Holidaymakers who have fallen in love with the beaches of Corfu, the landscapes of Crete or the history of Rhodes may be surprised to learn there is another Greek island offering similarly dramatic scenery, but without the crowds. Lefkada, in the Ionian Sea, is increasingly being tipped as a quieter alternative for travellers who want striking beaches, clear turquoise water and a more relaxed pace of life.

Unlike most Greek islands, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, meaning visitors can arrive by car rather than ferry. That easy access hasn’t translated into mass tourism, however, and the island still feels calmer than many of Greece’s headline destinations.

While Corfu and Rhodes can feel busy in peak summer and Crete’s popular resorts stretch for miles, Lefkada remains compact and largely unspoilt, with traditional villages and a slower rhythm of life.

What really sets Lefkada apart is its coastline. The island is famous for long stretches of pale sand backed by towering white cliffs, creating beaches that many visitors say rival, or even surpass, those on more famous islands.

Porto Katsiki and Egremni are often compared to Caribbean beaches thanks to their vivid blue waters, while places like Milos and Kathisma offer wide open spaces that rarely feel overcrowded.

Travellers on Tripadvisor regularly praise Lefkada’s beaches for their beauty and clarity, with many describing them as some of the best they have seen in Greece.

Reviews frequently mention how easy it is to find peaceful spots, especially compared with Corfu’s busier west coast or the popular beaches of northern Crete.

One visitor wrote that Lefkada feels “like the Greece of 20 years ago,” pointing to its relaxed atmosphere and lack of large-scale resorts.

Another said: “Lefkada is an exotic island! It has the very, very best beaches I have ever seen in my life, and there are so many. The colour of the water, the sun, and the sandy beach feel like you are in paradise.”

In contrast to Rhodes, which attracts visitors with its medieval old town and lively nightlife, Lefkada appeals more to those seeking nature, swimming and laid-back evenings. Nights here are typically spent in family-run tavernas overlooking the sea rather than busy clubs, a difference that many couples and families find appealing.

Crete’s vast size and cultural depth remain unmatched, but Lefkada’s compact layout means travellers can explore the whole island without long drives or busy roads.

The island’s quieter reputation doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Visitors can hike through olive groves, explore mountain villages or take boat trips to hidden coves only accessible from the sea.

Windsurfing and sailing are also popular, particularly on the island’s eastern coast, where the waters are calmer and more sheltered.

For fans of Corfu, Crete and Rhodes who are craving a more peaceful Greek escape, Lefkada offers a compelling alternative.

With beaches that regularly draw glowing reviews, fewer crowds and a distinctly authentic feel, it is proving that some of Greece’s most beautiful islands are still flying under the radar.