The Ionian islands are located off the west coast of Greece and are a perfect place to enjoy a luxury weekend holiday and experience the unique beauty of this stunning archipelago.
The islands are basically made up of six large islands, Corfu, Lefkas, Paxos, Paxi, Ithaka, Zante and Kefalonia along with several smaller islands. Despite being a part of Greece, due to the landscape, culture and cuisine, each island has their own unique identity.
Villa holidays in the Ionian are your best bet to enjoy a weekend of luxury in the Islands. There is a varied choice of villa accommodation available on the islands of Paxos, Ithaca, Zante, Corfu and Lefkada which offer a more flexible and cheaper alternative to a package holiday.
Getting around the Ionian islands
It is easier to travel between islands within one group, rather than archipelago hop. While most of the Greek islands have airports, not all are international.
Traveling by ferry makes island hopping simple, providing you stay within one archipelago. It is also possible to rent a car in Athens or on the islands to turn your island-hopping weekend excursion into a seafaring road trip, providing you hold an international driving licence.
A weekend in the Ionian: the perfect luxury itinerary
The Ionian islands promise memorable adventures through picturesque landscapes, but since you have just a weekend in hand, we have got you covered.
Tucked away in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is not only breathtakingly beautiful but has alluring coastal vistas surrounded by historical villages. Moreover, Kefalonia makes for a fantastic short break and is a perfect destination for those with limited time.
How to reach Kefalonia
The island has an international airport just outside of Argostolia which is connected from Athens and several European cities. This is by far the easiest way to get to Kefalonia from where you can rent a car or take a bus to your destination.
Alternatively, if you are arriving from the mainland, catch a ferry from Kyllini to Argostolia, rent a car on arrival and drive the rest of the way from the port to your destination.
Where to stay in Kefalonia
The small town of Lixouri is the best place to stay for your weekend in Kefalonia as it is situated just across the water from the capital and the main port Argostoli in a quiet neighbourhood from where to explore the island’s authentic lifestyle.
Day one: Friday
On the first day of your weekend in Kefalonia it is best to dedicate time visiting the island’s northern villages and the associated landmarks. The day will be packed with action so get up early.
A forty minute drive from Lixouri will bring you to Myrtos Beach for some of the bluest waters in the whole of Greece. Surrounded by lofty limestone cliffs, Myrtos has an exceptionally picturesque coastal landscape. Lounge here for an hour or two before heading to your next destination.
Asos is one of the best beachtown in Greece and is just a twenty minutes drive from Myrtos Beach. This will be your second stop on the day long Kefalonia itinerary.
The beautiful village has managed to retain its old world charm and is home to just about one hundred individuals with no sign of any commercial activity in sight. A stop here is a must if one wants to immerse in authentic Greek culture.
The Venetians ruled Kefalonia for nearly 300 years, but sadly only a few key cultural strongholds can be seen on the island today as many parts were totally destroyed in an earthquake in 1953.
The most significant remains can be found in the northern village of Fiskardo which was largely unaffected by the catastrophic effects. Tour the town’s colorful buildings and head to the waterfront where you can enjoy a delicious meal at the fine selection of restaurants and taverns.
Day two: Saturday
On the second morning head out to explore the villages and natural attractions of the island’s southern regions. Again start early as there will be a lot to see and do on this day.
The village of Sami will be your first stop where you will come across villages with Venetian architecture, beautiful beaches and a spectacular waterfront. The village lies on the eastern shore, so if you want to catch a glimpse of an awesome sunrise, reach there in time.
If you are a boat lover, you will find plenty of classy boats and yachts anchored in the marina to admire as you sip on a cup of coffee to admire the views.
Your next halt on day two will be a visit to the Melissani and Drogarati Caves, both of which are a five minutes drive from Sami. Between the two natural marvels, Melissani is a must see place, so take a boat tour to gaze upon the beautiful azure lake and it’s stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Another unmissable spot near Sami town is the Antisamos Beach, which unlike other sandy beaches on the island is covered with small white pebbles. There is a good bar and restaurant here and a perfect place to grab a drink and something to eat.
Once you have satisfied your hunger, take a tour of Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, which is around 45 minutes drive from Sami. Make sure to visit the Saint Theodoroi lighthouse to see some surreal views of the surrounding sea. Head back to Lixouri to prepare for the final day.
Day three: Sunday
Now that you have toured all over the island, it is time to relax and unwind among the charms of Lixouri itself. Once again, wake up early and start the day at the Petani Beach, a mere 20 minutes drive from the town. Relax on the beach chairs with a cup of coffee in hand.
Head back to Lixouri and speed the rest of the morning taking in the simple elegance of the town while enjoying a lunch at the harbor. Do things slowly in order to enjoy the sleepy vibes Greek islands are known for.
End the last evening of the week at Xi Beach which boasts of the most colorful coastline in Kefalonia. The beach has red sands surrounded by tall white limestone cliffs the beauty of which are further enhanced by the rays of the setting sun.
The breathtaking light of the setting sun is a perfect way to end your luxury three day Kefalonia itinerary. Following the sunset, head back to your lodge in Lixouri to rest before your flight back home or a ferry to your next Greek destination.
