Inselhopping Ionische Inseln: Korfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia & Zakyntos

About the destination: With its Venetian fortress, British palaces, and a French esplanade modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, Corfu may no strike you as Greek at all. The most populated and cosmopolitan of the Ionian Islands, it is packed with foreigners and foreign architecture. In legend, Corfu was the island where the shipwrecked Odyssey met the lovely Princess Nausicaa. Some locals claim it was also the magical isle conjured up by Shakespeare in The Tempest. Corfu Town, a small and pleasant city, is the largest and most important town on the island. This is where the airport is located and where most ships cruise and long distance ferries dock. The Old Fortress is definitely one of Corfu’s landmarks. Built by the Venetians in 1546 on the site of a Byzantine castle, the fortress is separated from the rest of the town by a moat. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets dominated by the 16th century fortress. Around every corner you can find a chapel, old mansion or secret garden square. Between the Old Fortress and the Old Town, we find The Esplanade, with its arches and cafes, is considered the most beautiful esplanade in Greece. The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri, 10 km south of the city centre. It was the summer residence of Empress Sissi from 1890 until her death in 1898. This beautiful building and its picturesque gardens overlooks the sea and Corfu town. On the north western tip of the island is the lively resort of Sidari. It's actually two small coastal villages connected by a long sweeping sandy beach. The Kanoni peninsula, with the 17th century monastery for women, is one of Corfu's best known landmarks and can be found on numerous postcards from the island. From the islet of Kanoni, it's possible to go by boat to another islet, the Mouse Island or Pontikonisi. Corfu's architecture is very diverse, influenced by the civilizations that once occupied the island. Mass tourism has turned parts of the island into eyesores but a surprising amount of the island still consists of olive groves, mountains or woodland. Corfu Town is a charming and elegant town, built between two fortresses. Corfu is considered one of Greece's most beautiful cities, and it is easy to understand why when you're strolling down the narrow streets and through the alleys, walking over spacious squares, visiting Byzantine churches and Venetian monuments. And of course, Corfu also has its natural beauty; the green-turquoise water that surrounds the town.

About the destination: Lefkada (Greek: Λευκάδα, Lefkáda, [lefˈkaða]), also known as Lefkas or Leukas (Ancient Greek and Katharevousa: Λευκάς, Leukás, modern pronunciation Lefkás) and Leucadia, is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Lefkada. It is situated on the northern part of the island, approximately 1 hour by automobile away from Aktion National Airport. The island is part of the regional unit of Lefkada.

About the destination: Welcome to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the verdant landscapes and the rich tapestry of Greek history. This enchanting island promises an unforgettable journey through picturesque villages, stunning beaches, and breathtaking natural wonders. Begin your Kefalonia adventure at Myrtos Beach, often hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With its mile-long stretch of white pebbles and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it's the perfect spot for both relaxation and photography. Nestled between towering cliffs, Myrtos offers a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea that will leave you mesmerized. As the sun sets, the changing colors of the sky and sea provide a spectacular backdrop for an evening of serene contemplation. Venture inland, and you'll discover the charm of Kefalonia's villages, such as Fiscardo and Assos. Fiscardo, with its colorful harbor and Venetian architecture, is reminiscent of a bygone era, offering a delightful array of boutique shops, waterfront cafés, and cozy restaurants. Assos, a tiny and tranquil village, is known for its picturesque setting and the impressive 16th-century Venetian castle that sits atop a nearby hill. A hike up to the castle ruins rewards travelers with panoramic views of the surrounding area. No trip to Kefalonia would be complete without exploring the island's natural wonders. The underground lake of Melissani Cave is a must-visit, where a boat ride takes you through a subterranean world of stalactites and ethereal blue waters, illuminated by a natural skylight. The Drogarati Cave, with its impressive caverns and remarkable acoustics, is another geological marvel that draws visitors from around the world. Kefalonia is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked leisure, cultural enrichment, or adventure in the great outdoors, this Greek island offers a little bit of paradise for every traveler.

About the destination: Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. While Ios and Kos are associated with partying, and Rhodes and Crete with families, Zakynthos is something in between. The majority of all beaches, towns, etc., are along the south and east coasts, as the west and north coasts are extremely mountainous often with cliffs dropping many hundreds of feet straight into the sea. Zakynthos is not so much an island for children. Most resorts there are relatively low-key and tourist booths offers excursions to neighboring islands or the Greek mainland . It is an island where mountainside villages and hidden coves await discovery by the discerning traveller. It is well worth hiring a car. Enjoy of: Round the Island Circuit. Due to the small size of the island, with a rental car it's perfectly possible to drive a complete lap of the island stopping at some interesting places on the way. Drive north along the coast road and visit Tsilivi. Continue past Alykes and Alykanes. The scenery gets more impressive as you climb towards the mountains. From there you traverse the north coast passing Navagio (aka shipwreck) and the viewing platform and Volimes in the mountains where local arts and crafts can be bought. To the west coast travelling south the bay of Limnionas is extremely pretty and quiet Further south from there you have Kampi with stunning clifftop views and eventually Keri lighthouse with more stunning views, especially at sunset. Scuba Diving. Although, like the rest of Greece, the area is devoid of fish due to massive overfishing, the south of the island has a few decent sites such as "The Arch" and Keri Caves. Numerous dive operators work out of Laganas, Keri, and elsewhere. Turtle Spotting. The endangered loggerhead turtle uses the beaches for its nesting and a marine reserve has been established in the south around the Laganas Bay to protect these (although it appears to be completely ignored outside tourist season) Many outfits in Laganas, Kalamaki and even Vassilikos offer short or full day trips including swim stops to look for these turtles.