Ionian Islands Holidays

Need to know about the Ionian Islands

There are seven main islands in the Ionian group: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Cythera, but many smaller islands exist within the chain. The climate is slightly cooler than mainland Greece and there’s more rainfall, but this means Ionian Islands holidays are greener, with an abundance of forests, olive groves and cypress trees to wander through. The islands were once occupied by the Romans and then the Venetians for more than four centuries, which give the region and its people a distinctively multi-layered feel. Italian influences can be found within the architecture, music and even the food of the islands, making Ionian Islands holidays a fascinating walk through history and an insight into a culture that’s completely its own.

Who are Ionian Islands holidays best for?

Scattered across the west coast of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands possess, within their floating chain, some of Greece’s most yearned for destinations; Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Ithaca. Each one is a dreamy Mediterranean oasis, and yet a gem in its own right. Sun seekers and beach bums will find paradise on every one of the islands, although Zakynthos’s renowned Navagio Beach or Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach have a special kind of sandy magic. They’re popular options, but go at the right time and there’s enough spectacular scenery and jovial atmosphere to make you embrace the gentle hum of other visitors. Active travellers can kayak the echoey sea caves of Paxos and spot jellyfish floating below, hike Ithaca’s strikingly emerald trails, windsurf and dive in Lefkada’s blue waters and swim in front of Kythira’s Fairy Waterfalls, which almost seem too beautiful to be true. Foodies aren’t left behind either, with delicious specialties and locally-produced wine at every turn – dishes like Pastitsada are an intriguing blend of Italian and Greek cuisine, while fried codfish and aubergine stew offer a taste sensation that can be washed down with homemade ginger beer.

Special things to do on an Ionian Islands holiday

Spend the day on a yacht around Antipaxos

Most Ionian Islands holidays are centred around the beaches and the glimmering azure ocean that wraps itself around each island. But climbing aboard a yacht on the bobbing waves of the Ionian Sea is a whole different experience. Explore the wildly beautiful coastline of the uninhabited island of Antipaxos, which sits south of Paxos; sunbathe on deck, snorkel in the crystal waters and imagine yourself a castaway as you step onto untouched sandy beaches.

Visit Kefalonia’s Acqui Division Memorial

Learn about the devastating history of the Italian soldiers who were killed by Nazi troops during the Second World War. During the massacre, 3,000 men were drowned, 1,315 were killed in battle and over 5,000 were executed. It’s a war crime that became widely publicised after the success of the Hollywood blockbuster, ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’, set in Kefalonia at the time.