A Corfu road trip on the Ionian Islands is a drive through a lush, green paradise. You wind through groves of ancient olive trees that look like gnarled statues. The roads lead to massive cliffs that drop straight into neon blue water. You find Italian style squares and narrow streets that remind you of Venice in every town. The island is a mix of wild nature and elegant history. You will find that the northern roads are much steeper and wilder than the flat south.
Head north to see Cape Drastis where the clay cliffs look like giant white sails. You can drive to the top of Mount Pantokrator for a view that covers the whole island and the coast of Albania. The air is fresh and the sea is never more than a few minutes away. Small coves with pebble beaches wait for you at the end of every dirt track. Every turn brings the scent of lemon trees and salt into your open window.
Further south, the islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia offer more epic coastal drives. You cross a floating bridge to reach Lefkada and its famous sheer white beaches. The road to Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is a cliffside thrill you will never forget. Keep your camera on the dashboard because you will want to stop every mile for a new photo. These islands were made for the freedom of a car and an open map.
Ionian Islands highlights
- Myrtos Beach The drive down the cliff to this beach in Kefalonia is a thrill for any driver who loves a view. You see a crescent of white marble pebbles against electric blue water that looks painted. It is a world class view from the road that you will want to stop and photograph.
- Canal d Amour Drive to the north of Corfu to see unique clay rock shapes carved into channels by the sea. Legend says if you swim through the tunnel you will find true love and stay together forever. The cliffs are white and very soft and create a strange and beautiful landscape.
- Melissani Cave Visit this underground lake where the roof has collapsed to let the bright sun hit the water. The water is so clear that the boats look like they are flying in the air above the lake bed. It is a short and easy drive from the port of Sami on Kefalonia.
- Porto Katsiki Navigate the steep roads of Lefkada to reach this beach sitting under a giant white limestone wall. The contrast between the bright rock and the deep blue sea is amazing to see from the stairs. It is a highlight of any island trip and a favorite for sunset views.
- Mount Pantokrator Drive to the highest point of Corfu for a view that reaches all the way to the coast of Italy. The road is full of loops and passes through quiet stone villages that feel very old and calm. The air at the top is very cool even when the beach is hot below.
- Assos Village This tiny village in Kefalonia sits on a narrow neck of land under a huge Venetian castle. The houses are painted in bright colors and the water in the bay is calm and bright green. The drive there follows the cliffside and is very scenic and beautiful.
- Shipwreck Cove You can drive to the lookout point on Zakynthos to see the famous rusty wreck from high above. The white sand and bright blue water look like a dream from the edge of the high cliffs. It is a must see spot that defines the beauty of the Ionian Sea.
- Fanari Lighthouse Follow the coastal road near Argostoli to see this unique round white monument by the water. It sits on the edge of the rocks and looks out over the open sea toward the horizon. It is a great spot for a quiet sunset and a breath of fresh sea air.
- Paleokastritsa Bays Drive to this part of Corfu to see six different blue bays separated by green olive hills. You can visit the old monastery on the hill for a great view of the rocky coast and the sea. The water here is deep and cold and very clear for snorkeling.
- Blue Caves of Paxos Take your car on the ferry to find giant sea arches and hidden water tunnels in the rock. The island is small and perfect for a slow drive through silver olive groves and quiet ports. The sea is a bright turquoise color that glows in the sun.
The local Four
History of Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are the only part of Greece that never experienced Ottoman rule. Your Corfu road trip shows the influence of the Venetians, who governed the islands from 1386 to 1797. They planted over four million olive trees across the region to secure a steady supply of oil for Venice. This era left the islands with an Italian appearance, featuring tall narrow houses and grand squares called Spianada.
In 1864, the islands were ceded to Greece by the British, who had ruled them as a protectorate for fifty years. The British built the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George and introduced the game of cricket, which is still played in Corfu today. The island of Kefalonia is home to the Enos mountain range, where a unique species of fir tree grows that is found nowhere else on earth. The safe harbor of Argostoli served as a vital base for the British Mediterranean fleet.
The region has a deep literary history as the home of the national poet Dionysios Solomos and the poet Andreas Kalvos. In 1824, the Ionian Academy was founded as the first university of the modern Greek state. During World War Two, the islands were the site of the Massacre of the Acqui Division, where thousands of Italian soldiers were killed by German forces. The islands remain a blend of Homeric myth and Italian grace.