Lefkada in the north of Greece is one of the absolute water sports strongholds in Europe. We visited the spot and introduce you to the best corners of the island - even away from the well-known top spot of Vasiliki.
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A view of the Aegean islands from an aeroplane usually reveals the same sight: Deep blue sea, barren landscape. The fact that the islands of Greece were once almost completely forested seems completely absurd today, but no less desirable when you are once again brooding in the Greek summer heat. However, because huge quantities of wood were needed in ancient times to build the fleets and as firewood for the many bathing establishments, the forest had to give way in many places. Rainfall washed away the earth, leaving bare land behind.
Lefkada in the Ionian Sea is an exception in this respect: steep cliffs, impassable terrain with mountains beyond the 1000 metre mark, green valleys. Lefkada - or Lefkas, as it is also known - was largely spared a similar fate due to its poor accessibility. To this day, you can still find dense oak forests, streams and even small waterfalls here, which can be a welcome way to cool off after a long hike.
And the chalice of mass tourism, with all its downsides, has somehow passed Lefkada by. In summer, the beaches are of course full, but hotel castles and party miles are the absolute exception here and the unadulterated Greek lifestyle still dominates.
Lefkada also offers wingsurfers the opportunity to get away from the mainstream. Certainly not in Vasiliki, the internationally renowned top spot in the south of the island. But rather at Milos Beach, an attractive and windy alternative in the north. The fact that on Lefkada it is not the Meltemi but a westerly thermal that is responsible for ventilation ensures that the days here usually start in a relaxed manner. In the morning, there is only a light breeze - ideal for all wingsurfing beginners or for exploring the surroundings on an extended hike or by mountain bike.
The more the sun heats up, the better the thermals get going from midday onwards. 20 knots are not uncommon, but Lefkada is not a spot with strong winds like western Crete or Karpathos - and is therefore ideal for foiling. This is another reason why Lefkada is particularly popular with families. The days are easy to plan, the distances are short and in the course of a typical windy day, everyone - whether beginner or crack - will find their happiness.
The best surf spots on Lefkada
1) Vasiliki
When you arrive in the bay of Vasiliki, it's hard to believe that the wind can blow here at all - the village is surrounded on three sides by high mountains. But if clouds pushing over the mountains from the west herald the wind known as "Eric", you can get ready for take-off. In summer, it regularly blows through in the afternoon with 15 to 20 knots, and you can then start on the pebble beach in the north of the bay with wind from the right. Really strong days with over 25 knots are also a regular occurrence, although it is always a bit gusty here.
Enclosed on three sides, surfing here is very safe, with a small standing area on the shore and the safety concept of the large surf centres on site ensuring that nobody has to worry about drifting off. The water remains flat to slightly choppy. As the wind is usually light and onshore from the south in the morning, beginners and children also get their money's worth here, making Vasiliki Bay an ideal family spot. The fact that you can live here within walking distance and that there are well-equipped surf centres as well as all other infrastructure such as supermarkets and restaurants in the village also contributes significantly to relaxation - you only drive here because you want to, not because you have to.
2) Milos Beach/Agios Ioannis
Much less well-known, but no less interesting than Vasiliki, is the spot on Milos Beach in the north of the island. Wingfoilers from Germany, Italy, Austria, Croatia and also some locals meet here, as the 4.5-kilometre-long beach with its Caribbean water colours is one of the best thermal spots on the Ionian Islands. Close to the beach, there are plenty of accommodation options in every price range, as well as a surf and kite school that offers courses for beginners and advanced surfers and also rents out equipment. A few beach bars, nice tavernas and sun lounger and parasol hire complete the package.
From May to September, Agios Ioannis is a reliable thermal spot with moderate wind for foiling. When there is little wind, the water remains quite smooth; when it blows at 20 knots, there are even a few chops that can be used as jump ramps. Similar to Vasiliki, the thermals usually get going in the afternoon. Milos is also not bad for climbers, as the wind, depending on the entry point, comes sideshore from the left to almost onshore, making it almost impossible to drift off. In the water there is gravel and sand in places, but also some stone slabs. The Milos Beach Resort and the northern end are hot spots for kiters! There are no kiters at the entrance at the southern end of the bay, which means that wings and kites are well separated and there are no problems in the water.
If there is a low-pressure area over southern Italy and the wind is therefore more from a north-westerly to northerly direction, there can even be over 25 knots and a nice swell of one to two metres in height.
3) Limni Amvrakia
Limni Amvrakia is a four-kilometre-long lake that is completely unknown to windsurfers. It is located on the road from Lefkada to Patras and is about 70 kilometres from Milos Beach. Follow road 42 towards Agios Nikolaos, then continue on the E55 to Amfilochia and then head south to the lake. Once you reach the north-east shore, turn right onto a dirt track and you may have to share the space on the lakeshore with a few sheep. If a few knots of thermals from the west to north-west are forecast for this weather station (www.windfinder.com/forecast/bouka), you can expect a gliding wind, which then blows across the lake from a northerly direction out of the mountain valleys at 15 to 20 knots. The water remains smooth and is of drinking water quality!
Are there other surfers here? Woife Strasser reports: "The first time I was there, I met a woman who was letting the sheep out and wanted to enquire whether I was allowed to surf on the lake. Unfortunately, we couldn't communicate in any language. We both laughed and the lady looked at me a little puzzled as I carried my equipment to the water. It was probably the first time she had seen a surfer. I've been there a few more times since then. It was always windy."
General area information Lefkada
Journey
The island of Lefkada is located around 200 kilometres northwest of Patras and is therefore much quicker to reach than the well-known spots in the Aegean. If you have some time, you can also cover the 2000 kilometres from Munich by camper van, but the ferry journey from Venice or Ancona to Igoumenitsa is usually more relaxed. Travelling via Patras is a little more expensive and the last section to Lefkada takes a good three hours, twice as long as from Igoumenitsa. Ferry connections can be found at www.anek.gr or www.minoan.gr . Normally, there are also direct flights from many airports to Preveza, from where you can reach Lefkada within 30 minutes by hire car. The island of Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a swing bridge, which is opened every two hours for a few minutes for sailors and motorboats travelling through the channel.
Living & camping on Lefkada
Vasiliki in the south of the island and Milos Beach in the north are equally suitable as a base for a holiday on Lefkada. Both spots offer a variety of accommodation options in a wide range of price categories. In Vasiliki you can also stay in the immediate vicinity of the surf centres, information can be found e.g. at
There is also a campsite ( www.campingvassilikibeach.com ) can be found in Vasiliki, less than 50 metres from the water. Many other offers for hotels and flats can be found on the usual portals on the internet. There are also various accommodation options on Milos Beach, the nearest campsites are
However, they are a few kilometres away. If you want to stay in Milos, you should stay at the southern end of the long bay, which is the best entry point for wingfoilers. The northern part, on the other hand, is dominated by kiters.
Wind, weather & neoprene recommendations
Lefkada is - in contrast to many other resorts in Greece - not covered by the Summer wind Meltemi but is supplied by a thermal. This develops mainly during the summer months from June to September as a result of the temperature differences between the water and the hot hinterland. The days at Milos Beach and in Vasiliki therefore start in a relaxed manner, with a light breeze that is particularly favourable for beginners and intermediates. Around midday, the wind turns to the west and heralds the increasing thermals. In Milos, this blows much more often and stronger than the wind statistics suggest (the Windfinder statistics are collected at the airport, approx. 20 kilometres away). In practice, with a forecast of eight to twelve knots from the west, it usually blows at twelve to 20 knots from midday until the evening. Lefkada experts such as our spot reporter Woife Strasser put the foil wind rate in Milos at a good 60 per cent during the summer months.
In Vasiliki, clouds pushing over the mountains from the west herald the coming wind - known as "Eric". There are sometimes very strong days here with winds of over 30 knots, but on average it stays at 15 to 20 knots. However, locals also report that the wind frequency has decreased somewhat in recent years. Nevertheless, you can still expect around 50 per cent wind here in summer.
25 degree water, 30 degree air - in high summer a shorty is easily enough on Lefkada, only in the low season (May/September) can a 4/3 longarmneo be advisable. All in all, the wind conditions on Lefkada offer something for everyone - ideal for families and surfing couples.
Surf stations
There are several surf centres on Lefkada, so you can arrive without your own equipment. Courses and camps are offered and SUP boards and other water sports equipment can be hired in addition to wingsurfing equipment. It is also possible to store your own equipment.
Vasiliki
Milos Beach
Alternative programme on Lefkada
Lefkada is relatively unspoilt and has been largely spared the excesses of mass tourism. Although the island is only around 35 kilometres long, it rises to an altitude of over 1100 metres and offers numerous great hiking and MTB routes. Probably the most famous beachPorto Katsiki (approx. five kilometres southwest of Vasiliki) is beautifully situated between white cliffs and can only be reached via a steep staircase. The more easily accessible beaches of Pefkoulia or Kathisma are worth a trip with the family and smaller children.Nidri on the east coast is considered the most touristic place in Lefkada. So if you don't want to miss out on the hustle and bustle, a large shopping area and nightclubs, this is the place to be.
Just outside the town of Nidri, another worthwhile destination awaits: a small path leads through a gorge directly to theNidri Waterfalls. These are not very large, but are surrounded by beautiful nature. The natural pools are perfect for a dip in the cool water! Far away from the classic tourist destinations, there are small fishing and mountain villages with original charm all over the island. The fishing villageAgios Nikitas not far from Milos Beach - no cars are allowed in the village, so you can still enjoy the peace and quiet here, especially in the low season.
TheCastle of Santa Maura cannot really be overlooked when travelling to the island. The fortress was built around 1300 to protect the island and is located on the mainland directly in front of the swing bridge to Lefkas. Last but not least, we recommend a boat trip in the direction of theMeganisi Island to the heart. This often includes theCave of Papanikolis approached. This was a hiding place for submarines during the Second World War and makes a beautiful photo motif today.
