Organised trips
Ionian Islands

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Giovanna Crippa

Product Manager Europe

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David Praire

CEO

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Seven main islands make up the Ionian Islands archipelago, hence its Greek name Heptanesia (in Greek Επτάνησα: literally seven islands). From north to south: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Cephalonia, Zakynthos and… Cythera, though located south of the Peloponnese. Cythera seems quite far removed from this northernmost archipelago of western Greece, which stretches along the coasts of Epirus, up to the gates of Albania.

Lands of light, mountainous and densely forested, the Ionian Islands stand in stark contrast to the traditionally portrayed image of the Aegean-type Greek island with its sparse vegetation and villages with white and blue houses that only Cythera island partially displays.

Dense forests of olive and cypress trees, lemon trees bending under the weight of fruit, abundant flora thanks to heavy winter rainfall, not to mention the spectacular limestone or sandstone cliffs that overlook dream beaches, sometimes shaded by olive trees… All these wonders bathed in the incomparable bright light of the Ionian Sea will enrich the backdrop of your photos in Corfu or Paxos during your guided or independent hiking in Greece. Our article on hiking and beaches in Corfu follows a walk of 13 km from Lakones to Agios Georgios and features the double beach of Porto Timoni.

Discover rare cultural heritage in the museums of Corfu or Cythera and also four centuries of Venetian occupation without forgetting the British and French presence in the city of Kerkyra - the Greek name for Corfu - listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the superb Venetian fortress of Cythera which overlooks the white houses of Chora and vast expanses of sea where the gaze wanders endlessly.

Also see our selection of cycling trips in Greece as well as our guided tours in Greece, our treks in the Cyclades or in Crete.

Our articles on the Ionian Islands