Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Ionian Islands
 |  | Destination Guide : Ionian Islands |
|
| | | Lush island retreats |  | Why go on holiday to the Ionian Islands?
Dotted along Greece's western coastline, the Ionian Islands' comparatively high rainfall makes for a green, lush environment.
Each island has a distinct culture and cuisine and the influence of both Mediterranean Europe and Britain is greater than anywhere else in the country.
How much does it cost?
Depending where and when you go, £300 to about £500 for a seven to 14-night package. Flight-only deals to the Greek mainland start at about £150. There are internal flights from Athens to Corfu (£40), Kefalonia (£35) and Zakynthos (£35), at time of writing.
Lefkada can be reached by bus via a causeway from the mainland (about £11 from Athens). Ferries from Italy and the Peloponnese are plentiful.
When should I go?
Summers are hot and the July/April winds do not affect the islands. Winters are mild even by the standards of other parts of Greece, but many tourist attractions close during the low season.
|
|
|
|
| | | Hidden beauties of Corfu | | What should I do when I'm there?
There are seven main Ionian islands - Corfu, Paxi, Ithaki, Lefkada, Kythira, Kalamos and Kefalonia. Of these Corfu is probably the most well-known.
What's Corfu like?
Corfu is widely regarded as Greece's most beautiful island. Corfu town has fine museums and an eclectic mix of buildings. The best beaches are on the west coast, and inland there are unspoiled villages, grand villas and lush countryside.
What if I want a really quiet holiday?
Paxi has avoided mass tourism, but this can mean a shortage of accommodation in high season. The west coast is spectacular, Gaios is the pleasant capital and tiny neighbour Antipaxi's lovely beaches make it worth a day visit.
Ithaki, Odysseus's long-lost home, doesn't have great beaches - so it's a good choice for a quiet holiday - walking or just relaxing. Many of the best coves on the island are reached by boat.
I fancy somewhere green and lush.
Verdant Lefkada has mountains, pine forests, vineyards and olive groves. Cruising round its surrounding islands is a delight and Meganisi and Kalamos are the most attractive satellites with picturesque scenery and largely unspoiled villages.
Are there any mountains?
Kefalonia is the most rugged and mountainous of the islands and boasts pleasant villages and the medieval ruins of Kastro. The highlights are the Drogarati caves and the underground lake of the Melisani cave.
That just leaves Zakynthos.
Zakynthos town has squares, palaces, churches and a citadel with fantastic views. The museums reflect the island's rich traditions in all of the arts.
Unfortunately, for all its outstanding natural beauty and fabulous beaches, it's been violated by aggressive package tourism, and is not a good destination for the independent traveller. The least crowded beach is that at Alykes.
What activities are there?
Vasiliki, on Lefkada, purports to be the best sailboarding location in Europe. There is a golf course, tennis, cricket, riding, sailboarding and waterskiing on Corfu. There is also good fishing at Meganissi on Lefkada, and on Kalamos.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Tavern life | | Where's good for nightlife?
Zakynthos and Kefalonia (at Lassi and Argostoli) have a range of discos and bars which will satisfy all but the most fervent club animals. Corfu has a strip of garish, hi-tech nightclubs - The Hippodrome even has a pool - a couple of kilometres northwest of the new harbour.
What's the food like?
The seafood and fresh fish are delicious, but sadly not as cheap and widely available as they used to be. Expect all the usual taverna staples which you'd find on the mainland, including the ubiquitous Greek salad.
Rabbit stew is a speciality of Zakynthos, and on the larger islands, such as Corfu, many restaurants will cater to British tastes.
What should I buy?
Embroidery is the traditional specialty of the Ionian Islands. The bees feed on beds of thyme, and their honey is particularly prized. Nuts also make a popular gift, as does pottery.
You'll find lots of souvenirs on Corfu, but don't expect them to be made locally.
What is there for children to do?
Children will love the beaches and the resort facilities, but there aren't many entertainments specifically designed for them on the Ionian Islands.
On Corfu, take them to Aqualand Water Park, which is big and centrally-located. It also has facilities for the handicapped.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Ionian Islands |
|
| |  | | Villa Olive Grove
3 bedroom property suitable for 6+ guests
Full kitchen, open & airy living space, modern romantic decor
4 patio & balcony areas with fantastic sea a
|  | | evis loft
a great loft in acharavi 100m from the beach
|  | | villa eleni
villa for 4 person self catering with a lovely private garden 100 m from the sea
|  | | villa eleni 2
lovely villa near the beach set in a garden of 4000m2
|  | | VILLA ANEMONE
A luxurious spacious villa (250m2) with panoramic sea views in the cosmopolitan island of Corfu. Very peaceful, surrounded by two acres of land.
| | Click here for more properties... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
