ionian islands itinerary

Here's the result of my hard work!! I heard some people actually tried climbing down from the viewpoint at the very top which after being there in person, is a big WTF? Also, its worth visiting the windmills, one of which is considered to be the best preserved in the Ionian. Paxi island, also seen as Paxoi or Paxos, is located south of Corfu, and is often visited as a day trip together with its sister island Antipaxoi. Ferry connections link islands in the Ionian group together, and also to ports in Western Greece and the Peloponnese. Its located on the western side of the island just next to the town of Magazia. Ask around for the latest information, as it tends to change year by year. "@type": "Answer", Paxos Antipaxos Blue Caves Day Tour from Corfu. Frommers recommends the Faros, while Lonely Planet recommends The Captains Cabin and Taverna Nicolas, but hint at the near impossibility of finding a table in the summer unless you get there early. It was absolutely unreal to visit all these islands in the summer months without the typical summer crowds. I would suggest you spend 2-3 days on each island you decide to visit. Its a perfect little paradise for nature lovers who want to get away from the crowds. Want to explore the Ionian Islands in one go but don't have the time to research it in depth? }, { Complete travel guide to 9 Ionian islands, Greece: Photos, things to do, beaches, sightseeing, hotels, restaurants and more in Ionian, Greece. Here are some travel tips for the Ionian islands, including what to do and how to get there. The major islands of Greece's Ionian Sea lived for centuries under Venetian rule and it shows in their castles and churches. Corfu is also the most developed of the islands given that it is such a popular destination for tourists and retirees alike. Some of the best things to do in Corfu include the following: The easiest way to get to Corfu is by plane. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This is when they get more crowded, and accommodation prices go up. There is a nice taverna on the beach preparing delicious Greek dishes. "text": "Kefalonia can be less crowded than Corfu, and despite being bigger, has only half the number of hotels. I visited the following areas on this itinerary. The existence of a karstic network across the island was proven in a 1963 experiment, in which green dye dumped into sinkholes on the other side of the island (Katavothres) resurfaced 14 days later in Melissani lake. If you liked Myrtos Beach, then you will for sure also love Patani Beach. Furthermore, itineraries and ferry companies may differ year by year! The beaches are incredible and if you visit during the shoulder seasons, you can sometimes have these beaches all to yourself. Youll need to follow the directions on Google Maps closely as youll pass through small roads. Ionian Greece: Complete Travel Guide | Greeka If you have your own boat, you can dock at the small marina named Gerolimionas. There is a variety of incredible beaches with crystal-clear water all around Corfu. Its ranked up there with the Shipwreck beach in Zakynthos for must visit sights and natural beauty. Voutoumi beach is the one that youll want to visit. Even though the island is small, the tallest mountain is 745 metres, and is covered by a thick, verdant pine forest, which is unique by Greek standards. The north part of the island is quieter, and impressively green. As you would expect, all the inhabited Ionian islands have at least one port. This two week itinerary will not cover all the Ionian islands, but will provide an insight on some of the most scenic spots and activities to do on your dream Greece trip. Win win we like that! Corfu and Paxos are the perfect pairing of islands for a one week trip. Here, pinewoods dotted with elegant cypresses give onto dreamy turquoise waters. These airports will also have domestic connections to Athens and Thessaloniki. "acceptedAnswer": { This is for sure the ultimate Instagram location if thats something you care about. Lets just assume this week is dedicated to the islands and Athens wont be in the picture. However, if you arent into big crowds, traveling during the shoulder months might suit you better. The Ionian islands are very large in size. Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Lefkada are among the most popular destinations for visitors from overseas." This means if you have a week to travel, just choose two or three islands as a maximum. A Guide To All The Ionian Islands, Greece: Which Island Is The Best? Relax, here is an itinerary for island hopping around this part of Greece. Here are the best things to do in Antikythera: Getting to Antikythera can be fairly time-consuming. The Ionian islands were part of . There are two more villages on the island, Lakka and Longos. It's located on the north western corner of Greece with the main islands being Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Next door to Porto Katsiki is the even more famous and much more stunning beach of Egremni. Catching waves (and napping) and good vibes in the, Hugely surprised by how amazing Lombok is. Required fields are marked *. This itinerary will take you from Lefkada all the way to Zakynthos and back, ensuring that you visit all the hot spots among the Ionian islands along the way. Ereikoussa, also seen as Erikoussa, is the northernmost Ionian island, located north of Corfu. Two weeks island hopping itinerary for the Ionian islands. The island has two main settlements, the port town of Plakes and Chorio, with picturesque traditional houses and minimal infrastructure. Its like youre swimming in the Maldives or something. There are a few incredibly stunning villas right behind Milos Beach which have stairs leading directly to the beach. "mainEntity": [{ The water is a light blue which contrasts so perfectly with the rock formations. Corfu is a hugely popular getaway for British and German tourists with multiple flights daily between Corfu airport and the numerous cities in those two countries. Its one of those low-key quiet islands where time seems to have stopped. As the beach faces west, the sun wont fully light up the ocean or mountains until noon. Ionian Islands Greece Bike + Barge Tours Bike & Boat in Greece featuring the Ionian Islands & Gulf of Corinth Tour Type Guided Skill Level Moderate-Difficult Length 8 days ? Yes, its located on Zakynthos and no trip to this island is complete without visiting this absolutely beautiful place. Kefalonia is incredibly beautiful and has some of the most beautiful villages of the Ionian islands. Get to the heart of Ionian Islands with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Currency: Greece uses the Euro. Named after the huge rocks found on the shore, Megali Petra Beach is divided into two parts, the organized section with sunbeds and the untouched section. Go to the far left side of the beach for beautiful caves, and beach. The monastery was seriously damaged by an earthquake in 2018 and is currently uninhabited. With home cooked vegan food, relaxing hammocks and board games to play with friends and family, this cozy spot is a haven of itself. The Ionians seem to be even more complicated. However, there is much more to the pretty Ionian island. With only a few dozens permanent residents, it gets comparatively lively in summer, when visitors arrive to experience an off-the-beaten-track Greek island. If you decide to buy items through these links, you will be helping Dave to fund this site and perhaps the next adventure. I think there are better options to be had if you are looking for a place to eat. You can get to Ithaca by ferry from Kefalonia or mainland Greece. However, there is a lot more to it. Othoni might have been the mythical Ogygia, where Odysseus was kept by Kalypso for seven years. I paid roughly 50 per hour which included the captain and guide. Lefkada is the only island connected to mainland Greece,so because of the easy . (more on that later). It is mostly famous for its incredible, world-famous beaches, like Egremni and Porto Katsiki. Similarly, their culture is quite distinctive, with unique customs and celebrations. }, { Day 1: Arrive in CorfuDay 2: CorfuDay 3: CorfuDay 4: Corfu to PaxosDay 5: PaxosDay 6: PaxosDay 7: Paxos to Antipaxos ferryDay 8: Paxos back to Corfu, flight home. You can also travel to the Ionian sea islands by ferry from mainland Greece or from another island. The best way to enjoy the forest is to hike the trail connecting the two main settlements on the island. Perfect Ionian Island Hopping Route Kefalonia is the most middle island in the Ionian sea. Its a VERY steep drop here and there have been plenty of people that have died chasing that elusive Instagram photo. It is a bit of a trek but not overly difficult. The distance you must travel is a bit too much for a scooter in my opinion.You will NOT find villages like this one in the Cyclades. Episkopi, to the north, is a much smaller village. Here is a day by day breakdown of the Greek island itinerary. Generally speaking, Greece is a popular summer destination, but it can be surprisingly warm and pleasant in spring and autumn. The Ultimate Travel Guide For Kefalonia, Greece | Johnny Africa From here, youll walk 10-15 minutes before youre greeted with the most stunning views of the Ionian. 14 Days Ionian Islands Yacht Charter Itinerary from Lefkas Despite its faraway location, Antipaxoi is quite popular with both private sailing boats and day-trippers from Paxi. The pictures already induce the most amount of wanderlust possible, but yes it gets even better! There are no flights between the islands so youll have to take the ferry for this purpose. Dont miss Kaladi, a wild beach where you can walk down through a few dozen steps. Still amazing photo though, To visit the Shipwreck beach, you will need to go by boat. From here, there are daily and sometimes twice daily ferries from Zakynthos to Kefalonia. Last but certainly not least, Avali Beach is the hidden beach of Lefkada locals dont want you to know about! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. "name": "Which is the best Ionian island to visit? Dont miss out on trying the local lentils, that are among the best in Greece. Its so much more relaxing. Here are some travel tips for the Ionian islands, including what to do and how to get there. Materials used include stone, wood and sheet metal, which is very typical of Lefkada town. Carpeted with olive trees, pines and vineyards, the Ionian Islands are fertile and green, a stunning setting for award-winning white-sand beaches and peacock-blue waters. I'm currently living the expat life in Frankfurt, Germany and traveling the world as much as I can. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. "@type": "Question", This guide will give you a quick overview of each of the islands in the Ionian Sea and its highlights, and - crucially - how to travel to and between them (including ferry routes). } Ithaca is an irregularly shaped island, with a north and south part. Youll want to come here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and you can bet the crowds come here in full force. Its unique charm, cosmopolitan vibes, incredible architecture and stunning nature make it a popular summer destination. Day trips from Lefkada are also available. In terms of sightseeing, check out the temple of St John the Martyr, with the interesting artwork, and the chapel of Agios Emilianos. Please share by pinning the image below using the sharing buttons in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. The name refers to the seven biggest islands, but there are many, many more. You can also take a ferry from Kyllini port in the Peloponnese. THE TOP 10 Ionian Islands Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator This is where the famous Antikythera mechanism was discovered. You can see a model of the palace in Stavros village. A Guide To All The Ionian Islands, Greece: Which Island Is The Best? They are much bigger than their counterparts in the Cyclades which is famous for its white houses and blue doors. I visited Corfu last on my Ionian islands adventure and while it is still very visually beautifull, I found it to be the least impressive of the main Ionian islands. These seasonal winds can make it difficult to swim or even dangerous, on certain beaches. You can also visit Agios Emilianos, where you will find Fokotrypa, a sea cave where seals hide sometimes. You might also hear them referred to as the Western Greek islands. Copyright Johnny Africa 2023 - All Rights Reserved. Try the awarded local white Robola wine, and consider visiting some of the islands wineries, such as the Robola cooperative or Gentilini winery. The main ports in mainland Greece from where you can travel to the Ionian islands are Igoumenitsa, Patras and Kyllini. The little island is fairly flat and full of olive trees. Regardless, a few illicit cigarettes has led to one of Greeces most lucrative tourist attractions so it worked out in the end. The ferry between the two islands run regularly and is just a short ride away. This beach requires some hiking which you can start from Agias Nikitas Town. The majority of the beaches in Kastos are on the east side, and you can approach them on foot or by sea. Ionian Islands - Travel Guide (Including How to Island Hop) The Ionian islands are not to be confused with the more popular Cyclades islands famous for places like Mykonos and Santorini. Kithira is accessible from Piraeus, Gythio and Neapoli in the Peloponnese, and Kissamos in Crete. Structuring your trip properly can mean saving an extra day or two just from catching the ferries correctly. The traditional stone houses and friendly people will make your stay unforgettable. There are also connections with Lefkada. Corfu, known as the Emerald island, is definitely the most popular and well known of the Ionian islands. Take your time to stroll around, have a meal, and visit the archaeological and folklore museums. Without a doubt, Porto Katsiki is the most famous beach in Lefkada. NauticEd are bareboat charter and flotilla experts. Combining the Ionian islands and other Greek island groups, like the Cyclades, is often a logistical nightmare as it will involve multiple flights and / or ferries. They all offer crystal-clear waters, tourist amenities and beautiful, wild nature. The easiest way to explore them is by sea. In fact, some of the remaining Ionian islands are currently private. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Arguably the most famous one is Myrtos, an incredible sandy beach surrounded by cliffs and a thick forest. However they are not as easy to combine in an itinerary as some of the other Greek islands group. Lets have a closer look at the Greek Ionian islands map: Corfu, one of the biggest and most popular Ionian islands, is located to the north, close to Albania. }, { This bay has some of the most crystal clear waters in all of Greece. "@type": "Answer", If you start at Fiscardo and travel south you will come to the village of Assos with its port, one of the most picturesque in Greece, pastel colored houses and its Venetian fortress. The Very Best Ionian Sea Sailboat Charter Itinerary Well, actually there are two itineraries here since we went for two 1-week charters back to back. The South Ionian sailing itinerary starts in Lefkas. Restaurants are reasonably priced and most are around the waterfront. They normally run from Corfu Town, and also from the north of the island, Agios Stefanos, Sidari and Acharavi. Here's our 14 days sailing itinerary to explore the Ionian Islands, Greece by yacht: Day 1 - Lefkas; Day 2 - Meganisi; Day 3 - Kastos; Day 4 - 6 - Zakynthos; Day 7 - 8 - Kefalonia; Day 10 - Preveza; Day 11 - Parga; Day 12 - 13 - Corfu; Day 14 - back to Lefkas; 14 Days Ionian Islands yacht itinerary Ereikoussa is round and relatively flat, with its highest point at just 130 metres. The work required to get here will deter the average beach goer, especially as Agios Nikitas beach is next to it. In 1980, the Merchant ship named Panagiotis was smuggling cigarettes from Albania to Italy. Discover the beauty of the Ionian Islands Itinerary | YachtCharterFleet Prices from 1995 Rates Book This Trip Overview Itinerary Boats & Bikes Inclusions Dates & Pricing Extra Info Photos Reviews Book This Trip Email 800-951-4384 It combines gorgeous beaches, transparent, turquoise waters, beautiful rock formations, a verdant landscape and small, traditional settlements. In addition, it was by far the busiest of the islands I visited which took away from its charm I think. You can discover dozens of small beaches with white pebbles hidden all along the coastline. The Ionian Islands (Modern Greek: , Ionia nisia; Ancient Greek, Katharevousa: , Ionioi Nsoi) are a group of islands in the Ionian Sea, west of mainland Greece. If you have one week to travel the Greek islands, here are some options for you to consider. The Ionian Islands Travel Guide As ferries tend to vary by year, ask around for the latest information. There are international flights to the three biggest Ionian islands. Surrounded by wild greenery, dramatic cliffs, Megali Petra offers seclusion for a relaxing day by the deep blue waters.Another amazing beach. These are the best places for adventurous tours in Ionian Islands: Seascape VIP cruises; Odysseia Boat Tour; Mario's Cave and Turtle Boat Trips; Ionian Discoveries; Porto Vromi Maries Cruises & Fun; See more adventurous tours in Ionian Islands on Tripadvisor Like all of the Ionians, Zakynthos has an abundance of beautiful beaches, with Shipwreck being the most famous. You can get to Meganisi on a ferry from Nydri in Lefkada. During their relatively brief occupation, both the French and the British built impressive palaces and other buildings. The Ionian Islands in Greece are a group of beautiful, green islands including Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaca. Greece Yacht Charter Itineraries. This beach is like Porto Katsiki but with much smaller crowds. Gaios, the capital and main port, is protected by a couple of small islets, which only add to the picturesque setting. There is a second settlement up on the mountain, called Chorio. Generally, most people come to Greece in the summer months which are its warmest and busiest. An unforgettable vacation starts with a well-planned itinerary. Apart from the beaches, the best things to do in Kefalonia include: There are direct flights from several European airports to Kefalonia as well as ferries from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland. Antipaxos is very small and there isnt much to do on the island itself. In Greek, the Ionian islands are known as Eptanisa, which literally means seven islands. However, once you reach this unassuming viewpoint, youll be greeted with the most dramatic views in Paxos. Greek Island-Hopping Basics by Rick Steves With only a few hundred permanent residents, its a great destination for nature lovers who are looking for some quiet time. Kithira, also known as Kythera, Kythira or Cythera, is located south of the Peloponnese. "name": "How do you travel between Ionian Islands? Ithaca, the homeland of the mythical Odysseus, is a beautiful, verdant island. If you dont know anything about Zakynthos, you probably have still heard of the Shipwreck Beach. If you look at a map, the islands are conveniently located north to south in a straight line. The viewpoint of Shipwreck beach where all the iconic photos are taken is easily reached by car. Interested in an Ionian charter? 7 of the Best, But Unknown, Sights in Senegal, Ionian or Cyclades Islands: How To Choose Between Greeces Most Beautiful islands. Antikythera is great if you are looking to relax and connect with nature. You can still find small islands with empty beaches to claim for an afternoon picnic. What makes this small island so unique is the complexity of the landscape. I rented a scooter to get around the island which Id highly recommend you do as well. Its consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in Greece and its not hard to see why!Paradise at Myrthos Beach. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. More importantly, it doesnt cost you anything extra. You can either: The first option is roughly 30-35 per person. There are also ferry connections with Piraeus, the Peloponnese and Crete. Some of the best things to do in Paxi include: Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, is the second biggest Ionian island. Ionian Islands itinerary is ideal for foodies, history buffs, and photography lovers. The majority of the Ionian islands are located to the west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea. You can get to Kastos on the small passenger ferry from Mytikas on mainland Greece, which passes by Kalamos on the way. If you walk past the Greek flag, there will be less people and a great place to get photos without the crowds. Explore our recommended itineraries, all custom . Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. The Ionian islands are among the most beautiful islands youll find in Greece. Hotels are a little expensive and generally unavailable during the tourist season. Although most of the Ionian islands are close to each other, direct connections between them are not always available. Generally speaking, Ferryhopper is a great place to see ferry schedules for Ionian Greece. This post will have a general itinerary and summary of these islands so make sure to read the detailed posts in the links above for restaurant recommendations, accommodation options, and more. Swim and snorkel at beautiful wild beaches like Xiropotamos, Halara and Kamarela, Hike all the way to Apolytara Lighthouse at the south of the island, built in 1926, Visit the archaeological site of Kastro, a well-preserved town from the Hellenistic Era, and stay for sunset, Experience the panigiri of Agios Mironas on 16-17 August, a popular traditional festival celebrated with lots of local food, wine and music, Swim on two of the most photographed beaches, Voutoumi and Vrika, Snorkel around the beautiful turquoise waters and the underwater caves, Look out for native species such as the monachus monachus seal and the caretta caretta turtle, Hike to the lesser visited beaches, Rodovani, Sarakiniko, Mesovrika and Skidi, Stroll around Corfu Town with the amazing Venetian forts and the impressive Spianada square, where you may even see a cricket match, Explore the wonderful neoclassical buildings such as Liston and the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, Spend some time at the numerous museums, like the unique Museum of Asian Art, the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, or the Serbian Museum, Visit the Monasteries of Palaiokastritsa and Pantokratoros and the beautiful churches on the island, Explore small, quaint villages like Kaminaki, Kalami and Afionas, Taste the Venetian-inspired dishes and delicacies such as sofrito, bourdeto, savoro, bianco and mandolato, Visit during Easter and experience the local custom of clay pots being thrown from windows, Explore Vathy town, the picturesque capital with beautiful traditional houses, Visit smaller villages, such as Kioni, Frikes and Stavros, Enjoy the pretty beaches, like Aspros Gialos, Ai Giannis, Filiatro, Afales, Skinos and Gidaki, Visit the impressive Katharon Monastery up on the mountain, for incredible views of the island, Relax and enjoy the quiet, unhurried pace of life, Walk around the islands capital, Argostoli, and visit the historical and archeological museums, the Agii Theodori lighthouse and the ancient city of Krani, with the Cyclopean walls, Enjoy the local atmosphere in the quaint town of Fiskardo, Take a boat tour to the famous Melissani cave, Follow one of the hiking paths on the impressive Ainos mountain, Taste the local dishes, like the meat pie, cod pie, the garlic sauce called aliada and the local cheeses or consider taking a.

Camp Star Beverly Ymca, Bethlehem Ga To Lawrenceville Ga, Codependent No More Workbook New, Atlantic Beach Splash Pad, Workforce Oklahoma Tulsa, Articles I