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Many of our destinations can be easily combined, so you can hop from one island to another and make as many cultural discoveries as possible. If adventure is on your mind, but you could also want some time to relax, a twin centre offers the best of both worlds.
Here we look at some things to do when combining the pretty Ioanian islands of Corfu and Paxos with Sivota on the Greece mainland - why stop at one if you don’t have to.
The Ionian island of Corfu stands at the entrance to the Adriatic – on one side, you've got Albania and the Greek mainland, and on the other, Italy. It's a setting that's earned it more than its fair share of interest from invading hordes in the past, and it's why you'll find a mix of influences across the island today – particularly in pretty Corfu Town, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Corfu holds the title for the greenest of the Greek islands. Rolling hills, groves of olive trees and mountains blanketed in pine forests have given Corfu the nickname the Emerald Island.
Head to the coast, meanwhile, and you'll discover sweeps of sand and shingle, plus a generous helping of tucked-away coves. The beaches are also beautiful on the neighbouring isles of Paxos and Antipaxos, both easily reached by boat from Corfu Town’s harbour.
In the cosmopolitan Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will feel as though they have stepped back in time when wandering its cobbled streets and alleyways. Become fascinated by stately buildings with neoclassical influences and beguiled by the likes of the Palace of St Michael and St George, Liston Arcade, the Catholic Cathedral and the Kapodistrias family mansion - to name but a few historical sites. On the eastern side of the capital, admire Venetian forts and towers such as Palio Frourio, built in the 13th century.
Explore the northern part of Corfu, home to many mountains and the highest peak on the island - Mount Pantokrator; a staggering 911 metres above sea level. Travel by jeep safari off the tourist beaten track, to discover wild vegetation and panoramic views at the summit.
Continue the adventure through hidden paths until reaching old Sinies, an abandoned village and a hidden treasure. Further in the mountains, pass through small and traditional villages such as Palaia Perithia, where you can stop, relax, and enjoy local flavours at an established taverna.
Kalami Bay has featured in numerous international films and TV series - most notably “The Durrells” which highlighted the beauty of the island. Despite being well known, Kalami still continues to withhold a sense of peace and beauty. It boasts one of the best stretches of coastline on the island, offers the perfect viewpoint for sunsets and is a haven for over 100 species of birdlife, including great white egrets, oyster catchers and curlews.
9 miles south of Corfu, Paxos is just 7 miles long by 3 miles wide and is one of the friendliest in Greece. Islanders are genuinely interested in who you are and where you come from.
Wherever you stay on Paxos you are never more than a 10 minute drive to one of the island’s 3 ports - Gaios, Loggos and Lakka and nearby beaches. All east coast beaches on Paxos are shingle and some are mixed with sand. All are gently shelving and therefore ideal for children. All beaches are refreshingly natural – there are no sun loungers or beach sellers except for Monodendri beach.
The simple, laidback lifestyle of Paxos will appeal to couples and families who want an escape from the more built-up resorts. Waterfront tavernas in small, intimate ports provide a romantic setting and a chance for children to play within sight of parents.
Paxos is best known for its relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle. Whether in Lakka, Gaios or Loggos, you’ll see locals enjoying lazy, long lunches whilst soaking up views of calm crystalline waters. One of our favourite things to do is watch the comings and goings of boats from the Roxy Bar in Loggos. Whether that be in the morning over a steaming cup of coffee and freshly baked goods from the bakery next door, or during the evening as the sun begins to set and the boats moor. The relaxed atmosphere and hospitality of the Paxiots cannot be faulted.
You’ll find food fit for the Gods in Paxos. Here you will never go hungry. Expect fresh fish supplied straight from fishermen (often docking right outside the restaurant), local produce and home cooked meals. At every taverna you choose to dine in, the food is top-class, and the chefs pour their love for cooking into each dish they serve. Due to the strategic position of the Ionian islands off the west coast of Greece, much of the food has been influenced by invaders, traders and culinary traditions from all over the Mediterranean.
Despite the small size of Paxos there are over 30 beaches to enjoy. Apart from sandy Mogonisi, most are small with white pebbles that shelve gently into the water. Some can only be reached by small motorboat, easily rented and the best way to discover the local coastline. For sand, visit Antipaxos a mile to the south, which has turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean. If you don’t fancy setting sail by yourself, there are plenty of boat excursions from Gaios harbour.
The beauty of Sivota’s mainland location on the southeast coast of Lefkas, means you can also hop in your hire car and discover the mountainous interior. Located opposite to Corfu on the west coast of the Greek mainland, it is an area of amazing natural beauty and a place you could spend all day just watching the world go by. The pretty harbour hums with activity. By day the fishing boats deposit the day’s catch ready to be served in the tavernas and balmy evenings offer the perfect opportunity for a stroll along the many harbourside cafés and restaurants, all serving mouthwatering local delicacies, including seafood and traditional Greek dishes. In the height of the summer season you’ll often stumble across live music nights or traditional Greek dancing.
A holiday to Sivota is truly relaxed and low-key with some stunning beaches to discover such as Zeri, Galikos Ormos, Bello Vrako and Zavia featuring pristine sand and crystal-clear, azure seas.
If you travel from Corfu or Paxos, you can reach Sivota by ferry which takes about one hour and a half. Sivota is about is a 20-minutes drive from the port of Igoumenitsa.
Although Sivota is small and very picturesque it offers numerous beaches in the area. The beaches in this region are characterised by small or bigger pebbles, emerald sea and plenty of natural shade. The beaches are mostly arranged and easily available, but if you are adventurous, you can discover also small wild coves which are in abundance.
Sivota has no city beach, but Galikos Molos beach is considered to be one because is right next to the city. It’s about 300 meters from the port, located just behind the marina, and you can reach it on foot from most of the accommodations in Sivota. The beach is narrow, with no distinctive turquoise sea and can be used for swimming once you do not feel like visiting the most beautiful beaches in the area.
Karvouno beach is in front of the famous beach Bella Vraka. It’s located about 600m from the port and you can reach it on foot, but with the uphill climb. The beach is small, rocky in the past, today filled with sand and gravel. On the beach there is parking space, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas. There’s also a bar that offers snacks and drinks. The beach is usually packed with visitors from nearby hotels. It is located in the lee, has a shoal and it’s suitable for children. Beach is facing west, so you can enjoy beautiful sunsets.
After 15-minute walk uphill, then downhill you’ll Bella Vraka beach. This is the most famous beach in Sivota because it’s located on the island and can be reached on foot through the sandbar and the water above your knees. If you move on through the forest, you’ll reach another bay with sun beds belonging to a nearby hotel. So, for outside visitors there’s no content except water sports, so it’s essential to bring umbrellas and towels.
Heading towards Parga, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes, and if you are adventurous, you can explore wild coves along the way. Little beach Zavia is interesting, emerald green, with a restaurant and ample space for parking. This beach is sandy, while all the rest are gravel. In the back of the beach there’s olive grove where you can also set up deck chairs and enjoy the natural shade.
Mega Ammos is 2km from the centre of Sivota. Many tourists from Sivota get there on foot, but it can be approached by car. The beach is beautiful, with fine gravel, so it’s best to arrive early to get a good seat on the beach. The beach is surrounded by rocks and trees in the background, which gives it a special charm.
Mikri Ammos is located immediately after Mega Ammos beach. The beach is small and stony, but very beautiful and it can be reached by car. The beach is surrounded by greenery, with turquoise and crystal clear waters, and it’s one of the most beautiful in the area of Sivota. Sea life is rich, so snorkeling and scuba diving are a real pleasure. The beaches Mikri and Mega Ammos can be reached by a small train from Sivota.
About 6km away from Sivota there’s a beach Agia Paraskevi, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region with an eponymous island that gives it a special charm. The beach is very beautiful and popular and a favourite for families with children. At the end there’s a small church dedicated to Agia Paraskevi, offering a very beautiful view of the beach and the island.
Zeri beach is about 1km away from the centre of Sivota and it can be reached on foot. It’s small, sandy and fully arranged, there’s also a tavern with the same name and a mini aqua park with swimming pool and several slides. On the beach you can rent a motor boat for a tour around the beaches in the area of Sivota.
Dei beach is 1,5km away from the centre of Sivota. It’s a beach with plenty of natural shade and a cafe (also in the shade). The beach is covered with rough gravel, but due to the shade it may suit families with children.
Close to Sivota is also Pisina (which means the pool) beach. It can be reached only by private boat or regular boat service. The boat leaves you on the beach and picks you up later in the day. Pisina beach is characterised by transparent and turquoise sea.
A glass bottom boat trip is one of the most exciting experiences and the best way to see the sea creatures and colourful reefs in some of the most beautiful areas in the Ionian Sea.
Take a boat trip to reach the historic sea caves of Mourtos (also known as the Cave of Sivota), where during the Second World War Greek naval battle ships hid underneath the lighthouse there. This is one of the most popular natural sites of Sivota Islands.
Just a 30 minutes' drive from Sivota, Parga is almost too pretty for its own good. With a lush countryside which remains fresh and green throughout the summer, magnificent beaches, and a characterful harbour topped by a castle, it is no surprise that this bustling little town has become so popular.
It is the only true resort in Epirus, that mountainous province of north west Greece. Like Sivota, Parga has beautiful natural surroundings. Its hills are covered in olive, pine and cypress, a perfect complement to the attractive indented coastline and wooded islets just offshore.
With various tavernas, restaurants and cafes lining the pretty quayside, the social aspect of Sivota is concentrated around the bustling waterfront. It is a place which upholds many old traditions and very easy to find a nice taverna, most of them family-run, to try the authentic taste of local Greek food.
Fresh seafood is a speciality along with traditional Greek cuisine such as Stifado and Kleftiko.
20th January 2022
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