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Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Paxos, Kefalonia: which is the best Ionian island for your holiday?

Written on : 19 October 2023
By : Steve Dunne
Corfu, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Paxos, Kefalonia: which is the best Ionian island for your holiday?

With their characteristic white villages, breathtaking beaches, and varied landscapes, sometimes dry, sometimes green, the Greek islands are a dream for the whole world and place Greece at the top of the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. In total, the country has no less than 6,000 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. Among the popular island, groupings are the famous Cyclades Islands, less famous but as beautiful as the Ionian Islands. Located in the middle of the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece, these islands have an important cultural heritage influenced by French, Venetian, and British origins, visible in architecture, gastronomy, and more.

However, once you have decided to spend your holidays in the Ionian Sea, you need to choose a particular island.

Here is a short guide to the Ionian islands to help you with your choice.

What are the 7 islands of the Ionian sea in Greece?

What are the 7 islands of the Ionian sea in Greece?

The Ioanian islands are a group of The 7 Greek islands that belong to the Ioanian sea are: Corfou, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Paxi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Kythira. These 7 islands are the most popular of the group, however other islands including Meganisi and Mathraki which are smaller and lesser known also belong to this region. They all have their own special charm and are worth visiting for many reasons. The Ionian islands are located on the Western side of Greece, between Greece and Italy, hence why some Ionian islands such as Corfou have a heavy Italian influence.


Corfu - the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and families

Close to Albania, Corfu is one of the largest Greek islands. With almost 600km 2, the island offers a wide variety of activities- an attractive destination, especially to families. A source of inspiration for many artists, Corfu has a great charm between its green landscapes reminiscent of Italy, its beautiful turquoise beaches, and its strong cultural heritage. Like the old town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Greece's most charming centers where a range of influences are mixed. The town has a concentration of historic palaces such as the Achilleion - the palace of Elisabeth of Austria - and museums that will satisfy your thirst for culture. Corfu will also satisfy the sportsmen with possibilities of hiking - Corfu trail, 200km - to discover a more authentic and much greener Corfu. You will have the opportunity to cross olive groves, small villages, each cuter than the other, and maybe climb the Pontokrator mountain. Finally, for those who like to relax, the island offers a large number of beaches with natural landscapes such as Canal d'Amour or Paradise Beach.

>>>Our luxury villas in Corfu

Zakynthos - Vibrant nightlife and top restaurants from which to enjoy the sunsets

Zakynthos - Vibrant nightlife and top restaurants from which to enjoy the sunsets

Zakynthos with its 402 km2 is the second most visited island, after Corfu. Known as the diamond of the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is popular with tourists because of its almost unreal landscapes. White sandy beaches, boat trips, water sports, walks through unspoiled wilderness, and nightlife is all on the agenda. Relaxation is the keyword for your stay in Zakynthos. As such, come and enjoy a full day at Shipwreck Beach. This secluded bay, where the wreck of an old smuggling boat has lay stranded for forty years, is world-famous, offering a breathtaking view from above. Accessible only by sea, it contributes to the island's fame. If you feel like swimming with turtles, you can do so south of Zakynthos in the Marathonssi National Marine Park. Finally, don't hesitate to rent a boat to enjoy the many coves and beaches more out of sight and enjoy the blue caves of Cape Skinari.

>>>Our prestigious villas in Zakynthos

Lefkada - for a walk in the lush Greek countryside

Lefkada - for a walk in the lush Greek countryside

Much easier to reach than its neighbors, Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Its surface area of 305 km 2 is smaller than Corfu or Zakynthos, recognizable by its mountainous geological features and rich vegetation. Lefkada is a versatile island with idyllic beaches such as Porto Katsibi beach with its massive cliffs as a backdrop and lush pine forests in the center, where treasures such as the waterfalls of Nydri and Dimosari are hidden. So when the heat is stifling on the beach, it can be nice to enjoy nature walks and cool off in these natural waterholes. For all windsurfers, Lefkada offers very good conditions for windsurfing in the south of the island.

>>>Our luxury villas in Lefkada 

 

Paxos-Antipaxos - for secluded paradisical beaches and otherworldly snorkeling spots

Paxos-Antipaxos - for secluded paradisical beaches and otherworldly snorkeling spots

For those looking for a chic little piece of paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger islands, Paxos is the ideal destination. Located south of Corfu, only 25 km 2, it is one of the smallest Ionian Islands in Greece. Surrounded by turquoise waters, impressive cliffs, delightful bays and sea caves, you can discover most of the island's treasures by boat. So don't hesitate to take a boat trip to go on adventures and discover little coves just for you! Given the distances involved, it can be pleasant to cycle around the island and discover the hinterland, made up of vast olive groves and small Venetian-inspired picturesque villages with splendid little tavernas. You can also take a shuttle bus to the small island of Antipaxos, 2km south of Paxos. It is populated mainly by farmers and winegrowers and is only 4 km2 in size, but it has a beautiful coastline with magnificent beaches. It receives far fewer visitors than the other islands.

>>> Our most beautiful villas in Paxos

Kefalonia - the understated gem of Greece's Ionian Sea

Kefalonia - the understated gem of Greece's Ionian Sea

Kefalonia is the largest and most mountainous of the Ionian islands. It is also believed to be mythical Ithica to which Odysseus, king of Ithica, seeks ot return in Homer's Odyssey. Its natural environment is just exceptional and will never cease to amaze you. For those who love hiking and nature, go and discover Mount Ainos. It rises in its center to a height of more than 1600 meters, in the heart of a reserve, offering possibilities for hiking in the middle of nature, amid endemic species such as the cephalic fir trees. One of the attractions of the island is the Drogarati cave and the underground lake of Melissani. Take a boat trip and discover this sumptuous space! Kefalonia also has a lot of beautiful beaches, such as Xi, which is made of red sand, and Myrtos, on the west coast of the island. You can also visit the small fishing village of Assos. Built on a peninsula whose summit leads to a Venetian citadel, the brightly coloured houses and the small main port make it a romantic destination par excellence.

>>> Accommodation in Kefalonia 

Which is the best Ionian island to visit for your luxury villa rental?

If you want to enjoy your holiday on beautiful beaches where relaxation and leisure are the keywords of the trip, choose Zakynthos or Paxos. Paxos being more "select" you will be more at ease, especially outside of the peak months. If you like mornings enjoying the view from the bay and sporty afternoons with hikes and forest walks- Kefalonia may be the ideal spot. Finally, Corfu takes all these aspects and adds a historical touch, with more cultural activities, fantastic restaurants and historical heritage.

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