Wander the pedestrian streets of the old town, centered around Agios Spyridonas church and the main square. Look for souvenir shops selling local olive oil, honey, and handmade lace. Head toward the waterfront promenade for your first views over the Ionian Sea.

The 14th century Venetian castle sits at the entrance to the causeway linking the island to the mainland. Walk the outer walls for lagoon views and explore the interior courtyards. Take a taxi or drive about 3 km north from the old town to reach the site.

Head to the small marina just south of the old town and pick any cafe with outdoor tables facing the water. Order a Greek coffee or a frappe and watch the boats come in. Prices are reasonable at around 3 euros for a coffee.

Walk the alleyways around the central square and pick a taverna serving island specialties. Look for sofigado, a slow cooked veal or rabbit stew, or savoro, fried fish in a vinegar and garlic sauce. Expect to spend about 12 euros per person for a full meal.

One of Greece's most famous beaches with turquoise water against a dramatic white cliff. Park at the top lot and walk the long staircase down to the sand. Arrive before 9:30am to beat the tour buses and claim a good spot under the cliffs for shade.

Photo: Mikuláš Prokop mikulas_prokop, CC0

A massive stretch of white pebble beach reachable by steep stairs or by boat from Vasiliki or Nydri. Bring water and snacks since facilities are minimal after the 2015 earthquake damaged the access road. The swim is spectacular but there is almost no shade, so bring an umbrella.

The most developed of the west coast beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beach bar. Easier access by car with a proper parking lot near the road, so no big hike required. Great spot to relax with a cold beer and watch the afternoon light on the cliffs.

Photo: iant71, CC BY 3.0

Head north along the coastal road (the main road toward Agios Nikitas) and pull over at one of the roadside viewpoints facing west. The road is winding and narrow in places, so drive slowly and watch for oncoming traffic. Aim to be at your viewpoint about 30 minutes before sunset for the best light.

Drive or taxi to the Dimosari Waterfalls trailhead just south of Nydri. Wear sturdy shoes as the path is steep and rocky, and bring water. The waterfall pool is shallow enough for a quick swim in autumn if the weather is fair, but check conditions before entering.

Search for a family-run olive grove or press on the road between Nydri and Karya, many offer tastings of their cold-pressed oil. Ask to sample the early-harvest oil which is peppery and green. Buy a bottle to take home if you like it.

Located in the center of Karya village, this small museum showcases traditional Lefkadian costumes, weaving looms, and household tools. Check opening hours in advance as it often closes midday. The entry fee is a few euros and cash is accepted.

Stay in Karya for dinner and wander the cobbled lanes to find a taverna serving village-style plates. Karya is quieter and more traditional than coastal towns, so expect a relaxed pace and seasonal ingredients pulled from local gardens.

Head to the east end of Vasiliki Bay where the water is calmest and the beach is sandy. Rent a sunbed from one of the beach bars along the main waterfront road, and arrive by 9am to grab a good spot before the wind picks up.

Vasiliki is the windsurfing and sailing hub of Lefkada. Book a half-day sailing trip from the small harbor at the south end of the bay; operators offer island hops to nearby islets like Skorpios and Meganisi. Search for 'sailing trips Vasiliki' at the harbor offices or online the evening before.

Drive or take a taxi about 10 minutes north of Vasiliki to this pebble beach with turquoise water and a couple of rustic tavernas. Bring water shoes since the shoreline is rocky, and look for the shaded olive grove behind the beach for a break from the sun.

Walk along the waterfront promenade in Vasiliki village as the sun drops behind the hills. Pick a taverna with tables right on the water and the catch of the day displayed on ice; ask for the day's grilled fish special.

Head to the main beach at Agios Nikitas village, a pebble cove with clear turquoise water and a handful of tavernas along the shore. Park near the small lot at the village entrance and walk the short path down to the water.

From Agios Nikitas, take the dirt track or a water taxi to Milos Beach, a quieter cove that is great for swimming and snorkeling. Bring your own water and snacks as there is only one seasonal beach bar, and the road is rough so consider renting a quad or taking the boat across.

Drive or take a taxi up into the hills to Karya, a traditional stone village known for its weaving cooperative and folk museum on the main square. Wander the narrow lanes off Plateia (the central square) and stop by the Folklore Museum to see local loom work and historical exhibits.

Ask locals or check bulletin boards in Karya or nearby village tavernas for live Greek music evenings, often held on weekends with bouzouki and traditional dances. Look for tavernas with outdoor seating on the main plateia where musicians tend to set up after dinner.

Relax on the long sandy stretch just south of town, a calm spot with shallow water that is great for a final morning swim. Use the free beach access near the main road and grab a lounger if available, since the sun here is gentle in late autumn.

Perched on a hill above the town, this 17th century monastery offers wide views over Lefkada and the lagoon. Walk up the shaded path from the old town or take a taxi for about 3 euros, and note the ornate carved iconostasis inside the church.

Browse along the pedestrian streets of the central old town near the clock tower, where shops sell local olive oil, honey, and handmade lace. Look for packaged pasteli and mandolato sweets to bring home, as they travel well.

Head to the waterfront restaurants along the lagoon at the south edge of town and ask for a table with a view of the water at dusk. Order the local savoro, fried fish in vinegar and garlic sauce, and finish with a glass of vertzami wine.