Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece and to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.

Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi (or Paxos) and Kythira are the seven largest and most popular islands of the group, while Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Meganisi and Strofades are lesser-known smaller islands, which have a lot going for themselves.
They are destinations attracting many visitors every year for a variety of reasons:
Their temperate climate, lush vegetation, beautiful mountains and breathtaking beaches will provide the perfect surroundings for your next holidays.

Though the islands form a chain along the west coast of mainland Greece, each has its own distinct landscape and history. Corfu Town holds Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies. Lefkada boasts some of Greece’s finest turquoise-lapped beaches, while Kefallonia is adorned with vineyards and soaring mountains. Paxi’s Italianate harbour villages are postcard pretty, and soulful Ithaki preserves wild terrain and a sense of myth. Zakynthos has sea caves and waters teeming with turtles, and Kythira offers alluring off-the-beaten-track walks. Whether it’s your first or 50th visit, the Ionians hold something new for adventure-seekers, food-lovers, culture vultures and beach bums alike. With their cooler climate, abundant olive and cypress trees, and forested mountains, the Ionians are a lighter, greener variation on the Greek template. Venetian, French and British occupiers have all helped to shape the islands’ architecture, culture and (excellent) cuisine, and contributed to the unique feel of Ionian life.

When to go

The best time to go to the Ionian islands for a beach holiday is from June to August, or even mid-September, especially on the southernmost islands (Kephalonia, Zakynthos, Kythira), where summer lasts a little longer.

What to do

• Water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing οn Vasiliki and Agios Giannis, Lefkada Island,
• Hike οn Ithaca’s green hinterland
• Visit the amazing Melissani and Drogarati Caves οn Kefalonia Island
• See the Neraida (Fairy) waterfalls on Kythira Island.
• Marvel at the ruins of the Minoean Crete capital, Knossos
• Visite the most famous shores in Greece are located on this side of the country. Egremnoi and Porto Katsiki beaches on Lefkada Island, Navagio Beach on Zante Island and Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia Island are but a few of the award-winning must-visit destinations in a long list of spots with cool emerald waters.