Kathisma beach is the most popular beach in Lefkada. It is a long pebble beach with sky blue clear water. Kathisma is one of the beaches with easy access to it by car. There you can enjoy both relaxation and having fun.
The sandy coastline is almost 1 mile (1.5 km) long and 200 feet (70m) wide. The beach is situated at the base of a picturesque hill that is considered to be one of the most spectacular view points in Lefkada. The hotels and beach bars are built into the cliffs. All hotels offer a panoramic sea view. On the beach, summer fun rhythm is everywhere!
Being a summer destination for young people, Kathisma is one of the busiest spots on the island. In high season it can be overcrowded. In addition,there are people trying to sell you selfie stick or cheap sunglasses.
Location of Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, Greece
Kathisma beach is situated in the north part of Lefkada Island and has easy access unlike most of Lefkada’s beaches, to which you have to get through a narrow road. Kathisma is 14 km from Lefkada town and 2km from Agios Nikitis, where you can find taverns and supermarkets.
As many beaches on the Lefkada`s west coast, Kathisma frequently experience big waves. The undercurrent can be also very strong.
How to get to Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, Greece
To get to Kathisma Beach you can rent a car or a motorcycle. Very often tourists without cars rent buggies or motorcycles because the road to most of the beaches is narrow and it is harder for two cars to pass. There is a paid parking for 3 euros per day but in the summer season it gets hard to find a parking spot because of the crowds.
Prices and more in Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, Greece
Through the hot season the temperatures in Kathisma there is no shade so you should rent an umbrella and a sunbed. In some cafés they are free for customers but in some 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella cost 5 euros. There are no restaurants there; mostly you can find pizza places and cafes. A frappe costs approximately 5 euros and the toasts costs approximately 2, 50 euros. There are three hotels at Kathisma beach. One of them is 200 meters away from the beach and it is called Sunset Studios. The hotel has a free parking and a swimming pool. The distance to the beach is little from it and you can walk to the beach. This makes it easier for the hotel guests because when the beach parking gets crowded you don’t have to park there, but just walk.
Accommodations
The vicinity of the marvelous beach and beachside bars, as well as the spectacular sunsets tempted us to choose an accommodation in Kathisma instead of any other place in the area. Two years ago we stayed at Sunset Studios – an accommodation at the same beach. In 2015 I tried to book a room at this hotel but there was a misunderstanding with the prepayment and the reservation was cancelled.
So, 3 weeks before our planned vacation we started to search for another hotel in Kathisma.We liked Sirios hotel but is was more expensive than we expected – 85 euros per studio without breakfast. Then I found some scarce information about Theocharis Bros – Studios Apartments – an accommodation just a few steps from the sea. We liked the photos of the hotel. The price was 75 euros per night.The offer included free Wi Fi, free sun umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach and free access to the pool that was part of the company`s beachside bar.
In fact, there were significant differences between what hotel had published online and the reality. When we arrived, we realized that our room was very tiny. It was difficult for two of us to pass each other without bumping into the beds. The kitchenette was very small but useful. There was a minibar, two hotplates and tableware. The bathroom was miniature and the worst thing about it was the sliding door. It was impossible to have any privacy inside! At least there was a door that separated the area of the kitchenette and bathroom from the bedroom.
For 5 days no one changed the towels and sleepwear. Cleaning the floor or taking out the trash were not recognized as their responsibilities. Last but not least, the Wi FI did not work well.
On the other hand, the Theocharis Bros Studios Apartments Hotel had some positives. It was impressive that all the studios featured sea view. Most of the customers also had free sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. There was a special shaded parking for hotel`s guests.
Things to do in Kathisma Beach, Lefkada, Greece
Kathisma offers a wide variety of things to do: you can either go parasailing or swimming or just relaxing.
Paragliding
Kathisma is considered to be one of the most exciting paragliding spots in the Mediterranean. Two companies offer paragliding facilities on the beach. You can experience the thrill of flying above the azure Ionian sea and majestic Lefkada`s mountains. These are among the most beautiful views in Greece.
No training is needed for an introductory paragliding flight. During your fantastic journey there is a well-trained pilot with you who navigates the equipment. The first time flyers feel really safe and secure. A team member said that for more than 20 years flying experience in the area of Kathisma beach, no accidents occurred.
Flights start after 11 o’clock in the morning if the wind conditions are right. The journey lasts up to 10 minutes and costs 30 euros. If you want to be filmed with a GoPro camera, you will have to pay 40 euros. Take off is at 200 meters above the sea-level. There is a more expensive option in which take off is at 600 meters above sea-level. It costs 60 euros but isn’t as spectacular since you pass solely above mountains instead of sea. The flying-site is located very close to the coastline. During the flight you are able to enjoy the scenery of lime green mountains, dazzling white beach and emerald sea. Sounds like a dream come true! This is an experience one could not forget.
Beach bars
Kathisma has acquired a reputation for a party destination for those who like lively crowds. One of the best places is Copla Beach Bar. At evenings it hosts live events and DJ parties. Copla offers swimming pool, Jacuzzi, showers, luxury sunbeds under natural shade, free Wi Fi and free parking. During the day Copla Beach Bar is a relaxed setting with a sophisticated design and chill-out atmosphere. You can swim in the pool or relax in the jacuzzi especially when the sea is very wavy. At nights the party spirit peaks.
Areia Club is also a nice place to have drinks and snacks by the beach. It offers relaxation in the day and a party atmosphere at night. The chilled-out beach club has a pool, outdoor high-end sunbeds, and Free Wi Fi. The type of music played in Areia beach bar is more focused on the 70’s. The DJ is more likely to play retro music from the 60s to the 90s rather than contemporary songs.
Note: there are certain seasons in which the sea in Kathisma gets really violent and it is not recommended for small children. Also, it gets deep really fast so your children will need constant supervision. In that case we recommend you to visit Mikros Gialos – a calm beach with crystal, shallow and clear water.