Corfu, Zakynthos, and the Ionian Islands

The Ionian islands are a group of islands in the Ionian sea to the west of the Greek mainland. Zakynthos, with its majestic shipwreck on a beach surrounded by steep cliffs, is one of the most photographed locations in Greece. Other popular islands in the chain are Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkada. Ithaka, Paxos and Antipaxos and Meganisi are more idyllic and relaxing. All the towns on the island have a strong Venetian influence, as the Venetians occupied these islands in medieval times.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the most photographed islands in Greece, most famous for Navagio beach, a sandy cove with turquoise waters, cliffs all around, and a 1980s shipwreck on shore. The geography of the island is stunning, with steep cliffs, fertile woodland plains, and golden sand beaches.

Corfu

Corfu is one of the main Ionian islands. It is famous for its high mountains, lush valleys, and miles of beautiful beaches and sandy coves. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has significant Venetian, French and British influence. It is also where Prince Phillip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was born.

Paxos & Antipaxos

Paxos and Antipaxos are very small but stunning islands south of Corfu. Though relatively untouched by tourists, the islands ooze glamour with the multitude of yachts that moor at their ports every summer, to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters, excellent beaches, and snorkeling and diving spots.

Lefkada

Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge, making it one of the few islands accessible by road. The island offers charming seaside villages, water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, and white sandy beaches. The main resort town on the island is Nydri.

Meganisi

Meganisi is a small island located opposite the port of Nydri on Lefkada. The island's beaches like Agios, Ioannis, Spilia and Barbarezou are secluded because they can only be reached by foot or by boat. The most picturesque village on the island is Vathy. It is famous for its excellent seafood taverns.

Kalamos

Kalamos is a mountainous Ionian island, that lies to the east of Lefkada, near the Greek mainland. The island has only two settlements. Kalamos, located on the east coast of the island has several restaurants, cafes, shops and beaches with smooth white pebbles and transparent blue water. Episkopi is very small.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands, and the 6th largest island in Greece. It was the location for the Hollywood film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" with Nicolas Cage. The island is famous for its scenic beaches, dramatic mountainous landscapes, enchanting villages, and the mysterious lake cave of Melissani.

Ithaka

Ithaka is most famous as the home of Odysseus, the mythical hero of Homer's classical Greek tale "The Odyssey." First inhabited in the 2nd century BC, it has since been a part of the Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Turkish, Venetian, French and British empires. The island has several excellent beaches, trekking paths, and fresh seafood restaurants.

Corfu, Zakynthos, and the Ionian Islands

Destinations

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