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Seven Reasons To Visit The Stunning Greek Ionian Islands

Seven Reasons To Visit The Stunning Greek Ionian Islands

Jul 25, 2023

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

Churches, Venetian castles, olive groves, and forests of pine right up to the water’s edge set the iconic Ionian islands of Greece apart. Having lived for centuries under Venetian rule, it is aptly reflected in their age-old buildings.

Choosing the right operators, like www.ionianislandholidays.com can be a deciding factor in making or breaking your holiday to these stunning Greek islands. The sapphire-blue Ionian Sea welcomes visitors to the breathtaking destinations.

There’s so much more to witness, from Kefalonia to Lefkada, Corfu, Zakynthos, Paxos, and Ithaki. They are all wonderful island hot spots that you will adore exploring. So, if you are still not considering moving to Greece, which is easier than you could imagine, you aren’t living life completely. Below are a few reasons that will prove the point!

Why visit the Ionian islands?

While on land you can explore monasteries, mountain villages, and waterfalls, kites, and windsurfers regard the waters of the Ionian Sea as a prime location to enjoy water sports. If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that with favorable winds, there is no better place for sailing than these beautiful islands of Greece.

Some other compelling reasons to visit the Ionian islands are:

1. The celebrated beaches

There are countless beaches, big and small, all over the islands of the Ionian Sea that have a charm of their own. The Shipwreck Beach of Zakynthos is a mega crowd puller from all over the world, and so are the pristine sands of Lefkada, Porto Katsiki, Voutoumi, and Engremni.

Again, while Antipaxos and Vrika are a one-stop for boat owners, Schinos in Ithaki and Myrtos in Kefalonia are where the elite mingle with each other.

Finally, there is the much-photographed Kaladi on Kythera and Paleokastritsa in Corfu which are lapped by blue waters against a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs.

2. Rich culture and history

The ancient monasteries, churches, castles, and other buildings lay testimony to the myths and colorful traditions of the Ionian islands. Homer’s kingdom of the Phaeacians, Corfu, is home to Old and new Venetian Forts, Achillion Palace, and Mon Repos, all top-class architectural wonders.

Then there is the outstanding Asian Art Collection museum inside the Palace of St Michael and St George, the Municipal Gallery, and the Archaeology Museum.

Lefkada, too, has some impressive medieval buildings, while the most sturdy attraction of Greece, by far, is the 14th-century castle of Santa Maura.

3. Best for water-based activities

Many of the Ionian islands are known for consistent wind conditions which attract water sports lovers, especially beginners as conditions are best for them. This makes the islands a great place to take up a new water-based activity or even some laid-back paddling in the pristine waters

When it comes to water sports, the Ionian islands enjoy a reputation of their own. While Lefkada draws ever-increasing hordes of windsurfers, year after year, sailors flock to the beaches of Myli and Vasiliki, ranked by many as the best in the Mediterranean.

Adventure junkies also head to the nearby isles of Meganisi, Kastos, and Kalamos, north of Corfu, who then head around the island before sailing south towards Paxos

Antipaxos, Ithaki, and Kioni are all other destinations that are loved by sailors in the Ionian Sea. For hikers, there are well-marked trails through the green mountains and the famous 220 km long Corfu trail.

4. Delicious cuisine

The Greek cuisine in itself is a good reason to visit the country, especially the food served on the Ionian islands which has a strong Mediterranean diet base which is considered to be key to longevity.

Inspired by the history of the Ionian Sea, the delicacies of the Greek islands will surprise you with their wealth of culinary delights. The Ionian islands stand out, not only for their sophisticated dishes like sofrito and Bianco but complemented for their locally produced ginger beer and kumquat liqueur.

Diners in Zakynthos and Lefkada are usually regaled by strolling musicians while the locals serve their own delicacy, a nougat treat. Ask for it if you don’t get it.

The piece de resistance of Kefalonia is the rich meat pie and another one of Zakynthos is salsa, a meat stew accompanied by cheese. An integral element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is world-renowned, and used in most dishes.

5. Fantastic year-round weather

There are few better holiday spots in the world, than the Ionian islands of Greece, which enjoy near-perfect weather all around the year. There are plenty of beaches if you wish to soak in the sun with your family at any of the famous ones in Greece.

Typically, the temperature never drops below 70°F through September or in any case below 50°F during the winter months in any of the top islands you may wish to visit.

Moreover, the frequent rainfall has made the vegetation lush green which characterizes the islands. Snow is rare, and summers are cool even on the hottest of days.

This means, even in the off-season, conditions are near perfect for hiking, checking out the vibrant scenery, and not forgetting loads of shopping all without being troubled by the teeming hordes of visitors.

6. The hospitable locals

Greek hospitality is legendary with its roots deeply embedded in every heart of the locals. The word for hospitality in Greek is philoxenia which literally means “friend to a stranger” and refers to the art of caring for anybody who visits a Greek home.

The value of hospitality of the ancient Greeks still lives today in modern Greece. Over the centuries, the generosity of the locals has become a cultural norm and revolves around sharing life with others, like inviting a newcomer to their home for a homemade meal.

Ancient Greek’s care for strangers was an institution as they considered the act of welcoming someone as a missionary sent by the gods, Hence hospitality enjoys important value, even today, for every Greek citizen and they happily open their doors to foreigners and invite them for a treat in their homes.

7. They produce awesome drinks

Greek wines are among the best in the world. Brands like Retsina, Agiorgitiko, and Vidanto are all legendary to wine lovers, with Assyrtiko from the island of Santorini being one of the most popular of all Greek wines.

It is the diverse landscape that explains the presence of distinct characteristics in these wines, especially the red variety from the volcanic island of Santorini, the most wine-producing state in the country.

Another good variety of white wine by the name of Robola is associated with the island of Kefalonia where some of the best brands can be found. Ouzo is another famous Greek drink that is worth a try. This is a heady licorice-flavored drink served with a glass of water before meals and best enjoyed with eating mezedes by the seaside on any of the islands. Do not forget to say Yamas, the Greek equivalent of “cheers” before you begin to drink.

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Arnab

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

How To Leverage Data Analytics To Make Better Travel Decisions

BY Arnab Jun 22, 2023

Data analytics is for more than high-end tech companies. Anyone can take care of data analytics as long as they know what to look for. This tool can even be used for travel decisions. For business travelers, this is very important. Taking advantage of data analytics will save you a lot of money and time that could be used on business. Here are some ways you can start using this skill for your next trip. 1. Booking Take advantage of search engines and algorithms. Search for alternative or creative routes. Use multiple search services to find what you are looking for. If you only look at one website, you’ll only have their offers. Make sure to change up your searches or search at different times. Most websites will use cookies to track your search. Turn this off for a safer and cheaper searching experience. However, some websites won’t let you use their service without cookies. You’ll notice that the price will go up if you look back a few minutes later. That’s because they have tracked your data. Use multiple computers and WiFi networks to work around this. Try doing your searches on a public computer or in a coffee shop. When you get home, make the booking after searching only once. 2. Event Management Traveling is an event. Or maybe you are hosting a corporate event. You’ll need to organize the travel information of a lot of different people. Here is some information on event management to help you out. You’ll want to think about things like timing, consumption data, and convenience. For example, don’t just calculate the time of a flight. Make sure to calculate how long it takes for someone to get from door to door. Add in a bit of cushion room but be as precise as possible. Ask your employees or guests to note this data for you. That way the data is unique to your company or event. What might be true for your event will not necessarily be the same for other events. Every year, you’ll have more data than the year before. After running the event for a few years, you’ll know it like the back of your hand. You’ll know exactly how much food to order, how much time to plan, and who to invite. That’s all thanks to data. 3. Scheduling Timing is everything when it comes to travel. Traveling as efficiently as possible isn’t easy. It can be tempting to take a longer flight or have multiple connections to save money. However, this could end up costing you more money. Those are lost hours of productivity. These hours are also expensive. The longer you are traveling, the more you’ll need to buy. You’ll start to get hungry and want something to eat. So, a shorter route might be more expensive. But if you calculate it, it could end up being cheaper for you. Double-check the scheduling and calculations before booking anything. 4. Networking Use data to find out some ways to network on your trip. For instance, look at data and lists about what people are reading. Books are great conversation starters. They are also a good way to inform yourself of the latest trends. Maybe even read a book about data to understand how it works. You can also use data about employee preferences. It’s important to know that younger workers are more interested in certain things than older employees. This is essential for recruiting new workers. The more you know, the more impressive you’ll seem to customers and potential employers. 5. Flexibility Data can have errors. And at the end of the day, data is just a bunch of numbers. It won’t apply to everyone in every situation. People change, and so does data. Be prepared that what you have planned and calculated might not be the best. Flexibility is the key to travel. Be ready to change routes at any moment. Or be ready to switch your presentation for a different one. Failing to change can be the downfall of a great business. Conclusion Data has its limits, but it is a very useful tool when it comes to corporate travel. Take advantage of it today. Read Also: Top 11 Budget Tokyo Hostels In Japan How To Use Videos To Drive Conversions In Travel Business Why Adding Subtitles To Your Travel Videos Is Important And Necessary

A Guide To National Parks In Virginia – Latest Guide

BY Subham Saha Jun 24, 2021

Virginia is a state of the U.S that is very famous for its climate and natural beauty. Not the last, in Virginia, you will have many national parks with amazing views. There are almost 22 national parks in Virginia. So, you can go gently and visit the most exciting places to gain more knowledge about nature. If you are thinking of having a new experience we can guide you properly. Before visiting the national parks in Virginia, you must know some points that you will never miss. So, let’s see the best things about national parks and get assistance. Things Never Forget You can have the best national parks in West Virginia that are too amazing. But, all the parks are part of nature, you have to stay accordingly. However, if you have a wish to visit the national park, prepare yourself for that. There are hill areas where you can walk or can take a bicycle ride. When you step on, you have to stay curious to watch the outside. Another thing is, you have to be passive about the animals. The Appalachian Trail is one of the beautiful parts of national parks. When you visit another park, the Arlington ceremony graveyard, you have to maintain silence. After the death of people, here everyone lies forever. When you ride on a horse, you have to keep in mind, and this is a wild animal. So, you will not hurt the horse during your ride. There is another beautiful valley that you will visit. The clean water will stay calm and quiet. You also can take a ride on a boat to look at nature. The national parks in Virginia, consisting of rides that you can easily afford to enjoy. So, no need to wait to visit Virginia. Just follow the guidelines and enjoy the utmost. Best National Parks In Virginia Till now, there are a total of 22 that are amazing to visit. Even in some places, some monuments are spots of the American civil war. However, seeing the national parks, you can connect yourself to history. National parks in Northern Virginia also attract tourists very much. Your first look at the parks and prepare yourself. Summer, spring are excellent times to visit the national parks. Let’s get some ideas about the national parks in Virginia. 1. Arlington House (The Ceremony House) The Arlington place is a place that native people created for Robert. E. Lee to show respect for his dedication. Through this place, the citizens gave him respect. This person is one of the prominent faces of the Civil war. Attached with that, the Arlington national ceremony people created in the time of civil war. There are dead bodies inside the ground, actually, in a graveyard that reminds everyone about the soldiers. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It seems very beautiful because of its calm and quiet nature. So, do visit here and learn the history. 2. Blue Ridge Parkway Blue ridge parkway is one of the stunning national parks in Virginia. It is in the northern part of Virginia where the tantalizing air of Appalachian hills comes. The relaxing drive that you will take here will make you feel you have reached a land of victory. The place consists of small lakes that are very clear. The lakes reflect the sky. If you once feel the atmosphere, you will never want to come back from the park. Take someone with you and visit throughout the park. This park is one of the best choices if you are going to select this. 3. Colonial National Historical Park This colonial national park does not only have an excellent looking nature, but it also consists of old American history. Jamestown is one of the most extraordinary things that remind us of the philosophers that discovered the countries. Jamestown is the first colonized area that the Northern English people of America discovered. Even now, you will see the old homes and historical movements that happened many years ago. It will be your most attractive visit if you are excited to look at American history. So, go gentle to look back from your present. 4. Fort Monroe National Monument It is a military fort where the soldiers once used to stay. There is also a history if you are interested to know it. Here the Africans used to stay in the previous years. Before 1946, this fort used to guard the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. In this colony, the people of the Bantu region lived here. Though in later days, the people of America get them out. However, some Africans became slaves of the native English people. The historians use to say, and this place is the starting point of slavery that had grown popular at that time. Over the years, this fort has changed into one of the famous national parks in Virginia where people come to visit. There is a museum too, the Casemate Museum. 5. Assateague Island National Seahorses This national park is in the eastern part of Virginia and is known as one of the most extraordinary natural parks. Here you will have the beautiful Maritime forest and a sandy beach. This forest is magnificent. The trees created dark sights throughout the forest. In the water, you will see various sea fishes and the most interesting is the seahorses. It is an island of multiple areas. Forest, beach, rough ride, all you can get in a single portion of visiting. However, take a hoarse drive and enjoy the scenery. But follow the guidelines to accommodate yourself with nature. Visit Virginia’s Eastern Shore and enjoy your ride. The Final Lines So, you get all the updates, right? Now you can visit throughout Virginia with exceptional guidance. This guidance will adequately help you to learn the best things about the above national parks in Virginia. Therefore, you go for a visit and stay connected with nature. If you do not have enough money for the time being, please save money to visit the dream places. Give your life a new charm and get a fantastic experience very soon. You May Also Like: Best National Parks In Hawaii A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin A Guide To National Parks In Michigan

Which Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh? – Travel Guide

BY Nabamita Oct 19, 2022

Known as a “Barren Beauty,” Ladakh has one of the, if not the most beautiful landscapes in India. Here in Ladakh, you will find one of a kind landscapes that are breathtaking and definitely one of a kind. With beautiful Buddhist cultural festivals, activities, and monasteries, Ladakh has the highest mountain passes in the country. But being situated at such great heights, Ladakh has some travel restrictions in certain months, so which is the best time to visit Ladakh? Keep on scrolling through all the details about the best time to visit Ladakh. Welcome To Ladakh! Ladakh is a union territory of India located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, in the extreme northern parts of India. Ladakh is known as a cold desert, the only one in India. There also located the highest saltwater lake in the World, the Pangong Lake. Ladakh is popular among tourists as it provides the best road trip opportunities in India. Experiencing a cross-country road trip to Ladakh is something of a dream for most travel enthusiasts. Best Time To Visit Ladakh Ladakh is a bucket-list-worthy place for most adventurers, but being such a dreamy place, you should know which is the best time to visit Ladakh. Being located at such great heights, it is not possible to travel there whenever you want to. April - JuneJuly - SeptemberOctober - March21c to -1c25c to 5c14c to -11c 1. April - June For most adventurers who want to explore the place, and see the raw landscape of the place, the best time to visit Ladakh would be during the summer. Although it’s the summer months, don’t expect the weather to be warm and sunny. It is rather cold, even during the winter months, as well. You will be able to see the snow melting under the bright sun. But you will be getting a crystal clear blue sky, amazing views, wild blooming flora, and clear fauna. These are the things why Ladakh from the months of April and June is the ideal time to travel. 2. July - September From July, the monsoon season begins in Ladakh. With irregular heavy rainfall, you can really enjoy the rain in Ladakh if you are into it. Although there are a lot of ways you can enjoy Ladakh during the monsoon season, a few of the most exciting activities there are bike tours and trekking routes. It is mostly closed or blocked due to the occasional snow slides, landslides, and even cloud bursts. There are few areas that fall under the rain shadow area and hence receive more rain, and it is very difficult to reach there. These particular areas are Leh on the Manali side, Baralacha La Pass, Leh from Srinagar, and also Zoji La Pass. 3. October - March From October to March is considered yet another best time to visit Leh Ladakh. It is the perfect weather for road trips without the fear of any rain or landslides. But make sure that the atmosphere is quite chilly, so be ready to feel the cold and chill in your bones. So be sure to pack enough warm clothes to help you actually enjoy the adventure. The beauty of Ladakh during these months is something different. The snow-covered landscape with frozen lakes and a beautiful clear sky. You will have to witness it to actually experience it. Different Climates In Ladakh If you are planning to visit Ladakh, you can choose the season you want to experience. The summer, monsoon, and winter moths are quite distinct here in Ladakh. So depending on your preference, you can easily choose the best time to visit Ladakh for you. 1. Summer In Ladakh The summertime in Ladakh is when it generates the most number of tourists. There is hardly any snow now, or it is melting away for the season. And during the summertime, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities such as biking, trekking, camping, mountain climbing, and many more. During summer, there are quite a lot of activities you can do in Ladakh, and they are, going for a camel safari on the double humped camels called Bactrian camels. You can even witness the summer festivals that take place here in the monasteries. There are a number of festivals that take place during the summer, and they are Saka Dawa Sindhu Darshan, Yuru Kabygyat, Phyang Tsedup, Hemis Festival, and also Matho Nagrang. There are many adventure sports that you can enjoy during the summertime, which are mountain biking on the Zanskar &Karakoram ranges, Jeep safari on the Zanskar valley, and even River rafting in the Zanskar stream. 2. Monsoon In Ladakh Even though it rains irregularly during the monsoon season in Ladakh, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy that experience. Although the monsoon season may not be the best time to visit Ladakh by bike or in general, it still can be very picturesque. Some of the exciting activities that you can take part in Ladakh during the monsoon season are adventure sports like white water rafting. You should also you should experience the monsoon festivals here like Phyang, Dakthok, Karsh Gustot, Karzok, and Sani Nasjal. Other than these festivals and sports, you can really enjoy a hot bowl of Thukpa, steamed momos, and a delicious cup of butter tea when you are sitting in a warm room, and it is raining outside. It doesn’t get better than that. 3. Winter In Ladakh The winter months in Leh Ladakh best time to visit for its picturesque scenic beauty and the pleasant chill and snow-covered valleys. Even though the cold weather may not be for everyone, there are a lot of activities that you can do here during the winter months. Some of these activities are like taking part in winter treks for experienced trekkers, even campings are available during the winter months. Similarly to the summer and monsoon festivals, there are many winter festivals too that is a unique experience to witness. A few of these festivals are such as Spituk Gustor, Dosmoche, Stok MOnastery festivals, Ladakhi Losar, and even Thiksay Gustor. And as a matter of fact, the winter months are the best to witness the wildlife here in Ladakh. Animals like snow leopards, mountain wolves, magpies, blue sheep, and even wild hares are a few of the animals you can witness. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): If you have any more doubts about the best time to visit Ladakh, then here are a few queries that others have had. 1. Which Month Is Snowfall In Ladakh? The peak snowfall season in Ladakh is from the months of October to February. During these months, the entire valley is covered in a thick blanket of snow. 2. In Which Month Is Leh Closed? Usually, in November, the Manali-Leh highway stays closed due to heavy snowfall and road blockage. No vehicles are allowed to pass. The highway again opens up in April. 3. Is There Snow In Ladakh In April? There are a lot of benefits of visiting Ladakh in April; since there won’t be many visitors, you can easily get great deals on hotels and homestays. And in April, you can easily witness a lot of snow. Visit Now! Ladakh is a destination you should travel to at once in your lifetime, it is an experience that you will always remember. The landscape, the mountains, the valley, the beautiful traditions of the Buddhist culture, and everything in totality makes Ladakh a worthwhile place to visit. If you find this article helpful, then let us know in the comment section when you are planning to book a trip to Ladakh. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Mussoorie? Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling

Seven Reasons To Visit The Stunning Greek Ionian Islands