The Ionian Islands
Discover the Ionian Islands between crystal-clear waters and a blue sky
The Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are a group of islands located on the western side of Greece, in the Ionian Sea. The group consists of seven main islands: Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos, and Kythira.
The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and the most crystal clear waters in Greece. They have been inhabited since prehistoric times and have been ruled by various powers throughout history such as the Romans and the British.
Each island has its own unique character and charm. Corfu is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, historic Old Town, and lush greenery, while Zakynthos is famous for its shipwreck beach and loggerhead turtles. On the other hand, Kefalonia is home to stunning beaches and traditional villages, and Lefkada is known for its turquoise waters and impressive cliffs. Lastly, Ithaca, the legendary home of Odysseus, is a serene island with beautiful beaches and quaint villages, while Paxos is small and cute.
The Ionian Islands are a popular tourist destination and offer a range of activities and attractions, including water sports, hiking, cultural events, and delicious local cuisine. The islands can be reached by ferry, plane, or private yacht, and there are many accommodation options available. In this travel guide, I will dive deeper into Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, and Corfu and tell you why I propose you visit these places in order to fall in love with the crystal clear waters and towns in Greece!
Kefalonia
We start off on our journey through the Ionian Islands with the leading one: Kefalonia. Kefalonia is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea, off the western coast of Greece. It is the largest of the Ionian Islands and is known for its stunning beaches and charming villages, for which it is definitely worth a visit!
One of the most famous beaches in Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, which is known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliff backdrop. Another popular beach is Petani Beach, which features crystal-clear waters and a long stretch of golden sand. In addition to its beaches, Kefalonia is home to amazingly beautiful villages, each with its own character and tradition. For instance, the village of Fiskardo, located on the northern tip of the island, is known for its picturesque harbor and colorful houses. The village of Assos, located on a narrow peninsula, is known for its Venetian castle and stunning views.
In addition, Kefalonia is also home to the Melissani Cave, a natural wonder that features an underground lake with definitely a Top 10 clear waters in the Ionian islands in Greece. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave and marvel at the unique geological formations.
Remember this about Kefalonia:
- Mount Ainos: The island’s highest peak, Mount Ainos, is 1,628 meters tall and is home to a national park with a unique ecosystem of fir and black pine trees.
- Caves: Kefalonia is home to many beautiful caves, including the Melissani Cave and the Drogarati Cave. These caves are popular tourist attractions and offer a unique experience to visitors.
- Food: Kefalonia has a rich culinary tradition, and the island is known for its delicious local dishes. Some of the most popular foods include seafood, meat pies, and the famous Kefalonian meat pie, known as the Kreatopita.
- Wine: Kefalonia is also known for its excellent wines, which are made from local grape varieties such as Robola and Mavrodaphne.
- Earthquakes: Kefalonia is located in a seismically active area and has experienced many earthquakes throughout its history. One of the most devastating earthquakes occurred in 1953, which destroyed most of the island’s buildings and infrastructure.
How to get there
Kefalonia can be reached by air or sea. The island has an international airport called “Anna Pollatou”, also known as Argostoli Airport. The airport is located about 8 km south of Argostoli, the island’s capital, and offers flights to and from several European cities, including Athens, London, Rome, and Vienna.
You can also reach the island by ferry. Kefalonia is well-connected to the mainland and other Greek islands by ferry. There are several ferry companies that operate daily routes to and from Kefalonia, including the ports of Patras and Kyllini on the Peloponnese peninsula, as well as the nearby islands like Zakynthos, Ithaca, and Lefkada.
Lastly, is also possible to reach Kefalonia by car via the mainland. There are two ways to do this: one is to drive to the port of Patras and take a ferry to Kefalonia, and the other is to drive to the port of Kyllini and take a ferry from there.
Of course, the best way to reach Kefalonia depends on your location, travel preferences, and budget. Flying to the island is the quickest option, while taking a ferry can be more scenic and enjoyable for those who enjoy sea travel. But at least there is an option for everyone!
Which beaches to check out on Kefalonia?
Here are some of the most famous beaches on Kefalonia that I propose you visit:
- Myrtos Beach: This is perhaps the most famous beach on Kefalonia, and for good reason. It is a stunning beach with turquoise waters, surrounded by towering cliffs. Myrtos Beach is located on the north-western coast of the island, about 30 km from Argostoli.
- Antisamos Beach: Located on the eastern coast of Kefalonia, Antisamos Beach is a beautiful pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. It gained fame as the filming location for some scenes from the movie “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”.
- Xi Beach: This is a long and wide sandy beach with shallow waters, located on the south-western coast of the island. It is known for its reddish-brown sand and the unique white cliffs that surround the beach.
- Petani Beach: This is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the north-western coast of the island, about 20 km from Lixouri. It has crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush green hills.
- Makris Gialos Beach: Located on the southern coast of Kefalonia, Makris Gialos is a long sandy beach with shallow waters. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Ithaca
The story about the crystal clear waters in Greece do not stop there! Ithaca is a small Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, east of the island of Kefalonia. It is famous for being the home of Odysseus, the legendary hero of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. According to mythology, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca and lived in a palace in the island’s capital, Vathy.
Today, Ithaca is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes. The island is relatively small, measuring only 96 square kilometers, and has a population of around 3,000 people. Visitors can explore its charming villages, such as Kioni and Frikes, hike through its hills and forests, and enjoy its pristine beaches, including Filiatro, Gidaki, and Sarakiniko.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ithaca is also known for its rich history and culture. The island has a number of ancient sites, including the ruins of the ancient city of Alalkomenes, which dates back to the 5th century BC, as well as the Roman baths of Polis Bay.
Overall, Ithaca is a tranquil and scenic destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and history of Greece in a peaceful and laid-back setting.
A bit of history
According to Greek mythology, Odysseus was the king of Ithaca and a hero of the Trojan War. After the war, he embarked on a long and treacherous journey home. This became the subject of Homer’s epic poem, the Odyssey. When Odysseus finally returns home to Ithaca after 20 years of wandering, he finds that his kingdom has been taken over by suitors. They tried to marry his wife, Penelope, and seize his throne. With the help of his son Telemachus, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and regain his kingdom. In the end, he triumphs over his enemies and is reunited with his family.
The story of Odysseus on Ithaca is an important part of Greek mythology and has been retold and reinterpreted in numerous works of literature and art throughout the centuries. Today, visitors to Ithaca can explore the island’s connection to the legendary hero by visiting sites associated with his stories, such as the cave of the nymphs and the ruins of the palace of Odysseus. Along with the clear waters, definitely on the list to visit in Greece!
Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is one of the most famous islands in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands after Kefalonia and Corfu. The reason why this island is nowadays so famous is because of Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, which is with its picturesque cove with white sands and clear waters one of the best once in Greece. The beach is named after the rusted hulk of a smuggler’s ship that ran aground there in 1980 and has since become an iconic symbol of the island.
In addition to the ship, the Blue Caves on Zakynthos should be visited as well. The blue caves are a series of sea caves and caverns located along the island’s northwestern coast and truly natural beauty. The caves have stunning blue waters and crazy rock formations. Try it out! Lastly what should be highlighted, is that Zakynthos is also home to several historic sites. This includes the Venetian Castle in Zakynthos Town, which dates back to the 15th century, as well as the Monastery of St. Dionysios.
Overall, Zakynthos is a beautiful and vibrant Greek Island that offers something for everyone. From its stunning natural attractions to its delicious food. Nonetheless is Navagio Beach alone already a good enough reason to visit this place!
When on Zakynthos, I propose to:
- Visit Navagio Beach: Navagio Beach is a must-see attraction on Zakynthos, known for its beautiful sandy beach, clear blue waters, and the iconic shipwreck that rests on the shore. You can take a boat tour to the beach or hike down to it for a closer look.
- Explore the Blue Caves: Take a boat tour to explore the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves and caverns along the northwestern coast of Zakynthos. The caves are known for their stunning blue waters and are a great place for swimming and snorkeling.
- Visit Zakynthos Town: Explore the capital city of Zakynthos and its historic landmarks, including the Venetian Castle, the Solomos Museum, and the Church of St. Dionysios. Stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
- Take a Wine Tasting Tour: Zakynthos is home to several wineries that produce excellent wines, including the Verdea Wine Vineyard and the Grampsas Winery. Take a wine tasting tour to sample the local varietals and learn about the island’s wine-making traditions.
- Go Scuba Diving: Zakynthos is a great destination for scuba diving, with many dive sites around the island, including the Keri Caves and the Marathonisi Island reef. Explore the underwater world and see the diverse marine life that inhabits the Ionian Sea.
PROMOTION
Check out this hotel See View Village! It is a nice hotel overlooking the sea. The breakfast is excellent and the rooms are big containing a balcony which is convenient to let wet clothes from the beach dry. There is a pool which closes at 5 pm. Lastly, there is also a bar where you can have a drink.
Photo Gallery Zakynthos
Corfu
Corfu, the last island of the Ionian Islands that we’ll be discussing, is a beautiful island located in the Ionian Sea off the coast of northwestern Greece. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, with a population of approximately 100,000 people. Corfu has a rich history and culture, with influences from Venetian, French, and British rule, as well as the Greek Orthodox Church.
Corfu Town, the island’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many historical landmarks, such as the Old Fortress, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and the Liston arcade. Lastly, Corfu is famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as sofrito (a veal stew), pastitsada (a pasta and meat dish), and bourdeto (a spicy fish stew). The island is also home to several wineries that produce local wines, such as Robola and Moschato.
Which beaches to visit on Corfu:
- Glyfada Beach: The crystal-clear waters on Corfu in Greece, start here. This long sandy beach with crystal clear waters in Greece. It is located on the west coast of the island and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Corfu.
- Paleokastritsa Beach: Located on the west coast of the island, this beach is surrounded by green hills and cliffs and offers a stunning view of the Ionian Sea.
- Agios Gordios Beach: This golden sand beach is located on the west coast of the island and is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a great place for hiking and nature walks.
- Sidari Beach: This beach is located on the north coast of the island and is known for its unusual rock formations, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
- Issos Beach: Located on the south coast of the island, this long sandy beach is backed by sand dunes and offers a great spot for windsurfing and other water sports.
- Kassiopi Beach: This small pebbled beach is located on the northeast coast of the island and is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
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Usefull information
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Because
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Restaurant
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Best hidden restaurant with good prices!
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Accomodation
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Content 3
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Best beach
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A combination of the stunning fish that can be spotted along with the best views made this my favorite one
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Do not forget to visit the old town
Corfu Town is the capital of the island of Corfu and is located on the eastern coast of the island. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and charming atmosphere.
One of the most notable landmarks in Corfu Town is the Old Fortress, which was built by the Venetians in the 16th century. It offers stunning views of the town and the sea and is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and explore the castle’s many features. The Liston arcade is another famous attraction in Corfu Town. It was built during the French occupation in the 19th century and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a coffee or drink while people-watching.
The town is also known for its narrow streets and alleys. These are all lined with colorful buildings and offer a great opportunity for visitors to explore the local shops and cafes.
Overall, Corfu is a beautiful and culturally rich destination that is perfect for anyone seeking sun, sea, and history. There are many beautiful beaches with the most clear waters in Greece. All for you to explore in Corfu, each with its own unique features and attractions. Lastly, Corfu Town is a charming and historic destination that offers a unique glimpse into the island’s past and culture. I propose you visit this island as soon as possible!
Conclusion on the Ionian Islands
So as a conclusion, yes I do propose you visit the Ionian Islands in Greece! They contain true natural beauty which already makes it a fascinating destination for everyone. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, the Ionian Islands are definitely worth a visit.
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Maximum prices upfront
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Accomodation = max. 20 euro a night for both a hostel or cheap hotel
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Minimum = 14 days
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Cheap local beer = max. 2.50 euro
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Best impression = min. 30 days/1 month
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