Vasiliki is, in our opinion, the most beautiful place in Lefkada and, besides Agios Nikitas, in the best position for visiting the most beautiful beaches in Lefkada. If you find suitable accommodation in Vasiliki, do not hesitate, this place is the right choice for a holiday in Lefkada. It has only one sandy beach (Ponti - Vasiliki).
About of Vasiliki:
- For whom: peaceful holiday + active holiday (surfing, excursions)
- Location: southern Lefkada
- Beaches: Vasiliki and Ponti
- Special: windsurfing, ideal base for beach exploration
- Distance: 37km from Lefkas, 20km from Nidri
Detailed Description:
Vasiliki is located at the southern tip of the island. It is 37km away from the main town of Lefkas and 20km from Nidri. From the port of Vasiliki, boats depart for Kefalonia and Ithaca, as well as small boats that transport visitors to the surrounding beaches (Porto Katsiki, Egremni, and Agiofili). Vasiliki and Ponti are situated in the same bay, Vasiliki on the east, and Ponti on the west side. These two places are connected and offer a beautiful panoramic view as you approach them from the west.
Vasiliki is a peaceful place with a charming harbor along the promenade lined with numerous taverns and cafes with lovely gardens shaded by plane trees and eucalyptus. This small and picturesque marina with a promenade represents the heart of life in the town. Several narrow cobblestone streets flow into the promenade, filled with small shops, boutiques, and souvenir shops.
Very well-maintained place, full of flowers and trees. It does not have a vibrant nightlife, making it more suitable for those seeking a peaceful holiday with the possibility of exploring the most beautiful beaches in Lefkada. Vasiliki (and Ponti) is actually an excellent base for exploring Lefkada, as some of the most beautiful beaches are in the immediate vicinity of Vasiliki. Every year, more and more accommodation options are emerging, offering a wide selection of villas and hotels of different categories.
In Vasiliki, there is one large supermarket and several smaller markets for supplies, a post office, a police station, a gas station, several tourist agencies, a bakery, a medical center, a butcher shop, etc. The general impression that tourists usually take away from these places is that they have a very pleasant atmosphere and are ideal as a base for visiting the beaches of Lefkada, as well as for a peaceful family vacation.
The Beach in Vasiliki:
The beach is long and pebbly, with gradual depth or shallows, and is characterized by a large number of sailboats.
Vasiliki and Ponti are actually the most famous places for windsurfing not only in Lefkada but also throughout the Mediterranean. You can rent equipment or use your own. You can take windsurfing lessons or organize boat trips to the surrounding beaches and islands with sailboats. In the morning, the wind is not strong, ideal for beginners, while in the afternoon, a stronger wind, known as Eric, blows, providing a challenge even for professional surfers. Vasiliki and Ponti reliably offer excellent windsurfing conditions from May to September. The wind is not strong for swimmers, but rather pleasant.
The beach is well-organized, the sea is blue, and can be used for daily swimming, but there are many more beautiful beaches in Lefkada where visitors from Vasiliki can swim, which we will mention later. In the town, there are several small coves with natural shade and no wind.
Ponti does not have a marina, but the beach stretches along the entire town, is quite wide, with fine pebbles and gradual depth, with a large number of cafes, restaurants, and bars offering visitors sunbeds and umbrellas. Here, too, sailboats and windsurfers dominate, with schools for learning and renting sailboats. The place is flat, the accommodation facilities have lovely courtyards, and the streets are abundant with trees and shade.
What to Visit?
Just 2km from Vasiliki is Agiofili Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Lefkada. You can drive there, but the last 700-800m will have to be done on foot. The length of the walking section depends mainly on the condition of the road at the time of your stay in Lefkada. After heavy rains, the road is worse, with more potholes, so a significant portion must be walked. The road mostly leads uphill, so walking is not as pleasant during the summer heat. Jeeps can easily reach the beach, where there is even a large paid parking lot that costs 3-5e depending on the season.
When you arrive near the beach and see it from above, you will be delighted and realize that the walk was worth it. The beach is not large, pebbly like most beaches in Lefkada, and the sea is unbelievably blue. Unlike other popular beaches in Lefkada (Egremni, Porto Katsiki…), the sea is not milky blue, but clear and excellent for snorkeling. The marine life at this beach is very rich, making Agiofili a paradise for divers.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent on the beach for 6e (two sunbeds and an umbrella). During the season, it is better to arrive early or bring your equipment due to the large crowds. There are no shallows in the water, the depth is gradual, making this beach more suitable for swimmers than for children. The most beautiful part of the beach (without rocks in the water) is the right side, towards Vasiliki.
For those who do not enjoy walking, from Vasiliki there are taxi boats that transport tourists to Agiofili Beach, and the ticket costs 6e per person round trip. The boats depart around 10 am, and the last return is at 6:30 pm. In any case, this beach should not be missed.
A recent excellent development is the completion of the road works on the shortcut over the hill from Vasiliki to the beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni! Now, you can reach the famous beaches from Vasiliki in about 15 minutes. Vasiliki is now becoming the best base for visiting the beaches on the western coast of Lefkada!!!
The beach of Kathisma is about 40km away along the western coast, which has more hairpin turns and narrow roads, so driving to this beach requires a slower journey lasting more than an hour.
To reach Rouda Bay Beach (Mikros Gialos or Poros), you need a 20km drive, with the last five kilometers being a somewhat challenging drive on a narrow road. A distance of 11km, also with very winding and narrow roads, separates you from Afteli Beach, and about ten kilometers to the very charming and tucked away in greenery and flowers, Sivota.
For some evening outings, we recommend a visit to Nidri (20km), which has plenty of activities and attractions for tourists. Near Vasiliki is a small, traditional village named Agios Petros (6km), which you can visit if you are a fan of lamb dishes. You can also visit the village of Sivros, accessible by a slightly rough road, about 7km in length.
You can check accommodation options in Vasiliki here.