Lefkada (or Leucade or SaintMaura) is one of the largest Ionian islands in the Greek archipelago, and perhaps one of the least popular with international tourists. This has probably preserved its beauty, which is expressed both in the classic panorama of dream beaches and in the rugged hinterland, yet inhabited by unique people. Most itineraries in Lefkada include seaside resorts or visits to the attractions of the main towns (Lefkada, Meganisi, Apollonion-Vassiliki). Today we suggest a corner of the island that has its own fame, but hides interesting detours to discover beauties both large and small. The road from the village of Nydri to the Vlicho Fjord may hold surprises, but it begins with a safe and well-organized welcome at Aktion Lefkada (PVK) airport, located just across the bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
Nydri
Nydri is a small village overlooking the east coast of Lefkada, surrounded by lush nature, hills, and forests. The village’s main attraction is its romantic harbor, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and cocktails while enjoying a breathtaking view. It also offers ferries to smaller islands, such as Skorpion and Meganisi. While Nydri fills the main street with colors, music, and cheerful people in the evening, during the day it invites you to enjoy the sun on the beach. Dotted with small and large sandy coves, Nydri’s coastline is a small, tranquil paradise, without excessive crowds. Diving in this clear sea is both physical and mental therapy!
Nydri Waterfalls
The Nidri Waterfalls are the result of the river carving a deep gorge. They fall from the top of a 12-meter-high rock. You can reach them after an easy 3km path that starts from Nydri town center: you will get there in a half-hour walk or – by car – in just 10 minutes.
The first part of the trail follows the riverbed, and is quite shady because there are trees along the way. Enjoy the view of olive trees and lemon or pomegranate groves and be prepared to be taken aback by the beauty of the waterfall. As you arrive there, you will enter the site and even enjoy a swim around it and under the cold natural shower!
Neochori
Just a 17-minute drive along 6 kilometers of green hills, from the Nydri waterfalls you reach the delightful village of Neochori. Here, where the smell of sunscreen doesn’t reach and where tranquility reigns supreme, you will explore the narrow streets lined with stone houses and churches. The view is spectacular, but perhaps even more beautiful is discovering the true soul of Lefkada. This is how the island must have looked before modernity and tourism transformed it! Enjoy a peaceful and silent stroll, and let yourself be captivated by the gaze of the inhabitants, their traditional crafts, and the aromas of their simple cuisine.
Vlicho
Back in the car, and in less than a quarter of an hour you can head back to the sea. This time you’ll find yourself in Vlicho, at the end of the “fjord” of the same name. It is actually a rounded bay set back 5 km from the coast. This makes it charming and peaceful, with natural corners and wonderful colors that no other place can offer.
Vlicho’s fame, thanks also to the tranquility of its sea, is linked to its sailing and diving schools. Here you can learn to drive motorboats, yachts, and small boats, and dive the intense blue of the Greek sea. Even the tavernas offer tables set along the piers, with boats and masts providing the backdrop!
Interesting alternative choices: Lakka beach or Korakias
The itinerary ends at Vlicho, but if you still have time and desire to discover corners of Lefkada, go explore the Geni peninsula. It’s the land that closes the fjord to the east and is home to some of the most beautiful spots on the coast.
Lakka beach, for example, nestles around a rocky outcrop that encircles it like an embrace; nearby Desimi beach, another romantic spectacle, boasts a sea that can change color at least four times… from azure to turquoise to aquamarine to emerald green!
Finally, for a stunning sunset view, climb to Korakias Point, where you’ll overlook not only the fjord and the open sea but also the twinkling lights of Nydri at the far end of the coast.
