The 12 things to do in the Ionian Islands

Are you going to discover the Greek islands, specifically the Ionian Islands? Here are the places to visit in the Ionian Islands.

The Ionian islands are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Different from the Cyclades, the Ionian islands have great differences among each other. Their common point, though? Beautiful landscapes and the love of music and the arts. These artistic passions have allowed different writers or poets to express themselves. Ideal to discover during a cruise or with a private boat , the Ionian islands are quiet islands, with majestic landscapes. The many deserted beaches and white sandy coves also leave us dreamy. It is an almost Polynesian sea that you can discover in some places.

So what do Ionian islands do? Discover our tips to visit the Ionian islands, not forgetting the must-see sites.

Island Corfu

Visiting the Ionian Islands begins with the discovery of Corfu. It is also the most famous and largest island. The site invites you to dive into the richness of the archipelago. The island has occupied an important place in the maritime trade, especially with Venice and Italy .

The rich architecture of Corfu has not finished surprising you. Some sites are also classified as UNESCO’s world heritage. This past is rich, combining a Venetian, British and French heritage.

1. The city of Corfu

In the city of the same name, on the east coast of the island, do not miss admiring the beautiful citadel. The ramparts date from the 15th century, giving a crazy charm to the old town. After a walk in the streets of Corfu, stop at the archaeological museum and Mon Repo Palace. He joins the palace of the royal family and now offers to the public some very beautiful antique objects.

If you like royalty, you can also go to the palace of Saint-Michel and Saint-Georges. This beautiful building served for a time as a royal residence.

2. Beaches and culinary specialties in Corfu

What do others do on the Ionian islands? After a few hours of discovering the city of Corfu, place to relaxation. The day can actually end on one of the very beautiful beaches of the site. When the evening comes, you will obviously sit at the terrace of a restaurant to enjoy local specialties. You don't know what to eat? Then order one Pastitsada . It is a cooked stew, especially from stock or calf shoulder, and served with pasta. Greek specialty is inspired by Italian culinary traditions. With moderation, finish your meal with a glass of kumquat liqueur , the symbolic drink of the island of Corfu.

3. Palais de l’Achilleion

Then leave on the outskirts of the village of Gastouri, just 10 kilometers away, to discover the palace of Achilleion. In a different style, discover this luxurious villa, built in the 19th century by the Empress of Austria Sisi . This in love with Corfu Island was able to enjoy a majestic and amazing palace. This is where the Empress lived with Kaiser William II of Germany . These two figures in Europe’s history shared the same passion for the exciting island of Corfu.

In addition to the palace, don't miss the beautiful gardens. Thanks to the many statues, including muses and philosophers, you will discover the Greek mythology. And Achille , at the origin of the palace, remains of course appointed.

4. Paleokastritsa

Visiting the Ionian Islands is also a jump to the picturesque village of Paleokastritsa. If you're looking for a typical village, don't miss going there. The name Paleokastritsa literally means “old fortress”, thus explaining the presence of the castle. Located only 25 kilometres northwest of the city of Corfu, the village is recognized with this castle in a rocky area and the presence of the monastery of the Virgin.

It is also as a seaside resort that the site remains appreciated. With its bays and port along the coastal road, the charming place thanks to its picturesque side. The boats use the port as a starting point to discover coves and isolated beaches. In height, the monastery of the Virgin dominates the village. Inside you will find, of course, post-byzantine icons dating from the 15th century, but also objects and books.

Island Cephalonia

The largest mountainous island and the largest Greek island on the Ionian sea is clearly Cephalonia. And to visit the Ionian Islands, Cephalonia offers a lot of attractions. Through its cultural places, discoveries are increasing. Take a jump for example to the citadel of Assos, a building dating from the 16th century.

Then discover the village of Fiskardo fishermen, where you will enjoy the maze of colorful houses. Argostoli, the capital of the island, contains various museums, but also one of the largest libraries in Greece.

5. The beaches of Cephalonia

Of course, the island of Cephalonia offers very beautiful beaches of fine sand. In fact, some films used these beaches as a decor. Don't miss the beach of Myrtos. With its white sand and turquoise green water, it would be a shame to visit the Ionian islands without crowding it. The heavenly place looks like a real postcard and remains one of the most photographed sites in the world. You can put your towel on this beach, one of the most beautiful in the world.

6. The Drogarati Cave and the Lake Melissani

One of the spectacular sites of Cephalonia remains the Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake. The underground lake Melissani is displayed in a sustained blue and is discovered thanks to a nice boat ride. The color of the water fascinates, just like the ceiling and the spectacular rock formations of the site.

7. Agrilia Monastery and Antisamos Beach

After Lake Melissani, then continue your visit to the monastery Agrilia. From this point of view, you also have a breathtaking view. Continue downhill you swim on the famous beach of Antisamos. This beach is especially in the film Captain Corelli .

8. A boat ride

Once the tour of the most beautiful sites in Céphalonie is done, another must-have: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Cephalonia , you offer the opportunity to discover the wonders of the island while avoiding the tourist hustle. For example, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the turquoise waters of Cephalonia or navigate to Ithaque, the island of poets and the native land of Ulysses.

If you don’t have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will reveal the most beautiful corners of the island throughout the trip. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

9. Zante

Are you wondering what to do in the Ionian Islands? From the island of Cephalonia, take the boat back to the island of Zante. Renowned for its marine heritage, the island contains the country’s first marine park. This is why you can observe the Caretta caretta sea turtles, a rare species to see. It must be said that they enjoy the island of Zante. They actually come to the island to lay their eggs.

And then at the foot of the cliffs, the memory of a shipwreck remains well present. This wreck is discovered only via the sea, at sunset. The experience remains impressive, seeing the wreck in the backdrop gives vertigo.

For swimming, there are many isolated coves around the island. You can even try a dip in the famous bay of the shipwreck. On the one hand, it is from the beach of Skala that the sinking beach is discovered. The place remains very well known for its sad history. But the crystalline water coming to caresss this beach subjugates the place.

Other Ionian Islands

After these discoveries, what do Ionian islands do? Discover the other islands nearby. If they all have beautiful sandy beaches, they all have their own characteristics.

10. Leucade

The island of Leucade has long been known as Sainte-Maure. The site is now imposing itself with its beautiful castle. The island turns out to be also the den of the athletes, with very beautiful surf spots.

11. Paxos and Antipaxos

With its sandy beaches and cliffs, Paxos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. You will enjoy the white pebbles, crystalline water, palm trees, but also the traditional village of Gaios.

Also go to the small island of Agios Nikolaos. You will discover the castle, listed as a historic monument. The building was built thanks to the Venetians, according to the plans of a certain Leonardo d’ Vinci.

12. It's all right.

To visit the Ionian Islands, direction also Ithaque, the island of poets. The native land of Ulysses gives inspiration to souls eager for escape. As a result, we get caught by the landscape, then we visit the town of Kioni. So what do Ionian islands do? The journey can continue on the island of Cythera, the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

How do I go to the Ionian islands?

From France

To reach one of the Ionian Islands, take a flight to Corfu. Various airlines offer this trip. It is also possible to land on the tarmacs of the islands of Cephalonia, Zante or Leucade.

Depending on the period of your departure, prices fluctuate quite widely from one month to another. The prices actually rise in summer. To go while taking advantage of the most interesting offers, don’t hesitate to jaunt the prices thanks to flight comparison as Ulysses .

Travel to the Ionian islands

After your landing, you can reach your accommodation by taxi or renting a car . For this, it is enough to be at least 21 years of age. For the nearby islands, many boat trips are regularly chartered.

Where to stay in the Ionian islands?

In addition to the idyllic setting, housing is as much. You can choose accommodation with pool and sea view. Accommodations of this type are available on Airbnb .

Looking for escape? Do not hesitate to discover the different possibilities of accommodation, from a Compare hotels . You can choose between the charming hotel in Corfu or a sea view apartment in Zante. Prices are very accessible. Count one 50 euros at night in low season.

So, ready to go? Good trip!