Things to Do in Ionian Islands

Carved by thousands of years of erosion and changes in geology, the Blue Caves are most famous for the color of the water in the deepest sections, which glows particularly brightly in the morning hours. The reflection of the clear blue waters on the white stone walls of the caves creates an almost surreal environment that can be seen on a boat cruise of the area.

Tucked away at the feet of lush, green hills on the northwest coast of Cephalonia (‘Kefalonia’ in Greek), the crescent-shaped Myrtos Beach holds its reign as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek Islands. With crystal-clear waters, steep limestone cliffs, and white pebble shores, the beach is one of the most photographed in the world. Spend a summer day soaking in the rays and scenic surroundings, or plan a visit for late afternoon to catch a glorious sunset over the horizon. In addition to handy amenities like lounge chairs for rent and a beach shack for refreshments, the Blue Flag-awarded beach is internationally recognized for its excellent water quality and clean coasts—just one more reason to get your feet wet.

To get the most out of your Cephalonia beach day, combine a trip to Myrtos Beach with a guided boat tour of the underground Melissani Lake, available as a day trip departing from Zakynthos and Argostolion.

Mt Pantokrator sits on the northeastern side of the Greek island of Corfu. Almost 3,000 feet tall, it is the tallest mountain on the island. From the top, you can see all of Corfu, Albania and even all the way to Italy on a clear day. A Greek Orthodox monastery has sat on top of the mountain since the middle of the 14th century. The original monastery was destroyed two centuries later and the current one dates to the late 17th century, with a façade from the 19th century. 

The peak of Mt Pantokrator can be reached by car or by foot. The walking trail to the peak is part of the Corfu Trail, which covers more than 200 kilometers around the island. On the way to the top, you will pass Old Perithia, the oldest mountain village on Corfu. Nestled high up on the mountain, it once served as a hideaway from pirate attacks. Today, visitors can wander along cobblestone streets, enjoy a drink in one of four tavernas and sample local cuisine.

Once the capital and heart of the Greek island of Corfu, Kanoni today is a quarter of Corfu Town, the island’s modern day capital. The name Kanoni is derived from the canons that protected the city near the entrance to the lagoon, which once featured the main port of Corfu. With a steep, rugged coastline covered in trees, Kanoni has just two beaches for visitors to enjoy, but there is plenty else worth seeing.

On a small island connected to Kanoni by a long causeway is the church of Panagia Vlaherna. Built in 17th century, the church with a red-tiled roof boasts an impressive wood-carved iconostasis and many beautiful frescoes. Fishing boats depart regularly from Vlaherna Island for Mouse Island, which is about a five minute boat ride away and home to the 13th century Byzantine church of Pantokrator.  According to legend, Mouse Island was formed when the boat carrying Odysseus home to Ithaca was turned into stone and then into an island. Kanoni provides a great view of both Vlaherna and Mouse Islands and is also a good spot from which to watch the plans land at Corfu’s main airport.

Located in the village of Gastouri on the island of Corfu, Achillion Palace was built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890. Designed by Italian architect Raffaello Caritto, the palace was built in a Pompeian architectural style and features paintings and sculptures of Achilles throughout. Among the sculptures is the famous Dying Achilles in the center of the palace gardens, sculpted by the Greek Ernst Herter.

After Empress Elisabeth was killed, the German Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the palace and used it as a summer residence. During World War I, it was used as a military hospital and during World War II, it was used by the axis powers as a military headquarters. Eventually, it was turned over to the control of the Hellenic Tourist Organization and today it is a museum with certain rooms and the gardens open to the public. Without a doubt, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Corfu and provides excellent views of Corfu city to the north and of the rest of the island to the south.

Built in 1590, the St. Spyridon is dedicated to St. Spyridon, who is said to have saved the Greek island of Corfu from Ottoman attacks on multiple occasions. Located in the heart of Corfu Town, the church is the final resting place of the saint, whose remains are kept in a casket inside the church. Four annual processions originate from the church, on August 11 (the date the Turks abandoned their siege of Corfu in 1716), Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday and the first Sunday in November. On each occasion, the body of St. Spyridon is carried around the town as part of the procession. On three other occasions, his casket is put out for public display and worship.

St. Spyridon is a classic example of Venetian architecture in Corfu Town. The top of the church is divided into 17 parts with golden frames that were painted in the early 18th century and restored in the 19th century. The church’s bell tower was built in 1620 and today is the highest part of the town. For visitors approaching Corfu Town by ferry, it is the first thing they will see.

The capital of the Greek island of Corfu, Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Twin fortresses, known as the Old Fortress and the New Fortress, stand atop two hills overlooking the old town, where you’ll find cobbled lanes strung with clotheslines, squares, museums, and an astonishing number of churches for a city of its size. 

Corfu Town is a charming place for a shop or a wander, and among the best places on the island to delve into local history. The town is a common stop-off on day tours of the island, which typically combine a guided walking tour of the city with stops at the likes of Achillion Palace, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa, Kanoni, and some of the island’s beaches. 

For history buffs exploring independently, there are several interesting museums, including the Antivouniotissa Museum, which displays Byzantine artwork and artifacts, and Corfu Living History, a waxwork-filled townhouse showcasing life on the island in the mid-19th century.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Corfu Town is a must for history buffs and souvenir shoppers.
  
• Wear sturdy shoes for strolling around Corfu Town as many of the streets are cobbled. 
  
• The narrow streets, cobblestone surfaces, and stepped entrances of the old town make wheelchair access difficult.
  

Corfu Town is situated on the east coast of the island. Travelers arriving by cruise ship usually dock at a port just over 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of the old town, and local buses and shuttle buses run between the two. Local blue bus 15 travels between Corfu Town and the airport, about 1 mile (2 kilometers) southwest of town.  

Corfu Town, particularly the historical core, is busiest between June and August. As a visit requires some walking and the midday heat can be intense, it’s best to come either early in the morning or in late afternoon. Note that some restaurants and shops close for a siesta between around 3pm and 5pm. 

Part of the pleasure of Corfu Town is simply wandering about and seeing what you happen upon, whether a quiet back alley or a bustling square. There are several sights in Corfu Town worth seeking out, including the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, which displays everything from Chinese ceramics to Japanese samurai armour. Elsewhere, the arcade-lined Liston promenade is a good place to shop, while Spianada Square is ideal for people-watching. 

Kassiopi is a village and resort sitting on a small peninsula on the northeast side of the island of Corfu. Historically a small fishing village, it is less than 40 kilometers from Corfu town and is a very popular tourist destination in the summer. Allegedly founded in the 3rd century B.C., it sits in the shadows of Mount Pantokrator. Though small, Kassiopi boasts a lively nightlife with a good mix of bars, restaurants and dance clubs around the harbor and town square.

One sight to see in Kassiopi is the former Temple of Kassios Zeus, which was converted to a church in the 5th century. Burned to the ground by the Turks and restored in late 16th century, the new church has altars to accommodate both Christian and Orthodox religions and inscriptions date from 1590, 1670 and 1832. Kassiopi Castle sits up above the village and was one of three Byzantine era castles that defended the island before the Venetian era. Though it is in a state of ruin today, it was once one of the most impressive castles in the Ionian islands.

Agios Gordios is a small village on the west coast of the island of Corfu and can be a great base from which to explore the island by either bicycle or car. Surrounded by mountains, olive groves and cypress trees, the village also features sandy beaches, charming pastel colored homes and a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.  At the beach, you will find canoes and boats for hire, as well as a diving center and other water sports. Sunbeds are also available.

From Agios Gordios, you can reach three nearby villages on foot, each within two kilometers. Kato Garouna is a traditional village more than 400 years old, sitting just below Panteleimonas Mountain, which provides great views of the surrounding area. Pentati sits high up on a hill above the famous Ortholithi rock, also providing spectacular views. Sinarades is another traditional village which features a historic folklore museum displaying items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Just a 20-minute drive away is the Aqualand water park, with pools, water slides, bouncy castles, a large Jacuzzi and a games arcade.

It is also possible to take a day trip from Agios Gordios by boat to Butrint in Albania.

The main port on the sun-soaked Greek island serves as a gateway to the pristine beaches of the coastline, the verdant mountainous interior, and Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembarking cruisers can experience Mediterranean beaches, traditional Greek gastronomy, and historic sites.

Cruise ships arriving in Corfu dock at Neo Limani (New Port) in Corfu Town. Shore excursions often include guided walking tours of Corfu Old Town, covering sights such as Spianada (Esplanade) square, the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio), and ornate 16th-century St. Spyridon Church. Some shore excursions incorporate other island highlights, including 19th-century Achillion Palace, built by Empress Sisi of Austria, and the village of Paleokastritsa, known for its beach and 15th-century Venetian monastery. 

The cruise port is situated just over 1 mile (2 kilometers) west of Corfu Old Town. Local buses connect the port with the town of Corfu, and many cruise ships docking here run shuttle buses to the center of town too. Taxis are available at the cruise terminal, and the walk to town from the cruise port takes 20–30 minutes. 

The terminal at the cruise port is well equipped with passenger facilities, including an ATM and car rental agencies. A tourist information kiosk can be found on Spianada square.

The Old Fortress is a Venetian fortress in Corfu Town on the Greek island of Corfu. It covers the promontory between the Gulf of Kerkyra and Garitsa Bay and is separated from the mainland by a moat known as the Contrafossa. The western tower of the fortress was fortified by the Byzantines in the 12th century and is known as the New Castle, while the eastern tower is known as the Old Castle. The old town of Corfu initially grew within the walls of the fortress, which was used to fight off three Ottoman sieges, in 1537, 1571 and 1716. None of the Venetian era buildings have survived, so most of those existing today were built by the British.

The most famous fortress on the island of Corfu, the Old Fortress today houses the public library of Corfu and the Hellenic Music Research Lab of Ionian University, as well as the small church of St. George, built in 1840. The grounds are often used for art and culture exhibits and the top of the fortress provides great views over Corfu Town.

According to legend, the Greek village of Paleokastritsa (Palaiokastritsa) is where Odysseus was shipwrecked and met Nausicaa in Homer’s epic tale the Odyssey. It’s a suitable setting for mythical romance, with a string of beaches, olive groves, and cypress forests set against the glittering Mediterranean Sea.

 

Located on Corfu’s northwest coast, Paleokastritsa is usually included on most island tours or Corfu shore excursions. The island’s small size makes it easy to visit Paleokastritsa along with highlights such as Corfu Town, Achilleion Palace, and the Hill of Kanoni. Most Paleokastritsa tours make a beeline for the hilltop Monastery of Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. 

Paleokastritsa is located on Corfu’s northwest coast, roughly 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Corfu Town. Buses run regularly between the two towns and take around 40 minutes, but if you plan to explore the surrounding villages and beaches, it’s a good idea to join a guided tour or organize private transport. 

Summer (July through August) is the island’s busiest season, so arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach. Shoulder season (April through May or September through November) is a particularly good time to visit, when temperatures are still ideal for swimming and there are fewer crowds. During winter the water is typically too cold to swim, and many hotels and attractions may be closed. 

The coastline around Paleokastritsa is lined with sand and pebble beaches and the cool water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and watersports. Boat trips around the bay allow you to cruise around small caves and rock pools, while during summer speedboats and water taxis hop between beaches. 

With white sand and marble cliffs, Navagio Beach makes a striking setting for swimming and sunbathing. Set on sun-soaked Zakynthos island off the coast of Greece, Navagio Beach is a popular day trip destination. The beach’s centerpiece is a long-abandoned freighter—the remains of a smuggler’s shipwreck—that still languishes on the sands.

Experience the history and scenery of Navagio Beach on a guided excursion to the shipwreck and nearby sea caves. Explore Zakynthos by coach and motor boat, and stop to swim in the beach's aquamarine waters, or hop on a full-day sightseeing cruise of the island to see Navagio by land and by sea. Don't miss the lookout point 600 feet (183 meters) above the beach.

Navagio Beach is tucked into an isolated cove on the northern coast of Zakynthos (also called Zante) in the Greek Ionian Islands. The beach is only reachable by sea, and boat trips set sail from nearby Porto Vromi Bay or the village of Volimes, taking about 20 minutes to reach Navagio.

Despite the fact that it can only be reached by sea, Navagio Beach gets packed with day-trippers and tourist boats in the summer high season. To escape crowds, try to visit early in the morning or in late afternoon. Visiting out of season means you'll get a rare chance to photograph the beach free of crowds, but boat departures are less frequent in winter. 

The famous Navagio Beach is often better known by its nicknames, Shipwreck Beach or Smuggler's Cove. It acquired its notoriety in October 1980, when a freighter—allegedly used by smugglers—that was being chased by the Greek Navy ran aground and was abandoned on the shore. The rusting freighter, dubbed the Panagiotis, still lies at the center of the beach, slowly sinking into the sands and providing a unique photo opportunity for beach visitors.

Also known as the Esplanade, the Spianada is the largest town square in Greece, located in Corfu Town on the island of Corfu. Located in front of the Old Fortress, its construction dates back to the French occupation during the Napoleonic Wars. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, as well as the liveliest part of Corfu Town, reflecting the history of the island with a mix of Venetian, French, British and Greek buildings.  At one end of the Spianada stands the Royal Palace of Corfu (also called the Palace of St. Michael and St. George), which today houses the Museum of Asian Art. In front of the palace stands a bronze statue of Lord Frederick Adam, an English Commissioner who did important technical work for the city.

On the southern tip of the square you can see the Peristyle of Maitland, a circular monument in honor of the first English Commissioner Thomas Maitland in early 1800s. In front of the iron bridge leading to the Old Fortress is a statue of the German Marshall Schulenberg, who defended the city against the Turks in 1716. Notable for its many colonnades, the Venetian citadel known as the Liston runs along the edge of the square facing the old town.

Interestingly, a cricket court also takes up a significant part of the Spianada as cricket was made popular during British rule in the early 19th century.

Aqualand Corfu is the island’s biggest and most popular water park and offers themed zones catering for all ages, carefully watched over by qualified lifeguards. Stretching over an area of 130,000 sq ft (12,000 sq m) landscaped with lawns and mature maple trees, it is a family paradise of water rides and slides, lazy rivers and 15 swimming pools for a day of fun in the sun.

Toddlers up to the age of four can enjoy shallow bathing pools with water showers, playing splashy games on Fantasy Island and exploring the Caribbean Pirate Adventure Pool. There’s a dedicated family area (kids must be aged eight and over) with giant slides, Jacuzzis, a lazy river and a wave pool. Adrenaline junkies can get their kicks from six extreme water ride ranging from the spiraling Hydrotube to the hair-raising Free Fall Plus, which plunges vertically for 80 ft (24 m) into deep water.

Facilities include plenty of free sunbeds and parasols for shade and lockers to hire for a small charge of €5; there are changing rooms and showers as well as food outlets scattered throughout the park and stores selling sun lotion, rubber rings and pool toys.