For a slice of true Greek life, you should get to know new-for-2026 Meganisi. This island off the coast of Lefkas is small but mighty, offering an untouched experience in somewhere superbly scenic.  

From beautiful beaches to cool caves, charming towns to inland and coastal activities, there’s no shortage of must-dos to get stuck into while you’re on a Jet2holiday there. And the food? It doesn’t get more mouth-watering. But what are the top things to add to your Meganisi itinerary? Let’s write it together... 

1. Relax on beaches and in coves 

If flaking out in the rays is synonymous with happy holidays, jot down the names Fanari, Limonari and Roca – they're the local beachfront hits. They’re all a bit pebbly rather than being entirely sandy, so you’ll need some sturdy flip-flops with you. But otherwise, find the patch for you and simply kick back. Sheltered Fanari is well-organised with sunloungers and eateries, while Limonari tends to be better known for its fantastic snorkelling opportunities and rugged beauty. Like things completely laidback? Roca’s for you. 

You can read more about which beach is your match here.

2. Visit Papanikolis Sea Cave 

The ultra-blue Papanikolis Cave is best accessed by boat. This impressive cave is all dramatic and jagged, giving it all the wow factor for your holiday snaps. It used to hide submarines during WWII, but nowadays, it’s a popular place to venture to while staying in Meganisi. You’ll find tours making it even easier to check it out. 

3. Uncover tradition in Spartochori and Katomeri 

These two resorts give you fantastic chances to get the full local-life experience. Spartochori is all whitewashed walkways, far-spanning sea views and vibrant sunsets from tavernas perched on clifftops. So you can bet it’s a stunner day and night. Katomeri is the quieter, more understated sibling, by contrast. It’s a largely residential village with a slower pace, and people tend to enjoy leisurely morning walks there or long, sleepy lunches.  

4. Go snorkelling 

Anyone keen to learn to snorkel? You’re in luck. Or if you know what you’re doing, pack your mask and get set to behold some incredible underwater scenes! The seabeds around Meganisi are rocky, so they draw in curious marine life. Fanari and Limonari are two of the top places to go snorkelling – keep them in mind if you’re after trying some water sports. 

5. Sample Ionian cuisine 

As local delicacies go, Meganisi has some delectable dishes. Grilled octopus is always a winner, while bourdeto (spicy fish stew) is made for those who like it a bit hotter. You’ll also notice that honey, thyme and olive oil feature heavily across menus as well, so be sure to try both when you can. Some tavernas bake bread in wood ovens, which is ideal for dipping into the liquid gold that is Meganisi’s oil! And it wouldn’t be a proper Greek meal without meze platters and island-produced house wine, so sip back and unwind. 

6. Take a hike 

There aren’t always marked trails around Meganisi, but you can still set your own route if you’re eager to get out and about on foot. Tackling the beaten path here is a cooler endeavour if you go outside the key summer months, but you’ll relish all the epic views whenever you go. Make a beeline for Spartochori and head to Agios Ioannis for sea views and an abundance of olive groves. Or the track from Katomeri to Limonari is peaceful and shaded, without many inclines. 

7. Set sail on a boat trip 

With so many boat trips available around Meganisi, who’s for hitting the high seas? These often have various swim stops included, as well as lunches, so you’ll get to make a real day of it. But where to go? Papanikolis and Formikoula usually come up trumps, as well as teeny islets like Thilia. Whether you're on a yacht, catamaran or even a more traditional schooner, you’re in for a nautical treat. 

8. Do an island-hopping day trip 

Kalamos and Kastos are two dinky nearby islands with eateries and hiking paths to enjoy. They're both all scrubby and rich in greenery, so prepare to be bowled over by their good looks! Cameras out again. Or you could opt for Skorpios. It’s a private island but you can still see it while out on the water, as you hop from isle to isle. And don’t forget, you could even catch the ferry back to Nidri in Lefkas, to experience even more of that area. Waterfalls, cycling routes and low-key tavernas rub shoulders there.  

9. Explore Vathy 

The bustling harbour of Vathy has stacks going on. Arrive there and you’ll immediately start admiring the yachts and fishing boats moored in the portside promenade – the stuff of postcards. It’s a handicraft haven too, so you can go shopping for honey, olive oil and even sponges. The shelves will be well-stocked! Then, how about eating dinner along the seafront and sipping wine at sundown? Bliss. 

10. Photograph the Old Windmill of Meganisi 

Get acquainted with Spilia Bay, where you’ll come across the old, not-in-use windmill that remains a sign of the island’s agricultural past. You could go at sunrise and watch the sunlit colours paint the sky. Or as it’s not generally a crowded place, you could go later and really take your time there, takeaway coffee in hand.