The Ionian Islands offer water sports, hiking, coastal landscapes and culture to suit a range of travel interests. You can weigh up activities and islands according to your interests.
Water sports: different options in Lefkada
Vasiliki Beach in Lefkada is one of the world’s best windsurfing spots; its conditions are suitable for slalom and freestyle. Ai Giannis in Lefkada is a kitesurfing hotspot. Nydri has an organized center for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable water rides such as banana boats and rings. Each place therefore offers a different kind of sport: Vasiliki for windsurfing, Ai Giannis for kitesurfing and Nydri for other water sports.
Hiking trails and time needed
On Paxos, a network of trails runs through dense, old olive groves and connects picturesque settlements. The route from Lakka to Gaios is about 12 km long and takes approximately 2.5 hours on foot. On Antipaxos, the Agrapidia–Lighthouse–Spring–Agios Aimilianos–Voutoumi route is about 7.9 km long, moderately difficult and takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. By comparison, the route on Paxos is longer, while the Antipaxos route is shorter and rated moderate. In Greece, Mount Olympus also offers hiking trails of varying difficulty; the E4 crosses the Enipeas Gorge there and passes through lush vegetation, by waterfalls and steep cliffs.
Beaches, nature and culture
Beach and coastal destinations also offer different highlights. Lefkada is known for Porto Katsiki Beach; on Kefalonia, you’ll find Myrtos Beach and Melissani Lake Cave. Antipaxos offers Voutoumi Beach as well as crystal-clear waters with coral reefs. This lets you compare beach destinations with the islands’ other landscapes and activity highlights.
Rare Kefalonian fir trees grow in Ainos National Park on Kefalonia. The Zakynthos Marine Park provides loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) with a protected habitat. Ithaca offers hidden caves, sheltered bays covered in lush vegetation and archaeological treasures. These places appeal to different nature and culture interests, from rare fir trees and a protected marine habitat to caves and archaeological sites.
There’s also something for food and wine enthusiasts: Kefalonia is known for its famous Robola wine. Along with the coastal, natural and cultural attractions, this can help you tailor your trip to your own interests.
For planning a trip to Antipaxos, note that the island can be reached from Paxos (Gaios) by boat or on organized sea transfers. Check current boat arrangements if Antipaxos is part of your travel plans. The crossing from Lefkada Port (Vasiliki) to Ithaca Port (Frikes) takes one hour. This duration can help you plan; check current schedules in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gouvia, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxos, Ithaca, Central Greece.
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