Island-hopping in the Ionian sea: a guide to Greece’s idyllic islands

Mamma Mia! It’s time to begin fascinated about a summer time vacation, and there’s nowhere extra picturesque and dreamy than a Greek island. With an estimated 1,600 isles, though not all are inhabited, there’s lots to select from that assure glowing seas, golden sands, rugged nature, scrumptious meals, and a heat welcome.

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Here’s our choose of a few of the greatest islands Greece has to provide…

Get curious in Corfu

Stunning seashores are a given in Greece, and in Corfu, the most stunning embrace Agios Georgios, an extended, horseshoe-shaped bay with a mixture of sand and pebbles fringing calm, clear waters. Down the northwest coast is the fairly village of Palaiokastritsa which boasts six sheltered bays and provides boat journeys to the fascinating Blue Caves. For a seashore as romantic as its title, head to the Canal d’Amour, the place a collection of distinctive rock formations create intimate, slender channels; legend has it that {couples} who swim between the sea partitions collectively, keep collectively!

Explore the cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town, and take in pastel-coloured Venetian structure whereas looking for the new and outdated Fortresses which loom over the harbour. Base your self at the swish Olivar Suites on the southeastern coast, a restful haven set in olive groves, away from the bustle.

Fall in love with Lefkas

Lefkas, also referred to as Lefkada, is an island linked to the Greek mainland by a causeway. Head to the seashore at Porto Katsiki, positioned beneath a set of big, looming cliffs which create a singular and dramatic panorama. Another gem is close by Egremni, a basic, Caribbean-style stretch of white sand, fringing crystal-clear turquoise water, whereas when you fancy windsurfing, head to Vasiliki. On the east coast, examine into the four-star, beachfront Porto Galini Sea Side Resort and Spa; handily, it’s simply quarter-hour’ drive from Lefkada Town.

Also previously below Venetian rule, landmarks together with Church of the Pantokrator and the ruins of Agia Mavra Castle are price a glance. Escape to a reasonably coastal village, reminiscent of Agios Nikitas or Nikiana, the place you may take a desk at a seafront taverna, and tuck into native speciality Englouvi lentils served with riganada (bread with olive oil, vinegar, and oregano). For a foray into nature, head to the spectacular waterfalls of Dimossari, close to Nydri village.

Find your zen on Zante

Also often called Zakynthos, Zante is a well-liked island in the Ionian Sea, with a plethora of alluring seashores. The most well-known is Navagio, which is surrounded by dramatic, honey-coloured cliffs and infrequently referred to as ‘Shipwreck Beach’ after the cargo boat which ran aground there in 1980, one other must-visit is Agios Nikolaos, a serene pebbly stretch on Zante’s northern shore.

Stay at the luxurious Domes Aulus Zante Autograph Collection, a laidback beachfront paradise on the south coast, close to the quiet resort city of Kalamaki, the place you may spot endangered loggerhead turtles. Zante has its personal Blue Caves, a set of geological formations turned azure by the reflections of the sea, whereas its capital, Zakynthos Town, provides structure influenced by its former Venetian, French and English rulers. Don’t miss the imposing Church of Agios Dionysios with its signature bell tower, and the ruins of the outdated Venetian Castle.

Be captivated by Kefalonia

Sprinkled with Hollywood stardust, scenic Kefalonia was the location for the Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz film, Captain Correlli’s Mandolin. Key scenes have been shot in the harbour city of Sami, the beautiful Antisamos seashore and in the picturesque fishing village of Fiscardo. Kefalonia’s jagged shoreline is made up of limestone cliffs, bays and strips of dazzling white sand, like Myrtos Beach in the north. Other standout seashores embrace Skala, bordered by thick bushes and rocky outcrops, and the unusually named Xi seashore, the place white cliffs distinction with uncommon, rust-coloured sand.

Stay at the luxurious, modern, adults-only Thalassa Boutique Hotel Kefalonia on the southwest coast, a brief drive from capital, Argostoli, the place you may discover the Archaeological Museum, Municipal Theatre and historic castles and monasteries. For one thing extra adventurous, discover the huge azure lake inside Melissani cave or hike Mount Ainos, the island’s highest peak, lined in pine forests and residential to wild horses. Visit a vineyard reminiscent of Robola or Haritatos for a tasting.

Jet2holidays, the UK’s primary tour operator, provides bundle holidays you may belief the place all the pieces’s included. With you each step of the method, Jet2holidays has an unbelievable vary of great-value, expert-rated getaways for every type of holidaymakers, throughout greater than 50 beautiful locations. From the five-star luxurious of Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays® to the compelling cities of Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays for Insta-worthy stays that fit your fashion to family-friendly Jet2Villas, the containers are ticked for each age, finances and curiosity. What’s extra, with holidays secured for simply £60pp deposit* and versatile fee choices**, plus a bunch of perks like 22kg baggage and return transfers included††, it’s straightforward from begin to end. It’s all ABTA and ATOL-protected too, so you may get pleasure from sunshine with peace of thoughts. To discover out extra and e book with the greatest, head right here.

_{*On bookings made ten weeks or extra earlier than departure. **Terms and situations apply. Please go to www.jet2holidays.com/part-payment for particulars. †Based on 4 individuals. On all vacation departures till 31 October 2025. . T&Cs apply. £60pp low cost doesn’t apply to Free Child Places. See http://Jet2holidays.com/promotions#60OFFMYJET2SALE ††Transfers aren’t included as customary on Jet2CityBreaks. Jet2Villas packages embrace automotive rent as a substitute of transfers.}