9 days in Zakynthos, Kefalonia & Lefkada Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips Ionian Islands trip itinerary builder
Start: London
Fly
1
Kalamaki
— 2 nights
Ferry
2
Sami
— 3 nights
Taxi to Fiskardo, Ferry to Nidri
3
Nidri
— 3 nights
Fly
End: London
Sat, Jul 8 - Sun, Jul 16
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Kalamaki — 2 nights
Home to a world-famous beach serving as a protected nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, Kalamaki sits on the southeastern coastline of Zakynthos.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kalamaki: Blue Caves (in Korithi) and Xigia Beach (in Koroni). Next up on the itinerary: race across the water with a speed boat tour, stroll through Crystal Beach Kalamaki, get great views at Bochali View Point, and look for gifts at Levantino.
To see more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Kalamaki sightseeing planning app.
London, UK to Kalamaki is an approximately 7-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and ferry; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from London to Kalamaki. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from London in July; daily highs in Kalamaki reach 38°C and lows reach 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) to allow time to ride a ferry to Sami.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 8 — 10:
Highlights from your trip
Sami — 3 nights
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Sami serves as Cephalonia's main port and provides a convenient gateway to the other Ionian Islands.You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sami: Skala (Skala Beach & Dolphin Ski Club), Petani Beach (in Lixouri) and Makris Gialos Beach (in Lassi). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Antisamos Beach, make a trip to Assos, look for gifts at Myrtillo, and Head underground at Melissani Cave.
To see photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Sami road trip planning app.
Traveling by ferry from Kalamaki to Sami takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Sami can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Nidri.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 10 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Nidri — 3 nights
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A major yachting destination in the Ionian Sea, Nidri serves as the gateway to Lefkada's satellite islets, reachable by regular boat tours.Take a break from Nidri with a short trip to Kathisma Beach in Agios Nikitas, about 38 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: get interesting insight from Tours, kick back and relax at Egremni Beach, snap pictures at Wooden Bridge, and take in the dramatic scenery at Nydri Waterfalls.
To see more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Nidri driving holiday planning site.
You can do a combination of taxi and ferry from Sami to Nidri in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi; or do a combination of bus and ferry. In July, daytime highs in Nidri are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jul 13 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Zakynthos travel guide
Flower of the East
Located just off the west coast of mainland Greece, Zakynthos enjoys a reputation as both a party destination and a family-friendly getaway. Packed with foreign tourists along its eastern and southeastern coastline, the island also features numerous tranquil pockets in its central region of forested mountains and rolling hills. Avoid the overcrowded east by discovering the island's less-explored northern sections, which contain a series of deep caves that feature sun reflecting on seawater and white stones, creating a striking shade of azure particular to this part of the world. The northern capes of the island also offer the calmest waters, which lap a string of developed beaches with plenty of modern facilities.
Kefalonia travel guide
Famous for its pristine natural scenery, Cephalonia boasts a string of clean and friendly towns packed with traditional taverns, trendy coffeehouses, and family-run inns. A place of rugged cliffs and lush forests, the island features a coastline of golden beaches, lapped by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. Home to less than 40,000 permanent residents, Cephalonia clings to its relaxed way of life, seemingly unfazed by mass tourism. A devastating earthquake destroyed much of the island's old architecture in 1953, leveling all but two of its major towns. Today, in addition to modern port towns and quaint villages, you can also explore a tranquil countryside rich in lush vineyards and remote monasteries.
Lefkada travel guide
Connected to mainland Greece by a long causeway and floating bridge, Lefkada represents more than just an island paradise of modern seaside resorts and pristine Ionian beaches. Though it measures only 35 km (22 mi) from north to south, the island offers a mosaic of landscapes that include excellent mountain biking spots. Evade the big crowds of the southern coastline's popular beaches and soak up some local culture by visiting the small villages along Lefkada's eastern side, where you can explore traditional taverns known for serving local dishes to the tune of traditional live music.
