The Ionian Islands

Lefkada covers 305 km² and rises to 1,158m at Mount Stavrota. Unlike most Greek islands it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it easily accessible by car. The east coast is green and dotted with charming maritime villages (Ligia, Nikiana, Nydri), while the west coast features steep cliffs plunging into large golden sandy beaches.

Porto Katsiki, on the south coast, is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Greece — a staircase descends through brilliant chalk cliffs to a pebble beach of breathtaking turquoise water. Egremni on the southwest is 2.5 km long, surrounded by high cliffs, and is considered one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. The island takes its name from the white chalk cliffs that define its landscape.

Kefalonia is the largest Ionian island at 935 km², dominated by Mount Enos (1,626m). The capital Argostoli (16,000 inhabitants) is graced with Venetian monuments, while the second city Lixouri (3,000 inhabitants) lies across the Gulf. The authentic village of Assos sits at the foot of a peninsula crowned by a Venetian fortress, overlooking one of the most spectacular bays in Greece.

Myrtos beach — white sand framed by towering cliffs and vivid turquoise water — is considered one of the most beautiful in Greece. The underground Melissani cave lake (50m long, 35m wide), fed by both fresh and sea water, shifts from turquoise to deep indigo when sunlight enters the roof opening. Xi beach stretches 4 km with soft red sand. The lighthouse of Agios Theodoris was built in 1829.

Corfu covers 592 km² and has 107,600 inhabitants — it is the greenest Greek island, with 3 million olive trees covering its hills. The historic centre of Corfu town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its neoclassical Venetian-era buildings, grand squares, and the magnificent Spianada, one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Paleokastritsa on the northwest coast is the most beautiful village, with a succession of coves and turquoise waters. Sidari features the legendary Channel of Love. The iconic Kanoni/Vlacherna monastery and Pontikonissi (Mouse Island — said to be Ulysses' ship turned to stone) make for unforgettable photographs. The Achilleion palace, built for Empress Sisi of Austria in 1889-1891, is another highlight. Kumquat is uniquely cultivated here and in Sicily.

The third largest Ionian island at 400 km², Zakynthos (also known as Zante — the 'Flower of the Levant') has 42,000 inhabitants. Its crown jewel is Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) — an enclosed cove of gilded sand and dazzling turquoise water accessible only by boat, where the freighter Panagiotis ran aground in 1983. The Blue Caves along Cape Skinari glitter with reflected sea-light.

The Zakynthos Marine National Park (established 1999) protects the nesting beaches of the Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtle — one of the most important sea turtle habitats in the Mediterranean. A Venetian citadel crowns the Bokal hill above Zakynthos town. The island is also celebrated for its lively nightlife.

Ithaca (96 km², ~3,200 inhabitants) is the legendary homeland of Ulysses from Homer's Odyssey — one of the most evocative destinations in the Greek world. Two main ports: Vathy (the capital, built amphitheatrically around the largest natural harbour in Greece, with ruins of a French fort from 1807) and Piso Aetos. Excellent anchorages at Frikes, Kioni, and Vathy bay.

The Monastery of Panagia ton Katharon is an important pilgrimage site. Most beaches are pebble with crystal clear waters. A law passed in 1978 prohibits non-traditional architectural styles, ensuring the island has retained its authentic character. For sailors, Ithaca offers a special atmosphere — to anchor here is to follow in the wake of Homer's hero.

Paxos is the smallest of the main Ionian islands at just 25 km², with around 3,000 inhabitants, located 14 km south of Corfu. The island is famous for its excellent olive oil, produced from ancient trees that seem too large for so small an island. Gaios, the capital, is a charming fishing port protected by two small offshore islets giving it an almost lagoon-like quality.

Antipaxos, just 5 km to the south (uninhabited), has arguably the best beaches in the area: Vrika and Voutoumi with brilliant turquoise water and white sand. On Paxos itself: Lakka Bay (turquoise, shallow, stunning), Orkos, Monodendri, Mongonissi (the only sandy beach), and Erimitis (dramatic white rock formations). The island makes an exceptional sailing stop.

Meganissi is a small Ionian island of 22 km², separated from Lefkada by a narrow strait of just 800m, with around 1,000 inhabitants spread across four villages: Spilia, Spartochori, Vathi, and Katomeri. Despite being a popular sailing destination, the island has preserved its authentic character and traditional way of life.

The port of Vathi has excellent taverns serving fresh fish. The best beaches are Limenari (east coast) and Agios Ioannis (west coast). The Papanikolis cave, named after a famous WWII submarine, is accessible on foot or by boat from Nidri. Meganissi offers shelter from the Ionian meltemi and a genuine escape from crowded tourist centres.

Preveza is a coastal town in northwest Greece on the Ambracian Gulf (381.6 km², 19,050 inhabitants). It is the gateway to the ancient city of Nicopolis — "City of Victory" — founded in 31 BC by Octavian (later Augustus) to commemorate his decisive victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium.

Highlights include the Seitan Bazar, the Archaeological Museum, a Venetian Tower with a Solar Clock, the church of Agios Haralambos, and the Fort of Pandokrator. The shallow-water lagoon system of the Ambracian Gulf is protected under the Ramsar Convention. Alonaki beach offers crystal clear waters and fine sand. Preveza makes an excellent base for exploring Epirus by sea.

Parga is a picturesque town on the Epirus coast of the Ionian Sea, with around 2,000 inhabitants. It has been under Venetian rule since the 15th century and its impressive Venetian fortress from the 16th century dominates the bay. Nearby, the mythological River Acheron flows into the sea — boat trips upstream lead to the ancient Necromanteion of Efira, oracle of the dead.

The small fishing village of Syvota to the south is known for its beautiful beaches. Beaches around Parga: Kryoneri (overlooking the isle of Panagia), Valtos (most popular, golden sand, pine trees), Lichnos (pleasant, busier), Agianakis (harder to access, exceptional turquoise water), and Sarakiniko (12 km north, framed by olive groves). Parga is one of the most romantic sailing destinations on the western Greek coast.