Stunning island nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ has some of the calmest waters in the world
A LESSER-known Greek holiday spot is home to quaint towns, amazing waterfalls and some of the calmest seas in the world.
When people think of holiday hotspots in Greece, places like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete spring to mind.
However, Lefkada in the Ionian Sea has gained the nickname of the Greek Caribbean.
The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, meaning it doesn’t require an extra flight or ferry to access.
It’s one of the most underrated Greek islands, according to Escape, who also say it’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
In fact, it has so many stunning beaches that it’s possible to find “a new favourite every day”.
No matter what your preference, be it for sand or pebbles, seclusion or convenience, there are beaches to suit all tastes.
Discover Greece wrote: “Ready to dive into paradise? This is where turquoise meets azure against a backdrop of white sand, white cliffs or smooth white pebbles.
“Vast exotic beaches, bays, cliffs that plunge into the sea and a forest of pine trees that tumble intoxicatingly towards the coast.
“And what a coast! Kathisma, Egremni, Milos, Pefkoulia, Myli, Ammoglossa … beaches that trip off the tongue. And the island’s number one star, Porto Katsiki. Every swim here seems unforgettable.”
Porto Katsiki’s name literally means Goat Port, because it was said that only goats could reach the bay at one stage.
However, the long stretch of bay is now arguably the most popular beach on Lefkada and is easily accessed, with parking nearby and even places to get food and drink.
There are places on the island where the water is almost guaranteed to be perfectly still too.
Lefkos beach was included in a list of beaches with the calmest waters in the world.
It was among the top 10 European beaches on the list, among others in Portugal, Spain and elsewhere in Greece.
After a day at the seaside, most people return to the village of Nidri, the most popular tourist resort on the island.
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- Lucky Bay, Australia
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- Trunk, US Virgin Islands
- Honopu, Hawaii
- Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
- Navagio Beach, Greece
- Balandra, Mexico
- Cala Goloritze, Italy
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- Pink, Indonesia
- Grace, Turks & Caicos
- Gardner, Ecuador
- Mcway, California
- Turquoise, Australia
- Le Morne, Mauritius
- Sancho, Brazil
- Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
- Lanikai, Hawaii
- Maya, Thailand
- Moro, Spain
- Kelingking, Indonesia
- Meads, Anguilla
- Flamenco, Puerto Rico
- Arena, Dominican Republic
- Little Hellfire, Australia
- Lazio, Seychelles
- Vaeroy, Norway
- Horseshoe, Bermuda
- Myrtos, Greece
- Hidden, Mexico
- Grand Anse, Grenada
- Xpu Ha, Mexico
- San Josef, Canada
- Matira, French Polynesia
- Capriccioli, Italy
- Pasjaca, Croatia
- Boulders, South Africa
- Salines, Martinique
- Champagne, Vanuatu
- Marinha, Portugal
- Balos, Greece
- Achmelvich, Scotland
- Kaputas, Turkey
- Radhangar, India
- Varadero, Cuba
- Piha, New Zealand
- Pink Sand, Bahamas
It is situated around a natural bay, home to a harbour from where boat trips can be booked.
It also has plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes from where tourists can enjoy views out to sea with a drink.
It is surrounded by a vast green area with trees and vegetation, increasing the charm of the area.
A short walk through the olive groves and trees from the coast leads to Nydri waterfalls, an impressive single drop falls that plunges into a pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
At the foot of the trail leading up to the falls is a small bar serving snacks and cocktails to people after their short trek.
With all this on offer, it’s no surprise that Lefkada has been tipped for big things by local travel experts.
Greek travel site Greeka said of the island: “It is full of amazing beaches with turquoise waters, monasteries, museums, and seafront or mountainous villages with a unique charm.
“Thanks to its exotic natural landscape and scenic beaches, Lefkada is also known as the Caribbean of Greece.”
Getting to Lefkada is simple enough with direct flights linking several UK airports to nearby Preveza.
A room for two for the night costs around £33.
Meanwhile, this Greek island has been named the best value holiday destination.
And this up and coming island has a “miracle giving” attraction.
