Vasiliki is easier to reach than its end-of-the-road feeling suggests. The nearest airport is Aktion, just outside Preveza, which receives direct flights from most major European cities throughout the summer season. The flight from London is around three and a half hours. From northern Europe, closer to three. You land on a small runway between the sea and the lagoon, collect your luggage in a terminal that still feels like a regional bus station, and within minutes you are on the road south.
The drive from Preveza to Vasiliki takes approximately an hour and a quarter, and it is, in its quiet way, one of the better introductions to a holiday you will find. The road crosses the causeway to Lefkada, passes through the island's modest capital, and then begins its journey south along the eastern coast. Hire cars are available at the airport and in Lefkada Town. Book in advance during July and August: the selection thins quickly. An automatic is worth the small premium if you are not comfortable with mountain switchbacks in a manual gearbox.
A car is strongly recommended for a stay in Vasiliki. The village itself is walkable: harbour, beach, tavernas, and supermarket are all within ten minutes on foot. But a car opens the island. The western beaches, the mountain villages, the ferry port at Nidri: all require wheels. Parking in Vasiliki is straightforward and free. The roads on Lefkada are well-maintained but narrow in places, particularly on the routes to Porto Katsiki and through the mountain interior. Drive as the locals do: slowly, with the windows down.
For those arriving by ferry, Vasiliki has its own port with connections to Kefalonia and Ithaca. This is particularly useful for travellers combining islands: a week on Lefkada followed by a few days on Kefalonia is one of the Ionian's most rewarding itineraries, and the ferry crossing is scenic enough to count as an experience in itself. Schedules run from late May to early October and can be checked through the local port authority or any of the ferry booking platforms.
A few practical notes that save time and avoid small frustrations. Cash is still preferred at many of Vasiliki's smaller tavernas and market stalls, though cards are increasingly accepted; an ATM is available in the village. The supermarket stocks everything you need for a villa kitchen, but the real shopping is done at the morning market and the bakeries. Mobile signal is reliable in the village and along the main roads; it can drop in the mountain villages and on the more remote western trails. Tap water on Lefkada is generally safe but mineral water is inexpensive and widely available.
Sunscreen is not a suggestion. The Ionian sun is deceptive: the sea breeze cools you while the UV does not relent, and the most common minor complaint among visitors is the burn they did not notice until evening. A hat, a high SPF, and respect for the early afternoon hours will serve you well. Evenings are warm enough for a single layer until late September. A light jacket is wise only for the mountain excursions and the occasional boat trip.
The most important thing to know about arriving in Vasiliki is that the village rewards unhurried visitors. Do not plan too much for the first day. Drive slowly. Stop at a viewpoint. Arrive, unpack, walk to the harbour, sit down, and let the place introduce itself. It is very good at that.
Azzura Villas provides a detailed arrival guide to every guest: airport transfers, driving directions, and the kind of local knowledge that turns a first visit into something that feels, from the very beginning, like a return.
