The Ionian Islands are an archipelago in Greece, where wealthy Europeans prefer to escape from the gray monotonous working days. Picturesque Zakynthos or Corfu are ready to welcome anyone who prefers to spend their holidays in the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean palette.
Criterias of choice
Located practically close by, the islands of Zakynthos and Corfu hardly differ in terms of weather. The swimming season here starts in the second half of May, but the most impatient dives into the Ionian Sea two weeks earlier. The water temperature reaches its peak in July and August, rising to + 26 ° C. The air in summer warms up to + 32 ° С and higher, but fresh sea winds help to transfer the heat.
Numerous charters organize direct flights to the Greek islands in the summer season from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The second way to get to the resorts is by regular flights:
- Both Greek and Russian airlines will help to fly to Corfu. The price of the issue at the height of the season is about 25,000 rubles from Moscow.
- Direct regular flights from Russia to Zakynthos are not yet on the schedule of air carriers, but getting to the paradise place is not difficult with a transfer in some European countries or the capital of Greece. The journey from Athens by domestic flight will take no more than 50 minutes.
When deciding on a hotel, please note that there are not too many "three rubles" on both islands, and therefore it is better to book accommodation in advance:
- A 3 * hotel room with breakfast in Zakynthos will cost $ 50-$ 60. You will have to pay extra for additional meals, but in Greece it is much more pleasant to have lunch and dinner outside the hotel.
- Approximately the same price will be offered to guests per night in a similar hotel on the island of Zakynthos. The hotel's must-have facilities include a swimming pool, wireless internet and a car park for those wishing to rent a car.
The beaches of Zakynthos or Corfu?
Zakynthos is famous for its sandy beaches stretching over 120 km along the coastline. In the north-east of the island, 15 km from the administrative center of Zakynthos, there is the most suitable beach for families. The Alykes resort boasts clean water and a gentle entrance to the sea, which makes bathing for little ones safe and comfortable. In the resort of Alikanas, on the contrary, it is not crowded and quiet, and therefore lovers of solitude and walking in the picturesque surroundings prefer to stay here.
The coastline of Corfu stretches for more than two hundred kilometers, and its beaches are both sandy lagoons and rocky bays, and therefore are very diverse and picturesque. The most popular resorts are Agios Gordis, Korission, Maritia and Kassiopia. Local beaches are equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and fresh showers, and admission to them, like all beaches in Greece, is absolutely free.
For the soul and photo album
Excursions to Navagio Bay are especially popular in Zakynthos. It is located in the north-west of the island and a small cozy beach is surrounded by sheer chalk cliffs on all sides.
Corfu is considered one of the most picturesque places in the Greek Mediterranean, and therefore it is preferred by fans of seascapes.
