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Island hopping in the Ionian - Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca and Kefalonia
Overview
Introduction
Embark on a captivating 14-night island-hopping adventure through the enchanting Ionian Islands of Greece, including Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, and Kefalonia This idyllic archipelago, nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, offers a harmonious blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Your journey begins on the lush island of Corfu, where ancient ruins, vibrant villages, and pristine beaches await. Immerse yourself in the island's rich history, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu and the majestic Palace of Achilleion. Unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Paleokastritsa or venture into the verdant countryside, dotted with olive groves and quaint villages.
Next, set sail for the tranquil island of Paxos, a hidden gem known for its secluded coves, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Discover the picturesque port of Gaios, explore the charming villages of Loggos and Lakka, or simply relax on the idyllic beaches of Antipaxos.
The stunning island of Lefkas, offers a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and picturesque villages. Explore the vibrant town of Lefkas, hike through the stunning mountain range of Stavrota, or soak up the sun on the world-famous beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni.
Although many people have heard of Ithaca, relatively few come to stay. For those that do, their reward is a peaceful, strongly traditional Greek island, mountainous and scenic, with some very pretty villages and sparsely populated beaches. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian group of islands. It is an island that rewards exploration many times over with its dramatic scenery, distinctive traditions, fine beaches, and unspoiled way of life. The sheer variety Kefalonia offers the visitor is one reason why so many return.
This 14-night itinerary is the perfect opportunity to experience the unique charm and beauty of the Ionian Islands. From historical sites and natural wonders to idyllic beaches and vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone.
Itinerary includes:
- Outbound flight to Corfu Airport
- Return flight from Kefalonia Airport
- Private transfers
- Ferry transfers
- 2 Nights at Arcadion Hotel, Corfu Town (Bed & Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Agali Hotel, Paxos (Bed & Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Odyssey Hotel, Lefkas (Bed & Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Nostos Hotel, Ithaca (Bed & Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Sami Beach Hotel, Kefalonia (Bed & Breakfast)
Please note:
The optimum day to start this itinerary is a Monday due to ferry schedules. Other days are possible but the itinerary may need to be adjusted to fit. Hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with a suiitable alternative at the time of booking
- The service between Corfu and Paxos operates daily.
- The service - southbound (as per the proposed itinerary) - between Paxos and Lefkas departs on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Northbound the service operates on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- The service - southbound (as per the proposed itinerary) - between Lefkas and Ithaca departs on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Northbound the service operates on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- The service - southbound (as per the proposed itinerary) - between Ithaca and Kefalonia departs daily.
- The itinerary can be reversed
Agenda
Day 1 & 2 - Corfu
On arrival at Corfu Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Corfu Town. The Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel, set in a beautiful garden, is decorated in elegant, classic style with traditional colours. The location is excellent, as the Siorra Vittoria is set in the centre of the old part of Corfu Town, five minutes’ walk from the Liston, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and shops yet an oasis of calm within a walled garden.
On your first day, immerse yourself in Corfu's rich history and vibrant culture by exploring the charming streets of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow alleys, admire the Venetian architecture, and visit the Old Fortress for panoramic views of the city. On your second day, consider discovering the island's stunning natural beauty by heading to the breathtaking Paleokastritsa region. Relax on the pristine beaches, hike to the Monastery of Paleokastritsa for breathtaking views, or explore the hidden coves and crystal-clear waters by boat. For your final day on the Emerald Island, why not spend a leisurely day exploring the northern part of Corfu, visiting the picturesque villages of Kassiopi and Kalami, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Overnight at Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Corfu Town
Day 3, 4 & 5 - Paxos
After breakfast you will be transferred to the port for your ferry to the island of Paxos (approx.1 hour sailing time). On arrival at Gaios Port, collect you will be transferred to your accommodation, the Agali Hotel. This long-established 'adult friendly' hotel enjoys one of the best locations on Paxos above its own peaceful white-pebble beach a mile to the south of Gaios.
Start your first day in the charming port town of Gaios, strolling along the marina, admiring colourful boats, and exploring local shops. Rent a boat or join a tour to discover hidden coves and beaches, including the famous Erimitis Beach. For a unique experience, visit the Blue Caves, known for their mesmerising turquoise waters. End your day with a delicious dinner at a waterfront taverna, savoring fresh seafood and local delicacies. On your second day, venture to the picturesque village of Lakka, known for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Hike through olive groves, visit the historic Two-Dome Church, and enjoy stunning views from the Lakka Lighthouse. Alternatively, take a boat trip to the nearby island of Antipaxos, famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the soft sand, swim in the turquoise sea, and soak up the tranquility of this idyllic paradise. As the day comes to an end, head back to Gaios for a final evening of relaxation and reflection on your memorable two days on Paxos.
Overnight at Agali Hotel, Paxos (Bed & Breakfast)
Gaios, Paxos
Day 6, 7 & 8 - Lefkas
This morning you will be transferred to Gaios Port for your ferry crossing to Lefkas. The scheduled crossing time is approx. 3 hours. The Ionian islands are famous for their incredible natural beauty: the unique colour of the sea, the shiny rocks that cover the coastline and the caves, the wonderful forest reaching the sea level, these are the elements that elevate the Ionian as maybe the most serene and beautiful sailing area among the Greek islands. There are several ferries that operate the Paxos - Lefkas crossing and where you can sit outside to experience the wonderful views as you sail towards to Lefkas.
Start your three-day Lefkas adventure by exploring the picturesque village of Agios Nikitas, your base for the next three days and enjoy a leisurely swim at Mylos Beach. On your second day, head to the island's capital, Lefkas Town. Wander through its charming streets, admire the Venetian castle, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Or head to the stunning Kathisma Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands. Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or trying out water sports like windsurfing or paddle boarding. As the sun sets, retreat to a cosy taverna and savour delicious local cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Your final day in Lefkas offers an opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Hike to the Nidri Waterfalls, a refreshing oasis surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, visit the charming village of Nidri, known for its picturesque harbour and boat trips to nearby islands. Before leaving, immerse yourself in Lefkas' history at the Archaeological Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artefacts from ancient times.
Overnight at Odyssey Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Agios Nikitas, Lefkas
Day 9, 10 & 11 - Ithaca
Today you will journey from Lefkas to the island of Ithaca (2 1/2 hours). On arrival at Pisaetos Port, you will be transferred to the Nostos Hotel in Frikes, your home for the next two nights. The Nostos is a friendly family-run hotel – the only one in Frikes. It stands up the valley towards the back of the village just a three minute walk from the harbour, where you will find a selection of tavernas. Your hosts Nicky and Andreas are a mine of information about the area, and are happy to give advice and directions for their own carefully researched walking trails, for which they will also supply packed lunches.
Although many people have heard of Ithaca, relatively few come to stay. For those that do, their reward is a peaceful, strongly traditional Greek island, mountainous and scenic, with some very pretty villages and sparsely populated beaches. Ithaca divides into two halves. Mount Aetos, which joins north with south, is barely half a mile in width at its narrowest point. The highest peak on the island is Neritos at just over 800 metres. The west coast is very rugged, with sheer mountainside rising steeply from the sea for much of its length. The east side is gentler, and its indented coastline provides several natural harbours, which is where Ithaca’s three main coastal villages – Frikes, Kioni and Vathy – are to be found.
Overnight at Nostos Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Frikes, Ithaca
Day 12, 13 & 14 - Kefalonia
This morning you will be transferred to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia. The crossing takes approx. 25 minutes. On arrival in Sami, you will take a transfer to your accommodation, the Sami Beach Hotel. This well-established 3-star hotel is set in spacious grounds and occupies a seafront location at the edge of Karavomilos village, just a short walk from Sami port. It has built up a very loyal following and many guests return year on year.
Begin the first day of your time on Kefalonia in Sami, a charming fishing village, and explore the impressive Drogarati Cave with its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. After a leisurely lunch, head to Antisamos Beach, a picturesque bay renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush greenery. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Melissani Cave, a subterranean lake illuminated by sunlight filtering through a cavernous opening. For your second day, hire a car and embark on a scenic drive to Agia Efimia, a picturesque village nestled amidst rolling hills. Take a leisurely stroll along the harbour, admiring the colourful fishing boats and traditional tavernas. Continue your journey to Fiscardo, a charming Venetian port town known for its elegant architecture and upscale boutiques. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.
Overnight at Sami Beach Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)
Sami, Kefalonia
Day 15 - Day of departure
Transfer from your hotel to Kefalonia Airport for your journey home, carrying priceless memories of your Ionian island-hopping adventure.
Accommodation
Arcadion Hotel - Night 1 to 2
The Arcadion Hotel, nestled in the heart of Corfu Town, offers a captivating blend of historic charm and modern comfort. It is ideally situated overlooking Spianada Square and the iconic Liston Arcades, providing guests with a prime location to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.
The 3-star Arcadion Hotel, nestled in the heart of Corfu Town, offers a captivating blend of historic charm and modern comfort. It is ideally situated overlooking Spianada Square and the iconic Liston Arcades, providing guests with a prime location to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. The Arcadion Hotel is, in fact, located at the Pendofanaro, a renowned local meeting place for generations.
The hotel's 30 rooms are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay. The double or twin rooms are fitted with elegant furniture and rich fabrics. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities including air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, safe deposit box, coffee/tea maker along with a mini fridge bar. Bathrooms include a hairdryer and dressing gowns.
Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast in the restaurant and have dinner in the Arcadion Bistrot restaurant.
Beyond the comfortable rooms, the Arcadion Hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can unwind on the rooftop terrace, which boasts stunning sea views. The hotel's central location also provides easy access to a variety of local attractions, including museums and historical sites.
Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the Arcadion Hotel offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Corfu Town. With its prime location, comfortable rooms, and friendly service, the Arcadion Hotel is the perfect choice for a city break on Corfu.
Agali Hotel - Night 3 to 5
A small and most welcoming hotel quietly located towards the far end of Limenaria's seafront, just over a narrow road from the sandy beach here.
A small and most welcoming hotel quietly located towards the far end of Limenaria's seafront, just over a narrow road from the sandy beach here.
The hotel's 14 double-bedded rooms offer comfortable, simple and attractive accommodation. We book rooms to the rear of the hotel as they are away from any noise from the promenade and possess attractive pool and village views.
The freshwater pool to the rear measures 40 sq m (depth 1.0m-1.8m).
The hotel supplies free sunbeds and umbrellas for its guests on the beach and, above, operates a well liked cafe and restaurant.
Mrs Maria and her daughter Irini take great personal care of all their guests, many of whom return year after year.
A short walk of 200m brings you to the centre of Limenaria, which has a very wide choice of shops, cafes and tavernas, and 300m to the fishing harbour. Gorgeous Metalia beach is 1 km away, the other side of the headland.
Air Conditioning: available at a local charge
Odyssey Hotel - Night 6 to 8
The Odyssey Hotel is attractively designed in the traditional Lefkadian style. It is situated about halfway along Agios Nikitas main street, set back with a small garden to the front, and only 200m from the beach. The hotel has 40 rooms on four floors and at the highest level a very nice pool area with snack bar.
The Odyssey Hotel is attractively designed in the traditional Lefkadian style. It is situated about halfway along Agios Nikitas main street, set back with a small garden to the front, and only 200m from the beach. The hotel has 40 rooms on four floors and at the highest level a very nice pool area with snack bar.
The ground floor houses the five studios, spacious (35 sq m) and recently renovated (2022) with large modern shower rooms, light kitchen facilities (mini-oven, hob, fridge, kettle), a king-sized bed plus sofa beds for two children. They have a good-sized covered terrace opening out directly onto the garden.
The first floor has reception plus standard double rooms (also second floor). These are older style, clean and simple, containing one small double plus one single built-in bed, shower room and front covered balcony with very nice views to the wooded hillside on the other side of the village.
The top floor deluxe rooms have been renovated to a good standard in the modern Greek minimalist style. They all have a walk-in rainwater shower and again fine hillside views from the balcony.
At the highest level there are maisonette units comprising a ground floor living room with wooden stairs up to a double bedroom above. These are good for families as they are spacious (60 sq m), also have kitchens, two shower rooms and can sleep up to 5 using sofa beds.
All rooms possess AC, TV (smart TV in the deluxe rooms), WiFi, fridge, room safe and hairdryer.
At rooftop level is the swimming pool and snack bar where breakfast is taken. There are 18 steps up from the garden to reception on the first floor, and from here a lift takes you to the higher floors and pool area.
Nostos Hotel - Night 9 to 11
The Nostos is a friendly family-run hotel – the only one in Frikes. It stands up the valley towards the back of the village just a three minute walk from the harbour, where you will find a selection of tavernas.
The Nostos is a friendly family-run hotel – the only one in Frikes. It stands up the valley towards the back of the village just a three minute walk from the harbour, where you will find a selection of tavernas.
The hotel has 30 rooms on its three floors. All are nicely refurbished in an attractive light modern style and possess air-conditioning, ceiling fan, TV, fridge, shower room and balcony with views to the sea, pool or mountain.
The ground floor houses a bar, lounge and a terrace restaurant offering home- cooked Greek specialities.
The large freshwater swimming pool to the front (14.5m x 6.5m) has a snack bar serving refreshments and light meals during busier times.
Your hosts Nicky and Andreas are a mine of information about the area, and are happy to give advice and directions for their own carefully researched walking trails, for which they will also supply packed lunches.
Sami Beach Hotel - Night 12 to 14
This well-established 3-star hotel is set in spacious grounds and occupies a seafront location at the edge of Karavomilos village, just a short walk from Sami port. It has built up a very loyal following and many guests return year on year.
This well-established 3-star hotel is set in spacious grounds and occupies a seafront location at the edge of Karavomilos village, just a short walk from Sami port. It has built up a very loyal following and many guests return year on year.
The hotel’s 49 rooms are housed on three floors served by a lift. Measuring 18 sq m, all possess double or twin beds, AC, TV, mini-fridge, shower room, hairdryer and a small balcony or a garden terrace with sea, mountain or garden views. WiFi is available in public areas.
The large pool to the front (ladder access) has spacious furnished terrace surrounds and is served by a pool bar serving drinks and snacks. Elsewhere in the well-kept gardens is a tennis court (equipment provided), also table tennis and boules, and yoga sessions are sometimes available.
The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas free of charge for guests - however many prefer the beaches a short distance away. Going north towards pretty Aghia Efimia is a string of pristine white pebble coves and beaches, and beautiful Antisamos beach is a 15-minute drive to the south and has water sports.
Karavomilos has a pair of good local tavernas, a bakery and cafe just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. For more choice a 15-minute walk along the coastal path above the sea brings you to the port of Sami, from where boats depart the short distance over the strait to Ithaca (Piso Aetos, not the main town of Vathy). Sami has a good choice of taverna restaurants, shops and cafe-bars.
The Sami Beach is family run and much praised for its friendly atmosphere and helpful, friendly staff.
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT +2 hours
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Average flight times
3 hours 5 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC