The Ionian Islands are the brightest green spots on the Greek color palette due to the temperate climate, the variety of olive groves and cypresses and the mountains filled with trees.
Each island has its own landscape and history and there is something for everyone: adventurers, gourmets, culture lovers and sunbathers.
Often remembered as the idyllic island that welcomed Odysseus after the shipwreck, Corfù provides the same loving welcome
The name, which means ‘tops,’ comes from the fact that the city is situated between two hills on which two impressive fortresses were constructed to repel the ambushes of the Ottomans.
Corfu Town, the island’s capital, is a fantastic starting point for exploring. It has been heavily affected by the Venetians, French, and English. You can explore museums, stroll along the renowned Liston promenade, get lost in the little cobblestone alleyways known as “kandounia,” walk around the enormous Spianada square… The entire town of Corfu exudes a charming allure from the past!
Not to mention the numerous beaches and bathing areas on the island, particularly the Canal d’Amour, where legend has it that you’ll meet your soul mate…
Some reasons we love Corfù:
– The Old Town
Corfu’s Old Town has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The stately structures with neoclassical elements, such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Liston Arcade, Reading Society, and Catholic Cathedral, will leave an impression on everyone. Walking the renowned Campiello passageways you’ll feel like the protagonist of an historical epic.
– Paleokastritsa
The lovely village of Paleokastritsa, which lies 23 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town, is undoubtedly the most well-known on the island of Corfu. The term “Paleokastritsa” literally translates to “ancient fortress,” attesting to the presence of a fortification on the rocky cave where the Virgin Monastery now sits.
– Sidari and the Canal D’amour
Although Corfu is known for its beaches, you can’t miss the Canal d’Amour, where you may swim along a natural waterway formed by the smooth rocks. In the meanwhile, the near Sidari offers breathtaking sand beaches with sandstone formations.
– Kerasia Beach (pebbled beach, family friendly, organized)
Kerasia is the perfect destination for people who enjoy nature and wish to relax away from the crowded places. It mixes the pristine waters, lush green scenery, and stunning coves that make it the perfect vacation spot in the summer.
– Agios Georgios Beach (Sandy, Family Friendly, organized)
The Blue Flag is given to this infinite beach in recognition of its excellent surroundings and crystal clear waters. It is made up of big, sparkly pebbles and soft sand. Many umbrellas and sun loungers are placed there, and the lovely cypress trees that line the bay add to the area’s smooth, natural character.
A tiny island in a complex of Lilliputian islands covered with green forests and surrounded from turquoise waters.
The crystalline sea resembles pure illuminations of the most beautiful colours of the world while thousands of olive trees reach the sea in the rustles of the windy wave. Paxì is more than a fairy tale! Besides, what else could be a place born when Poseidon struck his trident in Corfu to create an island to protect his beloved Amphitrite?
Sailing and other water sports are fantastic at Paxi. Additionally, it offers the chance to enjoy other pleasant activities like touring churches and archaeological sites, going swimming at pristine beaches, and taking leisurely strolls through charming villages with streets made of stone.
Some reasons we love Paxos:
– Gaios, The Capital
Most of the island’s economic and cultural activities take place in and around the natural harbour where Gaios is located. The village’s most magnificent 19th-century structures can be seen from the dock between the winding lanes.
– Isle of Agios Nikolaos
The jewel of Gaios port is an islet covered nearly entirely in beautiful greenery called Agios Nikolaos. It was given that name in honour of the nearby tiny chapel. The islet was created to ward off pirates and to give the Venetian castle that dominated the area in the 15th century a place to stand.
– Erimitis Beach (Pebbled, secluded)
Beaches are proof of the power of nature! Hermit beach was established in the middle of the island’s western side in 2008 following a landslide. It is a magnificent beach with a view of the setting sun and towering cliffs. It boasts blue seas with sulfur and white rocks.
– Hot Springs of Paxos
The hot springs in Paxi are a must-see while you’re there because they’ve been popular since ancient times! They pour into the sea from the island’s subsoil and, due to the sulfur they contain, have therapeutic properties! The hot springs at Ozia, Yianna, and Glyfada are the best on the island.
The island of Antipaxì is the smalles island of the Ionian Sea, located three nautical miles off the southern coast of Paxos.
It is one of the mysterious gems of Greece distinguished for its exotic sceneries and its verdant vegetation.
This island is renowned for its stunning beaches and some of the top swimming and snorkeling spots in the country. The two main beaches of Antipaxos, Voutoumi and Vrika, are each safe for visitors and are situated at the north end of the islet. There are a few little and lovely hidden coves south of these two beaches.
Some reasons we love Antipaxos
Syvota is considered one of the most exotic destinations within Greece: lacy coasts, luscious green islets, long sheltered beaches with crystal clear waters, and hidden bays, are just some of the features that nature has freely offered.
It is the ideal stop for sailors of the Ionian archipelago, and it is a must-see destination for all.
Syvota is a tiny town that does not focus on the travel and tourism sector. Even so, the town is kind to visitors who come to the island, and those who do discover a side of Greece that almost feels like unearthing buried treasure. A significant participant in many of Greece’s pivotal historical events, including the Peloponnesian war in 433 BC, the town is also rich in history and culture.
Some reasons we love Syvota:
– Bella Vraka
Connecting Sivota and islet Mourtemeno is the sandy beach known as Bella Vraka.
It requires a literal walk through the sea to get to the beach. Water sports can be enjoyed at the beach. You will be amazed the moment you arrive at this stunning location.
– Pisina at Agios Nikolaos
One of the most well-known beaches in Sivota is Pisina Beach, which derives its name from the Greek word for pool. The water here is crystal-clear and turquoise, giving visitors the impression that they are swimming in a natural pool.
Meganísi is a beautifully unspoiled island with a gentle, calming speed of life and very few visitors, only a quick trip from its larger sister, Lefkada.
It is only 20 square kilometers long and is shaped like a flower, with a long stalk to the south and a clutch of petals to the north, creating countless bays and sandy beaches.
The island has so much to offer with lots of pebbly beaches, white-washed villages such as Katomeri or Spartochori, and plenty of good walking trails in the centre of the island.
The island is a top choice for people who value quiet and privacy due to the absence of mass tourists there. The only ways to travel around the island are on foot or by a private vehicle.
Most facilities are found in the main villages of Meganisi, Vathy and Spartochori. Particularly, Vathy is a very beautiful village! It encircles the port of the island, where numerous yachts and vessels moor every summer, giving the area a cosmopolitan appearance.
Some reasons we love Meganísi:
– Agios Ioannis Beach (Family Friendly, Pebbled, Non-Organized)
Long beach Agios Ioannis is located 7 kilometers south of Katomeri, Meganisi’s city. Every visitor is amazed by the water’s immaculate clarity and sparkle.
The beach hardly ever gets crowded because of the thin but extensive coastline. There are no sun loungers or umbrellas provided.
– Barbarezou Beach (Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized)
Barbarezou is a little cove that is also known as Cape Akoni. It is one of Meganisi’s least-visited beaches, making it the ideal area to enjoy some quiet.
Green trees may be seen in the slopes surrounding Barbarezou beach, and the sea is clear. Small stones cover the seafloor, yet they don’t make walking difficult.
Ithaca, known worldwide as the birthplace of Odysseus, symbolizes the return and the discovery of the haven.
Just next to Kefalonia, it is much more calm, quiet and unexplored, making it a perfect place for alternative activities and a vacation that meets the expectations of the most demanding of us.
The only way to truly experience this place’s charm is to discover it. The prettiest villages include Vathy, Kioni, and Frikes. These places are intriguing because they have maintained their traditional identities despite the growth of tourism. Particularly on the island, Vathy is the hub of activity and home to the majority of hotels.
With its Ionian neighbors, it has the same exotic location for its beaches. Some of the best are Filiatro, Sarakiniko, and Agios Ioannis. But Gidaki beach is your greatest option if you’re looking for a private substitute!
Some reasons we love Ithaca
– Vathy village
The capital of the island and home to both the Maritime and Folkloric Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca, it is distinguished by elements of regional architecture. Vath is situated on a bay that is adorned in the middle by the diminutive island of Lazarétto, a former sanitarium and jail.
– Skinos Bay beach (Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized)
At Skinos Beach, the sea is extremely clear and has a hint of emerald green color. The rocky shoreline and water are ideal for snorkeling sports. Beautiful cypress trees line the beach in Skinos, which has a stunning landscape.
– Gidaki beach (Pebbled, Secluded, Non-Organized)
Gidaki beach is only reachable by water and is made up of white, sparkling stones. There are no tourist amenities there, so the area remains pristine and offers the best summertime beauty. With its calm, pristine waters and beautiful surroundings, it is a heaven.
– The Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa
The Monastery of Panagia Kathariotissa, the patron saint of Ithaca, is located at an elevation of 600 meters in the island’s center. Its location offers a breathtaking perspective over the island’s capital city of Vathi.
Though the largest of the Ionian Islands is Kefalonia, it is also the least trodden.
This puzzle-piece shaped island, once overlooked by Corfu and Zante, is stepping out of the shadows of its sisters. And it is not difficult to see why, with jewel-toned seas, desolate beaches, and pastel-painted villages… Yet, mass tourism remains delightfully undisturbed.
Kefalonia is a place where mountains plunge to meet the sea. You will be greeted with some of the greatest beaches in Greece if you are a sun-seeker. At the same time, hiking in the mountainous areas is one of the most exciting things to do in Kefalonia for those who cannot sit still for long.
The villages, on the other hand, are dripping with charm! While on vacation in Kefalonia, make sure to explore the quaint towns of Fiskardo and Assos in addition to the island’s capital, Argostoli. Enjoy the enchanted surroundings, meander along the picturesque harbors, and, of course, stop by a tavern to sample some of the delicious regional specialties.
Some reasons we love Kefalonia:
– Argostoli
Argostoli is the capital and the island’s largest city. A natural harbour with mountains and lush trees surrounds this village. Before the 1953 great earthquake, which completely wrecked Argostoli, the town used to be adorned with lovely Venetian architecture.
– The Cave Lake of Melissani
It is a 3.5 km long lacustrine cave of exceptional beauty that has been fully developed. The Melissani cave is a rare example of a geological phenomenon. It was produced by the mechanical and chemical process of karstikopoiisi, or “rock dissolution,” in which water seeps into calcareous rocks, erodes them, and hollows are formed. Visitors can use a boat and a guide to explore the lake after entering it through an underground tunnel. They can therefore marvel at this exceptional piece of natural sculpture made by the stalactites and the waters’ brilliant blue-green hue. This is something you cannot miss!
– Myrtos bay (Partly-Organized beach, Family Friendly, Pebbled)
Myrtos Beach has developed a global reputation and is frequently listed among the most stunning and outstanding beaches in tourist publications. It has received numerous awards for both its cleanliness and the beauty of nature. A stunning scene is created by the beach’s semi-circular form, which is bordered by towering, white-rock cliffs that are covered in lush flora. A beautiful landscape is created by the lush greenery, the rocky terrain, the white pebbles, and the clear waterwa
– The village of Fiskardo
Being one of the few settlements to have survived the devastating earthquake, this charming fishing village is designated as a traditional preservable settlement. Today, it is renowned for its welcoming and international atmosphere.
LeRada is made up of 24 islands spread within a small archipelago.
The landscape of Lefkada blends both idyllic and rough scenery, welcoming the tourist to roam the past of the Ionian Islands while rewarding every corner with the discovery of exciting secrets.
This sea area is considered ideal for boat rides and sailing due to the safe navigation it provides and the great variety of sheltered moorings in picturesque bays, harbours and quiet beaches.
The inhabited islands are Meganissi, Kalamos and Kastos while Madouri, Skorpios, Atokos are privately owned. The rest of the islands are small and uninhabited. The coasts of this area are dotted with a great number of underwater and sea caves, which form an ideal habitat for seals.
Lefkada offers visitors wonderful beachfront towns like Nidri and Agios Nikitas in addition to its beaches. Additionally, there are lots of naturally stunning locations, such the Dimosari waterfalls, wonderful food, and a ton of fun things to do!
Some reasons we love Lefkada:
– Waterfalls of Nydri
On the outskirts of Nydri, there is a stunning waterfall called Dimossari that cascades down into a valley filled with white rocks. The path that leads to the river on foot along the pine tree silhouette is beautiful. The seaside town of Nydri is close to the Dimossari Waterfalls. A trip to this charming Lefkada town and the Dimossari waterfalls are ideal together.
– Monastery of Faneromeni
The most significant sacred site on the island of Lefkada is the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni. This monastery, which is perched on a hill above the town, offers stunning views of the city, the northern part of the island, and the opposing shores of the mainland.
– Milos, Pefkoulia Beach, Kathsima, Egremni Beaches
– Porto Katsiki (Partly-Organized, Family Friendly, Pebbled)
One of Lefkada’s top beach destinations and one of the best in Greece and the Mediterranean is Porto Katsiki. The Ionian’s deep blue waters create a unique dichotomy with abrupt white cliffs, which create a wild but gorgeous backdrop. The surrounding area is covered in lush greenery, providing one of the most picturesque settings on earth.
Kastos, an Ionian Island refuge just a few kilometers southeast of Meganisi, is gifted with gorgeous beaches, tranquility, and a pleasingly simple way of life.
Only about 50 people live permanently in Kastos, a tiny jewel that is only 8 km from north to south and less than 1 km from east to west.
Due to its small size and unspoiled beauty, it is the perfect vacation spot for anyone wishing to get away from it all. The east is dotted with a variety of small sandy-pebbly beaches and paradisiacal bays with transparent, electric blue waters, in contrast to the west’s predominantly rocky, element-sculpted coastline.
Reasons we love Kastos:
– Agios Emilianos with the small cave Fokotrypa
This famous beach is ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling with clean, turquoise waters. One of the island’s top attractions, Fokotrypa (Seal Hole), a small sea cave with a beach inside it, is in Agios Emilianos.
– Fyki beach
– Church of Agios Ioannis or Prodromos
Probably one of the least well-known Greek islands is Kalamos.
20 square kilometers of surface area, with an uncommon mix of plants and rocky outcrops. Arbutus, bay, olive, holm-oak, and the renowned maritime pine trees are only a few of the many types of plants that flourish there. Less than 600 people live permanently on the island.
The island is known for its stunning pebbly beaches, the most of which are only accessible by sea.
Some reasons we love Kalamos:
– Agios Konstantinos beach with the church of Agios Donatos
– Chalasma, a niche in the rock
– the islet of Fermekoula
– Chapel of Agios Konstantinos
Atokos is a hidden treasure of the Ionian Sea that is open to anyone while being private, and it is a true haven for yachts.
It’s a 4.5 km2 island part of the Ithaca municipality. Even though it is abandoned by people, it is home to rare marine flora, making it a part of the Natura 2000 network. A family of black pigs has been keeping the island’s few wild goats company for a few years now. The principal beach is One House Bay, where you can also find the small chapel of St. John. This is a stop you won’t miss!
