The island cruise
A daily trip among Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri and Sparti.
Anton Lefterov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anton Lefterov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · GerritR — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anton Lefterov — CC BY-SA 4.0
**Lefkada's largest resort and its boat-trip harbour, facing an archipelago of small islands** — on the east coast, and **a practical base** rather than a pretty town. Its position is its advantage: **directly in front of it** lie **Meganisi**, **Skorpios**, **Madouri** and **Sparti** — **so the water here is completely sheltered and still**, and the view out to the islands is genuinely fine. ✅ **Every boat trip on Lefkada leaves from its harbour**: the daily island cruise, the boats to **Porto Katsiki** and **Egremni**, **and the ferries to Kefalonia and Ithaca**. ⚠ **The town itself is heavily developed**: one long street of shops, tavernas and bars, **crowded and noisy at peak**. ✅ Nearby are the **Nidri waterfalls** in a shaded gorge. ⚠ Do not expect traditional Greek charm.
A daily trip among Meganisi, Skorpios, Madouri and Sparti.
A shaded gorge with a fall and pool minutes from the town.
A long level promenade facing the islands and the moorings.
Nidri, 31100 Lefkada, Greece
**Yes — it is the best thing to do from Nidri, because these islands can only be seen from the sea.** ✅ **What you see**: **Meganisi** — the largest and inhabited, with villages, coves and a **sea cave (Papanikolis)**, usually with a landing for an hour or for lunch. **Skorpios** — the private island bought by **Aristotle Onassis**, ⚠ **where landing is not permitted at all**; you see it from the water. **Madouri** — a small island that belonged to the poet **Aristotelis Valaoritis**, ⚠ also private. And little **Sparti**. ✅ **The real value**: **stopping to swim in coves unreachable by land** — still, exceptionally clear water between the islands, **the calmest water anywhere on Lefkada**. ⚠ **What to know**: the cruises are **crowded** at peak (large boats); **choose a smaller boat if you can**. ⚠ **Trips can be cancelled in wind.** ✅ **Some cruises continue to Porto Katsiki** — **which is the best deal of all**: two islands and two beaches with no driving and no steps.