Lefkada Ferries

The port of Lefkada plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 3 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Lefkada serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Lefkada, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Corfu - Lefkada connecting Lefkada with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Lefkada Palace run regular services from Lefkada, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Lefkada offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Unlike most Greek islands, Lefkada connects to the mainland via a 50-meter floating bridge, making it accessible by car or bus without requiring a ferry for initial access. The nearest airport is Aktion International Airport, just 20 minutes from Lefkada Town, with seasonal flights from European cities. Athens is approximately a 4-hour drive away, while Thessaloniki is about 5 hours by car. Regular KTEL buses connect Lefkada to major Greek cities, and ample parking is available near the main town and popular beaches. For those continuing their journey, the ferry terminal for connections to other Ionian islands is located on the east coast.

Lefkada stands as a jewel in the Ionian Sea, connected to mainland Greece by a floating bridge that makes ferry access uniquely convenient. The island captivates visitors with its striking contrast between dramatic western coastlines with turquoise waters and the gentle, verdant eastern shores dotted with traditional villages. As a ferry destination, Lefkada offers the perfect blend of accessibility and island charm, without sacrificing the authentic Greek experience that travelers seek.

Lefkada enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The ideal time to visit is between May and October when temperatures range from 25-35°C and the sea is perfect for swimming. July and August mark the high season with guaranteed sunshine but also larger crowds and higher prices. The International Folklore Festival in August showcases traditional dances and music from around the world. May-June and September-October offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, warm seas, and fewer tourists, while ferry services to neighboring islands operate more frequently during these months.

Lefkada serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the magnificent Ionian archipelago. Regular ferry services connect to Kefalonia (1.5-2 hours), where visitors can explore the famous Melissani Cave and Myrtos Beach. Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, is accessible in just under 2 hours and offers authentic Greek village life away from mass tourism. The smaller islands of Meganisi, Kalamos, and Kastos lie just 30-60 minutes away, providing tranquil escapes with crystal-clear waters and untouched beaches. The ferry route south from Lefkada to Kefalonia is particularly scenic, passing by numerous small islets and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.

Lefkada's western coastline boasts some of Greece's most spectacular beaches, including Porto Katsiki and Egremni, with dramatic white cliffs plunging into electric blue waters. Windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts flock to Vasiliki Bay, renowned as one of Europe's top spots for these sports thanks to consistent afternoon winds. The charming capital, Lefkada Town, features colorful buildings with distinctive architecture influenced by Venetian rule, while the mountainous interior offers hiking trails through olive groves to traditional villages like Karya, famous for its intricate embroidery. Local tavernas serve Ionian specialties including savoro (fish marinated in rosemary, vinegar and raisins), lentil soup with salted sardines, and ladopita (oil pie with sugar and cinnamon).

Lefkada is the only Greek island you can drive to without taking a ferry, thanks to its floating bridge built in 1986 that replaced an earlier wooden structure. According to legend, the white cliffs of Cape Lefkatas were where the poet Sappho leaped to her death because of unrequited love, giving rise to the island's name which means 'white' in Greek. Aristotle Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate, owned the private island of Skorpios just off Lefkada's east coast, which now belongs to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. The island's unique geological formation has made it resistant to earthquakes that have devastated other Ionian islands throughout history.