Beyond the sunbeds and tavernas, Lefkada is a high-energy playground. Because of its rugged mountains and unique wind patterns, it’s one of the best islands in Greece for a purely “active” holiday.

Windsurfing

Vasiliki Bay is legendary among windsurfers.
Every afternoon, a local thermal wind (affectionately called “Eric”) kicks in, creating flat water with high-speed gusts, ideal conditions for both beginners in the morning and pros in the afternoon.

Kitesurfing

On the north end of the island, near the old windmills of Agios Ioannis, the sky fills with hundreds of colorful kites. The consistent side-shore winds make this one of the premier kitesurfing spots in the Mediterranean.

Mountain Biking

For the truly fit, the “White Church” ride is the island’s ultimate cycling challenge. It’s a 57km loop that climbs to the highest point of the island (1,158m) before a technical descent through “Spider Alley”.

Paragliding

If you want to feel the “Ionian Blue” from above, take a tandem paragliding flight from the cliffs above Kathisma.
You’ll catch thermals and glide for 15-20 minutes before landing right on the sand.

Trail Running

Scheduled for May 23, 2026, this annual sunset run takes athletes through a protected “Natura” lagoon area. It includes a 21km half marathon, an 8km race, and a 1km sprint for kids.

Sea Kayaking

Forget the motorboat; paddle your way across the channel. Guided tours from Mikros Gialos or Nidri take you into deep sea caves and across to the island of Meganisi for a full-day upper-body workout.

Scuba Diving

Lefkada’s underwater world is all about verticality. Dive centers in Nikiana and Vasiliki offer “wall dives” where you can descend along underwater cliffs, exploring cracks and crevices filled with Mediterranean marine life.

Hiking

Lefkada has several peaks over 1,000 meters. The ultimate hiking challenge is a 23km rocky circuit starting from Eglouvi that summits all of them in a single day, involving a total ascent of over 1,300 meters.

Horseback Riding

Head to Aramis Farm in Apolpena for a more active take on sightseeing. You can take guided rides through the ancient olive groves and even go for a “swimming session” with the horses in the shallow waters of the lagoon.

Tennis

If you prefer the court to the coast, the Lefkada Tennis Club (near Agios Ioannis) and the municipal courts in Lefkada Town offer well-maintained surfaces for a morning match before the heat of the day sets in.