Stunning island nicknamed the ‘Greek Caribbean’ has some of the calmest waters in the world

A LESSER-known Greek holiday spot is home to quaint towns, amazing waterfalls and some of the calmest seas in the world.

When people think of holiday hotspots in Greece, places like Santorini, Mykonos and Crete spring to mind.

GettyLefkada has been described as one of the most underrated Greek islands[/caption]

GettyIt has beaches to suit everyone and some of the calmest seas in the world[/caption]

GettyThe Nydri waterfall is a small walk away from the harbour[/caption]

However, Lefkada in the Ionian Sea has gained the nickname of the Greek Caribbean.

The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, meaning it doesn’t require an extra flight or ferry to access.

It’s one of the most underrated Greek islands, according to Escape, who also say it’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

In fact, it has so many stunning beaches that it’s possible to find “a new favourite every day”.

No matter what your preference, be it for sand or pebbles, seclusion or convenience, there are beaches to suit all tastes.

Discover Greece wrote: “Ready to dive into paradise? This is where turquoise meets azure against a backdrop of white sand, white cliffs or smooth white pebbles.

“Vast exotic beaches, bays, cliffs that plunge into the sea and a forest of pine trees that tumble intoxicatingly towards the coast.

“And what a coast! Kathisma, Egremni, Milos, Pefkoulia, Myli, Ammoglossa … beaches that trip off the tongue. And the island’s number one star,  Porto Katsiki. Every swim here seems unforgettable.”

Porto Katsiki’s name literally means Goat Port, because it was said that only goats could reach the bay at one stage.

However, the long stretch of bay is now arguably the most popular beach on Lefkada and is easily accessed, with parking nearby and even places to get food and drink.

There are places on the island where the water is almost guaranteed to be perfectly still too.

Lefkos beach was included in a list of beaches with the calmest waters in the world.

It was among the top 10 European beaches on the list, among others in Portugal, Spain and elsewhere in Greece.

After a day at the seaside, most people return to the village of Nidri, the most popular tourist resort on the island.

The World’s 50 Best Beaches

The World’s Best Beaches consulted more than 750 judges including travel journalists, influencers, and beach ambassadors to rank the beaches.

Lucky Bay, Australia
Source D’Argent, Seychelles
Hidden, Philippines
Whitehaven, Australia
One Foot, Cook Islands
Trunk, US Virgin Islands
Honopu, Hawaii
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Navagio Beach, Greece
Balandra, Mexico
Cala Goloritze, Italy
Pipe Creek, Bahamas
Pink, Indonesia
Grace, Turks & Caicos
Gardner, Ecuador
Mcway, California
Turquoise, Australia
Le Morne, Mauritius
Sancho, Brazil
Seven Mile, Cayman Islands
Lanikai, Hawaii
Maya, Thailand
Moro, Spain
Kelingking, Indonesia
Meads, Anguilla
Flamenco, Puerto Rico
Arena, Dominican Republic
Little Hellfire, Australia
Lazio, Seychelles
Vaeroy, Norway
Horseshoe, Bermuda
Myrtos, Greece
Hidden, Mexico
Grand Anse, Grenada
Xpu Ha, Mexico
San Josef, Canada
Matira, French Polynesia
Capriccioli, Italy
Pasjaca, Croatia
Boulders, South Africa
Salines, Martinique
Champagne, Vanuatu
Marinha, Portugal
Balos, Greece
Achmelvich, Scotland
Kaputas, Turkey
Radhangar, India
Varadero, Cuba
Piha, New Zealand
Pink Sand, Bahamas 

It is situated around a natural bay, home to a harbour from where boat trips can be booked.

It also has plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes from where tourists can enjoy views out to sea with a drink.

It is surrounded by a vast green area with trees and vegetation, increasing the charm of the area.

A short walk through the olive groves and trees from the coast leads to Nydri waterfalls, an impressive single drop falls that plunges into a pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.

At the foot of the trail leading up to the falls is a small bar serving snacks and cocktails to people after their short trek.

With all this on offer, it’s no surprise that Lefkada has been tipped for big things by local travel experts.

Greek travel site Greeka said of the island: “It is full of amazing beaches with turquoise waters, monasteries, museums, and seafront or mountainous villages with a unique charm.

“Thanks to its exotic natural landscape and scenic beaches, Lefkada is also known as the Caribbean of Greece.”

Getting to Lefkada is simple enough with direct flights linking several UK airports to nearby Preveza.

A room for two for the night costs around £33.

Meanwhile, this Greek island has been named the best value holiday destination.

And this up and coming island has a “miracle giving” attraction.

GettyA small plunge pool can be reached at the end of a small trail[/caption]

GettyPorto Katsiki beach is now one of the most popular on the island[/caption]   

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