By on 07-09-2015
Found at the western coastline of Greece, the Ionian Islands consist of seven main islands and some smaller ones. They are all renowned for their lush vegetation, high mountains and crystal waters. They present a rich culture, as well as cosmopolitan and artistic flair.
Influenced by Venetian, British and French architecture and lifestyle, the Ionian islands perfectly combine traditional style with cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the Ionian islands, visitors will find excellent tourist infrastructure, with many elegant accommodation and dining venues, adventure activities and many historical sights.
Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian islands and has a strong historical character. Its landscape is mostly mountainous, but there are also many things to do in Corfu and stunning beaches with cold crystal waters to visit, like Paleokastritsa, Sidari and Acharavi, pebbled and sandy, organized and secluded.
The main town, Corfu Town, boasts many important monuments of Renaissance style, Venetian fortresses, French palaces and British public buildings, as well as lovely open-air squares, such as Spianada, and has many popular nightlife meeting spots for youths.
How to go to Corfu: Visitors can go to Corfu by plane or ferry from Igoumenitsa and Italy.
Lefkada
Lefkada is world known for its sapphire waters. An impressive setting to behold, the sea of Lefkada is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The best beaches to visit are Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. There are also beaches offering ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, like Agios Ioannis and Vassiliki.
Easily accessible by car from the mainland of Greece through a small bridge, Lefkada is a very popular choice among both Greek and international tourists. All around its coastline there are picturesque villages, such as the cultural Lefkada Town, the tourist Nidri and beautiful Vassiliki.
How to go to Lefkada: The only way to go to Lefkada is by car or bus. There is no ferry to Lefkada as the island is connected to the mainland with a bridge.
Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is considered a more peaceful destination, ideal for families and romantic couples. It has wonderful scenery with long sandy beaches and magnificent caves, such as Melissani Cave, as well as forested mountains, perfect for hiking.
Dotted all around the island are many traditional villages, with basic tourist infrastructure and friendly people. Hike or drive around the island to visit Medieval castles and impressive monasteries. The amazing landscape of Kefalonia, with exotic beaches like Myrtos, Antisamos and Lourdas, was used as a setting for the famous Hollywood film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
How to go to Kefalonia: You can go to Kefalonia by plane or ferry. Ferries to Kefalonia depart from the port of Killini in Peloponnese.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos, or Zante, is a historical island at the south of the Ionian islands group, homeland of the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos, with amazing green mountain landscape and stunning sandy or rocky beaches. Attracting tourists of all types and ages, Zakynthos, often referred to as the flower of the east, offers something for everyone.
There are serene beaches with crystal waters for a relaxing swim, such as the famous Navagio (the Shipwreck Beach), reached only by boat, but also lively beaches with water sports and beach bars organizing parties, like Laganas, which is also a beach where the sea turtles Caretta-caretta lay their eggs.
In the main town of Zakynthos visitos can enjoy a lot of sightseeing, as there are many interesting museums, remarkable churches and a Venetian Castle.
How to go to Zakynthos: You can go to Zakynthos by plane or ferry. These ferries depart from Killini port, Peloponnese.
