Why?
I first visited Lefkada in 1993, staying at a beach resort near Nidri. We spent our days sailing and exploring the coast, rarely venturing inland. Back then, Nidri was a quiet port with just two places to eat: a classy Italian restaurant and a charming Greek taverna. We chose the taverna for its warmth and authenticity.
Since then, Lefkada has grown in popularity, attracting more visitors each year. The new airport at Actio-Preveza has reduced transfer times from several hours to just minutes, making it even easier for travelers to access the island. Many come to enjoy the calm, sheltered waters and the reliable afternoon winds, ideal for sailing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or simply swimming in the beautiful Ionian and Inland Seas. However, despite the increase in tourism, the island’s interior remains largely untouched. Even where development has occurred—primarily along the coast—it follows traditional architectural styles and remains low-key.
Venture inland, and you’ll discover mountains that rise to 1,200 meters, deep ravines, lush valleys, and expansive oak and pine forests. Numerous ancient monopati (Greek for footpaths or donkey trails) connect the mountain villages, guiding you safely through the landscape’s rugged beauty. The villages themselves are home to cozy stone cottages and welcoming tavernas, many of which offer holiday rentals.
I invite you to experience this enchanting island for yourself. Your visit helps sustain the local community and preserve Lefkada’s charm. Some monopati are already being lost to encroaching forests, and each step you take on these paths helps keep them clear. Every Euro spent in the village tavernas contributes to their continued existence. Most importantly, by visiting, you’ll experience a truly unspoiled paradise.
When we began exploring the monopati, we were surprised at how many were uncharted. While there are a couple of walking guides and some marked trails, there’s so much more to discover. To help others explore this hidden beauty, we’ve added all the monopati we’ve discovered to OpenStreetMap, so you can easily view them on your phone or GPS. This website provides additional details to help you find and walk these paths.
We’re fortunate to now have a cottage in Alexandros, perched on one of Lefkada’s plateaus. One of the monopati passes right by our house. If you see us in the garden, feel free to wave!
What?
On this site, you’ll find a collection of Lefkada’s trails—a network of paths that follow traditional monopati, unpaved tracks, and, when necessary, quieter surfaced roads. These trails connect villages, lead you to mountaintops, and, in some cases, wind along the coast, through streams, and into forests—perfect for the hottest summer days.
Each trail comes with a detailed description, including maps and photos to help guide your journey. You’ll also find interesting background information on the island’s history, geography, flora, and fauna. Most trails are point-to-point, but they’re designed so you can easily connect two or three to create a circular hike. Alternatively, you can use buses, taxis, or a friend with a car to get around. Each trail description includes suggestions for linking routes or alternative transportation options.
Although we personally prefer to walk the trails, many are also suitable for cycling. We’ve indicated which trails are good for biking, although some adventurous riders may want to tackle them all! Our only request for mountain bikers is to slow down when passing walkers—we’ll gladly step aside if given a friendly heads-up. Also, be cautious when cycling through narrow streets in mountain villages.
If you’re interested in helping expand the trail network we’re always eager to hear about new monopati discoveries. We’re also deeply grateful to the local groups, such as the Lefkada fell runners, walkers, and village associations, who have been working on this for years. This website builds upon their outstanding efforts, and we’re honored to continue their work.