Porto Katsiki is Lefkada’s most famous beach and one of the most famous beaches in Greece’s entirety, having been granted the Blue Flag award for ten years in a row. Its name translates to “goat port” after the fact that, until a few decades ago, only goats could climb past its towering, white cliffs to reach the sandy pebbles below. Now, carved into the cliffside is a staircase of more than eighty steps, beckoning you to descend and swim in the startlingly clear, blue-green waters below.
Porto Katsiki can be found about 40km southwest of Lefkada Town and about 50km southwest of Nydri. The latter town as well as the town of Vasiliki offer boat services so that you can traverse the Ionian Sea, not unlike Odysseus once did. Some even claim, based on archaeological finds, that Lefkada is the true Ithaka present in Homer’s epics.
If you decide to come by boat, keep an eye out for Lefkada’s lighthouse, which sits on Cape Doukato. It was built on the remains of a shrine dedicated to Apollo and faces the southern Ionian Islands.
The small peninsula that shelters Porto Katsiki once offered unparalleled panoramic views, but following an earthquake in 2015, it is no longer accessible.
Still, there is a paid car park above the beach which presents a fabulous opportunity for taking pictures and offers a beautiful view of the sunset. Up here, you can take a moment to enjoy snacks and refreshments from several small canteens throughout your lively day. If you crave something while on the beach itself, you can order from an assortment of caffeinated beverages, cold drinks, and sandwiches that will be delivered from a nearby shop.
You can also find a multitude of sea caves burrowed within the cliffs, although several are unavailable to access due to safety reasons.
There are tanning beds and parasols available for rent, but as the beach is very busy during the summer, it is recommended that you bring your own equipment. Even for experienced swimmers, large waves at this beach can prove incredibly dangerous, so be mindful of the weather and sea temperature when you decide to visit, particularly in the autumn and winter seasons.
Because certain weather conditions can prove harmful to visitors, there are few amenities, the beach is full of pebbles rather than smooth sand, and because of how crowded it can be during high season, Porto Katsiki is not recommended for families with young children.
The road leading north is littered with lodging and traditional Greek tavernas, building up to the village of Athani, which regularly houses tourists and is full of such establishments. If you visit Athani, make sure to try its famed honey. The bees that produce it roam among stalks of thyme, both on Lefkada and throughout the rest of Greece. Beyond acting as an antiseptic and antibacterial, thyme honey pairs beautifully with fresh Greek yogurt, which you can enjoy on or off the beach of Porto Katsiki.
