Porto Katsiki beach
Porto Katsiki is one of the most beautiful and most visited beaches of Lefkada, located 40 km southeast of its capital. Every year he gets into the TOP lists of the best coasts of Greece and even Europe. Although only shepherds used to get here after the lost goats, which is why the beach inherited a specific name meaning “Port of the goats”. Now few people remember this when visiting the picturesque coast of Porto Katsiki, which has become a symbol of a beach holiday in Lefkada.
Photos
Beach description
Photos of Porto Katsiki have long been a trademark of the Lefkada guides. Its long and incredibly scenic coast framed by massive limestone cliffs, most often appears on the covers. Impressive white cliffs, the top part of which is covered with dense vegetation with contrasting emerald coloring, give this beach the charm of a place where ancient myths may seem to come alive.
Tourists should also take into account a number of the following features of Porto Katsiki:
- its beachline - sandy and pebble, with the predominance of large white pebbles on the shore and on the sea bottom;
- although the shore has a shallow water area, the depth here is increasing very quickly;
- the water is calm, but the wind stars blowing in the afternoon, and significant waves can occur
Taking into account the last 2 nuances it is possible to have a rest here with children (not very small), but still observing heightened caution. In strong winds, it is not recommended to visit this beach at all.
The coast of Porto Katsiki is not very wide, the tourists are often placed in 3-4 rows, very close to each other. During the season there are so many people that the whole coast is full of colorful beach umbrellas.
The limestone crumb of coastal cliffs on the sea bottom gives the waters incredible blue, which makes the sea seem to merge with the sky. But its presence significantly reduce the visibility under water (in 1-2 m from the surface), which does not allow you to engage in snorkeling here. If there are waves, you can surf here.
In 2015, Porto Katsiki was seriously hurt by the earthquake. Limestones cliffs are quickly exposed to erosion precesses, so it is not recommended to rush to find shelter in their shade. It is better to choose a safer place closer to the sea.
When is the best time to go?
Greece - a country with a long length from north to south, so the recommendations will vary depending on the place where you are going. The holiday season begins in May and reaches a peak in July-August: there are too many tourists, and the temperature on the southern islands reaches 40 degrees, which may still not play a role on the beach, but certainly not suitable for sightseeing. So the best time to relax in Greece is the end of spring-beginning of summer or September-October.
Video: Beach Porto Katsiki
Infrastructure
Porto Katsiki beach is more famous for its nature than infrastructure, although some of its manifestations are here. Just keep in mind that, despite the high attendance of the beach, there are no lifeguards here.
- On the coast rent of sunbeds and umbrellas is available. But if you want to go surfing, you will have to take care of the availability of appropriate equipment yourself.
- Upstairs, on the cliffs there is parking for cars and several eateries, taverns and bars. People can order food and drinks but the prices are much more expensive than in the nearest village. Therefore, it is better to buy everything you need and take it with you.
- A public toilet can only be found near a parking lot.
You can rent apartments in the closest to the beach villages Athani or Vasiliki The closest mini-hotel to the beach (about 3 km) is Porto Katsiki Blu. It represents a country house surrounded by a pine forest. About 5.6 km away from the beach you can stay in Pension Holidays in Vasiliki.
Weather in Porto Katsiki
Best hotels of Porto Katsiki
All hotels of Porto KatsikiUseful information
- Access to the beach is possible both from land and from the sea. In the first case, you will have to overcome a steep descent along an extended staircase of 80 steps, located in the rocks. Those, who are physically not so strong, better use the option of sea excursions to the beach. Boats and yachts with tourists often come here. The starting point for boat trip can be the villages of Nydri and Vasiliki, from which it is also possible to get to the beach by taxi.
- You can reach the beach by car from the village of Lefkada. But it is worth considering that there are no petrol stations along the way. It is also a very narrow road, on which there is quite a busy traffic in the summer, which causes certain difficulties. You will have to travel about 1.5 hours from the capital.
- The most comfortable time to visit Porto Katsiki is late May or early June to enjoy a vacation in relative silence. Usually at this time there are still few vacationers. In summer, it is better to come here early in the morning or in the evening.