GUIDE TO IONIAN ISLANDS

TRAVEL GUIDES TO BEST IONIAN ISLANDS

• Corfu

  The most cosmopolitan island of the Ionian Sea, Corfu, was among the first Greek islands to open to tourism. With an amazing town of Venetian architecture, many sightseeings and wonderful beaches, Corfu island attracts thousands of visitors every year. Paleokastritsa is the most famous resort, but beautiful places to stay can be found all around the island.
  Why Corfu: Family friendly, architecture, lush vegetation, aristocratic, vintage, beautiful Town, romantic destination, museums, gastronomy.
  Highlights: Town of Corfu, Achillion Palace, Mouse island, Palaiokastritsa beach, Sidari Canal d’Amour beach, Glyfada beach.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 1 week, car is necessary.
  Where is Corfu: Corfu belongs to the Ionian islands group and is accessible from Patra and Igoumenitsa (Greece) but also Bari, Ancona, Venice (Italy).
  How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Igoumenitsa and Patra everyday. Corfu is also accessible from Italy by ferry (Venice, Bari, Ancona). Corfu has also an International Airport and is accessible by plane too.

• Zakynthos

  Famous for the wonderful beaches and the lively nightlife, Zakynthos island (or Zante) is a great destination for all ages and tastes. The youth will love the organized beaches and the noisy bars of Laganas, while families will relax in the resorts of Vassilikos. The most famous spot of Zakynthos is certainly Navagio, a gorgeous bay with exotic blue water and a rusty shipwreck on shore.
  Why Zakynthos: Popular destination, family friendly, party destination, amazing beaches, breathtaking landscapes, turquoise waters.
  Highlights: Shipwreck (Navagio) beach, Blue caves, Marathonisi islet.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 4 nights, car is strongly recommended, ideal island hopping to Kefalonia.
  Where is Zakynthos: Zakynthos (Zante) belongs to the Ionian islands and is accessible by ferry from Kilini port (Western Peloponnese).
  How to get there: There are Ferries from Kilini everyday. Zakynthos has also an International airport.

• Kefalonia

  Over the last years, and especially after the filming of the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli's Mandolin on the island, Kefalonia is getting more popular as a world destination. Famous for the exotic waters and the green landscape, Kefalonia is a great summer destination for families and couples. Myrtos is the most photographed beach of Kefalonia, but equally beautiful are the beaches of Antisamos, Makrigialos and Lourdas.
  Why Kefalonia: Amazing beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes, lush vegetation.
  Highlights: Myrtos beach, Antisamos beach, Melissani cave, Fiscardo village.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 4 nights, car is recommended, ideal Island hopping to: Ithaca, Lefkada, Paxi.
  Where is Kefalonia: Kefalonia belongs to the Ionian islands group and is accessible from the towns of Western Peloponnese: Killini and Patra, from Brindisi (Italy) and from several Ionian islands.
  How to get there: There are frequent ferries from Kilini and Patra, from Brindisi (Italy) and from other Ionian islands (Zakynthos, Ithaca, Lefkada, Paxi) everyday. An international airport is available.

• Lefkada

  World famous for the exotic beaches of the western side, Lefkada island is a wonderful place for summer vacations. Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma are the most photographed beaches on the island, while there are other less-known beaches with such amazing water. In Lefkada, you will also find picturesque seaside villages and romantic spots to have a drink in the evening. The island is also very famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  Why Lefkada: Amazing beaches, turquoise waters, breathtaking landscapes, sea sports, lush vegetation, popular destination.
  Highlights: Porto Katsiki beach, Egremni beach, Kasthisma, windsurfing & kitesurfing, Agios Nikitas village, Sivota, Sea lakes.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 5 night, car is recommended, ideal Island hopping to: Kefalonia, Ithaca.
  Where is Lefkada: Lefkada belongs to the Ionian islands group but is linked to mainland Greece with a bridge.
  How to get there: You can reach Lefkada by car or bus from Athens. Also by ferry from Ithaca and Kefalonia. Also, an airport is located nearby.

• Ithaca

  Famous as the home of Ulysses, the legendary hero of Homer, Ithaca island charms you from the first moment. With verdant background and picturesque villages by the sea, Ithaca is a truly relaxing place. Unwind your mind from stressing thoughts and let this peaceful vibe of Ithaca overcome you. A hike around the island will bring you to fabulous spots and secret coves with blue green water.
  Why Ithaca: Picturesque, lush vegetation, emerald waters, small island, romantic destination, calm atmosphere.
  Highlights: Vathi village, Kioni Village, Skinos bay, Filiatro beach.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 3 nights, car is optional, ideal Island hopping to: Kefalonia, Lefkada.
  Where is Ithaca: Ithaca belongs to the Ionian islands group and is accessible from the ports of Killini (Peloponnese) and Astakos (Aitoloacarnania).
  How to get there: There are frequent ferries from the ports of Killini and Astakos everyday. Also frequent ferry connections from Kefalonia and Lefkada.

• Paxi

  A small island on the south of Corfu, Paxi (or Paxous) is famous for the lush greenery and the beautiful beaches. The picturesque seaside villages of Paxi will offer romantic strolls day and night. Do not miss a boat trip to Antipaxos, a tiny islet with most exotic water. A nice place for relaxing family vacations, Paxi is also popular for hiking.
  Why Paxi: Small island, lush vegetation, emerald waters, picturesque, calm atmosphere, romantic destination.
  Highlights: Antipaxos island, Voutoumi beach, Gaios village.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 2 nights, car is optional.
  Where is Paxi: Paxi belongs to the Ionian islands and is accessible by ferry from Igoumenitsa and Corfu.
  How to get there: There are Ferries from Igoumenitsa everyday.

• Kythira

  A secluded island on the southern side of Peloponnese, Kythira offers all the relaxation you need in holidays. The entire island gives a sense of purity and tradition. A drive around Kythira will bring you to mountainous villages where life has stopped few decades ago, to secret coves with crystal water and interesting sightseeing, like monasteries and caves.
  Why Kythira: Beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, away from mass tourism, nice landscapes, calm atmosphere.
  Highlights: Castle of Chora, Kaladi beach, Waterfalls, Antikythira island, Avlaimonas village, Diakofti beach.
  Tips: Suggested stays: 5 nights, car is recommended.
  Where is Kythira: Kythira belongs to the Ionian islands group but is located south of Peloponnese.
  How to get there: Ferries from Neapoli depart every day. There are also ferries from Gythio 3 times a week and ferries from Athens (Piraeus) once a week. Kythira has also a national airport.

• Meganisi

  Meganisi is a small island just opposite Lefkada, accessible by boat from Nidri. Although it does not have the impressive landscapes of Lefkada, Meganisi is a lovely island for few relaxing days. The beaches are actually small coves with blue green water, reflection from the green nature of the island. The pace of life is calm and traditional.
  Why Meganisi: Small, calm, remote island, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation.
  Highlights: Vathy village, Megalo Limonari, Spartochori, Fanari beach, sea cave.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is not needed.
  Where is Meganisi: Meganisi belongs to the Ionian islands and is near Lefkada.
  How to get there: You can reach Meganisi by ferry from Lefkada (Nydri). There are frequent ferry connections.

• Mathraki

  A tiny island on the northern side of Corfu, Mathraki is almost isolate even in high season. Due to its remote distance and the small size, Mathraki has not developed in tourism. It is mostly visited as a day trip from Corfu or by people looking for totally private vacations. There is very rare transport to get around Mathraki and distances are covered on foot, which makes it a nice place for hiking.
  Why Mathraki: Small, calm, remote island, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation.
  Highlights: Chorio village, Portello beach, Kontrakas beach.
  Tips: Suggested stay: 1 night. Car is not needed.
  Where is Mathraki: Mathraki belongs to the Ionian islands and is near Corfu.
  How to get there: You can get to Mathraki by a local ferry from Corfu that operates 3 times per week.