Best of Ionian Islands

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Ionian Islands

Past kimkim travelers have praised their trips to the lesser-visited Ionian Islands, nestled in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Start your exploration in Corfu, known for its Venetian influence and picturesque coastline. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the magnificence of the Old Fortress. Dive into the turquoise waters of Paleokastritsa, a picturesque beach nestled within rugged cliffs, or bask in the sun on the golden sands of Glyfada Beach.

Continue your island-hopping adventure to Zakynthos, home to the world-famous Navagio Beach. Check out Shipwreck Cove, where a rusting ship lies dramatically against a backdrop of towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Explore the enchanting Blue Caves, where sunlight dances on the water, and learn about the area's resident sea turtles and efforts to protect them at Gerakas Beach.

There are other islands, too, including Kefalonia, where you'll find Melissani Cave with its underground lake, the powdery white sands of Myrtos Beach, and the hiking trails of Mount Ainos, surrounded by ancient fir forests. Paxi is another island known for its beaches, bays, and unspoiled landscapes. From here, past kimkim travelers have enjoyed sailing to Antipaxos Island, where pristine beaches and vineyards await. Or visit Lefkada and stroll the Vasiliki Promenade, lined with charming tavernas and cafés, check out the legends of Porto Katsiki Beach, or do as the locals and try windsurfing along the coast.

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Ionian Islands Essentials

Kids Love Exploring the Beaches of Greece

Best Things to Do on a Family Vacation in Greece

Greece is one of the best family-friendly travel destinations in Europe, offering various activities suited for all ages. With abundant and diverse nature, your family can enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Explore the cultural significance of Greek gastronomy (your kids might acquire healthy Greek eating habits!) and wander through the ancient ruins of sites like Acropolis Hill and Delphi. Learn the mythological stories behind the iconic landmarks, and learn new skills like mosaic making, painting, and archeological excavating.

Explore Greece's Signature Turquoise Water and Scenic Beaches

Top Beach Excursions in Greece

With over 400 blue-flag beaches and endless stretches of sand, pebbles, and turquoise waters, Greece is the perfect place for a sand-and-sea vacation. Although the Greek Islands offer some of the best beaches, even the mainland has its share of swimming hotspots. From the snorkeling haven of Voidokilia to the famous Balos Bay on Crete, every region of the country has a sandy stretch perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying water sports.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Corfu

Over in the Ionian islands, Corfu's main lodgings tend more toward the resort-style. These expansive properties offer private beaches, infinity pools, and options for private villas; they even have their own seaside promenades and piazzas to sweep you away.

Ionian Islands Itineraries

A secluded cove in the Ionian sea, accessible only by boat

Sail the Ionian Sea from Corfu - 8 Days

If you love sunny days, turquoise waters, and relaxing beaches, this tour's for you! Sweep from coastal town to coastal town as you travel by yacht from Corfu to Syvota, Paxos, and more. Explore ancient ruins, sun yourself on Ionian beaches, and fall in love with everything Greece has to offer.

Explore Zakynthos Island - 6 Days

The bright blue waters off Zakynthos are home to rare loggerhead sea turtles and monk seals that have been returning to the island for generations. See what keeps bringing the turtles back and maybe even meet some of them yourself with this six-day itinerary that covers the island's beaches, villages, and vineyards.

Explore Zakynthos Island - 5 Days

Dip into Zakynthos island on this five-day itinerary. Named for the son of the Arcadian chieftain Dardanus, one of Zeus's many offspring, this Ionian island is home to rare sea turtle nesting grounds, scenic shipwrecks, stone villages, and more for you to explore.

Explore Zakynthos Island - 7 Days

According to some Greek myths, Apollo himself was inspired by the beauty of Zakynthos island. Many years later, the Greek national anthem was also written on the island. See what you can compose with this week-long itinerary. You'll start and end in Athens, spending four nights on Zakynthos in between to take in the full concert of the island's attractions.

Historic Athens and Zakynthos - 8 Days

Once named the "Flower of the East" by the Venetians, the island of Zakynthos is in full bloom year-round. Discover its many enticements with this eight-day itinerary. You'll start off with the myths of the Acropolis in Athens, then set sail for four nights on the third-largest Ionian island, packed with boat tours, beaches, vineyards, and more.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 5 Days

Northern Greece has been the home of mighty civilizations, including the Macedonians, Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs and Ottoman Turks. Get a five-day glimpse into their world with this itinerary. From the bustling streets of Thessaloniki, you'll go on to see the monasteries of Meteora as they touch the sky, then follow the footsteps of Oydsseus to the Ionian Sea.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 9 Days

See both the current and previous capital of Greece on this nine-day itinerary. You'll start in Athens before making a stop in Nafplio, the second capital of the Greek state after the war for independence. Then spend four nights on the island of Zakynthos to explore both its seas and inland shores before you return to Athens for one final temple sunset.

The blue lagoon of Porto Timoni beach on Corfu

Active Northern Greece & Corfu - 10 Days

Northern Greece stretches across more cultures and terrains than any other region in the country. This 10-day itinerary starts off in the second largest city, Thessaloniki—a magnetic place that breathes history and character, offering some of the best food and wine in the country. From here, you'll go hiking and river rafting on the mainland and then ferry to Corfu island for beaches, kayaking, and a Jeep safari toward ancient monasteries.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 10 Days

Helen of Troy may have made a dramatic exit from Mycenae, but you may find yourself wanting to stay a little longer with this 10-day itinerary packed with historic sites. Whether you're atop the Acropolis, strolling the Venetian streets of Nafplio, or wandering the former palace halls at Mycenae, you'll be surrounded by stories to fuel your afternoon daydreams as you conclude your itinerary with four nights on the island of Zakynthos.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 8 Days

Spend eight days trekking through the northern Greek mountains and exploring the beaches of Corfu with this itinerary. In just over a week, you'll go from the bustling capital to the historic monasteries atop the cliffs of Meteora to the hillside villages of Zagori and the rugged shores of Corfu. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy your natural surroundings along the way!

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 6 Days

In just under a week, you'll see some of northern Greece's most unforgettable landscapes with this itinerary. From the historical port city of Thessaloniki to the beaches of Corfu, you'll be immersed in history and culture. You'll trek through the hills of Zagori to its photogenic stone villages and bridges, and visit the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. End your journey with a stop in Corfu, where you'll taste local delicacies and trace the path of Homer's Odysseus.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 11 Days

Some of the most dramatic feats of athleticism of the ancient world took place at Olympia, but you won't need to train quite at that level to take on this 11-day itinerary. After hearing the myths of the Acropolis, your tour will take you to seaside Nafplio, historic Mycenae, and the former stadium grounds at Olympia. Then head to the island of Zakynthos for four nights on the seashore before you return to Athens.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 11 Days

Make the most of your trip with this adventurous itinerary around the mainland and Corfu. First, see Athens from a different perspective on a bike tour of its neighborhoods. Then head north to the monasteries atop the cliffs of Meteora. Hike through the mountainside villages of Zagori, and learn to cook a traditional three-course meal before hopping the ferry to beautiful Corfu for some hiking, biking, and kayaking around the island.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in the unbelievable beauty of the Greek mainland and Corfu on this 9-day adventure trip. Bike through the ancient and modern neighborhoods of Athens, hike to the picturesque mountain villages of Zagori, and explore the rocky coastline of Corfu by kayak. You'll also discover the clifftop monasteries of Meteora and trek along Corfu's stunning beaches.

Athens, Northern Greece, & Corfu Adventure - 12 Days

Northern Greece stretches across more cultures and terrains than any other region in the country. After arriving in Athens, you'll head to Thessaloniki, with some of the best food and wine in the country. From here, you'll go hiking and river rafting on the mainland and then ferry to Corfu island for beaches, kayaking, and a Jeep safari toward ancient monasteries.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 12 Days

In the Odyssey, King Nestor receives Odysseus's son, who comes seeking word of his missing father. Join the long list of storied guests to Nestor's palace and others with this 12-day itinerary. Go from the Acropolis through historic sites at Nafplio, Mycenae, Pylos, and Olympia before sailing to the island of Zakynthos to explore its villages and vineyards, then return to watch the sun set over the Athenian Riviera.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 12 Days

See some of Greece's most mesmerizing landscapes with this itinerary across the northern part of the country. Delve into the rich history of Thessaloniki, before heading for the photogenic cliffs of Meteora, where you'll visit some of the country's oldest monasteries. Then relax lakeside in Ioannina and visit the stone villages in the mountains of Zagori. Wrap up your adventure with a few days on the Ionian island of Corfu, where you'll explore via Jeep safari, enjoy a delicious food tour, and more!

The curious rock formations of the Zagori landscape

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 12 Days

This exciting itinerary squeezes plenty of thrills into 12 days spent on the mainland and Corfu. Soak in the history of Athens as you bike through its various neighborhoods, and then head for the monasteries of Meteora and the villages of Zagori. There you'll trek through the mountains and be at one with nature. For a change of scenery, take the ferry over to Corfu, where you'll hike, bike, and kayak around its ruggedly beautiful coastline and historic Old Town.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 10 Days

Enjoy an unforgettable journey through the varied landscapes of northern Greece with this 10-day itinerary. Explore Thessaloniki with its incredible Byzantine architecture before making your way to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Travel to the atmospheric silver lake at Ioannina and trek through the mountain villages of Zagori. Then head to Corfu, where you'll fill up on a culinary tour of the island and trace the footsteps of the legendary traveler, Odysseus.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure trip takes you through some of the highlights of central Greece. Go up to Meteora's monasteries in the sky, then down into the gorges of the Pindos mountain range to explore the stone villages of Zagori. End your trip by kayaking around Corfu's petite Pontikonisi island.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 13 Days

Go off the beaten path as you traverse the beautiful landscapes of northern Greece. Beginning in Thessaloniki, you'll explore the port city's rich Byzantine history before making your way to the magnificent clifftop monasteries of Meteora. From there, travel to the silver lake of Ioannina and the picturesque mountain villages of Zagori. Top it all off with a few days on the sunny shores of Corfu, where you'll follow in the footsteps of the ancient legendary wanderer Odysseus.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 7 Days

This week-long adventure will take you from the port city of Thessaloniki to the cliffs of Meteora, to the hills of Zagori and the beaches of Corfu. Along the way, you'll see some of Greece's oldest monasteries, hike to Zagori's picturesque stone villages, and follow Homer's Odyssey to Corfu's turquoise shores.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 10 Days

Get ready for an action-packed adventure with this 10-day itinerary. You'll go from biking the streets of Athens to trekking in the mountains of Zagori to paddling around the Old Town of Corfu. In between, you'll visit historic clifftop monasteries at Meteora, learn to cook a traditional three-course meal, and hike along stunning island beaches.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece and Corfu - 16 Days

Spend 16 days exploring both central and coastal Greece after a few days in the country's dynamic capital. Start in Athens with a sail around the Saronic Gulf in search of your dinner before you spend two days amid the cliffs of Meteora. From there you'll hike, cook, and raft your way through the mountainside Zagori villages, then hop a ferry to Corfu to bike, jeep, and kayak past the island's forts, monasteries, and stony coastline.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 13 Days

Spend 13 days hiking, biking, and paddling around some of Greece's most stunning locations with this whirlwind itinerary. Discover Athens by bicycle and go fishing for your supper before heading to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Trek through the hilly villages of atmospheric Zagori and learn to cook a traditional meal. Finally, sail to Corfu to explore its rocky coastline, gorgeous beaches, and picturesque Old Town.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 13 Days

Take 13 days to meet some of the stars of Greek history with this itinerary that will take you through the tales of the Peloponnese. After an Acropolis mythology tour in Athens, you'll go through Mycenae, once home to Helen of Troy; the vineyards of Nemea believed to have come from the vines of Dionysus; Nestor's palace in Pylos; and the sanctuary at Olympia. Then sail to Zakynthos to end your trip on its shores, topped off by paying tribute at the Temple of Poseidon in Athens before you depart.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 14 Days

Experience the lesser-known side of the country with this two-week trip across Northern Greece. You'll go from Greece's second city of Thessaloniki to living like the proverbial pasha in lakeside Ioannina, then up to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Continue on through the stone Zagori mountain villages to wrap up your journey on the shores of Corfu in the Ionian Sea, where you'll follow in legendary traveler Odysseus's footsteps.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 14 Days

Take two weeks to cross the stories of the Peloponnesian peninsula with this 14-day itinerary. Start with the classics on the Acropolis, then make your way down through to the site of the kingdom of Mycenae, ancient vines of Nemea, and stadium at Olympia. Top it off with four days of shipwrecks and sea turtles on the island of Zakynthos before you return to Athens and thank Poseidon for your journey.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece, and Corfu - 14 Days

You'll go from the bustling capital to the serenity of traditional hillside villages to the shores of Corfu on this two-week adventure. Explore the sights and sounds of Athens by bicycle before taking to the water to fish for your dinner in the Saronic Gulf. Next, you'll trek through the mountains of Meteora and Zagori, where you'll learn to cook a three-course Greek meal. Hop on a ferry to Corfu to end your journey with some hiking, biking, and kayaking along the beach to the fortresses of the Old Town.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 11 Days

Experience both the stunning mountain landscapes of northern Greece and the inviting turquoise waters of Corfu with this exciting itinerary. Start in the port city of Thessaloniki, packed with rich Byzantine history and architecture. From there, make your way to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, the silver lake of Ioannina, and the postcard-perfect stone villages of Zagori. Finally, head to the Ionian island of Corfu, complete with colorful plazas, quaint side streets, and gorgeous beaches.

Historic Peloponnese and Zakynthos - 15 Days

Travel across both the Peloponnesian peninsula and Greek history with this 15-day itinerary. After a brief start in Athens, you'll go down to the sea to visit Nafplio and neighboring mythical Mycenae, then over to the castles of Mystras and Monemvasia. Set sail for the quintessential Greek island of Zakynthos to end your journey on its turquoise shores before returning to Athens for one final temple sunset.

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 15 Days

These three Greek islands will give you a hands-on experience of Classical history and beyond. After a mythology tour in Athens, you'll travel to Rhodes for winding medieval old town streets and fortresses, Crete's Palace of Knossos and some refreshment from ancient vines, and the same spots on Corfu visited in Homer's famous epic poetry. Just make sure you don't actually touch the museum cases without permission.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 8 Days

Get off the beaten path with this itinerary to some of Greece's most magical landscapes. In just over a week, you'll see beautiful Byzantine architecture in Thessaloniki, visit the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, and relax by the atmospheric silver lake at Ioannina. Trek through the mountains of Zagori, stopping to appreciate its picturesque stone villages and bridges along the way. Then head to the island of Corfu to indulge in its culinary delights and follow in the footsteps of Homer's Odysseus.

Adventurous Athens, Central Greece & Corfu - 15 Days

In just over two weeks, you'll see some of Greece's most striking locales by hike, bike, raft, and more. First, immerse yourself in ancient mythology and see Athens on two wheels. Then learn to fish like the locals before heading for the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. From there, you'll hike through the hilly villages of atmospheric Zagori and see its famous stone bridges from your raft on the Voidomatis River. Finally, head to Corfu for more hiking, biking, and a sea kayaking excursion along its rugged coastline.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 16 Days

The Colossus of Rhodes may be lost to the ages, but many of the rest of the island's historic wonders remain standing and ready to be explored on this 16-day itinerary. After a mythology tour in Athens, you'll venture out to explore Rhodes's beaches, castles, and villages. Head to Crete next to see the Minoan Palace of Knossos along with local agricultural traditions, then top off your trip in Corfu with both modern mansions and Homeric islets before you return to Athens.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 9 Days

Visit some of Greece's beautiful lesser-known regions on this 9-day itinerary across the northern part of the country. You'll go from the historical port city of Thessaloniki to the clifftops of Meteora to the majestic silver lake at Ioannina. Then you'll trek through the mountains of Zagori and its perfectly preserved stone villages. Finish up on the shores of Corfu, where you'll enjoy a food tour of the island and bask on the beaches where, according to legend, Odysseus once roamed.

Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 13 Days

There's no resisting this 13-day Greek itinerary across the middle of Greece. Whether you're in the springs of Thermopylae, beaches of Skopelos island where Mamma Mia was filmed, inland mountains filled with stone constructions, or mansions of Corfu, you'll never want to let your trip go.

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 14 Days

Odysseus's journey lasted 10 years as he tried to get home after the Trojan War. Your two-week journey will take a little less time but hopefully feel equally legendary with this itinerary. After a mythology tour in Athens, you'll head to the island of Rhodes to explore in its medieval old town. Proceed to Crete to wander the Palace of Knossos, once home to labyrinth of the Minotaur, then sail to some of the very places Odysseus set foot from Corfu before you return to Athens.

Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 14 Days

Make your way across the middle of Greece with this two-week itinerary. Over the span of 14 days, you'll go from up on Mount Pelion, once believed to be the home of the centaurs, down to Skopelos island and then back up to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora and Zagori mountain villages. Go back out to sea with a trip to Corfu before you return to Athens.

Discover Corfu, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 15 Days

Idyllic islands, ancient history, boating adventures, gourmet food and wine — this sweeping 15-day tour around Greece has it all! You'll start with several days exploring the beautiful island of Corfu before heading to the mainland, where you'll discover Athens on thematic tours dedicated to street food and Greek mythology. Continue to Mykonos for sailing tours around nearby islands, a visit to a traditional farm, and time to relax on the beach. The grand finale of the itinerary is a four-day stretch on Santorini, known for its dramatic volcano and world-famous sunsets. You'll see the sun go down over the sea on an afternoon sailing trip on the last day of the journey.

Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 15 Days

This 15-day course will take you mainly through Greece's central latitudes, covering a wide swath of terrains to give you a full picture of your surroundings. You'll start by saying hi to Athens, then travel through the hills to the port city of Volos. Set sail for Skopelos island to see where Mamma Mia was filmed, ascend back to the mountains of the mainland to visit the sky-high monasteries of Meteora and stone Zagori villages, and finish it off with one more island by exploring the coasts of Corfu.

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 11 Days

Take 11 days to travel through some Greek island highlights with this itinerary. You'll start with a mythology tour in Athens, then head to Rhodes (yes, like the Colossus) to take in ancient cities and sunny shores. Crete is up next, home to the former labyrinth of Minos and current lush vineyards, then the island of Corfu's contemporary estates will lead you back Athens in luxury.

Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 11 Days

Spend 11 days traversing the hills and valleys of Greece's central latitudes with this itinerary. You'll start in Athens before heading up to the peak of Mount Pelion and Thermopylae, once home to the famous Spartan warriors, then down across the sea to Skopelos island. Climb back up to the monasteries of Meteora and stone Zagori villages, and descend once more to the island of Corfu to conclude your journey in the same island spot as Homer's hero Odysseus.

The ancient Portara greets you as you arrive on the Greek island of Naxos

Ancient Wonders & Local Culture in Naxos, Crete, Athens & Corfu - 12 Days

This 12-day tour combines the cultural heritage of three Greek islands with some of the mainland's greatest ancient sites. Start on Naxos, where you'll visit an olive oil factory and see the ancient Temple of Demeter, then hop on a ferry to Crete to explore the Lassithi Plateau, go wine-tasting in the countryside, and hop over to Santorini for a day trip. Dive into Greek mythology at the Acropolis in Athens, visit the mountain monasteries of Meteora, and end on Corfu with a private cruise around its coast.

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 12 Days

Explore three islands on a single trip with this 12-day itinerary. From the beaches and medieval old town of Rhodes to Crete's Palace of Knossos and agricultural fields to Corfu's contemporary cuisine and architecture, you'll make the full circuit of some of the most interesting isles that Greece has to offer.

Central Greece, Skopelos & Corfu Exploration - 12 Days

Take 12 days to cover Grece's central latitudes with this bustling itinerary. Start up on the Acropolis, then down to the clear waters of Skopelos island. Head back inland to the clifftop monasteries and mountain villages of Meteora and Zagori, then out seaward once more to walk the street food stalls of Corfu before you return to Athens.

Discover Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu - 13 Days

Whether you're strolling, eating, or both, you'll get a full taste of Greek culture and history on this 13-day itinerary. After a mythology tour in Athens, go down to the island of Rhodes to get lost in its medieval old town. Follow that with a trip to Crete for more history and interactive olive grove and vineyard experiences, then tours through Corfu's food and architectural scenes before you return to Athens.

Other popular travel destinations in Greece
Athens · Greek Islands · Cycladic Islands · Santorini · Crete · Naxos · Mykonos · Chania · Peloponnese · Northern & Central Greece · Nafplio · Tinos · Heraklion · Meteora · Kalabaka · Zagori · Thessaloniki · Corfu · Nafpaktos · Paros · Sparta & Mani · Olympia · Delphi · Syros · Mani Peninsula · Monemvasia · Rhodes · Dodecanese & Northern Aegean Islands · Milos · Rethymno · Kalamata · Corinth · Sparta · Saronic Islands · Sifnos · Sifnos Port · Gortynia · Messinia · Drama · Hydra

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