The best Ionian Islands for every type of traveller

Please note: this article is sponsored by our partners at Sunvil and links on this page will take you directly to the Sunvil website.

Adrift off the west coast of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands have long been luring holidaymakers dreaming of gin-clear shallows, olive-clad countryside and postcard-picture villages.

And whether you pitch up for the week on one of the larger holiday icons like Corfu or Kefalonia, or the lesser-known shores of Meganisi or Ithaca, you can expect a good deal of Mediterranean sunshine and friendly Greek hospitality thrown into the mix, too.

To help you decide which Ionian island ticks your boxes, we’ve tapped the experts at Sunvil – an award-winning holiday operator with over 50 years of experience in handcrafted getaways to Greece – to bring you the lowdown on which island is best for you.

Corfu

Best for all-day activities

One look at Corfu and you’ll understand why it’s one of Greece’s most well-loved islands. Over 200km (124 miles) of coastline stuns with golden sweeps of sand, rugged cliffs and colourful resort towns while inland, cypress forests, traditional villages and ancient monasteries beg to be explored.

When you’re not beach hopping between sun-kissed coves, there’s Venetian houses to admire in the UNESCO-recognised Old Town, lush hinterland to discover on the Corfu Trail and all manner of fun to be had at the island’s waterparks.

Where to stay with Sunvil: Kalami is one of the prettiest villages along Corfu’s northeast coast and Kalami Bay apartments will help you make full use of the spectacular location. Choose from 13 self-catering studios, apartments and a poolside retreat, all spacious and stylish with modern amenities including air-conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines and walk-in showers. Highlights include a stunning freshwater pool and far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside to the coast.

Paxos

Best for small-island charm

Paxos may be the smallest of the Ionian Islands, but it has just as much beach beauty and local charisma as the rest – with the added advantage of fewer crowds.

If you’re purely seeking peace and quiet, spend your holiday snoozing on white-pebble coves and soaking up sea views from pine-fringed trails. For a little more action, head to one of the island’s three main seaside villages – Lakka, Loggos or Gaios – for cheerful tavernas, cafés and shops.

Where to stay with Sunvil: Tucked in the hillside behind Gaios, Theodora Apartments are perfect for anyone wanting a tranquil base close to Paxos’s main port. There are five apartments on the first floor, complete with fully equipped kitchens and balconies, and a ground floor garden apartment with a patio. A sunny pool terrace provides plenty of space to relax, or you can make use of Sunvil’s bus transfer service to visit the local beaches.

Lefkas

Best for scenic beaches

Home to some of Greece’s best beaches, Lefkas (also known as Lefkada) is a dream for sun-seekers and watersport fans alike.

Sheltered by the mainland on one side and open to the Ionian Sea on the other, its coastline is a tale of two halves. Stick to the east for calm, shingle stretches shaded by olive trees, or go west for wild sweeps of soft sand backed by towering white cliffs. Porto Katsiki Beach is one of the most impressive.

Where to stay with Sunvil: Sat on the beachfront in Nidri, with superb views of neighbouring islands Madouri and Skorpios, Palm Trees Hotel is hard to beat for a classic seaside stay. Family-run and with only 16 double rooms plus four deluxe suites, it has a wonderfully homely feel while offering modern facilities such as air-conditioning and mini fridges. Fill up each morning at the buffet breakfast before hitting Nidri’s beaches.

Meganisi

Best for off-the-beaten track bliss

Only half an hour from Lefkas but a world away from the tourist trail, sleepy Meganisi is the go-to Ionian island for a laidback escape. This is a place for simple pleasures – think swimming in secluded bays, taking leisurely strolls through vineyards and lingering over long seafood lunches.

The islands’s two ports, Spilia and Vathy, and their connecting villages are where you’ll find the best selection of shops and restaurants, along with your postcard shot of fishing boats.

Where to stay with Sunvil: A villa holiday is just the ticket if you prefer the privacy of your own space, and Limonari Villas are some of the best going. The three properties are set among olive groves, just a five-minute drive from the village of Katomeri and within walking distance to two beaches. Traditional decor and open-plan living areas give the villas a light and airy character and each has their own private sea-facing pool.

Ithaca

Best for a traditional Greek stay

Steeped in myth and scattered with picturesque villages, Ithaca is traditional Greece in a nutshell. With no airport and limited tourist facilities, it’s managed to keep its rustic charm with unspoiled pebble beaches, cosy tavernas and natural harbours lined by pastel-coloured houses.

History buffs will want to check out the Archaeological Museum of Vathy and tick off the ancient villages of Anogi and Paleochora, while nature lovers can hike the Odysseus Trail to Arethusa Spring or visit the Cave of the Nymphs.

Where to stay with Sunvil: On the waterfront in the heart of quaint Kioni, the Kioni Apartments are an idyllic choice for a comfortable base away from the hustle and bustle. There are six self-catering apartments sleeping up to four, all complete with shower rooms, kitchenettes and living areas that open onto sea-facing balconies – perfect for yacht-watching. A daily maid service is also included with your stay.

Kefalonia

Best for outdoor adventures

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and has an extensive list of adventure activities to match.

On the coast there’s Instagram-worthy beaches to laze on, enchanting fishing villages to wander, giant limestone caves to see and famous dive sites to scuba around. Go inland to whizz along forest trails on a 4WD safari, tour vineyards by horseback or hike to the top of Mount Ainos.

Where to stay with Sunvil: Combine the best of the sea and countryside at Trapezaki Villas, a few minutes’ walk from a pair of restaurants and a three minute drive down to the beach. These four family-run properties are a great pick for couples or a group of friends, each with two bedrooms, an open-plan living area and a private garden with a pool. The views are the villas’ ace card, overlooking mountains on one side and the coast on the other.

Why book your Greece holiday with Sunvil

Handcrafted holidays are Sunvil’s bread and butter, so you can expect a Greece getaway tailored to your taste and a highly personal service from start to finish. Specialising in handpicked accommodation that provide authentic stays in lesser-known places, getting a taste of traditional Greek living is all part of the package. Plus, with a passionate team of experts at your disposal with first-hand knowledge on the destination, finding your perfect Greece holiday couldn't be easier. Call 020 8758 4758 to book today.