greece
Best of the rest: Ionian islands
Paxos
Petite Paxos is small enough to explore by bike( or moped, as the locals prefer). After dark, warm, starry nights are made for al fresco dining and the island’ s colorful neo-classical waterfronts offer plenty of opportunities to sip on aromatic retsina( resinated white wine) in a taverna. Mambo in Gaios serves a good selection of Ionian dishes, including rabbit stifado( stew) and succulent beef sofrito.
Lefkada
Accessible from the Greek mainland via a causeway, Lefkada’ s two-tone seas are some of the most beautiful in the Ionian. The main town is at the end of the causeway, but a true taste of Lefkada lies inland: the hills are home to family-run olive mills, sparkling waterfalls and fascinating folklore museums. The island’ s largest monastery, Faneromeni, contains a couple of enlightening museums.
The harbor and Venetian architecture of Assos, Kefalonia
ESSENTIALS
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When to go: The weather is best between late May and mid-September, with sunny days and balmy seas, but the main Ionian Islands will be busy. Visit in the shoulder months( April and October) to take advantage of fewer visitors. April typically sees Orthodox Easter celebrations. Currency: Euro Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken Getting around: Renting a car is the best way to explore the islands independently, but local buses are plentiful on larger islands like Corfu and Zakynthos. Moving between the islands can be tricky as the Ionian Islands span 300 miles in length, so it’ s best to base yourself on a large island and take short ferries to surrounding islets.
BOOK IT NOW
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Treat yourself to a luxurious seven-night Greek Island Glow sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady. Every sailing offers an exclusively adult environment and includes more than 20 eateries, fitness classes, entertainment, Wi-Fi, tips and more. Departs Athens, Greece, on October 12, 2025.
CALL US
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Contact our travel agency to book your trip.
Kefalonia
Mountainous Kefalonia is the setting of Louis de Bernières’ s romantic novel Captain Corelli’ s Mandolin. The island’ s fingerlike peninsulas reach into all corners of the ocean and there are incredible beaches, including the white sugar-soft grains sheltered by dramatic cliffs at Myrtos. Kefalonia also has a cave system, including a subterranean lake in Melissani cave, a cenote-like blue pool surrounded by a dense forest.
Zakynthos
This is where you’ ll find one of Greece’ s most iconic sites— Navagio Beach, a steep-sided cove. Book a boat trip and visit the Blue Caves; portholes into paradisiacal turquoise seas. Don’ t miss the Venetian fortress, built in the late 15th century atop Bohali hill. Zakynthos is also an ideal destination for active travelers: hiking paths through the hills and countryside lead past olive groves, flourishing valleys and serene monasteries. image: awl images. illustration: lis watkins
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