17 days in Ionian Islands Itinerary

To see a greener and less-crowded version of Greece, place the Ionian Islands at the top of your itinerary. Stretching along the west coast of the Greek mainland, this chain of islands boasts villages, rural landscapes, and beaches washed by the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea. The "Seven Islands," as the locals prefer to call them, often seem far removed from the rest of the country. Greatly influenced by past Venetian, British, and French rulers, the islands retain their distinct atmosphere and boast a rich cultural and architectural heritage. To experience some of that special Ionian culture, head to the smaller islands of Paxi and Ithaki, which offer wild terrain and outstanding local cuisine.