WITH its Caribbean blue water, sun-kissed shores and green pine forests, this autumn sunshine spot is a hidden gem in the central Mediterranean.
Lefkada is often overshadowed by some popular Greek spots like Santorini, Mykonos or Paros.
However, this picturesque Greek spot does not have an airport or a main port, as it is connected to the mainland via a bridge.
The easiest way to get there from Dublin Airport is by flying to Corfu.
And Ryanair flights from Dublin to Corfu start from €30 this October.
Irish tourists can reach the island by car, bus, or ferry.
It’s a four-hour drive or an estimated six-hour ferry journey.
However, only one ferry operates per day, and the average price of ferry tickets is €32.
The beautiful spot features cute boutiques, waterfront cafes, and alleyway tavernas, offering the best homemade Greek traditional dishes.
Lefkada is blessed with a stunning coastline and unbelievably clear blue waters – and you’ll feel like you’re on a Caribbean beach.
You will also find sandy beaches and soaring white sea cliffs.
Porto Katsiki, Kathisma and Egremni are some of the most famous beaches on the island.
There are more than 20 beaches to explore from wild to well-organised sandy strands.
Lefkos beach was included in a list of beaches with the calmest waters in the world.
It was among the top 10 European beaches, along with others in Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
Lefkada city is surrounded by a canal and a lagoon, while farther north lies Gyra, a thin stretch of a sandy beach with scant vegetation.
It also features breathtaking Ionian waterfalls alongside charming villages surrounded by olive groves.
Lefkada is also known for its windsurfing and sailing activities.
Its strong and consistent wind creates ideal conditions for water activities.
Lefkada retains a serene and unspoiled atmosphere because it is less crowded and less touristy than the most popular spots on the Greek islands.
And the island itself is affordable, too, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €3 in most bars.
It also offers the best of traditional Greek cuisine, with plenty of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vibrant Mediterranean salads.
It is also highly recommended to visit the Lefkas Earth Winery, which has one of the most important white wines in the region.
Lefkada’s top temperatures are 22C in October and 17C in November, making the Greek island the perfect location to catch the last of the European sunshine.