Kathisma Beach

Kathisma is the big, easy beach of the Lefkada west coast: a long stretch of fine white sand and pebbles just south of Agios Nikitas, backed by green hills, with bright turquoise water. It is one of the island’s two most-reviewed beaches and the most developed on this coast, with sunbeds, beach bars and tavernas, and plenty of free space towards its southern end.

Paragliders launch from the slopes above and land on the sand, which adds to the spectacle. Like the whole west coast, it is open to the wind: on calm mornings the water is glassy, but in the afternoon waves can build and the seabed drops quickly, so keep an eye on children. The road down is paved and parking is easier than at Porto Katsiki. Stay for sunset, which is the other reason to come.