Ionian Islands
Idyllic Escapes in the Ionian Sea
Romantic Hideaways in the Azure Ionian
CORFU
Just the mention of Corfu evokes dreams… This island, one of the most beautiful in the Ionian Islands, is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and is steeped in Venetian, French, and British influences. The island’s capital is a mosaic of traditions inherited from its former occupants, inviting you to stroll through its picturesque streets, with the red-domed Agios Spyridonas Church as a landmark. After your walk, take a break under the arcades of the Liston on the Spianada (Esplanade). Daily boats head to the island of Pontikonissi, where, according to mythology, Poseidon turned Ulysses and his ship into a rock. Nature lovers can take a hiking trail that crosses the island from north to south, offering a unique opportunity to discover Corfu’s wild and enchanting beauty. For a breath of sea air, head to Paleokastritsa, a must-visit seaside resort famous for its fine sandy beaches and restaurants perched on the mountainside. Don’t miss the chance to try local specialties such as pastitsada, sofrito, bourdeto, as well as a local soda called tsitsibyra, made with ginger and lemon. Direct flights from Paris make it easy to reach Corfu.
KEFALONIA
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, offers a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Accessible via direct flights from Paris, it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, such as Myrtos Beach, the red beach of Xi, and Antisamos Beach, made famous by the film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin starring Nicolas Cage. The island also holds geological wonders like the Drogarati Cave with its stalactites and the Melissani Cave. Kefalonia is a witness to Mycenaean civilization, with numerous artifacts displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli. Its impressive terrain, with Mount Ainos and its steep cliffs, offers unforgettable hiking and climbing opportunities. Kefalonia is famous for its traditional dishes such as bakaliaropita, mantoles (a traditional sweet), and Robola wine.
ITHACA
Ithaca, the legendary island, immediately brings to mind the epic of Ulysses and his turbulent return to his homeland. Lush and green, Ithaca is dotted with breathtaking beaches, traditional villages, and history-laden mountains. In Vathy, the island’s capital, you’ll find a sheltered port popular with sailors, as well as charming cafes and taverns lining the bay. The seaside village of Kioni, built in an amphitheater style, will captivate you with its traditional architecture. Anogi, with its medieval menhirs, will spark your explorer’s curiosity. Many hiking trails cross the island, leading to isolated sites like the Arethusa Fountain, where Ulysses’ swineherd watered his pigs, or the bay of Afales with its exotic Platia Ammos beach. The island is home to seaside resorts with turquoise waters, such as Gidaki Beach. Sport enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking or diving. Ithaca offers exquisite wines from family-owned labels and olive oil of the highest quality.
LEFKADA
Lefkada, known as the “continental island” due to its floating bridge, is a true gem among the Ionian Islands. It is renowned for its beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the world: Kathisma, a sandy stretch with crystal-clear waters; Egremni, a long beach with white pebbles and translucent waters; Mylos, with its golden sand and turquoise waters; and of course, Porto Katsiki, the iconic beach dominated by towering white cliffs. From the port of Nydri, you can explore other bays around the island, such as Prigkiponissa, Meganissi, and Kalamos aboard a sailboat. Near Nydri, the islet of Skorpios, once owned by tycoon Aristotle Onassis, as well as waterfalls, invite you to take a refreshing dip. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the beaches of Vassiliki and Saint-Yiannis, ideal for surfing, while the more adventurous can try paragliding to the beach of Kathisma. The lush village of Aghios Nikitas, where cars are prohibited, is also a must-visit. In addition to its rugged coastline and wide range of activities, Lefkada also hides treasures like the Sappho’s Leap Rock, where sacrifices were once made to appease the gods and where the poet Sappho herself is said to have leaped, disillusioned by love. Don’t miss the Venetian olive grove, where you can walk or bike in search of tranquility. Lefkada is known for its lentils from the village of Eglouvi, local sausages, and sweet delights such as pasteli and mantolato.
ZAKYNTHOS (ZANTE)
Nicknamed the “Flower of the East,” Zakynthos is the greenest island in Greece, the birthplace of Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek national anthem in 1823. This island offers a striking contrast between its mountains crowned with picturesque villages, its fertile plains, and its paradisiacal beaches. The bay of Laganas, lively each evening, offers a swim on a golden sandy coastline, where you might encounter loggerhead turtles in the national marine reserve that was the first of its kind in Greece. These turtles migrate from the Bay of Libya and the Northern Adriatic to lay their eggs on Zakynthos’ beaches. Head to the beaches of Marathonissi, Galazies Spilies (the Blue Caves), and Navagio, which are among the most beautiful in Greece. For a gourmet break, visit Bochali, an old district overlooking the island’s port, where you can savor traditional dishes. History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Zakynthos Fortress, built during Venetian rule, as well as the Church of Aghios Dionysios, an important pilgrimage site in Greece. As for its cuisine, try the traditional ladotyri cheese, as well as the dish riganada (dry bread soaked in water and olive oil, topped with grated tomatoes and sprinkled with oregano), and the raisins with a protected designation of origin.
KYTHERA
According to legend, Kythera is the island of the goddess Venus for the ancient Greeks and an ideal hideaway for pirates. The cosmopolitan village of Kapsali is perfect for night owls, with its wide selection of bars and restaurants. At the port, you can sip ouzo accompanied by exquisite meze, with fresh fish, lobsters, and other seafood, at any time. The seaside village of Avlemonas allows you to admire the Cavalini Mansion with its sundial. In Karavas, stroll along a stream shaded by plane trees and visit the Amir Ali springs. Don’t miss the traditional village of Aroniadika, with its Cycladic architecture, where you’ll find honey of exceptional quality. The castle city of Aghios Dimitrios, the Byzantine capital of Kythera, dating from the 12th century, is the most important historical site on the island. Kythera is also famous for its beaches and the geomorphology of its coastline, which forms marine caves, such as the Cave of Aghia Sophia, where you can admire life-sized frescoes painted in the 13th century depicting saints. The cave on the neighboring islet of Hytra is another spectacular site: at a certain time of day, the sun’s rays penetrate the cave, revealing the turquoise color and clarity of the waters. A seal refuge is found at the bottom of this cave. Kaladi Beach, with its translucent waters and sculpted rocks, is another must-see attraction. Before leaving Kythera, don’t forget to buy a bouquet of small yellow flowers, the “Sempreviva” (from the Latin semper viva = always alive), a distinctive symbol of the island that grows in arid areas. Although geographically attached to the Ionian Islands, Kythera is located southeast of the Peloponnese. The island is accessible from Athens by boat or plane, as well as from other cities in the Peloponnese and Crete by boat. Renting a car to explore other destinations in the Peloponnese before reaching the island can be an interesting option. Don’t miss the chance to taste the local honey, the amygdalota sweets, and small olive oil biscuits (ladopaximada).
ANTIKYTHERA
Antikythera, a true haven of peace… Located halfway between its “mother” Kythira and Crete, this wind-swept island was once a refuge for pirates. Today, its deep waters harbor shipwrecks, including one that revealed the enigmatic Antikythera mechanism, the oldest known gear mechanism dating from Roman times and now found in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. Antikythera is still an ideal place for fishing, diving, and, of course, swimming. Its rugged coastline has an unusual beauty, with coves where you can bathe in crystal-clear waters, like the beaches of Xiropotamos and Chalara. Like Kythira, Antikythera is geographically part of the Ionian Islands, although it is located southeast of the Peloponnese.
PAXI
Dreaming of the Caribbean, but it’s too far? A paradise is hidden closer to home: the island of Paxi in the Ionian Sea. The island of Paxi in the Ionian Sea is an ideal destination for discovering exotic beaches. You can tour by boat and make stops at Orkos, Kipriadi, or Marmari, where the beaches seem to emerge from a lush green setting. Gaios, the charming Venetian capital port, invites you for a stroll along its picturesque quay. Your stay will be even more enjoyable with numerous high-end accommodation options, including luxury villas with private pools and stunning sea views. Paxi is accessible by taking a direct flight from Paris to Corfu, then continuing by ferry from Corfu or Igoumenitsa (about an hour’s crossing). Taste the local delights such as kokoras pastitsada and savoro (fried fish with raisins, garlic, and rosemary).
ANTIPAXI
Antipaxos is a sparsely inhabited islet and another exotic gem like Paxi. Boats make the connection from Paxi for the day, allowing visitors to explore the island’s two main beaches: Vrika, a fine sandy beach, and Voutoumi, a pebble beach with a sandy seabed. Private villas are also available for those who wish to enjoy an exclusive stay in this idyllic setting.