Villas in Lefkada

Lefkada is joined to the mainland, so there is no ferry from Preveza airport. Agios Nikitas suits beach lovers who want the west coast's turquoise water; Vafkeri is a quiet hill-village base above the east coast; Sivota and Mikros Gialos in the south suit calm-water swimming and sailing. Expect winding roads, and allow time for the drives.

Where

Villas: 71
From, per week: £1,425
Cheapest month: November
Nearest airports: Preveza (Aktion), on the mainland, is the nearest airport. Lefkada town is around 25 to 30 minutes away across the floating causeway bridge, and most villa areas are 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter. Flights from London take around three and a quarter hours.

Where to stay in Lefkada

Agios Nikitas (west coast)

This is where most of our Lefkada villas are. Agios Nikitas has one pedestrianised street running down to a small beach, lined with tavernas. Milos beach is a steep 20-minute walk or a short water taxi ride away, and the long sandy beach at Kathisma is about 10 minutes by car. Preveza airport is around 45 minutes away.

Best for: Beach lovers who want turquoise water and a walkable village

Not for you if: You want calm water every day: the west coast can be windy and wavy.

Vafkeri and the hills above the east coast

Vafkeri is a small, traditional village about 500 metres up in the olive-covered interior, with partly ruined old stone houses and views down towards the east coast. Nidri, the island's busiest resort, has the beaches, restaurants and boats to Meganisi and the nearby islands. Allow around an hour from Preveza airport.

Best for: Families and groups who want space, views and quiet

Not for you if: You want to walk to the beach or a taverna: you'll be driving every day.

Sivota (south)

Sivota is a small fishing and yachting harbour at the head of a deep, sheltered inlet, ringed with waterside tavernas. Vasiliki, the island's windsurfing centre, is a short drive west, and Porto Katsiki and Egremni, the famous west-coast beaches below white cliffs, are within reach for a day out. Preveza airport is roughly an hour and a quarter away.

Best for: Couples and sailors who want a sheltered harbour village

Not for you if: You want a sandy beach in the village: Sivota is a harbour, not a beach resort.

Mikros Gialos and Poros (south-east)

Mikros Gialos, also called Poros beach, sits in a sheltered bay where the water is usually calm, with a gently shelving shingle beach, tavernas and parking. It is about 11km from Nidri and 15km from Vasiliki, on a good but very winding road. Allow around an hour and a quarter from the airport.

Best for: Families who want a calm, sheltered bay

Not for you if: You want a choice of restaurants: there are a few tavernas and little else.

When to go to Lefkada

June and September are the best months: warm sea, quieter beaches and easier parking at Porto Katsiki and Egremni than in July and August, when the island is at its busiest. The afternoon wind that makes Vasiliki a windsurfing centre also brings waves to the west coast on some days, while the east coast stays calmer. Lefkada is seasonal: from late October to April many beach bars and tavernas close.