Ionian Islands
The Ionian islands form an archipelago between Greece and Italy that begins in southern Albania and descends along the coast of Epirus. They are one of the main beach holiday destinations in the Mediterranean.
The Ionian islands are quite different from those of the Aegean. They are greener and not very hot in summer, thanks to their geographical position which offers them a particularly mild climate, while in winter they receive abundant rains, especially Corfu which is further north. It is precisely these rains that give the islands this luxuriant nature.
Corfu (Kérkyra)
The island of Corfu is the most famous of the Ionian islands and the one that receives the most tourists during the year. It is also the largest and the one that offers the most hotel accommodations. This cosmopolitan island in the Ionian Sea was among the first Greek islands to open up to tourism.
Thanks to a past with strong relations with Italy and the United Kingdom, Corfu has a rich cultural heritage and has been the home of important poets, musicians and politicians. Being the largest, it is also the one that offers the most things to do and see.
Zakynthos (Zakynthos)
The island of Zakynthos is also an island rich in culture and has impressive Venetian architecture. The island is also known for the variety of its coastline, with rugged cliffs on the west coast, caves to the north and sheltered sandy beaches to the south and east.
The beaches along the southern peninsula of Vassilikos are some of the most popular destinations on the island. For sea lovers it is one of the best destinations ever, with unique and suggestive beaches.
Lefkada (Lefkada)
Considered to be the Caribbean of Greece, the island of Lefkada amazes visitors with the exotic blue color of its beaches. Connected to the mainland via a small bridge, Lefkada is effectively accessible by car, so there's no need to take a ferry.
This is the perfect place for families, couples and large groups of friends, as it has something for everyone: wonderful beaches, impressive landscapes, delightful villages with fish taverns by the sea and lush greenery.
Kefalonia (Kefallonia)
The largest island in the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is a very charming place. Although it has developed quite a lot in recent years as a tourist destination for families, the beaches on the island of Kefalonia are never crowded due to the large size of the island.
Although its highlight are its exotic beaches, Kefalonia offers many other places to see, picturesque villages, medieval castles and splendid monasteries. After Corfu, it is the most touristic of the Ionian Islands.
Ithaca (Ithaki)
Famous throughout the world as the mythical island of Ulysses, Ithaca enchants visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, blue-green water and lush vegetation. This small island is an ideal place for families with children and romantic couples looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation.
There are no direct flights from Italy or even with a stopover, because there is no airport on the island. The most convenient way to get there from Italy is to take a flight to Kefalonia and then reach Ithaca with one of the ferries that connect the two Greek islands.
Paxos (Paxi)
It is the ideal place for those looking for calm and relaxation, a very pretty little green gem. Paxos offers many things to see, wonderful beaches, sea caves and very hospitable people. Its main tourist attraction is the castle of Aghios Nikolas, classified as a historical monument and whose design is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
