One of the most thrilling experiences to try on the island is paragliding, thanks to Lefkada’s 3,200-feet-plus elevations. The spot we’d recommend is 2200 feet high at Rachi restaurant, which has a westerly-facing turf ramp for taking a running jump. The tandem experience costs about €100, and instructors will film the whole flight for you with a selfie stick. The flight takes about ten minutes and landings are on Kathisma beach. (You can reward yourself with dinner at Monato da Gusto after.)
Trident has been organizing boat trips off the coast of Lefkada since the 1980s, so you’re in good hands. Departures are from the town of Nidra, and the company’s fleet of ribs accommodates seven to 12 people, with an awning for shade and a cool box of drinks. Highlights include swimming to the shores of Skorpios island, which is owned by a Russian billionaire, as well as into a giant sea cave. Other stops can include Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos and Atokos, which has swimming black pigs. Just speak to your captain about where you would like to go.
Headed up by Antonio and Christiana, Lefkada Adventures offers both guided and self-guided e-bike tours of the island for between €50 and €70 per person. Excursions generally start and finish in Karya village, meaning you can finish with a well-earned meal at Pardalo Katsiki. Rides typically take four to six hours with a selection of easy, medium and difficult routes through the mountains.
The inaccessibility of Theotokos Beach means it attracts relatively few tourists, and the coastline feels pristine and wild (you can drive, but it’s a long, windy road down.) There are small white pebbles here rather than sand, but the sea is crystal clear, and there is a path that allows you to walk about 40 minutes to the busier beach of Kathisma. If you are looking for a snack or a cold drink, Nektar Paradise is a tented beach bar that only takes cash. Nevertheless, they mix a very good Aperol spritz.
Head to Lefkada Micro Farm to learn how to make Greece’s famous phyllo pastry pies, baked in a wood-fired oven. The experience begins with coffee and a walk around the farm to learn about the produce that is grown there. Once in the kitchen, participants stretch, stuff and roll the dough, filling the long tubes of phyllo pastry with wild greens and goat cheese, pumpkin or feta. Classes last four hours and cost €80 per person.
How to get there from the United States
As there are no direct flights to Lefkada’s Preveza-Aktion Airport (PVK) from the United States, the easiest way for Americans to reach the island is via a connecting flight through London, whether that be Heathrow or Gatwick. From there, British Airways, Ryanair, Swiss, and more run flights that clock in at just over three hours in duration.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller.
