Where to swim

The west coast is the best! Bright white pebbles and turquoise waters, like a scene from the Caribbean. Egremnoi: you will go down 350 stairs, the last ones being almost vertical. Porto Katsiki: impressive scenery, rightfully multi-awarded and renowned beach. Lots and lots of people, parking space shortage, etc. Kathisma: another diva beach. Camping, beach bar, endless rows of sunbeds, countless cars, mayhem. Gyalos: beautiful large beach. Roudas: scenic cove with crystal clear waters and nice little taverns. Kalamitsi: formerly a virgin haven, now a very busy but still “wild” beach on the west coast. Agiofyli: take the boat upfront Dolphin tavern at Vassiliki and you will find yourself (and many others) in this beautiful little beach. There is also a path leading right to it.

Where to stay

Amadryades Villas (+30 71716, +30 91543, www.amadryades-villas.gr). Three independent stone villas with a pool and a magnificent view of the sunset, hidden inside the greenery, at Chortata, above Kathisma beach. You need a car to get there.

Where to eat

At Agios Nikitas , at Mylos. At Meganisi go to the famous Trattoria Vezene and try the local seafood pasta everyone who is someone comes here to taste. Got to Balkonaki, Agios Petros, for divine home cooking. Try the cock with tomato sauce and thick pasta as well as stuffed courgette flowers. Go to Avra, just outside Athani, for the views and the fresh fish. The Minas fish tavern, in the 3rd km Lydri-Lefkada) is very well known and rightfully so and the same goes for Xouras. For a cult twist go to Anasa tou Zorba. At Rouva, on the beach by the same name try the soufflé and the delicious spicy cheese melt.

Nightlife

At the beach bar K (+30 71497), at Nikiana, fully equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, a dock for yachts, a children's pool and multi – coloured cocktails overlooking the Ionian sea. In the same area you will find NV (+30 22363), while Copla (+30 29411) and Areia (+30 97115) at Kathisma are equally fun. Across from Lefkada, at Palairos you will find the Yacht Club (+30 26430 42027), a unique all day beach bara & restaurant next to a marina, with a private Ionian sea beach, with Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and live music events.

Where to shop

Wood and Stone (I. Mela, +30 24797) for a selection of house and garden furniture, special pieces for the bathroom and bedroom and an excellent collection of home accessories at really good prices.

Area Code: +30 26450

Police: +30 29370

Port Authority: +30 22322

Town Hall: +30 23000

First Aid: +30 25371

Hotel Info: +30 24539

Rooms & Apartments Info: +30 21266-7