Discover self-catering villas and hotels in Ionian Islands, Greece

Corfu and Zante may have reputations as party destinations, but don’t be fooled: pick the right spot, and the Ionian Islands can be a tranquil retreat. The larger isles, like Kefalonia, have plenty of family-friendly resorts with long stretches of calm sea. The more secluded spots, such as Ithaca (historical home of Homer’s Odysseus), will reward the extra mileage accrued with quiet, almost-private bays. Off every island there’s fantastic diving; the underwater caves are home to barracudas, seals and sparkling fish. Of course, all the islands have one thing in common – the perfectly preserved beaches are widely considered to be some of the best in Greece.