Nydri Waterfalls, Lefkada

The Nydri Waterfalls lie approximately 3 kilometres inland from the resort town of Nydri on the east coast of Lefkada in the Ionian Islands of Greece, reached by a hiking trail that follows the course of a seasonal stream through a narrow wooded ravine. The trail begins near the edge of Nydri town and ascends steadily through Mediterranean vegetation — plane trees, oleanders, and tall ferns — alongside a shallow rocky stream bed. The walk takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes one way at a comfortable pace, passing several smaller cascades before reaching the main falls.

The main waterfall drops into a natural pool that is deep enough for swimming from spring through mid-summer, when water levels are sustained by snowmelt and winter rainfall from the Lefkada mountains. By August the flow diminishes significantly and the pool becomes shallow; the falls are most rewarding as a swimming destination between April and July. The pool area has a smooth rock shelf around its edges suitable for sitting and picnicking, and the ravine provides natural shade even during the hottest parts of the day.

The surrounding scenery has the lush quality typical of Lefkada's inland terrain: the island's interior mountains receive sufficient rainfall to sustain dense vegetation year-round, and the ravine walk feels markedly different from the sun-exposed coastal landscape. Occasional patches of bare limestone on the trail provide good vantage points back toward the Nydri bay and the small islands — Meganisi, Sparti, and Skorpios — visible offshore.

The walk requires appropriate footwear: the trail is well-worn but uneven, with exposed tree roots and some slippery rock sections near the stream. Sandals are not suitable. The trail is not formally maintained but is clearly used and not easily lost. Nydri town at the trailhead has numerous restaurants and cafés for post-hike refreshment.