Getting from Mykonos to Lefkada

Lefkada is one of the most accessible of the Ionian islands and one of the most beautiful. It is technically connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway and a small floating bridge which means you can drive onto the island without taking a ferry, something that makes it unique among the Ionian group. That accessibility has not diminished it. The west coast has some of the finest beaches in Greece, Porto Katsiki and Egremni in particular, dramatic white cliffs dropping to impossibly blue water that rivals anything in the Mediterranean. The main town has a charm of its own, with earthquake resistant timber framed buildings painted in bright colours lining the waterfront.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry that runs directly to Lefkada from Mykonos. The island is connected to the mainland by road via a causeway near the town of Lefkada, which means the practical way to reach it without flying is to get to the mainland and drive across. From Athens the drive takes around 5 to 5.5 hours heading northwest through Ioannina or via the Rio-Antirrio bridge across the Gulf of Corinth.

What about flying?

Lefkada does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Preveza, also known as Aktion Airport, which is around 20 kilometres from the causeway entrance to Lefkada. The journey from Mykonos goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Preveza, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door. From Preveza Airport to Lefkada takes around 20 to 25 minutes by car or taxi.

Your best option

Fly to Preveza via Athens and hire a car for the short drive across to Lefkada. Having a car on Lefkada is not optional if you want to see the best of the island. The west coast beaches require it and the drive down to Porto Katsiki through the mountains is half the experience. Give yourself at least three or four days and get to the west coast early in the morning before the beach crowds arrive.