Dear friend
Scenery, sandy beaches and solitude are key to the Ionian island’s appeal. Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands, with its emerald-coloured mountains, secluded coves and underground lakes, has been crowned the best Greek island by Which?.
“With its mountainous landscape, Kefalonia’s rugged beauty landed it five stars for scenery from Which? readers. As the largest of the Ionian islands, there is plenty of space too – making it the only one in our survey to clinch the full five stars for peace and quiet… A drive or hike up fir-studded 1,628-metre Mount Ainos will reward you with sweeping views over the Ionian Sea.” Read the whole article here…
Kefalonia stole the top spot from last year’s winner Lefkada, which came in joint second place this year, thanks to its lush landscape, unspoilt beaches, craggy coastline and mighty 14th-century castle.
Last year’s winner was Lefkada!
Join us this year and experience the ultimate guided walking holiday in Lekfada, Kefalonia & Ithaca!
Experience the wild outdoors exploring the breathtaking, impressive landscapes of the Ionian islands
Discover the beautiful shores of the Kefalonia and Lefkada islands, part of the Ionian islands; a group of sun-kissed paradises that weave their way around the west coast of Greece. Their natural beauty, cool climate, abundant olive groves, lush forested mountains, world famous sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and their rich cultural heritage will fascinate you.
Geological transformations have helped shape stretches of awe-inspiring steep coastline, beautiful sandy shores and high mountains. Tectonic changes also account for the great depth of the waters in the region; the Calypso Deep reaches a staggering 5,267 m. depth, making it the deepest point in the Mediterranean Sea.
So, it’s no wonder that some of the wildest and most famous shores in Greece are located on this side of the country. Egremnoi and Porto Katsiki beaches on Lefkada Island, Navagio Beach on Zante Island and Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia Island are but a few of the award-winning must-visit destinations in a long list of spots with cool emerald waters.
Every step in the Ionian paths is a step back in history. Ithaca, Kephalonia and Lefkada have been “claimed” by archaeologists to be the homeland of Homer’s protagonist, Odysseus. Numerous archaeological sites can be discovered while walking, hidden in ancient olive grooves and caves. From the Venetians, the English, the French, to the Turks and many more, the influence of the different cultures are evident today in the landscape, architecture and local culture.
The ultimate guided walking holiday in Lekfada, Kefalonia & Ithaca!
Our 7 or 10-day walking holiday at the lush green islands of the Ionian will offer you the opportunity to explore their overwhelming nature and dramatic coastline with breathtaking views… their old network of footpaths and cobblestone donkey tracks… steep cliffs and stunning white sand beaches with turqoise waters… traditional mountainous villages… delicious local food and wine… friendly and experienced local guides…
We start from Lefkada and continue to Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian islands… Much of the island is wooded and mountainous with broad summits rising to 1,627m (Mt Ainos). You will love its lush green hills, much photographed pebble and sandy beaches, picturesque villages, sheltered coves, spectacular caves, unprecedented views of the azure waters of the Ionian, delicious local recipies and wine…
Our last stop is Ithaki (or Ithaca), celebrated as the mythical home of Homer’s Odysseus, where loyal wife Penelope waited patiently, besieged by unsavoury suitors, for Odysseus’ much-delayed homecoming, hasn’t surrendered to touristic development. Paths and trails among olive trees and ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries and churches, sheer cliffs, arid mountains with splendid views, hidden coves with pebbly beaches, picturesque villages… all promise to make your holiday unforgettable…
Check our 10-day Lefkada, Kefalonia & Ithaca walking holiday itinerary… 
Our first small group trip kicks off on the 20th of May, and you there are a couple of places still available. Fancy it?
Please contact us for further information, advice and special last minute offers. We’ll be happy to help.
If you wish to discuss the above or any other matter please don’t hesitate to contact us either by phone at +30 6976 761492 or email at info@nofootprint.gr
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Daphne Kalafati
Ionian islands walking guide