In the last decade the island of Lefkada has become one major touristic destination for people of all ages and tastes. Indeed the island has a variegated touristic accomodation infrastructure suitable for all kinds of budget. Studios, apartments, villas. Moreover for those who love simple accommodation and a very close contact with nature there is also the possibility of camping in Lefkada.
In this article you will first learn about regulations applied to camping in Greece and in Lefkada. Then we will discover the campsites of Lefkada. So, if you are a camping lover and you are considering spending your holiday in Lefkada……keep reading!
Camping in Greece
Camping lovers consider Greece one of the finest place in the world because of the many stunning beaches and lush forested areas. Undoubtedly, if you are looking for a relaxing and serene holiday, in full contact with nature, then camping in Greece and in Lefkada is definetely the answer.
There are about 270 camping areas throughout Greece bearing the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) logo. Here you can legally pitch a tent, settle with your caravan or occupy a small cottage.
EOT Logo
If you browse the web you can find many campings which are well equipped and organised. On the other side, someothers are very small and, in some cases, not well advertised. However this does not mean that they may not be exactly what you are looking for! So if you are planning to travel to Greece and wish to do camping you may want to contact the Panhellenic Camping Association or visit the webpage www.panhellenic-camping-union.gr. From here you can get all the information you need to plan your camping vacation in Greece.
No Free Camping in Greece
Free camping in Greece and Lefkada has always been very popular. However, recently, the law regulating this field has been amended.
The National Law 2160/93 “Provisions for tourism and other provisions”, states that free camping in public areas, forests, coastal areas, even on private plots, is forbidden. You can incur in a fine of 300 euros (150 if paid in 10 days) if you do free camping. In particular “tent setup or caravan parking in archaeological sites, along the coast, on the outskirts of public forests, in forests and spaces for public use in general is not allowed.
Usually at the entrance of towns and villages or close to the beaches you will find the sign of No Camping. However do remember the prohibition is valid all over Greece.
No Camping
Enforcement of the law against free camping varies from place to place. If you pick a spot that is away from habitations and popular tourist spots you probably won’t be moved on. But be prepared for this possibility!
Camping in Lefkada
The morfological structure of Lefkada is perfect for those who love camping. Not only beautiful sandy beaches such as Pefkoulia, Kathisma, Gialos, just to name a few. Also picturesque pebbly beach bays such as Mikros Gialos or Ammousso bay, among others. The latters are ideal also for kayaking, which usually goes very well with camping!
On top of that the island offrers a lot of experiences and sightseeings chances: from small villages like Agios Nikitas, Vasiliki or Nidri to the cosmopolitan capital Lefkas Town and the mountain village Karia , and so on. As well as Museums, a fantastic local cuisine, bars and a vibrant nightlife. And much more!
Like everywhere else in Greece free camping in Lefkada is not allowed. There are on the island a few camping sites located in different areas. Below you can find a brief descritpion of the bigger campings in Lefkada and their contact details.
Camping Desimi
This is the first camping built in Lefkada in 1973 by the family which nowdays still runs it. Camping Desimi is located in a particularly happy position. In fact it is set along the beach, between beautiful mountains and has direct access to the sea and the shadow of olive trees.
Camping Desimi has places available for caravan, campers and tents and offers, among others, the following facilities:
The Poros Beach Camping Bungalows is located on the white pebbly beach of Mikros Gialos. We are on the southern part of the island of Lefkada. It is 30 km away from Lefkada Town and 15km away from Nidri. It is built on the side of a hill at 60-150m away from the beach. Shade is offered by huge olive trees, climbing vines, berries and orange trees.
Poros Beach Camping Lefkada
The resort includes: a camping area, studios for 2,3,4 or 5 persons, a super market, pool and playground. Other amenities include: computers, car and motorcycle rental service, free parking and free wi-fi in all the common areas. There is finally the bar-restaurant MENTA with a breathtaking view of the gulf.
Mikros Gialos Poros Lefkada Ionian Island 31100 Greece
Tel 0030 2645095452 • 0030 2645095298 Fax 0030 2645095152
Camping Kariotes Beach, Lefkada
The camping Kariotes Beach runs since 1979 and it is a family business. It is located in an area with plenty of perennial olive, cypress, walnuts and eucaliptus tress. It is in Kariotes a small village close to Ligia, 2.5km from Lefkas Town and 10Km from Nidri.
It is one of the best camping in Greece, according to reviews and comments of previous customers. It is located 50 meters from the beach of Vassiliki. Surely one of the most famous beaches for windsurfing. Camping Vassiliki Beach, thanks to its location and the presence of a variety of trees and plants that are bringing you closer to nature, is the ideal place to relax.
Along with the campsites above there are is also Camping Village Episkopos . This offers a few places for tents and caravan and fully equipped bungalows.