Ionian islands are the next best thing in regard to Greek Island Hopping. They are located in a close distance to each other in a calm and beautiful sea that makes the journey by boat convenient and interesting. If you have booked your accommodation in Zakynthos for this summer, the good news is that you can combine the visit to this wonderful and popular Greek island with other, equally beautiful islands that will offer you unforgettable moments and gorgeous photos for your vacation-album thanks to their fascinating beaches and verdant nature.
Zakynthos is distinguished by amazing coves with the Shipwreck Beach being one of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. Organised bays, wild nightlife and the rare species of caretta-caretta sea turtle make the vacation on this island just amazing. However, if you want to discover other destinations too, these are the near islands that will steal your heart.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is more authentic than Zakynthos with many untouched traditional villages of Italian style architecture and lush greenery everywhere. It is located just one hour from Zakynthos, 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.
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 in one hour by taking the ferry from Zakynthos or Kefalonia. Get ready to explore the most unspoiled and virgin place in the southern Ionian Sea!
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 Ithaca, Zakynthos or Kefalonia to Lefkada to spend some days full of gorgeous pictures by the sea. The Ionian island with the numerous impressive, exotic bays is waiting for you!