Porto Katsiki Beach

Porto Katsiki is a beach on the southwestern coast of Lefkada in the Ionian Islands of Greece, near the village of Athani. It lies beneath tall white cliffs that tower above a long strip of pale pebbles and sand, with the sea shifting from emerald to deep blue. It is regularly counted among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The access road ends at a car park on the cliff top, where a viewing platform offers a long view of the beach below. From there, a staircase of roughly eighty steps descends to the beach. A small snack bar at the top and umbrellas at the bottom provide basic services, but the beach itself is largely undeveloped, with a little shade from the cliffs in the afternoon. The beach is also reached by water taxi or boat excursions from Nidri, Vasiliki and Agios Nikitas, and many visitors pair it with a trip to the nearby Egremni Beach. A visit lasts three to four hours, including the steps. The sea shelves quickly and can have strong waves, especially in the afternoon, so swimmers should take care. Rockfalls from the cliffs happen occasionally, so lingering directly beneath the cliff face is discouraged. Crowds are greatest between about 11:00 and 17:00 in July and August, when the car park fills and the beach is crowded. Early morning and early evening are quieter, and the evening light makes the cliffs glow. In May, June and September the beach is far calmer. The viewpoint above is a favourite place for sunset photographs, as the sun sets directly over the open Ionian Sea. The name means Goat Port, and goats once used the cliffs. The surrounding coastline is rugged and sparsely built, so the beach keeps a wild character even at busy times. Visitors bring water and food since services are limited, and cash is useful for the snack bar and parking when charged.