The Ionians
The greenest and most fertile of all the island groups, the Ionian islands sit in turquoise waters off the western coast of Greece. They consist of six main islands: Kefalloniá, the largest, followed by Corfu, Paxí, Zákynthos, Itháki and Lefkáda. There are also many smaller inhabited islands including Andípaxi and Meganíssi as well as clusters of tiny islets such as the Strofádes. The islands have been populated by ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French and British, all of whom have left their legacy in traditions and architecture. They offer a fabulous combination of mountain and forest landscapes, beaches, bustling towns, idyllic villages and ancient sites.
Corfu Old Town, Corfu
A rooftop view of Corfu Old Town
At the heart of the capital and port of Corfu, the Old Town is a mixture of imposing fortresses, cobbled streets, elegant squares and bustling harbour. It is the largest medieval city in Greece. It is an easy distance between the main sights, which include the fortresses, the Old Port, the French-inspired Listón and the Palace of St Michael and St George. To its south is the Mon Repos Estate, site of the ancient city Palaeópolis (For further details see Corfu Old Town).
Paxí
To the south of Corfu is Paxí, a pretty island covered in olive groves. Its busy capital, Gäios, sits in a harbour lined with tavernas from where you can relax and watch yachts sail by. In the bay are two islets, the fortified Ágios Nikólaos and Panagía, which provide a natural breakwater. Paxí has a rugged coastline interspersed with small coves and fishing villages like Longós and Lákka. Magaziá is famous for its sunsets.
Lefkáda
The small, mountainous island of Lefkáda is covered with forests of pine and cypress trees. Its capital is Lefkáda Town, which is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Its buildings were reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1948 using brightly coloured metals. Vasilikí and Nydrí, along with the Pórto Katsíki beach, are popular tourist spots, while off-shore lie the Meganíssi, Madourí and Spárti islands.
Nydrí Waterfalls, Lefkáda
Lefkáda has a rare beauty where nature has created some spectacular gorges with sheer rock faces and amazing waterfalls. The Nydrí Waterfalls, which lie to one end of the Dimosári gorge near Perigiáli and Nydrí, are the most impressive. Underground caverns of water help fuel the cascades, which plunge at an alarming rate to crystal-clear pools. The waterfalls are a wondrous sight and visitors can take a refreshing dip in the pools.
Kefalloniá
Windmill, Kefalloniá
The largest Ionian island, Kefalloniá is green and mountainous. It is known for its vineyards, subterranean waterways, caves and indented coastline. Its Mt Énos (Aínos) is over 1,600 m (5,200 ft) high and carpeted with almost black fir trees and old olive trees. Kefalloniá’s main towns and villages include Sámi, the capital Argostóli, Fiskárdo, Skála and Lixoúri (For further details see Sights: Kefalloniá).
Gerald Durrell
Mýrtos Bay, Kefalloniá
Mýrtos Bay is considered to be the most photographed bay on the island. Its waters are brilliant turquoise, created by a beach of white pebbles that glisten in the sunlight. The steeply shelving seabed gives a graduated richness to the colour. It lies between Mt Kalón Oréon and Mt Agía Dynatí, famous in Greek mythology as the rock thrown by Cronus, leader of the Titans.
- Near Divaráta
Caves of Sámi, Kefalloniá
Sámi has an extraordinary network of subterranean waterways and caves. The huge Drogaráti cave, believed to be more than a million years old, has hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years. With superb acoustics, the creatively lit cave is often used for cultural and musical events. Nearby is the equally famous Melissáni cave, said to have been the sanctuary of the god Pan. Its lake is deep blue, highlighted by the sun shining through a hole in the cave’s roof. Other minor caves nearby are Angaláki, Zerváti, Ágii Theódori and Agía Eleoúsa.
- Drogaráti and Melissáni caves
- open 8am–8pm daily
- adm
Itháki
Itháki is famous for being mentioned in the works of Homer, and is thought to be the home of the mythological King Odysseus. It has a contrasting landscape with mountains and cliffs to the west and dense forest and pebble coves to the east. Its Heptanesian capital, Vathý, has buildings of traditional architecture, which look out over one of the world’s largest harbours. Other attractions include Píso Aetós, believed to be the site of Odysseus’s palace, and the pretty Fríkes harbour.
Zákynthos
Zákynthos is a gem of an island with high mountains clothed in cypress trees and some stunning beaches, the most famous of which are Navágio and Laganás bay in the south. Its bustling capital, Zákynthos Town, was rebuilt to its original Venetian look and layout after being destroyed in the 1953 earthquake. Places to visit include the beautiful Blue Caves, where the sea has eroded the rocks into caverns.
Andípaxi
Lying to Paxí’s south is the small satellite island of Andípaxi, with a population of less than 60 permanent inhabitants. It is a haven of clear turquoise waters and golden beaches, including Vríka beach, nestled in a sheltered cove, and nearby Voutoúmi beach. It is possible to take a walk along the coastal path that links the two. Andípaxi, which can be reached by boat from Gäios on Paxí, is covered with vineyards, which provide the grapes used to make its local wine.
Island Hopping Around the Ionians
Morning
The Ionian islands are scattered over a large area and not given to island hopping in the same way as the other Greek island groups. However, it is still possible to get from one island to another relatively easily. Kefalloniá, Zákynthos and Corfu, for example, all have airports offering domestic flights, while yacht charter companies offer boat hire. Ferries also ply between most of the islands.
One of the most popular ferry routes is a day-trip to Paxí from Corfu. Start your day at the New Port in Corfu Town and look for the signs indicating where you can catch the Flying Dolphin hyrdrofoil. There are daily departures in summer, but the first departure time varies depending on the day of the week. On board you can relax before disembarking at Gäios New Port on Paxí. The journey time is about an hour. In Gäios you can hire a car or taxi to take you around the island. Head to the fishing village of Longós for a delicious lunch at one of the waterfront tavernas.
Afternoon
After lunch take the road signposted to Lákka. Be sure to explore the town before driving south past the communities of Magaziá and Oziás, then back to Gäios. Take time to explore the harbourside. Enjoy a meal and then hop on your hydrofoil, which departs around 7pm, for the return journey.
Sights: Corfu
Archaeological Museum
The 590-BC Gorgon Medusa, a frieze from Artemis’ Temple, is the star exhibit here.
- Vrailá Arméni Street, Corfu Town
- 26610 30680
- Closed for renovation until 2015
- Adm
Mon Repos Estate
This grand estate was built in the 1820s by the second High Commissioner of the Ionians, Sir Frederick Adam.
- Corfu Town
- 26610 41369
- Open summer: 8:30am–4:30pm daily (to 3pm daily in winter)
- Adm
Achílleion Palace
Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi, created this Neo-Classical palace in the 1890s. Statues of Greek gods adorn the house and gardens.
- Gastoúri, Corfu Town
- 26610 56289
- Open Apr–Oct: 8am–8pm daily; rest of year: call ahead
- Adm
Mount Pantokrátor
At 900 m (3,000 ft), Corfu’s highest mountain offers great views. Its tiny villages are set among olive groves and pine forests.
Korissíon Lagoon
This 5-km- (3-mile-) long freshwater lagoon is home to many species of wildlife.
Gardiki Castle
The ruins of this bastion, built by a 13th-century duke, Michail Angelos Komninós II, are well-preserved.
Lefkimmi Town
The tall houses and tiny streets in this attractive riverside town, famous for its excellent wine, are good examples of local architecture.
Kassiópi
A popular tourist village, Kassiópi offers a wide choice of harbourside tavernas. Important artifacts excavated at Angevin castle ruins are displayed in the Archeological Museum.
Sidári
Pre-Neolithic remains found here reveal Sidári’s long history. It is now a tourist hotspot famous for its rock formations which have created a channel, known as the Canal d’Amour.
Benítses
Benítses is one of the liveliest tourist resorts on the island, with tavernas, children’s play areas, watersports and a buzzing nightlife.
Places to Eat: Corfu
Agnes Restaurant
This attractive restaurant is known for its authentic Corfiot dishes prepared by Agnes, the owner, using organic ingredients. The menu includes moussakás and squid served with herbs.
- Pélekas
- 26610 94231
- €200–300
Taverna Karbouris
Traditional Greek dishes like pastitsáda (beef in tomato) and kléftiko (lamb with herbs) are served in this traditional stone taverna in a village setting. Eat inside or alfresco on the terrace.
- Ágios Spyrídon, Períthia
- 26630 98032
- Closed Mon–Fri in winter
- €50–100
Vergina
Classic Greek music played on a bouzouki, dancing and Corfiot dishes are the order of the day at this taverna, housed in what was once a village bakery.
- Gouviá
- 26610 90093
- €50–100
Panorama Restaurant
Perched on a cliff overlooking the beach, this is the place to dine on local dishes while watching the sun set over the waters below.
- Near Logás beach, Perouládes
- 26630 95035
- €100–200
Taverna Sebastian
This taverna serves its own Corfiot recipes with a modern twist and accompanied by good house wine. Try the prawn saganáki.
- Ágios Górdios, Sinarádes
- 26610 53256
- €100–200
Lemon Garden Restaurant
Surrounded by citrus trees that give it its name, this restaurant serves char-grilled meat and fish dishes flavoured with herbs from the garden, and wine and cocktails.
- Acharávi
- 26663 64446
- €50–100
Bistro Boileau
Artfully presented Corfiot dishes are served on the terrace at this stylish bistro. Special diets are also catered for.
- Kontókali
- 26610 90069
- €50–100
Trilogia Restaurant
An imaginative menu of appetizers, pasta, meat and seafood dishes, fine wines and a great location overlooking the sea combine to give this place an edge. It offers a children’s menu too.
- Kassiópi
- 26630 81589
- €100–200
EY Lounge Café
This fashionable bistro-café has an earth-themed decor and serves creatively presented light meals and desserts with wine.
- 32 Kapodistríou, Plateía Spianáda, Corfu Town
- 26610 80670
- €100–200
La Famiglia
Decorated to resemble a traditional Italian trattoria and serving authentic dishes and wines from Italy, La Famiglia is one of the best restaurants in the town centre.
- Maniarízi Antioti 16, Corfu Town
- 26610 30270
- €200–300
Sights: Zákynthos
Zákynthos Town
The island’s capital and port, Zákynthos Town, is characterized by Neo-Classical architecture, elegant squares and a bustling harbourside. Sights include the Ágios Dionýsios church.
Helmis Natural History Museum
More than 1,500 exhibits show-case the island’s flora and fauna. Both educational and enchanting, the museum is fun for children too.
- Agia Marina
- 26950 65040
- Open 9am–5pm daily
- Adm
Blue Caves
These caves have amazing sculpted rock formations and caverns, surrounded by a sapphire blue sea. Take a boat out for the best view.
- Cape Skinári
Kerí
One of the few villages to escape destruction in the 1953 earthquake, Kerí retains original stone houses. Surrounded by vineyards, it produces some of the island’s best wine.
Laganás Bay
This is a breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtle. These creatures come ashore to lay their eggs on the protected Laganás beach.
Volímes
This mountain village is best known for its traditional textiles and its Venetian Baroque church, Agía Paraskeví, which has the finest gilded iconostasis screens on the island.
Navágio Beach
This stunning beach is often called Shipwreck Bay because of a freighter that sits partially buried in the sand in this sheltered cove.
- Near Volímes
Anafonítria
Zákynthos’ patron saint, St Dionýsios, was a monk at the 14th-century monastery of Panagía Anafonítria, located in this sleepy mountain village.
- Near Volímes
Melinádo
This small traditional village is best known for the temple of Artemis, where remains, such as coins and ceramics, were discovered.
Maherádo
Visit the 14th-century Agía Mávra church here, with its frescoes and well-preserved icons, one of which is believed to be miraculous.
Places to Eat: Zákynthos
Zakanthi Restaurant
Known for its home-made dips, such as tzatzíki made from local yoghurt, cucumber and garlic, and its classic dishes, this restaurant offers the option to dine in its garden.
- Kalamáki
- 26950 43586
- €20–€30
Mouria Restaurant
With great views of the Gulf of Laganás, this long-established restaurant serves Greek and international dishes accompanied by local wines. It is a great place to chill out with friends.
- Laganás beach
- 26950 51113
- €30–€40
Flocas Café
If you fancy mingling with locals while enjoying an informal meal of crêpes and pancakes, both sweet and savoury, or a Greek evening meal, then this is the place to go to.
- Argási
- 26950 24848
- €20–€30
Buon Amici
Popular with visitors and locals, this Italian eatery serves pasta, pizza straight from the oven, seafood dishes, delicious home-made sauces and wine.
- Kalamáki
- 26950 22915
- €30–€40
Dennis Taverna
A family-run taverna with nostalgic village memorabilia, this taverna is known for its delicious meat and fish dishes served char-grilled with herbs, salad and home-made olive bread.
- Lithákia
- 26950 51387
- under €20
Lofos Restaurant
With panoramic views from its hilltop location, Lofos serves authentic Greek dishes using local produce. Dine on the terrace if the weather is good.
- Méso Gerakári
- 26950 62643
- €20–€30
Peppermint
This restaurant grows its own produce in an organic garden. The menu includes special fish dishes and traditional Greek plates.
- 1st Argasi, Zákynthos
- 26950 22675
- €20–€30
La Bella Napoli
This restaurant celebrates all things Italian, from its pasta and pizza dishes, desserts and regional Italian wine to its decor. Soft music completes the dining experience.
- Laganás
- 69461 67018
- €30–€40
Spitiko Taverna
Char-grilled meat and fish, and classic Zákynthian dishes, such as pastitsáda (tender beef served in a spicy sauce), are served with flair at this taverna.
- Plateía Agíou Pávlou, Zákynthos Town
- €30–€40
Romios
Serving Italian pizza with a choice of toppings, home-made pasta, Mexican nachos and Greek mezédes, this lively family-orientated restaurant in the centre of Tsiliví caters for almost every taste.
- Tsiliví
- 26950 22600
- €30–€40
Sights: Kefalloniá
Mýrtos Bay
Widely considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, Mýrtos Bay boasts exquisite turquoise sea and dazzling white sand.
- Near Divaráta
Sámi
With its traditional houses and lively harbour full of tavernas, Sámi is popular with visitors. It is famous for Melissáni lake and Drogaráti cave.
Argostóli
Kefalloniá’s capital, Argostóli, was almost entirely destroyed in the 1953 earthquake. It was rebuilt partly in its original Venetian style, and life here revolves around its main square, Plateía Valliánou.
Lixoúri
The island’s second-largest community, Lixoúri is an elegant town on the coast of the Pallíki peninsula. It has remained a popular tourist spot since the 19th century.
Paleókastro
This is one of the oldest sites on the island. Excavations here have revealed the remains of a fortress, coins, pottery and 1600-BC Mycenaean tombs.
Lake Ávythos
According to folklore, Lake Ávythos is bottomless. It is a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- Near Agios Nikólaos
Skála
The remains of Old Skála, which was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, and a Roman Villa with well-preserved mosaics are worth seeing in this attractive beach-side resort.
Ássos
One of the island’s prettiest coastal villages, Ássos has traditional architecture and sandy beaches. A small isthmus joins it to a Venetian castle’s remains atop an islet.
Lourdáta
Overlooking the bay, this picturesque fishing harbour, lined by tavernas, has clear water and a long sandy beach. Nearby are the remains of a small 13th-century monastery.
Fiskárdo
Pastel-coloured Venetian buildings that survived the 1953 earthquake and cypress trees characterize Fiskárdo. It is known for its fish restaurants.
Places to Eat: Kefalloniá
Tassia
Overlooking the bay, this elegant restaurant serves Greek meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, many taken from the cook books written by its owner, Tassía Dendrínou. The wine served here is international.
- Harbourside Fiskárdo
- 26740 41205
- €20–€30
Siroco
Located in the centre of the village of Skála, Siroco serves a wide selection of fresh local dishes.
- Main St, Skála
- 26710 83613
- €20–€30
To Perasma
Overlooking the harbour, this friendly taverna is run by two brothers. The extensive menu offers delicious regional cuisine and includes plenty of dishes made with locally caught fish.
- Sea Front, Agia Efimia
- 26740 61990
- €20–€30
Aquarius Restaurant
Salkitier, a dish of pork in a spicy mustard sauce, and stifádo cooked with veal are just two of the recipes you might find on the menu at this stylish restaurant.
- Skála
- 26710 83612
- €20–€30
Pikiona Restaurant
Serving breakfast and lunch around its swimming pool, the Pikiona transforms into a cocktail bar and fine dining restaurant by night. The menu is Greek and Mediterranean.
- Skála
- 26710 83410
- €20–€30
Patsouras
This traditional taverna, with a terrace surrounded by bougainvillea, is popular for lunch and evening dining. On the menu are classic Kefallonián dishes, such as pork krasáto, a wine-flavoured dish.
- Adóni Trítsi Street, Argostóli
- 26710 22779
- €20–€30
Platanos
Taking its name from the massive plane (plátanos) tree outside, this restaurant specializes in fresh fish. There are meat and vegetarian options too.
- Ássos
- 26740 51381
- under €20
Alexis
The bright pink and blue property that houses Alexis is easy to find on the harbourside. The menu includes meals based on classic Kefallonián cuisine and local wines.
- Main Square, Fiskárdo
- 26740 41212
- €20–€30
Tzivras
Known for its authentic country dishes, such as moussakás and meat pie, Tzivras has offered a taste of rural Kefalloniá for well over 75 years.
- Vasíli Vandórou 1, Argostóli
- 26710 24259
- €20–€30
Casa Grec
The menu here offers a mix of Mediterranean styles, such as Greek, French and Italian, often combining them in one dish. Try the prawns.
- Stavrou Metaxa 12, Argostóli
- 26710 24091
- €20–€30
Bars and Cafés
Harbour Bar, Corfu
Open since 1980, the Harbour Bar is a landmark on the waterfront. It is a great place to relax over coffee or evening cocktails while watching the bustling harbour.
- Kassiópi harbour
- 26630 81227
La Grotta, Corfu
Housed in an underground cave off the beach, the lively La Grotta offers different genres of music, ranging from jazz to hip hop, plus an array of cocktails.
- Paleokastrítsa
- 26630 41006
Genesis Taverna and Café Bar, Paxí
Renowned for its doughnuts, this café also serves a wide range of drinks, snacks and ice creams, and has beautiful views across Gäios Harbour.
- Gäios
- 26620 32495
Tavern Nefeli, Kefalloniá
Aromas from its wood oven tend to tempt passers-by to stop at the Tavern Nefeli. This family-run eatery serves Mediterranean-style breakfasts, snacks and light meals on its terrace.
- Lássi
- 26710 25203
Café Bar Muses, Kefalloniá
A lively café-bar, Muses has a menu of light snacks and exotic-looking cocktails, a lounge with screens showing live sports and a garden terrace with a children’s play area.
- Lourdáta
- 26710 31175
Parathinalos, Itháki
The chic decor, imaginative light-food menu and fabulous wine list of this attractive café are French-inspired. It is open all day for lunch and dinner.
- Vathý
- 26740 33567
The Mill Bar, Zákynthos
Built on the site of a Greek watermill, this venue has been a favourite with locals and tourists for years. There are two bars and a rooftop lounge with pool access for customers. Friday night is Greek night.
- Alikanas
- 26950 83073
Saratseno Café Bar, Zákynthos
This lively café-bar has three widescreen TVs, Greek-themed evenings and bingo and table games nights.
- Tsiliví
- 26950 45738
155 Cocktail Bar, Lefkáda
Its chic decor, central location, 60-plus cocktails and non-alcoholic “mocktails”, and jazz tunes playing in the background make 155 Cocktail Bar a fashionable place to relax.
- Vasilikí
- 26450 31868
Café Liotrivi, Lefkáda
The charming Café Liotrivi is housed in an old harbourside olive-oil press building. Items used to crush the olives can still be seen. The café has a menu of cool drinks and light snacks.
- Sývota harbour
- 26450 31870
Restaurants: Paxí, Lefkáda, Itháki
Taka Taka, Paxí
Opened in 1970, this restaurant has a faithful clientele and is known for its delicious char-grilled fish dishes served with herbs and lemon. Dine inside or on its vine-covered terrace.
- Gäios
- 26620 32329
- €30–€40
Nassos, Paxí
Great for lunch or evening dining, Nassos is known for its local fish dishes, such as swordfish, sea bream, octopus and squid, served in tangy sauces. Wines are from local vineyards.
- Longós harbour
- 26620 31604
- €40–€50
Taverna Vassilis, Paxí
This traditional eatery has an extensive menu of classic Greek dishes. Try the moussakás made with local ingredients or something different, like octopus in red wine.
- Main Square, Gäios
- 26620 31587
- €30–€40
Tom’s Seaside Restaurant, Lefkáda
Artfully presented lobster, along with souvláki, kalamári (squid) and pastítsio (pasta dish), plus special coffees, are served at this popular restaurant, set in its own harbourside gardens.
- Nydrí
- 26450 92928
- €20–€30
Delfini, Lefkáda
You can dine alfresco at this trendy seafront taverna. The house speciality is its range of chargrilled fish from the harbour’s fishermen and wines from the local vineyards.
- Vasilikí harbour
- 26450 31430
- €20–€30
Fryni Sto Molo, Lefkáda
Fryni Sto Molo is known for its mezédes, a traditional way of eating where small portions of local dishes are brought to your table at intervals. Beer is served cold from the cask.
- Golémi, Lefkáda Town
- 26450 24879
- under €20
Limni Taverna, Lefkáda
Serving dishes such as its signature kléftiko (lamb cooked with herbs in a Greek oven), the Limni Taverna stands in its own gardens of olive trees and shrubs.
- Lygiá
- 26450 72013
- €20–€30
Kantouni, Itháki
This waterfront restaurant serves moussakás, souvláki and stifádo (For further details see Greek Dishes), based on recipes handed down through generations.
- Vathý harbour
- 26740 33405
- €30–€40
Taverna Drosia, Itháki
A family-run taverna with panoramic views of the harbour, this hillside eatery serves a mix of Greek and Venezuelan dishes and local wines.
- Vathý
- 26740 32959
- €30–€40
Paliocaravo, Itháki
Serving classic Greek dishes and fresh fish, plus local wines, this family-run eatery is one of the oldest in Vathý.
- Vathý harbour
- 26740 32573
- €30–€40
Islands and Islets
Ereíkoussa Island
Characterized by its cypress trees, great beaches and the small town of Pórto where most of its inhabitants live, Ereíkoussa is one of the Diapontian islands and can be reached by boat from Sidári.
- Corfu
Samothráki Island
The smallest Diapontian island, Samothráki is known for its quiet pace of life. Tiny communities can be found in Benátika and around the port of Plákes.
- Corfu
Othonoí Island
Othonoí is where Odysseus met Nausika, according to Greek mythology. Offering a peaceful way of life, it is the largest Diapontian island, located between Samothráki and Ereíkoussa.
- Corfu
Meganíssi Island
Rural Meganíssi is the largest island off Lefkáda. It has quiet beaches and just three villages, including attractive Katoméri and the capital Vathý, which has a harbour lined with yacht moorings.
- Lefkáda
Madourí Island
Located in the bay off Nydrí, Madourí is a heavily forested island. Its sheltered coastline makes it a popular spot to sail around. The Greek poet Aristotélis Valaorítis (1824–1879) once lived here.
- Lefkáda
Spárti Island
Spárti is covered with dense forest. Boats on day trips often drop anchor in the shallow water and sheltered coves of its slightly indented coastline.
- Lefkáda
Diá Island
Sometimes known as Theionísi, Diá island is the source of many legends. The most popular of these is that it was home to a temple dedicated to the Greek god Zeus.
- Off Argostóli, Kefalloniá
Skorpídi Islet
A small islet off the private Skorpiós island, Skorpídi is known for its wildlife and wide variety of birds. You can take a boat from Nydrí and anchor up for a lovely day out.
- Lefkáda
Lazaréto Islet
The serene little islet of Lazaréto brings a smile to your face as you pass it by in the harbour of Vathý. It has a pretty whitewashed chapel, set among dense trees.
- Itháki
Strofádes Islands
Part of the Zákynthos National Sea Park, the Strofádes islands of Arpiá and Stamfáni, plus a few smaller islets, are uninhabited except for the wildlife and a lone monk who is said to live there.
- Near Zákynthos
Best Beaches
Paleokastrítsa Beach, Corfu
A favourite of Sir Frederick Adam (For further details see Mon Repos Estate), this sandy beach is quiet with just a handful of nearby tavernas. Offshore lies the Liapádes reef, a popular diving and snorkelling spot.
- Paleokastrítsa
Myrtiótissa Beach, Corfu
Sheer cliffs and golden sand characterize this horseshoe-shaped beach, which has been described as Europe’s most beautiful. It is favoured by naturists because of its seclusion.
- West coast
Káthisma Beach, Lefkáda
There are interesting caves and rocks for snorkellers to explore around this west-coast beach. For those who like to take it easy, the sand is soft and the waters, cool.
- Kalamítsi
Pórto Katsíki Beach, Lefkáda
With its horseshoe-shaped bay of golden sand and high cliffs, forested backdrop and curious off-shore rock formations, this is among the most picturesque beaches on Lefkáda (For further details see Pórto Katsíki Beach, Lefkáda).
Laganás Beach, Zákynthos
This beach is particularly sandy, making it popular with not only visitors, but also with the endangered loggerhead turtles, the caretta caretta, which lay their eggs here.
Megálo Limonári Beach, Meganíssi
Surrounded by forest and with beautiful soft sand, this isolated beach is tucked in a small bay on Meganíssi island. To find it, look out for signposts from Katoméri village (For further details see Megálo Limonári Beach, Meganíssi).
Gidáki Beach, Itháki
With a hiking track as its only access, Gidáki beach is unknown to most visitors and is therefore a great place to relax. Its bay, however, attracts some boats from Vathý during summer.
- Near Vathý
Arkoudáki Beach, Paxí
This secluded sandy beach can only be reached by boat and is therefore quiet. It is a favourite spot with people coming ashore from their yachts anchored in the bay.
- Near Lákka
Navágio Beach, Zákynthos
World famous, this white sandy beach is protected by soaring cliffs on both sides. Also known as Shipwreck Bay, which refers to the freighter that sits partially buried in the sand, the beach is accessible only by boat (For further details see Navágio Beach).
Emblísi Beach, Kefalloniá
Located in a deep bay surrounded by cypress trees and olive groves, this secluded sand and pebble beach is one of the finest here. Its waters are shallow and safe.
- Fiskárdo