Porto Katsiki

One of the most photographed beaches in the world — Porto Katsiki is a blade of turquoise water cut between sheer white cliffs at the foot of Lefkada's wild western coast.

About Porto Katsiki

Porto Katsiki is the great vertical drama of the Ionian: a narrow shelf of white sand and pebbles pressed between the sheer white cliffs of Lefkada's west coast and the deep blue of the Ionian Sea. The beach itself is relatively small, a few hundred metres of pale pebbles, but it is the setting that makes it unforgettable - the cliffs rise in great pale sheets above the shore, the water below them is a stunning deep blue-green, and the whole scene faces the open sea, where the sunset is one of the most beautiful in Greece. The beach is reached by a long flight of roughly 350 steps that descends the cliff from a car park at the top, and the walk down is part of the ritual: you pass the tiny white chapel on the rock and arrive at the sand with the water glowing in front of you. The swimming is superb, the water deepens quickly, and the bay is a magnet for photographers at every hour of the day. There is a small canteen and some umbrellas for hire in season, but the beach is otherwise unspoiled, and the cliffs give it a dramatic, almost theatrical atmosphere. Porto Katsiki is consistently ranked among the finest beaches in Europe, and for many people it is the single most memorable stop on a trip around Lefkada. The exposed position means the sea can be rougher than on the island's east-coast beaches, and the perfect day here is calm and sunny; on such a day, the combination of white cliffs, deep blue sea, and setting sun is close to perfect.

Things to book in Porto Katsiki

Rent a Car and Go Pick up at the airport, drop off when you leave. Find Your Hotel Hotels and stays on Kiwi, alongside flights and cars. Book Your Ride Before You Land Pre-book the airport transfer and it is waiting when you step out. Skip-the-Line Tickets Attractions and events booked ahead, so the queue is not your queue. Tours Small Enough to Remember Sightseeing with a local guide, booked before you arrive. Data Working Before You Land A travel eSIM that is live the moment you clear customs.

Booking · these are affiliate links · we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you

Questions people ask about Porto Katsiki

Why visit Porto Katsiki?

One of the most photographed beaches in the world — Porto Katsiki is a blade of turquoise water cut between sheer white cliffs at the foot of Lefkada's wild western coast.