The Ionian Islands are generally the greenest of Greece's islands due to the high rainfall they receive through the winter.
The islands all offer something very different, from the clubs of Corfu and Zakynthos, to the one village island of Meganissi.
Whilst the island chain as a whole is not ideal for island hopping, you can certainly do twin centres, such as Corfu and Paxos, or Kefalonia and Ithaca.
With fabulous beaches and great wine & food, what more could you want from your dream Greek holiday?
The islands all offer something very different, from the clubs of Corfu and Zakynthos, to the one village island of Meganissi.
Whilst the island chain as a whole is not ideal for island hopping, you can certainly do twin centres, such as Corfu and Paxos, or Kefalonia and Ithaca.
With fabulous beaches and great wine & food, what more could you want from your dream Greek holiday?
Which island will you choose?
Corfu, famously associated with the Durrells, has long been a favourite with British holidaymakers and is an island that truly offers something for everyone. From lively resorts and beautiful beaches to rich history and culture, Corfu appeals equally to party lovers, families, and history enthusiasts.
Ruled over centuries by the Romans, Venetians, French, and British before becoming part of Greece, Corfu’s diverse influences are evident across the island. The mountainous north is home to dramatic scenery and resorts such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kassiopi, and the quieter village of Kalami. The south is flatter and more varied, combining traditional holiday resorts like Benitses with standout beaches such as Myrtiotissa, once described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Corfu Town is a highlight in itself, an elegant blend of Venetian architecture and British quirks, including a cricket pitch at its heart, surrounded by cafés serving the local ginger beer, Tsitsibira. Car hire is recommended, particularly in the south, to fully explore everything this diverse island has to offer. Meganisi
Despite its name meaning “big island,” Meganisi is small, green, and wonderfully peaceful. With a population of around 1,000, the island offers a warm welcome and a sense of tranquillity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Its winding lanes, terraced hills, and quiet roads make it perfect for exploring on foot or by car, while the coastline is dotted with turquoise bays and pebbled beaches ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Life on Meganisi is centred around its three main villages: Spartochori, Katomera, and Vathi, the most picturesque village with a charming harbour and waterside tavernas. The island is also a haven for boaters, and hiring a small motorboat is a popular way to discover hidden coves or visit the nearby island of Antipaxos, famed for its crystal-clear waters and idyllic swimming spots. For those seeking a low-stress holiday surrounded by natural beauty, friendly locals, and a relaxed pace of life, Meganisi is a perfect escape from the crowds, offering both adventure and pure relaxation. 
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is home to one of Greece’s most iconic sights, Navagio Beach—also called Smugglers Cove. Famous for the shipwreck that ran aground in 1980, the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters make it a must-visit spot.
While the resort of Laganas is well-known for its nightlife, the island offers much more than partying. Its golden beaches, including Kalamaki, are vital nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles, while the interior remains unspoilt, dotted with traditional villages, forests, and wildlife such as pine martens. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family after adventure, or friends looking to explore, Zakynthos combines natural beauty, history, and vibrant culture, making it an island that truly has something for everyone. |
Paxos
Just 45 minutes south of Corfu by hydrofoil, Paxos is a small, green island known for its olive groves, clear waters, and relaxed pace of life. Steeped in mythology, said to have been created by Poseidon, the island’s natural beauty is immediately apparent.
Most accommodation is centred around three villages: Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos. Gaios, the main port, is lined with charming 19th-century houses with Venetian-style shutters and balconies. Lakka, to the north, is a pretty coastal village with tavernas and cafés, while Loggos on the east coast is perhaps the most picturesque, with waterside tavernas perfect for watching the world go by. A highlight of any visit is hiring a small boat to explore the island’s coves or crossing to nearby Antipaxos, famed for its turquoise waters and idyllic swimming spots. 
Kefalonia is an island of contrasts, balancing lively resorts with some of the Ionian’s most unspoilt and characterful villages. The south of the island is more developed, with popular resorts such as Lassi and Skala offering plenty of accommodation, beaches, and facilities.
The north feels more remote and requires a little more effort to reach, either by hire car or coach transfer. Here you’ll find the beautiful villages of Assos and Fiscardo. Fiscardo, the island’s most cosmopolitan spot, is the only village to have survived the 1953 earthquake and is especially popular with the yachting crowd. Its colourful waterfront is lined with excellent tavernas and relaxed cocktail bars. Nearby Assos is much quieter, centred around a small, sheltered pebble beach and a handful of tavernas. Although Kefalonia gained worldwide attention after Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, it has managed to absorb its popularity without feeling overcrowded. Other areas worth considering include Spartia, Trapezaki, Lixouri, and Agia Efimia, each offering a different pace and perspective of the island. |
Lefkas is an island of great variety, offering everything from mountain villages and scenic back roads to lively resorts and spectacular beaches. Once under British rule until 1864, it shares some historical similarities with Corfu and has a distinctive character shaped by its past.
The main town features intriguing streets formed by centuries of rebuilding after earthquakes. On the south coast, Vasiliki is famous for windsurfing and has hosted world championship events. Nidri, on the east coast, is the island’s main resort and base for accommodation, while the iconic Porto Katsiki is regularly ranked among the Mediterranean’s best beaches. Agios Nikitas, on the west coast, is a charming traditional village with a small harbour and beach. In summer, ferry services also allow easy day trips to Kefalonia, Ithaca, and Meganissi. Ithaca
Legend has it that Ithaca was the birthplace of Odysseus, and even today the island retains a certain star quality. Drawn by its quiet, unhurried way of life, celebrities such as Madonna and Steven Spielberg have found their way here.
There are countless highlights across the island, from the Monastery of Kathara—perched at the highest point and offering breathtaking panoramic views—to the northern village of Kioni, known for its striking, almost unreal sea colours. Ithaca is also home to beautiful and varied beaches. Filiatro, Sarakiniko, and Agios Ioannis each offer something different, whether it’s calm waters, dramatic scenery, or a more secluded feel. The island has a deep-rooted maritime tradition, with many Greek-registered ships still crewed by Ithacans today. It’s also said that Ithaca is home to over one million olive trees, further adding to its timeless character. The poet C.P. Kavafy once wrote: “Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey. Without her you would not have set out. Wise you have become, full of experience. Now you will understand what these Ithacas mean.” Perhaps Ithaca is a place you need to experience for yourself to truly understand what he meant. |
T E S T I M O N I A L S
Happy People
The team have booked three very different holidays for me, two for a couple and one for a group of nine. They listened to our requirements and used their expert knowledge of Greece to provide us with several options from which to choose. I found them to be very professional, nothing is too much trouble and they strive to find a good deal. I would not hesitate to recommend them. 
Julie from Nottingham
The business has booked me a few different holidays ranging from 2 weeks away in the sun to City Breaks. They have a great knowledge and understanding of your needs and requirements when booking a holiday. They always try to accommodate your budget and work extremely hard to get you what you're asking for. They have an extremely good knowledge of the Greek Islands and never fail when recommending specific places. I would always recommend the team as they are helpful and professional at all times. 
Tony from Nottingham
|
Fantastic service. I explained what kind of holiday I was looking for and my budget and they came up with different options to choose from. Nothing was too much trouble and the communication was first class. I would definitely recommend and would not hesitate in using this 5 star service again.
Ged from Nottingham
Chris and Ian are the team that is The Greek Specialist. As a brand of Verini Travel, part of PTS (Protected Trust Services - number PTS5880), we work with ABTA and ATOL protected operators and with significant experience in the travel industry and in travelling to Greece, we can ensure that you we will provide you with the best holiday possible at the best possible price.
Verini Travel Limited is an ATOL holder, number 12280.
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk
Our privacy policy can be found at the top of this page.
Verini Travel Limited is an ATOL holder, number 12280.
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk
Our privacy policy can be found at the top of this page.
