Tsoukalades holidays

Bougainvillea-draped houses, gin-clear water at the beach, and a mountainous backdrop make holidays to Tsoukalades as pretty as a picture.

Mountain-backed peace and quiet

Tsoukalades is one of the quieter villages on the Ionian island of Lefkas. It’s pinned to the north-western shore, and comes with a mountainous backdrop and a rocky beach that’s primed for sunset-watching. The village centre’s got all the basics, like a mini-market, tavernas and a couple of bakeries that are perfect for picking up fresh pastries. Stay here and you’ll be a 15-minute drive from the busier resorts of Agios Nikitas and Lefkas Town – the coastal capital.

A beach for the eyes

Tsoukalades Beach isn’t the most practical for sunbathing on, but oh boy, is it beautiful. Dramatic white rocks crumble across toffee-coloured sand, all the way down to shallow water that’s clear as glass. You can reach it in a car by a narrow road or walk down a relatively steep path. Trust us when we say it’s absolutely worth the journey for the sunset views over the Ionian Sea.

Noisier neighbours

If you’re after a little more action, the rest of Lefkas is home to towns with bigger, sandier beaches that spill over with places to eat and drink in, as well as watersports equipment hire. Pefkoulia Beach – a long sandy number – is a 15-minute walk away, while Kathisma Beach is 10 minutes away by car and is studded with parasols and loungers.