#351 European Rank
Kathisma Beach
Lefkada, Greece•Ionian Sea• Best Season: May, June, July, August, September, October
Photo: Ggia (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
Day-of-Visit Snapshot
3-Second Operational AnswersEDITORIAL SCORE
4.53/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
25.9°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€57/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Pebbles / Shingle
Gradual Drop
Live Open-Meteo European Feed
Morning Beach Pulse & Marine Telemetry
Wind-Exposed
Moderate Surf
Exposed to Onshore Surf & ChopCove aspect: Faces WSW (240°) · Wind: W (270°)
Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility.
Significant Wave Height
...
Exercise Caution
Swell Profile
...
Reading buoy...
Live Surface Wind
...
W (270°) · ONSHORE
UV & Air Temperature
...
UV 5 · Moderate (SPF 30)
Cove Aspect & Shelter Compass
Seaward Orientation vs. Live Wind DirectionCove Faces WSW (240°)
Onshore Wind • Waves and surface chop pushed into the beach
Shoreline Facing (θ_aspect)
WSW (240°)
Open Sea Exposure
Surface Wind Vector
W (270°)
12 km/h · Δθ = 30°
Spatial Geometry: Wind from W pushes unobstructed over the open sea directly onto the WSW-facing coast, generating breaking chop.
Morning Coastal Brief for Kathisma Beach: Noticeable shorebreak; recommend caution for small children and non-swimmers. Onshore wind (12 km/h) is pushing open-sea swell directly into the bay, creating active breaking waves and reduced visibility. Models update sub-daily via Open-Meteo European marine models.
Interactive Oceanographic Climatology
Seasonal Sea Warmth & Bathing Climatology
30-Year NOAA OISST v2.1 Monthly Normals (1991–2020) · Lefkada, Greece
Warm Bathwater
Early August
25.9°C
Air ~35°C
Optimal thermal comfort; zero cold shock
Water temperature is well above the 20.0°C bathing threshold. Prolonged leisure swimming, snorkeling, and family wading are comfortable with zero thermal shock.
Drag to scrub 12-month temperature curveEarly August · 25.9°C
| Month | Sea Surface Temp | Air Temp | Thermal Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.7°C | 21°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| February | 15.0°C | 22°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| March | 15.1°C | 24°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| April | 16.2°C | 27°C | Crisp & Bracing |
| May | 19.2°C | 30°C | Refreshing |
| June | 22.6°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| July | 24.6°C | 35°C | Ideal Swimming |
| August | 25.9°C | 35°C | Warm Bathwater |
| September | 24.6°C | 33°C | Ideal Swimming |
| October | 22.5°C | 30°C | Ideal Swimming |
| November | 20.0°C | 26°C | Refreshing |
| December | 17.5°C | 23°C | Crisp & Bracing |
NOAA OISST v2.1 30-year climatological normal (1991–2020).Explore all Greece Sea Temperatures
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Swimmable 31 May – 3 Nov (>21°C) · 155 days
Planning around peak water warmth (25.9°C)?
Lock in coastal villas and boutique stays near Kathisma Beach for the optimal May–June–July–August–September–October swimming window.
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Quick Summary
Preview
🏖️ Kathisma Beach (Lefkada, Greece)
🌊 Water temperature: 25.9°C
⛱️ Beach access: 70% free public sand • Sunbeds: €15–€32
🧭 Wind & shelter: Faces WSW (sheltered from ENE winds)
📍 Guide: https://shores.cc/beach/kathisma-beach-gr/Tip: Add this beach to your home screen to quickly check morning wind and water conditions before heading out.
EEA Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC
Bathing Water Purity & Statutory Standards
Status: Excellent
Microbial Water Purity
95th-Percentile Compliant
Escherichia coli & intestinal enterococci within statutory limits.
Bathing Directive Tier
Tier 1: Sufficient & Safe
Monitored across the official European bathing season.
Official European Environment Agency (EEA) water monitoring verifies recreational cleanliness, sewage absence, and safety standards across all 31 member and partner coastal nations.
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.7 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.2 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Kathisma Beach
Bright blue water below steep green cliffs on Lefkada's liveliest west-coast beach, famed for its Ionian sunsets.
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Paved road from Agios Nikitas (~3 km) on Lefkada's west coast with extensive parking and summer KTEL bus services.
•Protected Status / Environment: Open-sea Ionian coastal zone subject to wave action, backdropped by steep limestone mountains.
•Notable Feature: Wide expanse of white sand and fine pebbles with vivid turquoise water; internationally known as a coastal paragliding landing zone.
Sand Transparency & Sunbed Index
Public sand quota, private lido density, and legal towel placement rights
Balanced Concession Mix
Free Public Sand (70%)Private Concessions (30%)
2-Sunbed + Umbrella Set Rate
€15low season→€32August peak
Daily set (2 loungers + umbrella). Front-row loungers may command premium surcharges.
Towel Bather Guidance
Regulated municipal umbrellas alongside spacious free public sectors. Ample towel space available.
Legal Shoreline Rights: Greek coastal law mandates that at least 50% of the beach remains completely free of rental furniture with open towel access.
Arrival Logistics, Parking & Sun Exposure
Micro-logistics, parking payment taxonomy, and topographic shadow schedules.
Parking Payment & Rates
Free Parking
Free Verge / Unpaved Roadside
Follow local municipal parking signage to avoid fines during summer peak hours.
Sun Exposure & Cliff Shadows
Morning Shade • Late Afternoon Golden Hours
Faces westward into the open horizon, offering bright afternoon sun and prime sunset vantage points.
Footwear & Karst Protection
Recommended for Shingle / Pebbles
Pebbles and dark sand become scorching hot by midday and challenging under barefoot tread.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
YesNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
YesSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near Lefkada. Accessible via regional coastal roads (38.735°N, 20.560°E).
•Clear and lively; some open-sea swell.
•A long west-coast beach with bars, backed by steep green cliffs.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across Lefkada, Greece.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Kathisma Beach?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kathisma Beach
What is the water temperature at Kathisma Beach?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Kathisma Beach averages 25.9°C (79°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Kathisma Beach?
Kathisma Beach is classified as a pebbles / shingle shoreline located in Lefkada, Greece.
Is Kathisma Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Kathisma Beach is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Kathisma Beach?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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