Many people are under the impression that Lefkada has no sandy beaches. That isn't true and the Italians and many others have visited the island for years because of them.

These sandy beaches were a well kept secret as far as package holidaymakers were concerned because they are mainly on the west coast and most hotels and apartments are situated on the east coast, especially around Nidri. As with  Corfu and Kefalonia the east coast tends to be pebbly because it is so sheltered. A big problem also is the lack of public transport to the west coast. Many villages only have a twice daily bus service and some beaches are impossible to get to without transport.Things are slowly changing due to new building techniques, which now means that hotels can be built safely in areas previously ignored, due to earthquakes and mountain erosion.

Going from the North of the island in an anticlockwise direction I shall try to describe some of the beaches. The English translations of the Greek names vary so much that they may be found on maps under different spellings. I have tried to use the phonetic sound but apologise in advance if any are wrong.

One word of warning! The sea on the west coast can be quite dangerous .Children should always be supervised. Great fun can be had playing in the waves but care should always be taken. Even a ferry going past miles out can bring in huge waves that easily knock you off your feet. I have had some embarrassing moments trying to get out of the water at times. It just doesn't want to let you go. There are no life guards on any of these beaches.