We're open today till 5:30 PM 020 8568 4499 020 8568 4499
Get in touch
Escape to the turquoise waters and lush landscapes of the Ionian Islands for a number of unforgettable outdoor adventures. Our blog focuses on the stunning islands of Corfu, Paxos, and Lefkas, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating activities. From 4x4 off-road adventures to boat tours on crystal-clear seas, the Ionian Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where culture meets breathtaking scenery, promising an active and rejuvenating escape.
An alternative way to see Corfu is on a journey through the island’s wild heart on a luxury, private sightseeing off-road adventure in a 4 x4 vehicle, a new experience offered by Sunvil. There are four tours to choose from with X Adventure Club, including the North West Experience, Sunset Private Experience, The Durrell’s Experience and the South Experience.
Collected directly from your hotel between 7.30 and 8.00am, the North West Experience tour, lasting around six hours, begins as you leave Corfu Town, heading off the beaten path, winding through wooded tracks framed by cypress trees, gnarled olive groves (Corfu has more than two million olive trees), and blooming bougainvillea. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, and there are glimpses of the Ionian Sea in the distance.
The first stop is Crab Lake, a peaceful, secluded body of water that, despite its name, is more home to eels and freshwater fish than crustaceans. Further along the winding paths, overlooking the lake is a highlight for fans of The Durrells, with a visit to “Sven’s House” the rural home of the character Sven Lundblad, an 18th-century olive mill dating back to 1747, with views back over to Crab Lake.
As the drive climbs through the hills, you'll pass the “wine man” selling homemade bottles from his roadside porch, and a fisherman's shack marked only by a handwritten sign of the day’s fresh catch.
The route then hugs the hillside path, stopping in Lakones where a traditional Greek coffee served with a few of drops of Ouzo awaits at a café, as well as panoramic views over beautiful Paleokastritsa Bay, then further through to Makrades, one of the oldest villages in Corfu, with a road only just big enough for the jeep to pass.
Heading down to the coastal road, the next stop is a tasting experience at the Corfu Beer microbrewery in Arillas, the largest microbrewery in Greece. Founded in 2006 by Spyros Kaloudis, this craft beer brewery produces eight Corfu Beer varieties, as well as the Royal Ionian line and Korfiot Lager Hellas, with an output of 2,000 bottles per day. Nearby, a local olive oil estate also offers tastings of the liquid produced from the Corfu black olive.
Leaving the coast, the tour heads up to the lunch stop at Akrotiri Café, perched on a cliffside with rooftop terraces offering panoramic views over the Ionian Sea. Local Corfiot flavours are served before heading off on the final leg of the journey.
The last stop is the Cape Drastis headland, where white clay cliffs plunge into turquoise waters, sculpted into shapes by the wind and sea.
Paxos Island offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors looking to discover its natural beauty.
A guided or self-guided boat trip from Paxos to Antipaxos is an opportunity to explore this small island of only 29sqkm, located a mile south of Paxos and easily reached in about 15 minutes by small boat. Traditional caiques and express vessels depart daily from the waterfront in Gaios Square.
Paxos Boats is operated by local inhabitant Lefteris Vrachoritis, who describes the waters surrounding Antipaxos as “beach pools,” due to their clear, bright turquoise colour. Boats will often stop at Vrika or Voutoumi, the island’s two main sandy beaches, both known for their soft white sand and pristine waters.
For those who opt for a full tour, the boat heads past sea caves, natural arches, and dramatic rock formations along Antipaxos’ 19-mile coastline.
Organised excursions often explore both the west and south coasts, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities to swim or snorkel in the shallow waters. The island’s interior, accessible by small roads, feature olive groves, vineyards and a peaceful atmosphere. While there are tavernas and some private villas on the island it remains underdeveloped with no hotels.
Back on Paxos, in addition to scenic boat trips, there are also several water sports activities. Monodendri beach is a popular spot for paddleboarding, while both Gaios and Lakka have centres offering a range of water activities.
There are plenty of ways to stay active on land too. Cycling is a good way to discover the island at a slow pace. Bikes can be hired from Gaios and riding through the quiet villages offers a peaceful and immersive experience of the island’s rural charm.
Set sail from Nidri in Lefkas for a marine adventure that winds through the smaller neighbouring Ionian Islands on a group experience aboard a mid-sized vessel, on a self-drive boat, or on a private guided tour.
Long-time British Lefkas resident and marine expert Steve Clarke-Lens offers a private guided tour offering everything from rare wildlife, swim and snorkelling spots, ancient history and quiet island charm.
Leaving the coastline of Lefkas on a rib boat, Clarke-Lens highlights the Ionian Sea’s shifting ecology due to global warming, including the arrival of Red Sea species like parrotfish and lionfish, and the importance of the ancient Posidonia sea grass, a slow-growing plant that supports countless marine species and generates vital oxygen.
An early highlight is a sea cave home to a colony of bats, best explored with a snorkel and torch. From there, the boat cruises around the tail of Meganissi island, past dramatic rock formations and the hidden coves that house the Rock Dove and rare Mediterranean Monk Seals.
A brief stop by the rugged island of Kythros reveals the Panthera Cave, an archaeological site where evidence of Neanderthal habitation has been found, dating back over 45,000 years.
Next is Formekula, a tiny protected marine reserve and vital habitat for the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal, with only around 600 left in the world. Visitors can swim in just one designated bay, keeping the rest of the island a protected area for the mammals. Sightings are quite rare but extremely special.
The route continues to Kastos with just 36 registered residents. It’s an ideal stop for a relaxed lunch at a harbour-front taverna, soaking in traditional Greek island life. Then it’s on to Kalamos, where clear waters are ideal for snorkelling among marine life.
The return leg loops around the east side of Meganissi and back to Lefkas, completing a circular route on a full-day tour.
During the experience, from the boat and while swimming or snorkelling, it is possible to see flying fish, spot octopus, glimpse dolphins and the elusive seals, discovering the Ionian Sea surrounding Lefkas as few do.
29th September 2025
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on
We're open today till 5:30 PM
