Ionian Islands
Lush hillsides, Venetian harbors, and beaches that fade from white sand to deep turquoise — the Ionian Islands feel more Italian Riviera than Aegean postcard. Each has its own rhythm: Corfu’s layered history and cosmopolitan charm, Kefalonia’s dramatic coastline, Zakynthos’ hidden coves, Ithaca’s storybook villages. Together, they offer a softer, greener Greece, where the pace slows and every view feels like a painting.
Where We Eat
Seafood pulled straight from the Ionian and pastas that nod to centuries of Venetian influence. Whether you want harborfront tavernas or refined fine dining, these are our picks.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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An old-world dining room serving Corfiot classics like sofrito and pastitsada with quiet elegance. The service is polished without being formal, and the menu leans on recipes that have been perfected over decades.
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One of the island’s most atmospheric spots, set in a candlelit square with creative Mediterranean plates. The setting feels almost theatrical, yet the focus stays on the food, with a kitchen that experiments without losing balance.
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Beloved by locals for grilled seafood and meze, just steps from the market. The menu is simple and honest, with an emphasis on fresh fish and vegetables sourced directly from the island.
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Refined but unfussy, with a modern Greek menu and a wine list heavy on Ionian and Peloponnesian producers. Outdoor tables let you dine under the warm island air while sampling dishes built around seasonal produce.
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A stylish, family-run taverna perched above Avithos Beach, where every dish highlights what’s fresh from sea and field. Their own wine and olive oil bring an extra layer of character that elevates an already effortless seaside lunch.
Street Food
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Expertly grilled meats wrapped in fresh pita, served with fried potatoes and house-made dips. A local favorite tucked into Corfu Town’s square—simple, satisfying, and reliably delicious
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Popular with locals for its generous portions and fresh toppings, this Lefkada spot turns out gyros with warm, fluffy pita and crisp vegetables. Go for the pork—marinated overnight for extra flavor.
Dimitroy Golemi 6, Lefkada 311 00, Greece
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Laid-back and reliable, Pita Taka serves souvlaki and gyros with well-seasoned meat, fresh salads, and tangy house-made tzatziki. Their pita wraps are soft, slightly charred, and wrapped just tightly enough to eat on the go.
Posidonos st, Sami 280 80, Greece
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Though not street food per se, this beachfront shack at Psarou Beach offers traditional fried calamari and grilled sardines so fresh they’re served in paper cones—effortlessly sand-to-table casual.
Psarou 291 00, Greece
Go All Out
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Led by renowned chef Ettore Botrini, this is widely considered the best fine-dining experience in Corfu, blending Greek flavors with avant-garde techniques. Multi-course tasting menus celebrate local seafood, herbs, and foraged elements in a setting that’s modern yet intimate. Wine pairings lean heavily on Greek labels, with rare vintages from Corfu itself.
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A waterfront institution in Agni Bay known for refined takes on Ionian seafood classics. Dishes like lobster linguine and just-caught grilled fish arrive on white linen tables overlooking the turquoise bay. Service is attentive without being overbearing, and the setting feels cinematic at sunset.
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Located within the luxury Emelisse Nature Resort, Votsalo combines understated design with a menu that celebrates Kefalonia’s best ingredients. Expect Mediterranean dishes with clean, modern presentation—think chargrilled octopus, citrusy ceviche, and lamb slow-cooked to perfection. The terrace is positioned for uninterrupted sea views, making it ideal for a long, lingering dinner.
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A refined, family-run restaurant set above Trapezaki Beach with panoramic views of the Ionian. Specializing in fresh seafood and local produce, dishes are plated with precision but never feel overworked. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between relaxed island dining and polished hospitality.
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One of Corfu’s oldest restaurants, operating since 1932, Rex offers a more classic fine-dining experience in the heart of Corfu Town. The menu blends Ionian tradition with French technique—think slow-braised veal, fresh-caught sea bream, and handmade pastries. The historic interiors and high service standards make it feel timeless rather than dated.
Best Desserts
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A Corfu institution since the 1920s, known for decadent chocolate tortes, kumquat-flavored confections, and delicate mille-feuille. Everything here feels old-world and timeless, best enjoyed with an espresso on the shaded terrace.
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Famous for galaktoboureko — custard wrapped in crisp, syrup-soaked phyllo — this simple café has been serving the same perfected recipe for decades. The pistachio baklava is another standout.
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Family-run since 1890, celebrated for island-specialty mandoles — sugar-coated almonds colored naturally and shaped by hand — plus fragrant tsoureki flavored with orange, mastiha, and mahlepi.
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New wave French‑style boulangerie in Zakynthos town with viennoiserie and house gelato.
Where We Wake Up
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Set within the grounds of St. George’s Castle, Kastro Café serves coffee and brunch in a setting that feels lifted from a film. Expect strong espresso, warm cheese pies, and homemade cakes alongside a view over the island’s rolling hills. The location makes it a perfect cultural and culinary stop in one.
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A Corfu Old Town institution since 1994, this bakery serves flaky spanakopita, amassed pastries, and the kind of fresh croissants that make mornings feel indulgent. Grab a Freddo cappuccino and settle into the cozy shopfront—there’s a reason locals come back day after day.
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An unfussy, stylish café near Fiskardo offering breakfast with a modern Anglo twist—think pancakes worth the hike and creamy BLTs with avocado. It’s the kind of place where the wild coastline meets wholesome comfort bites.
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Family-run and unfailingly warm, this Zakynthos bakery turns out honey-drizzled loukoumades, delicate koulouri rings, and rustic bread straight from the oven. Pair it with a strong Greek coffee and watch the island wake up around you.
Golden Hour Views
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Carved into the cliffside above a hidden cove, this bar has terraces that cascade down toward the sea. Arrive before sunset for Aperol spritzes and a soundtrack of waves against the rocks.
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Perched above a natural fjord-like inlet, this family-run spot serves fresh seafood with unbeatable sunset views. The water glows electric blue even as the sun dips behind the cliffs.
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A cozy café-bar perched above the southwest coast near Saint George Castle, offering sweeping 180° views of the Ionian Sea. It’s a quietly romantic spot to unwind with a glass of wine as the sky shifts to dusk.
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A laid-back seaside taverna right on Agia Efimia’s harbor, Votsalo turns out fresh-off-the-boat seafood, grilled meats, and just-picked vegetables from local farms. Grab a waterfront table, order the octopus and a carafe of white wine, and watch the fishing boats come in as dusk settles over the bay.
Where We Sleep
Corfu Imperial
Corfu
A refined beachfront resort on a private peninsula, offering a polished mix of Ionian glamour and understated comfort.
Corfu Imperial feels like a true island hideaway yet delivers the polish of a world-class resort. Interiors are light-filled and airy, with marble accents and large windows framing cobalt-blue seascapes. Days here flow between the private beach, the infinity pool, and lingering over seafood dinners at the waterfront taverna. It’s luxurious without being overbearing, and the setting — surrounded by gardens, olive groves, and the sea — is about as cinematic as Corfu gets.
Image courtesy of Corfu Imperial
From ~€280/night
300 rooms, suites, and villas
Several private beaches
Fine-dining Greek and Italian restaurants
Large infinity pool, tennis courts, and watersports
20-minute drive from Corfu Town
Family-friendly, with dedicated kids’ club and activities.
Concierge can arrange guided island tours and wine tastings.
Onsite spa offering Elemis treatments and a hammam.
Book one of the seafront bungalows for sunset views that feel entirely your own.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Lesante Blu
Zakynthos
An all-suite, adults-only resort with uninterrupted sea views, private pools, and a modern, pared-back aesthetic.
Why We Like It
Lesante Blu is sleek, contemporary, and built entirely around its connection to the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows pull the Ionian inside, while expansive terraces and private plunge pools blur the line between indoors and out. Service is intuitive and discreet, and the mood is calm, refined, and wonderfully private — a place for doing absolutely nothing in style.
Image courtesy of Lesante Blu
From ~€350/night
Adults-only (16+) for a peaceful atmosphere.
Infinity pool with panoramic sea views.
Private beach with complimentary sunbeds and waiter service.
Onsite spa with Elemis treatments and indoor pool.
Fine dining restaurant plus two casual venues.
Daily champagne breakfast included.
10-minute drive to Zakynthos Town.
Private boat charters to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves available.
Suite bathrooms feature glass walls opening to the sea, so you can watch the water while soaking in the tub.
Details To Know
Lesante
Classic
Zakynthos
A polished base near Tsilivi Beach with clean-lined rooms, many pools, and service that runs smoothly without fanfare.
It’s classic resort comfort done with discipline: bright, well‑kept rooms, smart public spaces, and staff who keep things moving without hovering. You’re close to a lively beach scene but insulated from it once you’re on property. The look is contemporary Mediterranean, not themed, and it reads well on a longer stay.
Image courtesy of Lesante Classic
From ~€300/night
A short walk to Tsilivi’s sandy beach and waterfront path.
Multiple pools; one stays calmer when families crowd the main deck.
Breakfast is generous and consistent; dinner leans Mediterranean with decent wine options.
Spa and small gym are functional rather than flashy.
Taxis to Zakynthos Town run 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.
Front desk can arrange boat trips to Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves.
Ask for a room on a higher floor for a cleaner sea glimpse over the palms.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Avali
Corfu
An adult-only boutique perched above Kalami Bay—calm, modern, and quietly refined with impeccable views.
Avali feels understatedly chic at every turn. Suites are designed with clean lines and local materials, and each opens directly onto a private terrace overlooking the Ionian. It’s contemporary without feeling cool—the staff are warm, breakfast is inventive, and the vibe is intentionally hushed. The overall feel is escapist, cultured, and surprisingly low-key.
Image courtesy of Avali
From ~€500/night
Adults-only (16+), ideal for a peaceful getaway.
Infinity edge pool seems to pour directly into the sea.
Suites with plunge pools or hot tubs are available.
Breakfast features local cheeses, citrus, and freshly made pastries.
Small spa tucked behind a wall of olive trees.
Walk into Kalami for seaside dining and local shops.
Boat rentals depart from the cove below the hotel.
Every evening, fresh lavender is placed on your pillow—subtle, personal, and entirely un-Instagrammed.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
A serene, cluster-style resort nestled above Polysachos Bay, marrying modern comfort with Greek simplicity.
Image courtesy of Celestial All Suites
From ~€550/night
Suites include balconies or terraces with bay views.
Small pool with loungers shaded by natural rock formations.
Daily breakfast served on terrace or private room patio.
Local wines and cheeses featured in mini-bars.
Low-key concierge who knows best cove beaches.
10-minute drive to Assos and ancient ruins.
Olive groves buffer rooms for tranquility.
Architecture echoes vernacular styles—plaster, wood, soft tones.
Details To Know
Celestial
Kefalonia
Celestial avoids resort ostentation—whitewashed suites link courtyards and olive groves, each with sweeping bay views. Service feels considered, not staged: breakfast arrives with candles, and yacht arrangements feel effortless. It’s open, quietly confident, and deeply tied to its coastal setting.
When dusk hits just right, the bay turns indigo and the entire resort glows—soft, lyrical, and always remembered.
Why We Like It
Domes
Miramare
Corfu
A polished, design-forward beachfront escape on Corfu’s calm eastern coast, Domes Miramare blends sleek modern architecture with nods to its glamorous 1960s past.
Set right on the Ionian Sea, the property delivers that low-slung, barefoot-luxury feel without sacrificing service or sophistication. Interiors are crisp and contemporary, layered with marble, warm woods, and soft neutrals that keep the focus on the water views. The adults-only policy ensures a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere, and the sea-facing pool scene, private pier, and leafy gardens make it easy to forget the outside world.
Image courtesy of Domes Miramare
From ~€450/night
Offers 182 rooms, suites, and villas, many with private terraces or shared pools.
Located 20 minutes from Corfu Town and the island’s airport.
On-site dining ranges from modern Greek fine dining to breezy beachside lunches.
Two pools overlook the calm waters of the Ionian.
Guests have access to a private pier for boat transfers and yacht charters.
Wellness facilities include a spa, hammam, and fitness center.
Adults-only (16+), maintaining a tranquil environment.
Season runs from April to October, with July and August being the busiest months.
The resort’s beachfront is unusually calm for Corfu — perfect for morning swims straight from the private pier.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
F Zeen
Kefalonia
A wellness hideaway on Kefalonia’s southern coast, pairing a minimalist aesthetic with immersive nature.
Set above the sandy beach of Lourdas, the property feels seamlessly integrated into the landscape — think stone, wood, and glass, framed by olive trees and mountain backdrops. The emphasis here is on slow living: open-air yoga platforms, terraces designed for lingering over herbal tea, and rooms that invite in the elements with natural textures and floor-to-ceiling glass. Wellness is woven into the entire experience, from the plant-forward dining to the tailored fitness and spa programs.
Image courtesy of F Zeen
From ~€700/night
Features 54 rooms and suites, each with private balconies or terraces.
Adults-only, creating a calm, restorative atmosphere.
Multiple infinity pools with panoramic sea and mountain views.
Two on-site restaurants focused on Mediterranean and organic cuisine.
Extensive wellness program including yoga, Pilates, meditation, and functional training.
Spa with hammam, sauna, and holistic treatments.
Just steps from Lourdas Beach, with loungers and direct access for guests.
Open seasonally from April through October.
The property’s outdoor yoga shala faces the rising sun over the Ionian — an unforgettable start to the day.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
What We Do
From Venetian fortresses and UNESCO-listed old towns to sailing between turquoise coves, the Ionian Islands offer a blend of culture, history, and cinematic natural beauty. Whether it’s hiking cypress-lined trails, diving into shipwreck bays, or wandering Corfu’s arcaded streets, this is where history meets slow island living.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Old Fortress – Corfu
A 15th-century Venetian stronghold rising above the sea, the Old Fortress is the island’s defining landmark. Climb to the top for sweeping views over Corfu Town’s tiled rooftops and out toward the Albanian coastline.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Corfu Town, Corfu
Price: €10 entry
Vibe: Monumental, historic, panoramic
Need to Know: Built by the Venetians in the 15th century, this seaside fortress commands sweeping views over Corfu Town and the Ionian Sea. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for cooler light and fewer crowds.
Zakynthos Shipwreck
One of Greece’s most photographed vistas, the cliffside lookout over Navagio Beach offers a bird’s-eye view of the famed shipwreck framed by impossibly turquoise waters. Best visited in the early morning before the crowds.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Anafonitria, Zakynthos
Price: Free
Vibe: Dramatic, iconic, postcard-perfect
Need to Know: Perched high above Navagio Beach, this cliffside lookout offers a cinematic view of the famous 1980 shipwreck surrounded by impossibly turquoise waters. Arrive early in the morning to beat both the crowds and the harsh midday light, and wear sturdy shoes — the terrain can be uneven.
Corfu Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site where Venetian, French, and British influences meet in a warren of narrow lanes, pastel facades, and grand fortresses. Best explored on foot, it offers everything from shaded squares to waterfront promenades.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Corfu Town, Corfu
Price: Free
Vibe: Historic, atmospheric, layered
Need to Know: Stop for coffee in the Liston Arcade before climbing to the Old Fortress for sweeping harbor views.
Mon Repos Estate – Corfu
A neoclassical villa set inside a vast, tree‑shaded estate above the sea—once a summer residence for British governors and the Greek royal family. Gardens, coastal paths, and a small museum make it an easy cultural pause that feels distinctly Corfu.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kanoni, Corfu
Price: €4
Vibe: Lush, aristocratic, unhurried
Need to Know: Pair it with a stroll to the Palaiopolis ruins or a dip at Mon Repos Beach.
Corfu Museum of Asian Art – Corfu
Housed in the stately Palace of St. Michael and St. George, this museum holds one of Europe’s most impressive collections of Asian art, from Japanese prints to Chinese ceramics. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Corfu Town, Corfu
Price: €4 entry
Vibe: Elegant, cultural, niche
Need to Know: The only museum in Greece dedicated solely to Asian art, it occupies the neoclassical Palace of St. Michael and St. George. The building’s grand arcades and courtyards are as impressive as the exhibitions.
Kefalonia Archaeological Museum
A compact but fascinating collection of finds from the island’s Mycenaean tombs, ancient temples, and Roman villas. Recently renovated, it offers a clear narrative of Kefalonia’s deep history.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Argostoli, Kefalonia
Price: €4
Vibe: Intimate, scholarly, quietly compelling
Need to Know: Combine with a stroll along the palm-lined waterfront and a visit to the nearby Korgialenio History & Folklore Museum.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Melissani Cave – Kefalonia
A surreal underground lake where shafts of sunlight pierce the cavern roof, turning the water an unreal shade of turquoise. Small wooden boats glide through, revealing stalactites and hidden chambers.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Sami, Kefalonia
Price: €7
Vibe: Otherworldly, photogenic, dreamlike
Need to Know: Best visited at midday when the sun is directly overhead for the most dramatic light.
Navagio Beach Viewpoint – Zakynthos
The iconic “Shipwreck Beach” framed by sheer white cliffs and sapphire waters is best appreciated from above. The viewing platform offers that postcard-perfect shot.
Location: Zakynthos
Price: Free
Vibe: Dramatic, iconic, cinematic
Need to Know: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the cruise ship crowds.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Mount Ainos National Park – Kefalonia
Home to the rare Kefalonian fir and sweeping Ionian views, this mountain reserve offers trails through pine-scented forests and rocky summits. On clear days, you can spot neighboring islands.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Central Kefalonia
Price: Free
Vibe: Rugged, peaceful, panoramic
Need to Know: Bring sturdy shoes—the terrain is uneven—and keep an eye out for wild horses.
Zakynthos Blue Caves – Zakynthos
A series of sea grottoes carved into the limestone cliffs, glowing with shades of cobalt and emerald. Best explored by small boat or kayak.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Northern Zakynthos
Price: From €15 per person
Vibe: Ethereal, adventurous, secluded
Need to Know: Early mornings mean calmer seas and fewer boats.
Sea Kayaking to Vardiani Island – Kefalonia
Paddle across clear, shallow waters to reach the tiny, uninhabited Vardiani Island, known for its red-sand beaches and old lighthouse ruins. The journey offers views back toward Kefalonia’s rugged coastline.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: South Kefalonia
Price: From €65 per person (guided)
Vibe: Active, scenic, off-the-beaten-path
Need to Know: Best for calm weather days—winds can make the crossing challenging.
Hiking Mount Pantokrator – Corfu
Climb to the highest point on Corfu for sweeping 360-degree views across the Ionian Sea and even into Albania on clear days. The trail winds through sleepy stone villages and olive groves.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Northeast Corfu
Price: Free
Vibe: Challenging, rewarding, panoramic
Need to Know: Bring water and start early to avoid the midday heat.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 72 Hours
PART ONE: Corfu Old Town & Seaside Lunch
Arrive in Corfu and check into Domes Miramare, an elegant adults-only beachfront escape with roots in the island’s aristocratic past. Begin with a stroll through Corfu Old Town, where Venetian alleyways open into sunlit squares lined with boutiques and artisan workshops.
Pause for lunch at Venetian Well, a tucked-away courtyard restaurant blending Corfiot flavors with refined Mediterranean flair.
PART TWO: Cliffside Cocktails & Fine Dining
Head west for a swim in the turquoise waters below La Grotta Lounge Bar, then climb up for an Aperol spritz with an unobstructed sea view.
As the sun sets, dress for dinner at Etrusco, one of Greece’s most celebrated fine-dining destinations, where chef Ettore Botrini’s tasting menus reinterpret the Ionian’s culinary heritage.
PART THREE: Kefalonia’s Coastal Icons
Catch an early ferry to Kefalonia and make your way to Myrtos Beach, a sweep of white pebbles framed by towering cliffs. Continue to Assos for a wander through pastel-hued streets before a vine-shaded seafood lunch at Platanos.
PART FOUR: Underground Lakes & Waterfront Sunsets
Drift through the glowing waters of Melissani Cave, where sunlight filters into an underground lake of surreal blues.
For your final evening, book a table at Katavothres Club Restaurant, dining over the sea as the horizon turns gold and the Lixouri Peninsula disappears into twilight.
