The winter months tend to be quieter times of the year for holidaymakers in Greece. That’s especially true of the Ionian islands, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore places like Corfu, Kefalonia and Ithaca during colder climates, especially if you’re island hopping on a boat ride booked with Ferryscanner. But what can you do when the weather isn’t suppressing 30c? That’s where we’re here to help with how to enjoy the Ionian islands in the winter.
Make the most of Corfu
The capital of the Ionian islands, Corfu is still a magical place in the winter. The buzz of the summer might have faded, but there’s a certain charm during the colder months, along with fewer tourists. Taste the local cuisine at tavernas before going for a sail along the coastal paths. The weather might not be as beach-friendly as the warmer months, but you can sail the coast and stop off to enjoy hikes and trails during your trip.
Spend some time in Zante
During the summer, Zante is one of the party capitals of Europe. It’s a different look in the winter, however, as all-night parties are replaced by locals going about their day-to-day life. Much like Corfu, Zante has a different atmosphere when it’s chilly outside. You can still enjoy a beach stroll along popular spots like Agios, Nikolaos and Navagio – though you might want to bring a jumper and jacket.
Visit the capital of Kefalonia
Another destination most people think is solely for the summer, Kefalonia is still somewhere to enjoy cooler temperatures. Argostoli, the capital, is lively with many shops and markets remaining open, as well as local restaurants where you can dine with locals. Temperatures can stay in the twenties during October, dropping into the teens in November and December. There’s plenty of scenic sights to enjoy while you’re on a stroll during cooler temperatures, such as the Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi, which is worth a photo no matter the season.
Discover Ithaca
Ithaca has plenty of rugged appeal and a lack of sandy beaches, which means it’s one of the quieter Ionian islands in the summer. This means it doesn’t change too dramatically in the winter, and it’s a great place to visit at this time of year if you enjoy hikes away from the blistering sun. There’s plenty of history to discover here too – Ithaca is the home of Ulysses, the legendary hero of Homer.
Make everything a bit smaller on Paxos
According to mythology, the smallest of all the Ionian islands, Paxos rose when Poseidon hurled his trident into Corfu. During the winter, its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters aren’t of much use, but you can still enjoy a visit to the island. Swap golden sands for Gaios, the main settlement in Paxos, or take in some history with a visit to Agios Nikolaos Castle, an abandoned landmark built in the first half of the 15th century with many of its original features remaining intact.
An Ionian adventure awaits
Even though most of the tourists have gone, the beaches are quiet, and the waters are empty, there’s still much to do on the Ionian islands during the winter. So if you’re visiting Greece when the temperature drops, go on a day trip and visit these beautiful islands that conjure up their own unique atmosphere in wintertime.