Meganisi: the quiet island next to Lefkada

The island you can almost touch

Lefkada gets most of the attention in the Ionian — the white cliffs, Porto Katsiki, Skorpios. But just across the water from Nydri, so close you can see its houses from the port, lies Meganisi: a small island of olive groves, rocky inlets and three quiet villages.

Meganisi isn't undiscovered — sailing boats have loved its bays for years, and the Lefkada day cruises stop here. But it keeps a slower pace than Lefkada, and with a private boat you can often find a cove with very few other boats in it.

Papanikolis Cave

Meganisi's best-known sight is Papanikolis Cave, a large sea cave on the island's south-west coast. Its entrance is wide enough for a boat to approach, and inside, the water glows blue and green with the light reflected from below.

Local legend says the Greek submarine Papanikolis hid here during the Second World War, and the cave took its name. Historians debate whether a submarine could really have fit inside — but the story is part of the place, and captains enjoy telling it. In calm conditions you can swim inside. A private boat cruise to Meganisi usually builds the morning around the cave and a swim, before moving on to the coves and villages.

Coves and swimming

Meganisi's coastline is full of small bays with green-blue water over pebbles and sand. Some, on the more sheltered east side, are deep inlets where boats anchor for a swim; others, on the west, look out towards Lefkada and the open sea. The captain chooses the stops depending on the wind, so you swim where the water is calmest that day.

Three small villages

Meganisi has three villages: Spartochori on the hill above Porto Spilia, Vathi around its natural harbour, and Katomeri inland between them. Vathi and Porto Spilia are easy to reach from the water — anchor or tie up, walk along the quay and stop for a coffee or lunch at a taverna. Spartochori, a short walk up from Porto Spilia, has narrow lanes, flowers and views over the channel to Lefkada.

How to visit Meganisi by boat

Meganisi is part of the AURA Lefkada cruise, which crosses from Nydri for Papanikolis Cave and Skorpios as well as the west coast beaches. It's also the first stop on the Ithaca route. If you'd rather spend more time on Meganisi itself — more coves, a long lunch in Vathi — a custom cruise can build the day around it.

On the Lefkada route you can also choose a half-day; it's the only route with that option. Fuel is charged separately on the island routes, and the captain gives you an estimate in advance.

Explore the Lefkada cruise, which includes Meganisi, or plan a custom cruise — we reply within 24 hours, and there's no deposit until you're happy with the plan.