Whether you want to learn more about the history of the world or just have a great time, visiting one of the Ionian Islands is definitely the way to go.
These places will give you everything you need, from spending some time alone to partying with dozens of people. Basically all of these islands are amazing, and tourists just love spending their time here all summer long, from May to September, but if you want to take your adventure to the next level, you have to consider the islands you can visit by boat.
These are extra special because they’re even more picturesque than the rest of Greece. So, what are some of these islands, and what can you do there?
Corfu
This is probably the most famous and the most popular of the Ionian Islands, and there’s a reason for that – Corfu is simply breathtaking! It’s not just the climate, the atmosphere, or the history of this place, but an encapsulating effect of uniqueness every tourist can feel here. To begin with, the climate here is special and it includes a combination of mild winds and warm weather, which means everyone can have a great time visiting Corfu.
What’s even better is that this island offers a range of activities for all sorts of people, so you can choose anything from hiking and exploring the nature around the island to visiting local monasteries. So, all you need to do is come up with a plan and make the most of your time here.
Kea
If you’re staying in Athens or at least visiting the capital of Greece, this island is something you definitely need to check out. It’s just an hour or two away, but it gives you a chance to experience things you’ve never seen before, from amazing architecture to the inviting rural region you’re just going to love.
One of the most special activities on Kea is cycling, so be sure to take this idea into consideration. The entire island features over 50 miles of cycling paths and is very proud of its cycling tradition, so you’ll be able to rent a bike on your own quite easily. This isn’t just a beautiful way to see the entire island quite quickly, but also a useful exercise that will do wonders for your physical and mental health, so it’s certainly an activity you shouldn’t ignore.
Cephalonia
Now, if you’re looking for a real adventure and want to see what Greece is all about, you should visit the island of Cephalonia as soon as you can. This huge island is actually the largest of all Ionian Islands and is therefore the administrative, cultural and tourist center of this area. What’s surprising, though, is that Cephalonia doesn’t have that many residents – only about 30 thousand or so – but it’s really massive, which means there are lots of spots that haven’t yet been corrupted by the tourists.
What you need to do is find a boat or a yacht that can take you to all of these hidden gems on Cephalonia and help you maximize your time there. Finding the best Mediterranean yacht charter can actually turn out to be easier than you’ve though, and it’s all about getting a boat that will satisfy all your needs help you make all your wishes come true on places like Cephalonia.
Antipaxos
This is one of the smallest islands in Greece, but it’s still among the most popular and beautiful ones. The combination of relaxing beaches and adventurous nature makes Antipaxos a place that can suit all your needs and give you the holiday of your dreams. This is particularly true for people who don’t love wasting their time lying on the beach, but who want to do something exciting and physically challenging as well.
A potential problem with Antipaxos is the accommodation – what most people don’t know is that only about one hundred people live there regularly, which means finding a place to stay may not be that easy. That’s why you should book your accommodation in advance and make sure you have an apartment waiting for you there even before arriving. Alternatively, you can visit Antipaxos in the winter too – they’ll be much fewer people, but the weather will still be amazing, so you can experience something new without spending too much money.
Ithaca
You can’t go to Greece and visit the Ionian Islands without coming to Ithaca. This symbolic and historic place is known all over the world because of Homer and his Odysseus, so if you’ve ever read Odyssey or even Ulysses by James Joyce, this is the place you can’t miss. Being so important and crucial for the entire history of Greece, Ithaca is quite popular with the local community as well, which is why tourists love coming there, knowing they’ll have a great time.
Thanks to its amazing beaches and mild wind, Ithaca is among the most beautiful islands in Greece, at least for people who keep coming back here again and again. If you’re a fan of Homer and Odysseus, you’ll be able to find all sorts of attractions and places that will satisfy your desire – from caves to castles, and everything in between – so just keep exploring until you’ve discovered them all.
Visiting these islands by boat is a great adventure, so don’t be afraid to do that. Find the right boat and the right company, and you’ll surely have the time of your life!