Island group · Επτάνησα
Green, Venetian and mostly out of the meltemi’s reach. Greece’s other sea.
Myrtos, Kefalonia
01IntroductionΕπτάνησα
Off the west coast the light softens, the hills turn to olive and cypress, and the architecture becomes Venetian: arcades, bell towers and pastel façades. The water is famous for its colour, especially below white cliffs.
The Ionian islands sit outside the meltemi’s path. In July and August, when the Aegean is blowing, this is often the calmer choice for swimming and for boat days.
- When to go
- May to early October
- Meltemi, July–August
- No meltemi
- Islands we suggest
- 5
02At a glance
- Best for
- Calm summer seas · Green landscapes and shade · Boat days to coves
- When to go
- May to early October
- Meltemi
- The meltemi does not reach the Ionian. Instead an afternoon north-westerly breeze, the maistro, picks up most summer days and dies down at sunset. It is ideal for sailing and rarely a problem for swimmers. Ferries, beaches and sheltered spots
- Getting there
- Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos take international flights in season. Lefkada is reached by road over a causeway (or via Preveza airport). Ferries leave from Igoumenitsa, Patras and Kyllini.
- Skip it if
- You picture white cube houses and blue domes. That is the Cyclades, on the other side of the country.
03The islands, for couples
- 01 Corfu An elegant old town with arcades and two forts, plus quieter villages and coves in the north-east.
- 02 Paxos & Antipaxos Small and green, with olive groves, harbour villages and boat trips to bright water. Reached by ferry from Corfu or Igoumenitsa.
- 03 Kefalonia Big, mountainous and unhurried. It has dramatic beaches, Venetian Assos and pretty Fiskardo.
- 04 Ithaca Odysseus’s island. Quiet harbours and walking, a short hop from Kefalonia.
- 05 Lefkada You can drive there, and it has some of the most photographed west-coast beaches. The west coast can be wavy in the afternoon.
04Sites, food and stays
Ancient sites nearby
- AngelokastroA Byzantine castle on a crag above the sea near Paleokastritsa. It has a short, steep climb and a wide view.
What to eat
- SofritoThin slices of veal cooked gently with white wine, garlic and a lot of parsley. A Venetian legacy.
- PastitsadaA spiced rooster or beef stew in tomato with cinnamon and cloves, served over thick pasta.
- Kumquat liqueurThe small citrus fruit grows on Corfu and turns up as liqueur and as sweets.
Enquire
Thinking about the Ionian?
Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the right island or two, and the ferry order that works in your month.
Paxos