If you have booked your vacation in Corfu, have you thought about experiencing Greek Island Hopping? If you find it boring spending all of your summer holidays in your all-inclusive hotel and you want to try something different, then you can visit various islands near Corfu in order to explore the charming Ionian Sea. Some islands, like Paxoi and Antipaxoi, are located very close to Corfu, while other, like Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, are located in southern Ionian Sea, and you need several hours by boat to get to them. It is up to you whether you want to go only around Corfu and discover the two fascinating small islands of Paxoi and Antipaxoi or you are ready to take the ferry and tame the waves of the Ionian Sea that reminds of Italy.
Paxoi
Paxoi is the small island on northern Ionian Sea near Corfu that impresses -in addition to other reasons- for its emerald sea waters. Yes, they are emerald, not blue! Voutoumi is one of the tropical beaches in Paxoi, where the white sand meets the crystal waters and the sun creating a landscape that makes you feel like spending your holidays in Hawaii.
Antipaxoi
Antipaxoi, the small island near Paxoi, has spectacular turquoise and indigo waters, cliff top surroundings and welcoming taverns. It is impossible to resist to the pearl-coloured sand the moment you step off the boat onto Antipaxoi. A lovely small island with hospitable local people and picturesque village, this is Antipaxoi.
Lefkada
Lefkada is a large island with verdant nature, stunning beaches and a vivid capital, and you can go there also by car from mainland Greece. However, if you prefer the option of Greek Island Hopping, then you can find unbeatable ferry deals from Corfu to spend some days full of gorgeous pictures by the sea. The Ionian island with the numerous impressive, exotic bays is waiting for you!
Ithaca
Ithaca is the island of Odysseus and is characterised by calmness and hospitable local people. What makes Ithaca unique is its unspoiled landscape with pine trees until the coastline and the traditional picturesque villages with their relaxing aura, which is ideal for families and couples. Of course, we can't forget to mention that it is a legendary place, the homeland of Odysseus, who was trying to reach it for 10 years, but you can easily travel to Ithaca by taking the ferry from Corfu or the nearby island of Kefalonia. Get ready to explore an unspoiled and virgin place in the southern Ionian Sea!
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is authentic with many untouched traditional villages of Italian style architecture and lush greenery everywhere. It is located in a short distance to Zakynthos and Ithaca, and it is an elegant island with a traditional small town (Fiskardo) on the northern side, which you will adore. Plus, it has some of the best beaches in Greece, such as Myrtos and Xi Beach. If you don't swim there, you will miss a great part of what Ionian Sea is about.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a non-stop party destination, away from families, children and couples. In Laganas, you will be impressed by the stages and clubs with various kinds of music. But Zakynthos is not an island to party. It has also wonderful beaches, lush greenery and Italian-style architecture. Have a walk at the central square of the city and the paved streets around it, and of course don't forget to swim in the famous Shipwreck Beach!