ryanair which takes around 3hr20.
From there its just over an hour’s drive to the island.
For more on Greece, here are our top five Greek islands with white-washed houses and pretty beaches.
And here’s a Santorini-alternative Greek island that’s half the price has unspoiled beaches & cheap hotels.
Lefkada is considered the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ Credit: Alamy
