In Lefkada, Porto Katsiki is the must-not-to-be-missed beach. This idyllic beach is postcard perfect and is, in fact, the face of Lefkada tourism and its many island promotional materials. Porto Katsiki is just beautiful and will make you stand in awe of the beauty of nature and be captivated by her pristine presence.
Its fascinating landscape is what makes Porto Katsiki breathtaking. It’s all about the ‘beauty’ and the ‘theatrical factor’ for this beach. The lush vegetation on top draws a very stark comparison against the abrupt cliff drop of gargantuan white limestone and the turquoise blue waters beneath it, which on some days turn into a bright azure blue.
I myself could not help but be mesmerised by her. When we arrived, we just stood there in the parking lot looking down to the stunning beach in awe. Naturally, just like everyone else, we could not stop taking pictures and selfies.
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We have spent a rather lazy afternoon at Porto Katsiki and I have managed to write down some of the Pros and Cons of spending a day (or half a day) on this beach. Do take note though that these are our own personal experiences. One thing for sure, if you are a first time visitor in Lefkada, you must at least ONCE visit Porto Katsiki.
Porto Katsiki also reminds me of other postcard picture-perfect beaches I have visited in Greece, such as the Navagio/Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos and the Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia. Breathtaking beaches are very much the norm in the Greek Islands.
THE PROS
This beach is a BEAUTY and this is mainly the reason why you will come here.
- You come here to admire and witness the beauty of Porto Katsiki.
- The beach is therapeutic to look at so that’s another plus point.
- You come here for the amazing photo opportunities! Just imagine the possibilities for your Instagram, haha.
- You come here to say – Yes, I have been and have seen Porto Katsiki.
- That’s really it.
THE CONS
There’s a lot of cons, but as I mentioned earlier, you must visit this beach at least once. Just once and you do not have to come back again =)
- This is a remote beach in the less developed area of the island with winding, narrow and partly unpaved roads. But this is typically Greek Islands by the way so not really a surprise for us.
- It is about an hour from Nydri (or Lefkada town), so it’s a long drive.
- The only way to access the beach is through a narrow and steep staircase. This beach is therefore not for the mobility challenged.
- Because Porto Katsiki is facing the open Ionian Sea, the beach waves can be hostile. This is not always a swimmer’s paradise. When we were here the beach was calm, though, but it’s volatile and can change anytime.
- During the high season, it can get very busy.
- Parking can also be an issue during the high season. The snack bar trucks offer free parking which we didn’t see at first as we were quickly led to the public parking with a fee. I think we paid 5.
- The beach is a gravel beach so you need beach shoes.
- There were no sunbeds and parasols when we were here and luckily we managed to stay out of the sun behind the cliffs. I read though that during the high season they bring down sunbeds and parasols for rent.
- There are no shower and bathroom facilities here.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- The beach was partly destroyed in the 2015 earthquake and when we were there they cordoned a part of the cliff.
- Sunbeds and parasols are available (mostly only) in the high season, July and August. Prices can be 10 to 20 per set (2 sunbeds and 1 parasol).
- There are no accommodations here and camping is prohibited as well.
- The nearest village is Athani where you can find a few tavernas with stunning views from its terrace. Combine your visit to Porto Katsiki with dinner at one of the tavernas.
- Food: The snack bar trucks at the top of the stairs.
- There is a café restaurant with a terrace called BILVI. You will encounter this before reaching Porto Katsiki. This is your nearest toilet and sit-down café restaurant. You can order food by phone and they will deliver it to you at the beach. They also have a stand-in wait staff at the beach on the staircase where you can place your order.
- Because of the popularity of this beach, there are some days and hours that it is congested. It is, therefore, best to come here early in the morning (at least before 11:00) or later in the afternoon after 16:00.
- Most boat cruises with a Porto Katsiki stop tend to dock here for an hour during lunch. This means that the beach will be crowded.
- Be careful staying near the cliffs for potential falling rocks
PIN FOR LATER
PORTO KATSIKI PHOTO GALLERY
I am leaving you with lots of eye candy photos below. You have to visit Porto Katsiki at least once if you are visiting/holidaying in Lefkada.
Hope you like them.
This is the nearest cafe restaurant (Bilvi) before reaching Porto Katsiki. It is not too far away but perhaps too hot to walk to and fro.
Most boat cruises stop in Porto Katsiki around noon time.
Can you spot those making selfies?
At the top landing beside the parking area you can find some of these food trucks.
We figured out that its best to bring our own afternoon snacks. Melon slices, black Kalamata olives, local dried salami and a biscuit.
The beach was quite busy and many brought their own parasols.
I managed to walk to the other side of the beach shore and even took a video.
Lots of photo opportunities here at Porto Katsiki and I do not mind having one of those air beds on the beach. They look rather comfy when you see the pebbles on the beach.
I spotted a few small caves on the other side of the beach.
Breathtaking Porto Katsiki. You have to see her at least once.
Travel Period: June-July 2016
Destination: Porto Katsiki, Apollonoi (Lefkada Island - Ionian), Greece
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.
