Popularity: Very high
Style: Freeride, Freestyle, Wave
Level: Intermediate, Good, Specialist
In Agios Ioannis (or "Milos Beach"), from 2007 and after, the European Freestyle Pro Tour made freestyle competitions, even European competitions, almost every year.
The wind here's generally onshore and weaker than Vassiliki, although a chest-high swell can develop. If the breeze veers northerly and the thermals weaken a bit in Vassiliki, it's worth a look for windsurfing – and as kiting is prohibited in Vass all year long, Agios Ioannis (or "Milos Beach") is Lefkada's only option for kitesurfing. It attracts many skilled windsurfers from all over the world.
It is situated on the northern tip of the gorgeous Island of Lefkada. Due to the specifics of weather patterns under the mountain, the part of the beach to the left of the access road from Lefkada is used for windsurfing, while kiters will need to go further up the beach into a designated area on the right. Till noon, the sea is calm but in the afternoon the north western wind creates the appropriate conditions for these sports.
Medium Months: April, May, September, October
Wind Type: Thermal Winds
Best Direction: N, W, WNW, NW, NNW
Main Direction: N, W, WNW, NW, NNW
Worst Direction:
Wind Factor: 17-21 knots (5 bft)
Main Wind Direction: Onshore, Side Shore
Blowing at: Afternoon
Wave Tack:
The phenomenon of the appearance of the thermal wind occurs on the northwest part of the island, where Agios Ioannis is located. In the two edges of the island the eastern side "sucks" at some way the wind from westwards, creating good vibes. Therefore, due to the difference of temperature that the existence of two mountains in the particular bights creates, Lefkada has this splendid thermal wind that occurs during noon and afterwards.
Forecasts don’t predict correctly thermal winds. If it’s sunny and warm, it is always windy. Best months to get here is in June and July. Can ride from May until October almost every day. Only 10-15 days in August the wind drops a bit and you need bigger size kites/sails. Soft winds of 4-5 knots blow in the morning, which gradually become stronger in the afternoon and reach 15-22 knots in the evening.
During the winter the wind is not as frequent and when it does it can be a little gusty.
Quality: Crystal Clear
Depth: Average (deepens gently and incrementally)
Seabed: Sand, Rocks
Attention: Currents, Rocks
In the summer, when the thermal winds hit, it is flat water with a bit of chop. The stronger the wind, the higher the waves, while in the beginning and end of the season the wind is a bit less powerful, but its northwesterly direction can produce waves of up to 3 m! Waves are due to bottom structure not really ridable. Interval is short. The water temperature remains somewhere between 14-26°C depending upon the season, so in the winter months you will need to suit up. Big waves in winter time.
In the water there is a line of yellow buoys. Left: windsurfing, right: kiteboarding. Best place to ride on the 4,5 km beach is the windsurfing area: flatter water, better waves and more wind thanks to the venturi effect caused by the mountain nearby.
There is current along the beach going North. Keep in mind when you come in trouble. If you are a beginner, do not go out to far. Also note that there are some big, slippery rocks in the water and it is easy to lose your balance.
Size: Big
Bathers Period: June, July, August
Bathers: Much
Shade: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
Attention: Rocks, Trash
The beach is facing northwest. It is 4,5 km long, sandy and wide, with no trees anywhere.it consists if smooth pebbles and sand. An interesting fact about this beach is the old windmills built on the sand. In the back there is a lake. Best wind less people on the beach. Lots of space for your equipment.
Due to big and dangerous sleepery rocks on most places in front of the beach, it is a little bit dangerous for the beginners. Not suitable for children courses. Moderate conditions for playing on the beach. The beach is dirty, a lot of waste from sea. And also glass. Be careful.
Access to Agios Ioannis: The island's kite spot can be found by bearing right after crossing the swing bridge from the mainland, then keep going until the windmills. The beach is very close and it is reachable only by car. Best surf launching area in front of the 3 most Northerly windmills. You can park your car almost on the beach.
Access to Lefkada: The Island can be reached not only by sea or by air, but also by car! Arriving with your own vehicle Lefkada is the only island in Greece which is connected to the mainland, as it is linked by a bridge.
Arrival by Airplane: In the summer you can get a flight here directly with charter planes from almost anywhere. Winter is hard to get here. There are direct flight connections to the nearest airport Action/Preveza, approx. 20 km from Lefkada Town (15 minutes by car). Many travellers choose a flight to Athens. There are domestic flights to Aktion/Preveza Airport several times per week. There are regular bus routes from the Preveza Bus Station to Lefkada Town. Travellers arriving by plane in Athens and Thessaloniki can also easily reach Lefkada by bus. There are several busses leaving from Athens and Thessaloniki to Lefkada on a daily basis.
A good way also to reach Lefkada is by plane to Corfu, the neighbor island. Flights to Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, located 3 km south of the centre of the island in the region “Kanoni”, are available from almost every European airport. There are daily flights from and to the airport of Athens, Eleytherios Venizelos, and the duration of the flight is round 1 hour. There is also air connection to Thessaloniki, 3 or 4 times a week. Ticket prices can be very low, if you make the reservation enough time before, or if you travel during low season. In summer it may have air connection with other Greek islands, such as Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Finally, during high period, Corfu is air-connected to a lot of European cities, with charter flights, mainly from Germany and England. The short distance (approx. 100 km) from Corfu to Lefkada can best be travelled by ferry boat from Corfu to Igoumenitsa.
Arrival by Ferry/Boat: For travelers arriving by ferry, the port of lgoumenitsa is 111 km away from Lefkada and is the first big gateway for Western and Central Europe. Ferry boats leave Corfu daily between 06.00 and 22.00 and it takes about 1-1,5 hours to reach Igoumenitsa. Next in line comes the port of Patra, which it’s also services visitors from Western and Central Europe. The ferries go to Italy and stop in Igoumenitsa and Corfu ports for embarkation. The sea connection Corfu-Italy is frequent and the main cities are Bari, Ankona and Brindisi. The trip to Corfu lasts 7 -8 hours, but it is very comfortable because the ferry boats are luxurious. Moreover there are small tourist boats that make routes in the nearby Ionian Islands.
Arrival by Car, Moto, Camper Van: A journey by car, motorcycle or camper van is therefore possible. There are some good highways, like the Corinth-Athens and the Athens-Larissa, Corinth-Tripoli and the Egnatia highway. Lefkada is about 360 km away from Athens and 180 km from Patra. The distance from Thessaloniki -Greece's second largest city- is 372 km through Egnatia highway.
Arrival by Bus: There are several buses leaving from Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Agrinio and Preveza to Lefkada on a daily basis. All buses of Lefkada's bus station are modern and comfortable. The journey is pleasant for the traveler, due to marvelous views of beautiful landscapes and it is comfortable as the new Rio-Antirio Bridge makes it quick and interesting for the visitors.
Arrival by Train: Train travel is not so much in fashion anymore due to the complexity of the journey through the Balkans. Rail services link Thessaloniki with Athens, Thrace and Patra. The line through what was once Yugoslavia provides connections with Central and Western Europe. The line through Bulgaria connects to Eastern Europe and the line through Istanbul, Turkey with the countries of the Near East.
Local Transportation: Lefkada is a large island with a great tourist infrastucture that provides various means of transport. Visitors have the chance to use the local buses, cars or motorbikes which are available for rent and the traditional boats for sea excursions.
By Rented Car: In a large island like Lefkada a car would be more convenient for sightseeing trips. In case you do not have your private car, there are many car rental agencies in the most tourist places of the island. Some locations in Lefkada can not be accessed with the public bus, therefore having a car is very important to discover its natural beauties.
By Bus: Buses leave daily from the central bus station of Lefkada, just above the port. Buses run on a daily basis connecting Lefkada Town with almost all villages and beaches on the island, certainly the most tourist places like Nydri, Vassiliki, Sivota and Agios Nikitas. This is the cheapest way to travel in Lefkada.
By Taxi: Taxis are extensively used in Lefkada. Taxi ranks can be found in the capital town and at the most popular tourist resorts of the island. Book your taxi online!
By Boat: There are many boats and locals ferries in Lefkada. From the port of Vassiliki, there is local ferry to Fiscardo in Kefalonia and Frikes in Ithaca. From Nydri, there are ferries about 3 to 4 times a day to Meganisi Island. Also there are small boats that go for excursions around the beaches of Lefkada and to close small islands. From Agios Nikitas, there are boats to Mylos beach. From Vassiliki, there are boats to Agiofili beach, while from Nydri there are many boats to Porto Katsiki, Scorpio, Kastos, Kalamos and other islands. Some boats from Nydri also go for day trips to Fiscardo Kefalonia and Ithaca.
Windsurf Lessons
Available from April till OctoberWindsurf Rental
Kitesurf Lessons
Kitesurf Rental
Surf Lessons
Surf Rental
SUP Rental
Storage
Repair
Washing
Rescue
Life guarding servicesEquipment Store
Events
Freestyle competitions, even European competitions
Parking
Sufficient spaceToilet
Shower
Beach facilities
It is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas facing the wonderful seaFood
Bars, TavernsMarket
Acommodations
Studios & ApartmentsCamping
Nightlife
Lefkada town is only 2 km away and here you can find some good nightlifeInternet Access
Medical Center
General Hospital in Lefkada Town