Lefkada Islands: Beach BBQ Cruise, Cave Swim & Meganisi Village

Summary

Swim in sea caves stroll Meganisi village and share a Greek BBQ

You’ll swim inside Lefkada’s famous Papanikolis Cave, wander through Meganisi’s charming village streets, and relax on Gerakas Beach while enjoying a BBQ lunch with local wine. With plenty of swims, friendly guides, and fresh fruit along the way, this island cruise leaves you salty-haired and smiling long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to swim inside a sea cave before lunch? That’s how our day started off Lefkada, gliding into the Papanikolis Cave while Kostas (our captain) slowed the boat so we could really take it in — the echo was weirdly soothing, like being inside a giant blue shell. I jumped in first, then realized the water was colder than I’d expected. But after a minute, you just float and watch the sunlight flicker on the cave ceiling. Someone laughed when I tried to pronounce “Papanikolis” properly — still not sure I nailed it.

After drying off in the sun (the deck gets warm fast), we headed for Meganisi. The village of Spartochori sits up on this hill — you can see old men playing backgammon outside little cafés, and there’s this faint smell of jasmine if you walk past certain gardens. We wandered through narrow alleys that twist around stone houses; one woman waved from her balcony and said something I didn’t catch but smiled anyway. You can either climb up for the view or just head straight for another swim at one of those small beaches nearby — both are good calls.

The best part? Gerakas Beach on the mainland. The sand here is soft but not too fine — it sticks to your feet just enough to remind you you’re not at home. While we swam (again), the crew set up umbrellas and got a proper Greek BBQ going right there on the shore. The smell of grilled chicken mixed with sea air is… honestly hard to beat. Lunch came with local wine (I went for white) and fresh fruit that tasted like actual sunshine. There was time to just sit under an umbrella, half asleep listening to waves and kids shouting somewhere down the beach.

On the way back, we stopped at Onassis Island for one last swim — apparently Aristotle Onassis used to throw wild parties here? Our guide told us stories as we floated near the shore, sipping ouzo from tiny plastic cups. By then everyone was sunburned in patches and talking more freely than at breakfast. I still think about that light inside Papanikolis Cave sometimes — strange how a place sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island hopping and beach BBQ cruise

• Cruise inside Cave of Papanikolis
• Swim at Cave of Papanikolis
• Explore Spartochori village on Meganisi
• Walk narrow streets and admire views
• Relax or swim at local beaches
• Sunbathe and swim at Gerakas Beach
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on the beach
• Swim at Onassis Island beach
• Cruise past Madouri and Prince's islands

Top questions

How long is the Lefkada island hopping cruise?

The cruise lasts a full day with several stops for swimming, exploring villages, and lunch.

Is lunch included during the Lefkada beach BBQ cruise?

Yes, a full Greek BBQ lunch is served on Gerakas Beach along with unlimited wine during lunch.

Can children join this Lefkada island tour?

Yes, short distances between stops make it suitable for families and young children.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Unlimited soft drinks and water are included during lunch; red and white wine are also served at lunch.

Do I need to bring my own umbrella or shade?

No, umbrellas are provided by the crew at beach stops for shade from the sun.

Is there restroom access onboard?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board throughout the trip.

Are there vegetarian options at lunch?

The reference mentions BBQ lunch but does not specify vegetarian options; check with operator if needed.

Will we visit Onassis Island during this Lefkada day trip?

Yes, there is an afternoon swim stop at beaches near Onassis Island with some history shared by guides.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Lefkada port or nearby meeting points, all boat transfers between islands and beaches, swimming stops including Papanikolis Cave and Onassis Island beaches, free time in Spartochori village on Meganisi Island, umbrellas for shade at Gerakas Beach, a freshly prepared Greek BBQ lunch with unlimited red or white wine during lunch service plus seasonal fruit and local appetizer drink (like ouzo), unlimited soft drinks and water at lunchtime, as well as restroom access onboard before returning in late afternoon.