Greece has always been one of my favorite countries in Europe, and this time we were excited to explore a different side of it—the Ionian. Known for its lush green landscapes, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, the Ionian islands offer a whole new vibe compared to the Cyclades.

We spent a week on the beautiful island of Zakynthos and even took a day trip over to Kefalonia. This guide will cover mostly Zakynthos and a little bit of what we did in Kefalonia.

How to get to Zakynthos and Kefalonia

Zakynthos is well connected with an international airport, and many major airlines fly directly here. You can also reach the island via a short domestic flight from Athens.

Kefalonia has its own airport as well, but if you’re already in Zakynthos, the easiest way to get there is by ferry. The ferry departs from Agios Nikolaos in the north of Zakynthos and arrives at Pessada port in Kefalonia. Unlike the larger ferries in the Cyclades, these are smaller local ones, and I wasn’t able to purchase tickets online. Instead, you can easily buy them in Zakynthos from Chionis Tours. The ferry is operated by Ionian Pelagos Lines, and the best part is that you can bring your car along. Be sure to check the schedules in advance as they vary seasonally.

Getting around Zakynthos and Kefalonia

I highly recommend renting a car when exploring either Zakynthos or Kefalonia. Both islands are quite large, and many of the best beaches, villages, and viewpoints are spread out, often with limited public transportation options. Having a car gives you the flexibility to set your own pace, stop at hidden gems along the way, and reach spots that would otherwise be difficult to access.

Where to stay in Zakynthos 

We stayed at two incredible properties during our time in Zakynthos – Lesante Blu and Lesante Cape, and I honestly can’t recommend them enough. Read more in my blog post here.

Lesante Blu, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World

An adults-only luxury escape with sleek suites, infinity pools, and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. It perfectly balances elegance with tranquility, making it an ideal retreat for couples.

Lesante Cape Resort & Villas, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World

Designed to feel like a traditional Greek village, this resort blends authenticity with luxury. Think whitewashed villas, cobblestone pathways, and warm hospitality paired with breathtaking sea views.

Lesante Classic

Family-friendly luxury hotel in Zakynthos that combines comfort and elegance, making it a great option for those traveling with kids.

Where to stay in Kefalonia 

While we didn’t stay overnight in Kefalonia, here are two beautiful luxury hotels that stood out in my research and come highly recommended :

Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa

PC : Eliamos Villas Hotel

A luxury villa-style property offering privacy and elegance, with private pools, refined design, and stunning views of the sea.

F Zeen Kefalonia

PC : F  Zeen Retreats

A boutique adults-only wellness retreat in Lourdas, surrounded by lush nature and overlooking the Ionian. Known for its serene atmosphere and focus on holistic living.

Things to do in Zakynthos 

Visit Navagio (Shipwreck) Viewpoint

Probably the most iconic spot on the island — the famous Shipwreck Beach viewpoint is a must-visit. The best time to go is either early in the morning to avoid crowds, or between 11 AM and 2 PM when the light is perfect and the water glows that unreal turquoise blue.

Myzithres Viewpoint

A breathtaking lookout over the dramatic limestone cliffs and sea stacks. Please exercise extreme caution here — the cliffs are high and unprotected, so be mindful while enjoying the views.

Keri Lighthouse Restaurant

Keri Village

Keri Village is a charming, traditional spot in Zakynthos known for its stone houses, narrow lanes, and stunning views over the Ionian Sea

Xigia Beaches

While many of Zakynthos’ beaches are only accessible by boat, the three Xigia beaches can be reached by car. These unique beaches are known for their sulfur springs, giving the water a slightly milky blue tint and leaving your skin feeling soft after a swim.

Porto Limnionas

A natural cove on the west coast with stunning emerald waters surrounded by cliffs. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing by the sea. There’s also a seaside taverna where you can enjoy a meal with a view.

Boat Tour Around Zakynthos

A boat tour is an absolute must to experience the island’s raw beauty from the water. You can choose to explore the north or south — we went with Calypso Boat Tours and had the best time! Zakynthos truly reveals itself when you’re out at sea, surrounded by its endless shades of blue. We did the “Blues of Zakynthos tour” with them . Must see spots on your boat tour :

Keri Caves

Gorgeous sea caves with brilliant blue waters, perfect for swimming and photos.

Cave of Love

A dreamy natural rock arch that looks magical from the water.

Myzithres Beach

Towering white limestone rocks, dazzling turquoise waters, and massive cliffs make this one of the most striking landscapes in the Ionian. Unpopular opinion: I loved it even more than Shipwreck Beach!

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

This tiny island is home to nesting loggerhead turtles and is surrounded by clear waters perfect for swimming.

Piscines Beach

My personal favorite beach in Zakynthos! Wild, untouched, and unbelievably blue, framed by towering limestone cliffs. Only accessible by boat, but so worth it.

Things to do in Kefalonia

We only managed a day trip to Kefalonia and quickly realized it wasn’t enough — this island deserves so much more time! Since we had limited time we did a private day tour with Auto Rez tours and absolutely loved our guide, who made the experience extra special. Here are some highlights and must-see spots in Kefalonia:

Myrtos Beach Viewpoint

One of the most photographed places in Greece. The viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping panorama of Myrtos’ brilliant turquoise waters framed by dramatic cliffs.

Myrtos Beach

The beach itself is just as stunning up close — a long stretch of white pebbles and impossibly blue water. It’s beautiful for a swim or just to soak in the scenery.

Petani Beach

Located on the Paliki Peninsula, this beach has striking turquoise waters, golden pebbly sand, and is framed by dramatic cliffs. It’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

Fteri Beach

PC : World’s 50 beaches

Ranked the #4 best beach in the world and #2 in Europe, Fteri is truly extraordinary. Its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and remote setting make it unforgettable. The catch? It’s only accessible by water taxi or a challenging hike — but absolutely worth the effort. You can catch the water taxi for Fteri Beach from Zola Harbor, a small fishing village on Kefalonia’s west coast. The ride only takes about 10–15 minutes, and boats usually run frequently during the summer months.

Antisamos Beach

Famous for its lush green hillsides tumbling down to the sea, Antisamos is both stunning and vibrant. It also gained fame as a filming location for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

Assos Town

A postcard-perfect fishing village with colorful houses, bougainvillea-draped streets, and a picturesque harbor. It’s a lovely place to wander, grab a meal, or simply soak up the charm.

Fiskardo

Perhaps the most elegant village on the island, Fiskardo is known for its Venetian architecture, chic waterfront cafés, and luxury yachts docked in the harbor. It’s got a cosmopolitan yet relaxed vibe.

Drogarati Cave

An impressive underground wonder filled with stalactites and stalagmites, said to be over 150 million years old. The acoustics inside are so good that concerts are sometimes held here!

Melissani Lake

A magical underground lake inside a cave, where sunlight streams through the opening and turns the water into dazzling shades of blue. Taking a rowboat ride here feels absolutely surreal.

Thanks for stopping by xo

Jyo