Journey through the Ionian Islands
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 – Quiet start in the Greek countryside
After a 3.5-hour flight, you arrive at Preveza airport. Upon picking up your rental car, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the rolling green landscape dotted with lemon and fig trees, reaching your accommodation near Messolonghi in approximately an hour and a half. For the next two days, you’ll enjoy your own bungalow with a swimming pool, equipped with air conditioning and a kitchen. The property also features a small children’s pool and a playground nestled among the olive trees.
Day 3 – To Zakynthos
The island-hopping adventure begins as you take a ferry from Kyllini to Zakynthos. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white cliffs, rugged mountains, and a shipwreck on a pristine beach, Zakynthos (or Zante as it is commonly known in the UK) offers everything you want from a Greek island. You’ll explore winding roads, unspoiled villages, olive groves, and picturesque beaches. You’ll stay in a hotel on the north side of the island, featuring a swimming pool and family rooms.
Day 4 – The Shipwreck and Blue Caves
Wake up to a breathtaking view of the blue sea and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. Today you will head out on an adventure to explore shipwrecks and caves! Navagio Bay has become famous for the shipwreck that lies here. In 1980 the ship ran aground, full of cigarettes and booze, hence the nickname Smuggler’s Bay. You will depart from the harbour and sail over the blue water to the bay. Take a walk around the boat, stranded on the sand before heading off to explore the Blue Caves, so called because of the different shades of blue bouncing off the water onto the surface of the caves.
Day 5 – Ferry to Kefalonia
Board the ferry from Zakynthos to Kefalonia, an island characterised by pastel-coloured houses and green bays. As you enter the port of Fiskardo, keep your eyes peeled for Loggerhead turtles who frequent the waters around the island. You’ll stay in an apartment in quaint Agia Efimia, a fishing village located on the east side of the island. This is a great place to enjoy some seafood whilst taking in the harbour views.
Day 6 & 7 – Kayaking trip and exploring Kefalonia
Embark on an exploration of secluded bays and pebble beaches with the assistance of an English-speaking guide on your kayaking trip today. You’ll navigate caves and breathtaking limestone rocks, swim in the Mediterranean sea and snorkel from secluded beaches before having a picnic lunch.
The rest of your time on Kefalonia is free to do as you wish. Myrtos Beach and Assos stand out as must-visit destinations, and for good reason. Myrtos Beach, a white pebble beach, is a great place to spend the afternoon whilst Assos, a charming village with pretty coloured houses nestled around a small bay, is a popular spot for dinner.
Day 8 – Arrival in Ithaca
Today you’ll arrive onto Ithaca, where according to legend Odysseus came to find his ithaki, his destiny. The ferry from Kefalonia only takes 30 minutes so it won’t be long until you are settling in. You’ll be stating in Vathy, a village on a moon-shaped bay with sailing ships and catamarans floating in the harbour and taverns lining the quay. You and your family will stay in an apartment by the sea where you can look out over the water from the swimming pool. The walk to the centre of Vathy is just 10 minutes too so a great spot to base yourselves.
Day 9 – Snorkelling excursion
Today you will head out with your snorkelling guide to discover the underwater world. The sea is crystal clear so you can see easily underwater with a mask. Jump into the warm water to spot colourful fish, caves, shells and rocks under the surface.
You’ll be out for around 2.5 hours, and have the afternoon free to relax at the beach or pool with the kids.
Day 10 – Arrival at Lefkada
Today you hop over to Lefkada, the last Ionian island of your holiday. But don’t worry, because on this green island you can enjoy powder-white sandy beaches and splash in an azure blue sea. You will also find steep cliffs, picturesque mountain villages and idyllic bays here. A wonderful island to end your family tour of Greece.
Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a bridge which means it can get quite busy in the summer months. So you can have a relaxing stay we have found a tiny village where you can stay in an apartments. From your apartment you can drive to Lefkada town in 20 minutes, to the famous lighthouse in just under an hour and to the white Kathisma beach in 10 minutes.
Days 11 & 12 – Boating at Nidri and free time
Next you will become a captain for the day, as you take to the water in your own motor boat. Drop anchor in a deserted bay and snorkel in the clear waters or moor in the harbour for lunch on the green island of Meganisi. It’s entirely up to you!
The rest of your time here is free, visit the beaches on the south coast spotting stalls selling honey, olive oil and wine along the way. Explore dramatic coastal walks or simply kick back with a book whilst the kids play in the sand – bliss!
Day 13 – Departure back to the UK
Today marks the end of your Ionian island hopping tour, so pack up your things and head to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation
