The Ionian islands are off the western shore of Greece. Most of the wet weather approaching Greece arrives from the west and most of the rain in Greece is dumped here - so the here it is much greener than in the rest of Greece. Although, if you were there in mid-summer you would not notice that it was any wetter.

These islands have a more western European (Holy Roman/Venetian) style of architecture than the east of Greece. This makes it not too dissimilar from Italy or Croatia.. and the style very much follows that which can be found all the way around the Adriatic sea to the north.

Lefkas

Lefkas is so close to the Western mainland of Greece that it is joined by a short bridge. It is one of the least famed tourist islands in Greece, but it still is very beautiful: very calm, very green and the beaches on its west coast are some of the best to be found.

Lefkas is less popular with package tourists making for a smaller range – of the expected tourist amenities, e.g. large resorts, water parks, paragliding etc. This is probably good news for many.

Corfu

One of the most popular Greek islands is Corfu. It is green and large enough (36 miles long) island to have everything you need. With castles, beaches, quaint villages, forests, mountains and nightlife you really shouldn’t get bored over a fortnight’s holiday.

While the north and south offer sweeping sandy bays (and are therefore major tourist resorts), the north east coast is sheltered and rocky with coves, shingle beaches and traditional fishing villages. Then, the west coast seems to just drop into the sea from the high cliffs, below which the odd horse-shoe sandy beach can be found.

Corfu Town is renowned for its not-very-Greek atmosphere.. A maze of narrow streets beg you to explore every corner maybe a chapel here, an old mansion there or even a garden square. The town is dominated by a 16th century fortress.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands and offers a larger amount of beauty! It offers some great beaches and there is a whole lot more to explore, even underground: like the caves of Drogarati (filled with stalactites/stalagmites) and the subterranean lake of Melissani - which can be explored by small rowing boat.

This was the original home of the mythical Odysseus, and now its 200 villages with pretty monasteries and churches are to be found tucked away in valleys of grape-vines and olive groves.

Zakynthos

I heard it said a few years back that Zakynthos is the most beautiful Greek islands. Now it is the most popular. The holiday party scene has arrived!

This, the most southerly of the Ionian chain, has become the hot spot for today’s youth.. there has to be one favourite place for them too! If you fancy a quieter time, visit in spring to see the why the island is named the 'blossom of the east'.