After talking about ‘island hopping’ on the Cycladic islands, we decided to go on with the island hopping series and move to the other side of Greece, where a whole different scenery unfolds, in the Ionian Sea. The Ionian islands are one of a kind, each one of them being unique in their own way but shaping the Ionian landscape so majestically.
The Ionian islands are the ideal option if you are looking for flourishing landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a mix of cosmopolitan and traditional influences. Kerkyra, Kefalonia, Ithaki, Paxoi, and the rest of the Ionian islands are known for their delicious food, crystal clear waters, and full of history and culture villages.
Discover Zakynthos
Our starting point this time is Zakynthos, also known as Zante or “Fior di Levante” (“flower of the East”). The third biggest island of the complex lies on the far end of the Ionian islands from the south. It is widely known for Navagio Beach alongside other gems, like Porto Limionas, the Blue Caves, and Xigia beach. When you go to Zakynthos you do not want to miss the chance to go turtle spotting with a glass-bottom boat and visit the places where the turtles lay their eggs. The island is a house to thousands of Caretta Caretta turtles and it is very likely for you to see them at some point in your trip, but make sure to not make your presence, to these lovely animals, felt as you will mostly stress them out.
Discover Kefalonia
Next on the line comes Kefalonia, the biggest of the Ionian islands and the rockiest out of the greek ones. Kefalonia is known for its rocky parts and long mountainous roads, which makes the visit with a boat more than advised if you don’t wish to spend your time on the road. In our opinion, the top 5 places you have to visit are Myrtos and Petani beach for their amazing but chilly waters, Melissani cave for an experience that will have you speechless, Robola Winery for some delicious wine tasting, and, lastly, a visit to Fiskardo in order to try unique greek flavors with a touch of Venetian air.
Discover Ithaca
Just a twenty-minute boat ride away from Kefalonia lies the Homeric Ithaca. The historic island will leave you wanting more as each little gulf has its own characteristics and beautiful scenery combining lucious green vegetation and crystal clear waters. Kioni, Frikes, and Vathi are the most picturesque villages that manage to stay traditional while at the same time being tourist-friendly, while the top 3 beaches we advise you to not miss are Sarakiniko, Filiatro, and Agios Ioannis beach.
Discover Lefkada
Last but not least in today’s tour is Lefkada. The island is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge, which makes it ideal if you want to end your tour there and go on by car to experience mainland Greece. When in Lefkada we suggest not missing Porto Katsiki and Egremni beach, both beautiful and remote as the rocky roads make them a bit unapproachable. While you are in Lefkada you have to visit Nydri waterfalls, only a small pleasant hi ke from the coastal town of Nydri. Being a yearly Blue Flag winner, Mikros Gialos is the place to go, relax, eat, drink and do watersports as it has all these amenities available in its little gulf.
