Porto Katsiki & Skorpios — Lefkada's White Cliff Coastline

Lefkada is the only Ionian island connected to the Greek mainland by a bridge — yet its most extraordinary places are completely unreachable by road. Porto Katsiki, Egremni, the hidden sea caves of Meganisi, the private shores of Skorpios — these are destinations that exist only for those who arrive by sea. This nine-hour private cruise is the most comprehensive way to experience Lefkada's full magnificence, from the wild northern beaches to the mythical island of the Onassis family.

Two Departure Points

Your Lefkada island hopping experience departs from one of two locations:

From Nydri, Lefkada — The ideal starting point — just minutes from Meganisi and Skorpios. Your voyage unfolds naturally, island by island, through the most sheltered and beautiful waters of the Ionian.

From Preveza Port — A slightly longer crossing through open Ionian water, rewarded with a dramatic coastal approach to Lefkada from the north. Ideal for guests staying in Preveza or arriving via Aktio Airport.

Your captain will advise on the best departure point based on your location and the conditions of the day.

The Route — Seven Extraordinary Stops

Mylos Beach

Your voyage begins at Mylos Beach — a small, perfectly formed cove at the north-western coast of Lefkada, sheltered by golden cliffs. The water here is shallow and luminously clear, making it an ideal first swim of the day before the Ionian opens up before you. Few tourists reach Mylos this early; arriving by sea, you have the bay almost entirely to yourselves.

Egremni Beach

Heading north along the dramatic western coastline, you reach Egremni — a beach accessible from land only via approximately 350 steps carved into the clifftop. From the sea, it presents itself differently: a long sweep of white pebbles and turquoise water at the base of forty-metre limestone cliffs. Your captain anchors close to shore, and you swim directly from the boat — no steps, no waiting.

Porto Katsiki

Continuing along the western coast, you arrive at Porto Katsiki — consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. A near-vertical wall of white limestone rises from the sea, its base meeting water of extraordinary clarity and colour. There are no steps from the cliff road on this approach; arriving by private boat, you have a perspective that no coach tour can offer, and the beach largely to yourselves.

Cape Lefkatas

Rounding the southernmost tip of Lefkada, your captain navigates past Cape Lefkatas — the dramatic lighthouse promontory from which, according to ancient legend, the poet Sappho leapt into the sea. The cape is rugged and wind-carved, with the open Ionian stretching south and the sheltered east coast beginning its curve northward. A moment for photographs and quiet contemplation of the island's most storied point.

Sivota Bay (Lunch)

Tucking into the sheltered waters of Sivota Bay on Lefkada's eastern coast, you anchor for lunch at one of the waterside tavernas that line this peaceful fishing village. Sivota is one of those rare places that combines extraordinary natural beauty — a deep blue lagoon surrounded by wooded hills — with genuine local character. Fresh catch of the day, cold white wine, and an hour of complete calm before the afternoon unfolds.

Meganisi – Papanikolis Cave

Crossing to the nearby island of Meganisi, your captain navigates into the famous Papanikolis Cave — a sea cave so vast that the WWII Greek submarine it is named after sheltered here entirely. Inside, the water turns a luminous azure shade, lit from below by sunlight filtering through the entrance. The cave is best experienced mid-morning, when the angle of the sun creates its most spectacular light. From a private boat, you have this extraordinary place to yourselves.

Skorpios

Your final stop is Skorpios — the private island purchased by Aristotle Onassis in 1963, and the site of some of the most legendary gatherings of the twentieth century. Jackie Kennedy was married here. Maria Callas sailed these waters. Today, the island's emerald shores are accessible by private boat — a rare opportunity to swim in a bay of complete privacy, in waters that carry the weight of living history.

Pricing

The Lefkada Island Hopping Experience is priced as a complete private voyage:

One price. Complete privacy. The entire boat is yours.

Fuel is additional and calculated transparently on the day.

Why Lefkada by Private Boat?

Lefkada's most famous beaches — Porto Katsiki and Egremni — receive thousands of visitors daily in peak season. From the clifftop, they are spectacular. From a private boat, anchored just offshore in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive, they are transcendent. The difference is unparalleled.

When to Go

The Lefkada cruise operates from May through October. June and September offer ideal conditions — the Maistros (summer wind) is gentler, the water is warm, and the anchorages less crowded. In July and August, an early morning departure (09:00) is strongly recommended to reach Porto Katsiki and Egremni before the day-trip boats arrive from Nydri.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we visit all seven stops in one day?

Yes — the full day at sea (approximately nine hours) is sufficient to visit all locations with meaningful time at each. Your captain manages the timing expertly, ensuring you are never rushed. If you fall in love with a particular stop, we simply adjust the pace.

Is Porto Katsiki always accessible by boat?

Porto Katsiki is accessible in all but the roughest sea conditions. The bay is partially sheltered from the prevailing northern winds. Your captain monitors conditions daily and will always advise.

Can we tailor the route?

Absolutely. This itinerary is our recommended Lefkada experience, but every voyage is private and flexible. If you prefer to spend more time at Skorpios or add a stop at a particular cove, simply discuss it with your captain.

Is Egremni beach accessible from the land?

Egremni requires descending approximately 350 steps from the clifftop road. By private boat, you arrive directly at the waterline — no steps, no waiting, simply the sea.

Is lunch at Sivota included in the price?

Lunch at Sivota Bay is not included in the base price — lunch at your own expense at the taverna. However, your captain will take you directly to the best spot and the meal is typically one of the highlights of the day.

Can the Papanikolis Cave be entered by boat?

Yes — the Papanikolis Cave on Meganisi is one of the highlights of this route. The AURA vessel is well suited to the cave entrance, and your captain will navigate inside when conditions allow. The cave is best visited in the morning, when the sun angle creates the most spectacular luminous azure light effect.

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