The first thing you’ll notice about the Ionian Islands is their verdancy. Sitting in stark contrast to the bright white – sometimes scorched – Cycladic and Aegean template, the Ionian Islands experience a somewhat cooler climate and heavy Winter rain, and the vibe follows suit.
Here, it’s chilled out and laid back, but that’s not to say you won’t find beaches to recline on and sunshine to bask in amongst the area’s seven island groups. Nope, you’ll just be doing so with a backdrop of stunning forest, mountain and olive trees.
Sitting to the west of Greece and separated from Italy by the Ionian Sea, the cluster of islands has a decidedly Italian influence in its architecture, culture and cuisine, having been under both Venetian and Ottoman rule. This marriage of cultures makes for a truly fascinating, nourishing place to spend time. That said, it can get busy, but rest assured, if you’re looking to step off the beaten path, you’ll find solace and sanctuary here, too.
If you’re visiting Greece for a holiday and you’re looking to narrow down your Ionian itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place; here are 7 secluded spots to visit on your Ionian Island hopping holiday.
MOUNT PANTOKRATOR, CORFU
Corfu stakes a rightful claim as being the Greek island with perhaps the most fascinating history, but it’s the scenery here which really blows us away. Corfu’s tallest mountain peak, Mount Pantokrator, situated in the island’s northeast, is a recluse’s dream. And you did come here for seclusion, right?
It’s also a hiker’s heaven, with breathtaking, all-encompassing views as you make your way up the summit. At the top, you’ll find the Monastery Of Pantokrator, built in the 14th Century and worth every breath taken on the ascent. At the monastery, it’s 360 degree views of the Ionian Sea and a decent appraisal of the neighbouring island of Paxos, too. Some say that you can even see Albania – just a few kilometres away – on a clear day.
Ascending Pantokrator is no mean feat, taking around five hours each way if you start at Ipsos Beach. Alternatively, many keen walkers begin at Old Perithia (Corfu’s oldest village) from which a round trip on a quiet, untroubled path will take around half a day.
GIALOS BEACH, LEFKADA
Gialos Beach on Lefkada is one of the longest stretches of sand overlooking the Ionian Sea and is perhaps the island’s most peaceful beach. The west coasts of all of the Ionian Islands are particularly noteworthy for their deep, cyanic shades of blue, and Gialos is no exception; the water is just lovely here.
Accessible through the village of Athani, some parts of Gialos do retain a lively atmosphere, with several bars and restaurants serving the beach. That said, there are several coves and bays undisturbed by human activity of any kind. As such, Gialos is well known as Lefkada’s best naturist beach. Be warned, however, that it gets windy here, with all the risks to your nudism that poses.
ANGELOKASTRO, CORFU
Not to be outdone by Pantokrator, which we previously mentioned, Corfu’s Castle of the Angel, Angelokastro, stands at the top of another tall, treacherous summit. If you’re up for seclusion and serenity on this famous island, then rest assured that the climb to Angelokastro separates the wheat from the chaff, make no mistake.
Starting at Paleokastritsa beach, the hike to Angelokastro takes around three hours, and the paths are rugged, to put it mildly, but you’ll be richly rewarded at the peak with sheer, dramatic views of the sea below. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus up to the gates of the Byzantine castle.
The adjacent village of Krini is worth a visit whilst you’re up here; there are some premium olive oils and liquors for sale in some of the village’s family-run shops. Then, all you have to worry about is the clamber back down with all your souvenirs in hand!
Be aware that the castle isn’t open on Mondays, and closes at 3pm on every other day of the week.
MYRTOS BEACH, KEFALONIA
The water at Kefalonia’s Myrtos beach is so blue that many visitors believe some trickery is at work. Don’t worry; this stunning, deep azure is because of the adjacent white cliff’s sediment depositing itself in the waters. No harm done, but plenty of visual intrigue won!
Flanked by two mountains, Agia Dynati and Kalon Oros, Myrtos is one of the most iconic stretches of white sand anywhere within the Ionian Islands cluster, but despite its high acclaim and photogenic nature, the beach remains largely peaceful and quiet, with sun loungers arranged in an orderly way and the sand never too heaving.
The tranquil nature of the beach is perhaps due to its fairly prohibitive accessibility; a real perk if you’re seeking seclusion! The guys at Freelance Villas, who rent quality private villas on Kefalonia, elaborate; ‘’At the end of a winding road…the beach is located between the vertiginous lower slopes of two enchanting mountains, the 900-meter Kalon Oros and Agia Dynati, north of the island.’’
Make the effort to reach Myrtos through that winding road and between those mountains, and trust us; you’ll be richly rewarded.
LAKKA BAY, PAXOS
The island group of Paxos is the Ioanian’s smallest, and because of this, it benefits from an exclusivity and seclusion unrivalled elsewhere. The northern fishing village of Lakka Bay is simply stunning; a horseshoe-shaped bay with a verdant backdrop of olive and cypress groves.
Lakka Bay itself is populated with a few traditional tavernas and genial bars, as well as two beaches, Kanoni and Harami, boasting sun loungers and water sports. That said, for something more secluded, there are three beaches just off the fishing village which are gloriously tranquil, and only accessible on foot; do make sure you check out Orkos, Arkoudaki and Glyfada if it’s seclusion you seek.
GERAKAS BEACH, ZANTE
18km south of the capital, Gerakas beach is one of Zante’s most attractive, with an undisturbed, unspoilt vibe made so because it’s part of the Zakynthos Marine Park, which protects the Caretta-Caretta turtle’s breeding and nesting.
From a half hour prior to sunset to a half hour after sunrise, tourists are forbidden from entering the area. During the permitted hours, however, this is one serene spot, with golden sand, scattered rock formations and a large cove with crystal clear water and great swimming opportunities.
Read: 5 of the best beaches in Zante
CAVE OF THE NYMPHS, ITHACA
We end our tour of the Ionian Islands in Ithaca’s Cave of the Nymphs, because…where else? Not only of mythological significance, as this is where Odyessiss hid the gifts of Phaeacians upon his return to Ithaca, it’s also a geological wonder, full of stalactites and the subject of many archaeological studies.
Sitting at 200 metres above sea level overlooking Dexa beach and commonly referred to as Marmarospilia, you can only enter the cave via a ladder’s descent of ten metres. This one is not for the faint-hearted but for those keen on mystique and adventure, the Cave of the Nymphs is a fascinating place.
The Greek islands aren’t all about secluded beaches and mountain hikes, however. We’re also pretty enamoured with the food! Check out these tips on the IDEAL foodie day out in Mykonos or these 5 tips for foodies visiting Santorini for some satisfying, satiating pointers.