With its reliable weather conditions, blue open skies, sapphire waters and excellent food and cuisine, Greece has remained one of the top choices for most travellers wanting a great holiday experience.
While Santorini, Athens and Mykonos remain some of the popular destinations in Greece that attract the most attention you can look out for holidays in the Ionian Islands. While not 20 islands are inhabited you can visit some of the popular ones that would provide you with an excellent experience in terms of connectivity, accommodation, food and shopping. To make it even better you can opt for villa holidays in the Ionian Islands to get the best experience.
All of the six Ionian Islands have something to offer and therefore you need to focus on what you want and where you can find the best experiences that suit your taste and budget.
Corfu
If you are planning to visit the Ionian Islands you must begin your journey with Corfu. This is one of the popular destinations in the Ionian Islands where finding accommodation would be no big deal. With its white sandy beaches, historical monuments and lush greenery Corfu has become a quite popular destination. If you are someone who loves exploring tiny alleys and lanes you can explore Corfu’s Old Town which instantly takes you back to the 1800s.
When you are here you can explore the Spianada, the largest square in Greece. Also, you can pay a visit to Vlacherna Monastery and other monuments that still make Corfu one of the best places in the Ionian Sea.
If you love beaches, Corfu can offer you pristine beaches that will instantly set your mood. On the east coast, you can enjoy the waves at the Dassia Bay, Barbati and Kontokali. On the western side, you can find beaches in Paleokastritsa, Rovinia and Glyfada.
Corfu can also provide you with excellent food and festivals that make this one of the most fun islands in the Ionian Sea. You can have a great time enjoying authentic Greek meals and participating in those festivals. You can attend the Corfu International Festival which highlights local art and culture.
Paxi
Just a bit south of Corfu, Paxi also popularly known as Paxoi or Paxos has remained the hub for travelers looking for calm and relaxation. If you want to escape your urban chaotic life, Paxi can offer you the best holiday experiences that not many places in Greece can offer. Packed with spectacular beaches, underwater caves, and green hills, Paxi is a great place if you want a quiet time to contemplate.
One of the reasons why you should choose Paxi for your holidays is because you want some quiet time and love to explore places on foot. If you are someone who loves to explore local towns and villages on foot you can do that in Paxi. As you stroll through the picturesque villages of Ozias, Lakka and Loggos you can also appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds these quaint villages.
Also, if you are looking for activities you can participate in traditional festivals, explore various underwater and on-the-land caves and discover shipwrecks.
Lefkada
With its mountainous terrain, Lefkada is one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea. Hence, you can always look for some of the best landscapes when you are staying in Lefkada. Of all the six islands, Lefkada is the only one connected to the mainland via a bridge. Hence, it offers easy connectivity even when you are bringing your car. This allows you to drive through some of the deep forests, high peaks and stunning coastline it has to offer.
Like any other Ionian Island, Lefkada has no shortage of white pristine beaches and therefore you can spend time on the beaches. You can also enjoy various boat trips while you are here and enjoy the scenes of Greek islands. You can also look out for various hiking trails in Lefkada that can lead to waterfalls like Dimosari Waterfalls.
Ithaca
While Ithaca might not be an island for someone who wants adventure it still offers an excellent experience when you are visiting the Ionian Islands. Blessed with blue emerald waters and hills, Ithaca has a landscape packed with traditional villages, green hills and plenty of historical monuments. If you love Greek mythology, Ithaca is the island you should choose for holidays.
Also, Ithaca is a great place for cave exploration and hiking and therefore you can enjoy holidays at your own pace. The island is also home to many historical landmarks and that is a great option for those who want to immerse themselves into Greek mythology and history. The beaches of Ithaca are blue and shallow making it a perfect spot for families holidaying in the Ionian Sea.
Kefalonia
One of the popular Ionian Islands that you should not miss out on is Kefalonia. If some of the best beaches in Corfu impress you, the beaches in Kefalonia will surprise you for sure. Beaches in Kefalonia are among the best in Europe and therefore visiting Kefalonia is a must if you are a beach lover. Some of the top beaches like Myrtos and Antisamos have gained international fame and attracted many people from all over the world.
Similarly, Kefalonia is also quite popular for its local Venetian architecture across its small towns. Fiskardo and Assos are the two most popular towns that you must explore when you are in Kefalonia.
Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will love Kefalonia for its natural setting and plenty of birds and other animals like the loggerhead turtle and green sea turtle. Unlike any of the islands in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is also home to Mount Ainos National Park where an endemic species of fir known as Abies Cephalonica grows. For many, this national park offers excellent hiking trails. You can also explore various lakes and caves on the island which would be a perfect adventure activity.
Located on the southwest coast of Greece, Zakynthos also known as Zante is one of the top destinations for beach lovers. Being the third largest island after Corfu and Kefalonia, Zakynthos is quite popular for its turtle nesting grounds, lush green olive groves and being the hub of adventure sports. Hence, there are many things to do in Zakynthos that would keep you busy.
Navagio Beach also known as Shipwreck Beach is one of the most visited locations here. If you are looking for adventure you can swim in various underwater caves which are accessible from the sea.
Zakynthos is also known for its nightlife activities and therefore you can find nightclubs and pubs where you can party and dance to the best foot-thumping music. The island is also a good place for adventure activities like hiking, trekking, base-jumping and many other adventure activities. Zakynthos also offers excellent connectivity and therefore it is a great option to use it as an entry or exit point for your trip.
Hence, when you are exploring the Ionian Islands you have to focus on what experiences you prefer as not all islands offer the same level of adventure and activities.