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.
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.
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.
If you are an Australian national or you are someone visiting from another country, then it’s likely that you will want to visit one of the most famous cities in the world. The Great City Of Sydney is an incredibly interesting and friendly place to visit, and many people across the world have this very location on their bucket list right at this moment.
It is a city that you will constantly see on the television and talk about online and for many good reasons. There is so much to see in this particular city, so if you have planned any vacation time there, then it’s important that you don’t miss out on some of the top tourist attractions.
Begin With Sight-Seeing
You are quite fortunate in that there are several sight seeing Tours of Sydney that are available to you, but one piece of advice would be to make sure that you book well in advance because these are incredibly popular and they sell out in a very short space of time.
Once you have one of these tours under your belt, you might want to get a little closer to some of the more famous landmarks that we currently have. The following are just some of the top things that you should be doing when visiting the great city of Sydney.
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge –
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you really do need to take advantage of while in this great city and you can even climb the bridge at night. People have done it before and raved about how exciting it was and how they were able to see the whole city from the very top. It is a very safe thing to do, and the people who work on the bridge take health and safety very seriously indeed.
Go see the Opera House –
If you are into architecture, then the Sydney Opera House will blow your mind. It is a very unique building, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. You can enjoy it from a distance or get up close, and you would be encouraged to try to take in a concert or some kind of performance while you are there.
Visit the many beautiful beaches –
There are so many to enjoy, and you can even take the ferry out to experience beaches that have been very prominent on the television in popular Australian TV shows. There is beautiful, clean sand as far as the eye can see, and it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just relaxing and taking in the views.
Conclusion
The one thing that many people say about Sydney is that the people who live there are incredibly friendly and don’t be surprised if they ask you questions about where it is that you’re going to visit and maybe they will even give you some advice on some local tourist attractions that you might not be aware of.
This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, so it's important to make the most of it while you can. Well, that was all about the Great City Of Sydney and its marvelous destinations. Save this article for the next time you are traveling here!
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I remember my first quiet Sunday in Paris—it caught me off guard. The whole city just… slowed down. No horns, no rush, just this calm hum underneath everything. You could actually hear the church bells bouncing off the empty streets.
It will feel a bit strange at first. You will feel like you woke up before the world did. Some of the shops will be shut, some light spilling over the rooftops, and the air will smell like freshly baked bread.
By mid-morning, the city will wake up again, but this time it will be slow. The shops will open, and you will notice people moving around, communicating with others. Things will seem slow and cozy, and you will see how these people enjoy life.
Same with Rue Mouffetard—music from nowhere, old ladies arguing over fruit, a kid tugging at his mom’s sleeve. Even Batignolles, tucked away from the usual crowd, hums with its own little rhythm.
There are various things to do on Sunday in Paris, as the major attractions might be closed. Some of the major markets and shops will not open. So, it is important that you plan something nice and simple and just enjoy life in Paris for a day. Take things slow.
Increasingly, travelers are planning their itineraries around this day of calm discovery, aided by thoughtfully designed all inclusive holidays to Paris that include cultural experiences off the beaten path, offering a deeper glimpse into authentic Parisian life.
Things To Do On Sunday In Paris
Lately, people have caught on to this slower Paris. Paris vacation packages even have it built in now—whole days with no schedule, just “see what happens.” I used one once, through Travelodeal maybe, and their whole pitch was to live like a local.
That sounded like marketing fluff, but honestly, they weren’t wrong. They sent me to buy bread from a tiny boulangerie, told me to sit under the sycamores at Place des Vosges, and just watch people. Simple. Beautiful. You end up seeing a side of Paris that doesn’t try to impress you—it just is.
1. Market Mornings And Fresh Finds
If you can get yourself out early (I barely managed), the markets are wild in the best way. Marché Bastille is my favorite. It’s messy, loud, alive.
You will hear people arguing about prices, vendors shouting, and someone playing accordion like he is auditioning for a movie. Piles of tomatoes, a bunch of scarves, the smell of bread, everything will make you feel alive.
2. Stillness In The Streets
Then everything quiets down again. Around late morning, it’s like the city decides to take a nap. Montmartre, Le Marais—they turn soft and slow. Shutters half-closed, sunlight sliding across cobblestones, the occasional bike bell echoing through an alley.
You pass an artist sketching, someone leaning on a balcony, a couple holding hands, as if time had stopped for them. It’s cinematic, honestly. On a Sunday, walking across the Seine feels like walking through someone’s dream.
3. Long Lunches, Parisian-Style
Now, if there’s one thing Parisians take seriously, it’s Sunday lunch. You can’t rush it. Even if you tried, they’d probably ignore you until you relaxed.
Tables fill with families, old friends, strangers turned companions. You order steak-frites or roast chicken, maybe onion soup if you’re lucky. Bread everywhere, wine always flowing.
No one looks at their watch. Meals last hours—literally. You talk, eat, sip, pause, talk again. And dessert? You don’t skip it. Tarte Tatin, if you can find it. Or cheese. Always cheese.
4. Enjoy High Tea
Enjoying a high tea in Paris is one of the best things to do on a Sunday in Paris. Most of the big hotels also offer afternoon tea even on public holidays. The Ritz Paris offers afternoon tea, which creates a sense of occasion.
Afternoon tea at Le Meurice is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime. However, you will have to book this in advance as this is quite popular. Moreover, you can try afternoon tea at Le Bristol.
This is kind of a hidden gem, and not as popular as its competitors. It is less crowded and you will be able to visit it on public holidays as well. There is no reason to be crowded, but you have to book it in advance.
5. Parks And Picnics In Full Bloom
If the weather is sunny and pleasant, you need to get out. There is no point staying indoors. Visit one of the parks like Parc Monceau, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Buttes-Chaumont.
Kids enjoy the park; they chase pigeons. You will notice musicians singing by the fountains, and older couples sitting peacefully, enjoying the surroundings. All you will need is a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some cheese. Just sit around and watch life unfold around you.
6. Go Shopping
Among so many things to do on Sunday in Paris, there is no way to miss out on shopping. However, make sure there are no big holidays, or the stores will be closed. The designer shops and the big brands generally keep their store open on Sundays.
However, do not estimate the flea shops. The St. Ouen flea market is less crowded, and you will be able to shop easily there, and getting there is also not very difficult. It is a small site, and you will be able to browse through stuff easily, and the variety you get here is unmatched.
Where Everyday Life Becomes The Highlight
By evening, you realize how little you’ve done. There are so many things to do on Sunday in Paris. And somehow, that’s the magic.
Paris doesn’t need your checklist—it just wants you to slow down long enough to notice it. The soft chatter, the smell of bread, the light hitting the Seine—it all feels like a secret only you found.
Walking home that night, I remember thinking: nothing spectacular happened. No grand event, no story to brag about. Yet it felt like one of those rare days you actually lived instead of rushed through. That’s a Parisian Sunday for you. Quiet. Ordinary. And absolutely unforgettable.
Meghalaya, or the Abode of Clouds, here you will find that nature has to give. It is one of the best places for its biodiversity richness. Known best for its famous monsoon seasons, Meghalaya has the most dramatic natural terrains with rich cultural festivals.
Having such beautiful natural diversities, which are among the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The tribals of Garos, Jaintias, and Khasis make up the majority of the population.
Meghalaya: Abode Of Clouds!
Located in the northeastern parts of India, with Shilong as its capital. During the British rule of India, it was dubbed the “Scotland of the East.”
With a range of beautiful terrains, Meghalaya is surely going to surprise your imagination. With beautiful greenery everywhere, with forests, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, that are one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
But since Meghalaya is known for its monsoon seasons, what is the best time to visit there?
What Is The Best Time To Visit Meghalaya?
Since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, with the occasional cloudbursts and landslides, you need to know the best time to visit there.
Weather Condition In Meghalaya
Oct-Feb = 9c Apr-Jun = 21c June-Oct =15c
Peak Season
When the temperature is between 16c and 31c, that is the best time to visit Meghalaya. This will probably be from April and June. During this time, Meghalaya has the optimum temperature for you to explore the place.
Shoulder Season
From the months of November to March receives a moderate amount of tourists, as the weather is cold and misty at the same time.
Low Season
The lowest season for tourism in Meghalaya is from July to October. During this time, the state receives about moderate to heavy rainfall.
Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya is, you need to know what are the top Meghalaya tourist places.
1. Cherrapunji
Popularly regarded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji has the best lush greenery you will ever see. Here you will find the highest rainfall any time of the year.
Tourists from all over the world come here to see the most beautiful waterfalls, like Dain-Thlen,Nohkalikai, and Kyrem. Cherrapunji is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Specialty - An abundance of natural scenic beauty and environmental attractions.
Places To Stay - Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee, Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee and Saimika Resort.
Attractions - Krem Mawmluh, Wakaba Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls.
How To Reach - From Guwahati, it's 166km, And from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, it's 79km.
2. Shillong
Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Away from the bustling life of the city, Shillong has beautiful forests, hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Shillong is considered the Meghalayan Gateway.
Popular landmarks of Shillong are Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim.
Specialty - Mesmerizing view, the beauty of nature, and its popular landmarks.
Attractions - Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim.
Places To Stay - Pinewood Hotel, The Loft-Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, and Tripura Castle.
Location - East Central Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - From September to May.
3. Mawsynram
Out of all the places in Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the most rainfall each year. This is why here you will find the most greenery and beautiful green hills and valleys. Mawsynram receives about 11,872 mm of rainfall each year.
Specialty - The most beautiful waterfalls.
Location - The East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - From April to June.
4. Balpakaram National Park
Known as a traveler’s paradise, the Balpakaram National Park is a “Land of Spirits” for its rich natural biodiversity. With its beautiful wildlife with animals like Tiger, Leopard, Deer, Buffalo, Elephant, and Red Panda.
Specialty - It is rich in natural biodiversity.
Location - Western Meghalaya and Garo Hills.
Best Time To Visit - From October to March.
Entry Free - Free.
5. Nohkalikai Falls
The Nohkalikai Falls is the 4th most noted waterfalls in the World. The height of this fall is about 335 meters from the cliff to the ground. The falls are considered “the pride of the territory of Meghalaya.”
Specialty - It is like paradise with an extraordinary scenic view.
Entry Fee - INR 10.
Timing - From 8 am to 5 pm.
6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge
Located in Cherrapunji, the double-decker living root bridge is famous all over, as the bridge is made up of roots. The roots are of rubber trees. The bridge is about 3km long and about 2400ft in height.
Specialty - The oldest of natural bridges.
Location - Cherrapunji, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - Anytime other than from May to September, due to the slippery.
Trek Time - It takes about 4 to 6 hours.
7. Kyllang Rock
This extraordinary rock is made entirely out of red stone. The rock is 54ooft above sea level and 1000ft in width. The hike up the rock gives a beautiful scene with rhododendrons and shrubs.
Specialty - It is on the highest points in all of Meghalaya.
Location - West Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit - Anytime, except the monsoon.
Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India?
8. Elephant Falls
Meghalaya is known to have the best waterfalls in all of India. And Elephant Falls is definitely one of that beautiful waterfalls. It is called Elephant falls as it has an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot of it. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya.
Specialty - The falls are surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty.
Location - It is only 12km from Shillong.
Best Time To Visit - During Monsoon.
Read Also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya and the best tourist places is, you won’t have any other problems. But if you do, here are some questions asked by other people.
1. What Is The Popular Place Of Meghalaya? The most popular Meghalaya places to visit are:1. Mawsynram2. Nohakalikai Falls3. Mawlynnong Village4. Umiam Lake5. Seven Sisters Falls6. Living Root Bridges 2. Does Meghalaya Have Snow? Though the state of Meghalaya has a higher elevation, it doesn’t receive any snowfall throughout the year. But due to humidity and low temperature, frost forms which can look like snow but are not. 3. What Is Famous Food Of Meghalaya? The food that is famous in Meghalaya is a spicy preparation of fish or meat and rice. They are great at rearing pigs, goats, cows, ducks, and fowl for their meat.
Visit Now!
If you are an avid nature lover, then visiting Meghalaya should definitely be on your bucket list. There are some beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. And if you are a mountain lover, then you need to visit here once.
Hopefully, this article encourages you to book your tickets soon for Meghalaya. Let us know in the comments where in India you wanna visit next.
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