Shaped by Venetians, Ottomans, and the sea, Lefkada is the rare Greek island you can drive to—linked to the mainland by a small swing bridge. Its Ionian blue is legendary: luminous beaches like Porto Katsiki and Kathisma wrap wild cliffs, while tranquil lagoons cradle windmills and wading birds.

Beyond the beaches, you’ll find a living island: monasteries on the hills, an old fortress guarding the causeway, and villages known for honey and Eglouvi lentils. Boats hop to Meganisi and Skorpios, trails creep to waterfalls, and family-run tavernas keep dinners unpretentious and delicious.

Practical notes for families: buses connect main villages in summer; water shoes help on pebbly shores; many west‑coast beaches have waves and steps, while the east is calm. For flights into nearby Aktion (PVK) or buses from Athens, compare options on Omio (flights) and Omio (buses). This plan sticks to budget‑minded meals, free sights, and simple transport.

Lefkada Town

Lefkada’s capital is a pedestrian-friendly warren of pastel wooden houses rebuilt after earthquakes, a marina lined with cafes, and the Gyra lagoon patrolled by herons. It’s the right base for car‑free exploring of the north and west coasts by bus.

• Top sights: Agia Mavra Fortress (causeway castle), Faneromeni Monastery (views across the island), Gyra windmills and lagoon, Archaeological Museum (compact, kid‑friendly).
• Where to eat (budget to moderate): Perivoli (courtyard taverna with hearty stews and grilled sardines), Thymari (updated Greek plates—share a salad and one mains to keep costs low), street‑side souvlaki/gyros grills around the pedestrian lanes for a sub‑€5 dinner.
• Coffee & treats: Harborfront kafeneia for freddo cappuccino; bakeries selling bougatsa (custard pie) and tiropita for easy breakfasts.
• Stay here (great for families/budgets): Search self‑catering studios and apart‑hotels on VRBO Lefkada Town or value hotels on Hotels.com Lefkada Town. Self‑catering helps you stay on budget 8/100 with simple breakfasts and picnics.
• Getting in: Fly into Aktion/Preveza (PVK) and compare fares on Omio (flights). Taxi PVK→Lefkada Town ~25–30 min (about €35–50); the local bus via Preveza can be ~€3–4 but runs less often. From Athens, the KTEL bus to Lefkada is ~5–6 hours (~€35–45)—check timetables and book via Omio (buses).

Day 1: Arrival and Seaside Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive in Lefkada Town, check into your studio, and stock up on fruit, yogurt, bread, and cheese for budget breakfasts. Stretch your legs along the marina promenade and the pedestrian core.

Evening: Casual dinner at a gyros grill (pork or chicken wrapped with fries and tzatziki), then a slow lap around the lagoon at sunset to spot the old windmills. Early night after travel.

Day 2: Fortress, Monastery Views, and the Lagoon

Morning: Walk or bus to Agia Mavra Fortress on the causeway. Kids love the ramparts; parents love the breeze and views. Bring water—shade is limited.

Afternoon: Taxi or bus up to Faneromeni Monastery for panoramic island views and a small museum; dress modestly for the church. Picnic lunch under pines, then back to town for a gelato and break.

Evening: Dinner at Perivoli—order a Greek salad, giant beans (gigantes), and a shared grilled fish plate to keep things wallet‑friendly. Stroll the marina where kids can watch yachts come and go.

Day 3: West Coast Beach Day—Agios Nikitas & Kathisma

Morning: Take the summer KTEL bus to Agios Nikitas (~30–40 min, ~€2–3; check Omio (buses)). Wander the car‑free lane to the beach; pebbles here make the water crystal‑clear—bring water shoes.

Afternoon: Continue by short bus or taxi to Kathisma Beach for wide sands and turquoise swells. Rent one umbrella set for the day (share shade) and stick to snacks you brought to manage costs. If you’d like a high‑view treat, head up at golden hour to Exanthia’s ridge.

Evening: Optional sunset drink or lemonade at Fly Me (next to famed Rachi restaurant in Exanthia) with paragliders floating below. Back to town; simple dinner: bakery pies and fruit in your room.

Nidri

Nidri sits on a tranquil bay facing the islets of Skorpios and Meganisi. Promenade life is easy, the water is calmer than the west coast, and the Dimosari (Nidri) Waterfalls trail adds a dash of jungle to your week.

• Why base here next: Calm, shallow beaches for kids; affordable boat/ferry hops; short hikes; budget eateries.
• Eat & drink (budget to moderate): Pirofani (seafront taverna; order soutzoukakia meatballs and fried anchovies), Obelix (reliable gyros/platters), bakeries for spinach pies and koulouri.
• Stay here (family value): Compare apartment stays near Perigiali or the back streets (quieter and cheaper) on VRBO Nidri or Hotels.com Nidri.
• Transfer note (morning departure): KTEL bus Lefkada Town→Nidri runs about 25–35 min (~€2–3). See schedules on Omio (buses). Taxi is ~€20–25 if you want door‑to‑door.

Day 4: Move to Nidri, Seafront Ease

Morning: Bus from Lefkada Town to Nidri (aim for an early departure). Drop bags, grab bakery snacks for a budget picnic.

Afternoon: Settle at Perigiali or Paso beach (quiet, shallow). Rent just one sunbed set if needed—kids can nap in shade while you rotate swims.

Evening: Family dinner at Pirofani—split a salad, a pasta pomodoro for kids, and one fish of the day. Promenade gelato after sunset.

Day 5: Honey, Bees, and a Forest Walk

Morning: Join the hands‑on Melissini Beekeeping Experience (engaging for older kids; check age notes). Learn how local honey is made and taste varieties from thyme to pine.

Melissini Beekeeping Experience (book here; see live pricing)

Afternoon: Hike the shaded path to Dimosari/Nidri Waterfalls (about 20–30 minutes from the trailhead; bring sturdy sandals and water). In late summer the flow can be lighter; the walk is still lovely.

Evening: Budget dinner at Obelix (share a platter of gyros meat, pita, and salad). Early night or harbor stroll to spot boats heading to Meganisi.

Day 6: Sea Caves by Kayak (or Calm‑Water Paddle)

Morning: For adventurous families with older kids, paddle to a hidden sea cave on a guided half‑day trip that includes a simple Greek lunch and fruit. It’s a unique angle on Lefkada’s cliffs and coves.

Kayak Trip to Hidden Blue Cave, with lunch & fruits (book here)

Afternoon: Prefer gentler water for small kids? Head to Desimi Beach (calm bay) and rent an inexpensive pedal boat or single kayak for an hour. Pack fruit and bakery pies for a low‑cost beach lunch.

Evening: Simple home‑cooked dinner in your apartment (pasta, tomato, local feta), then a treat: loukoumades (honey doughnuts) from a dessert shop.

Day 7: Meganisi Island Hop and Departure

Morning: Take the local ferry from Nidri to Meganisi (to Spilia or Vathy; ~25–35 min; foot passengers typically ~€3–5 each way—verify locally). Ferries and small boats can be searched on Omio (ferries). Explore the harbor, splash at a nearby cove, and picnic under olives.

Afternoon: Return to Nidri, pick up your bags. Bus Nidri→Lefkada Town (~25–35 min, ~€2–3), then taxi to Aktion (PVK) for your flight. If you’re bussing back to Athens, check departures on Omio (buses) and grab sandwiches for the road.

Evening: If your flight is late, enjoy one last budget dinner—shared meze (tzatziki, baked eggplant, fried zucchini) and grilled chicken souvlaki—before you go.

Extra low‑cost ideas around both bases: Gyra lagoon birdwatching at sunrise; free playgrounds by the marina; sunset at Cape Lefkatas lighthouse (longer ride; combine with a bus to Vasiliki in high season); window‑shopping and people‑watching on Lefkada Town’s pedestrian lanes.

More places to stay (island‑wide search): VRBO Lefkada and Hotels.com Lefkada.

With Lefkada Town’s history and Nidri’s calm bays, this 7‑day itinerary layers free beaches, short hikes, and hands‑on local life—easy on the wallet and big on memories. Whether you’re picnicking under olives or paddling to a blue cave, the Ionian glow stays with you long after you’ve crossed the little swing bridge home.