After arriving in Corfu Town, make your first stop at the Corfu Old Fortress, reached easily on foot from the waterfront. Allow about 1½ hours to explore the Venetian fortifications, climb for the broad views across the Ionian Sea, and wander through the quieter corners of the citadel. In August, go after 17:00 if possible, when the light is softer and the stone is less punishing; entry is usually around €6, though seasonal hours and ticketing can change. Wear proper shoes—the paths are uneven—and carry water.
Walk back toward the historic center via Spianada Square, Greece’s largest town square. Spend around 45 minutes strolling beneath the arcades of Liston, watching local life unfold over coffee or an aperitif. From there, continue into the narrow kantounia of the Old Town to the Church of Saint Spyridon. This is a short, atmospheric visit rather than a sightseeing marathon: dress respectfully, keep shoulders and knees covered, and check the entrance area for any service in progress. The church is generally open during daytime and early evening, but hours can pause around worship.
Finish at Klimataria, a relaxed Old Town taverna for traditional Corfiot cooking. Reserve or arrive early—around 19:30 is sensible in August—and expect roughly €20–35 per person depending on wine and shared dishes. Look for local specialties such as sofrito, pastitsada, or burdeto rather than ordering only familiar Greek standards. The Old Town is best explored on foot, and streets around the restaurant can be difficult for taxis, so ask the staff to arrange a pickup from a nearby accessible point if you are tired.
Collect your rental car in Corfu Town and leave around 08:00 for Kassiopi, following the northeast coast road; the drive normally takes 45–60 minutes. August traffic builds quickly near the beaches, so an early start makes parking much easier. Begin at Kassiopi Castle, where a short, uneven path winds through olive trees to the Byzantine ruins and open coastal views. There is no formal entrance fee or visitor centre, but wear proper shoes—the stones can be slippery, and the site is exposed in the midday sun. Allow about an hour, then walk down into the village and browse Kassiopi Harbour, where small boats, waterfront cafés, and rocky swimming spots make a pleasant late-morning pause. Bring swim shoes and use the harbour-side coves rather than expecting a broad sandy beach.
From the harbour, follow the signs uphill and east to Bataria Beach, roughly a 10-minute walk or a very short drive; parking is limited, so arriving before lunch is worthwhile. The water here is exceptionally clear and turquoise, but the beach is compact and fills quickly in August. Spend a relaxed couple of hours swimming and snorkelling, or hire a sun lounger if available—bring water and snacks, as facilities are basic. In the late afternoon, drive south along the coast to Kalami—about 20 minutes, with narrow stretches and occasional delays—and reserve dinner at The White House Restaurant, the former Durrell family home overlooking the bay. Book well ahead for an evening table, ideally on the terrace; expect approximately €35–60 per person. If you have time before dinner, take a gentle stroll along Kalami Beach, but avoid leaving the car on the main road, where parking becomes difficult after sunset.
After the early ferry and drive from Kassiopi via Igoumenitsa, expect to reach Lefkada Town in the early or mid-afternoon, depending on the sailing and summer traffic around Preveza. Leave the rental car near your accommodation rather than trying to drive into the old center; the waterfront and central streets are easiest on foot, and parking becomes noticeably harder after 17:00. Once you have checked in, head to Lefkada Marina for an easy one-hour stroll. The promenade is at its nicest as the heat softens, with fishing boats, sailing yachts, and cafés facing the water. Allow about 15–20 minutes to walk there from the central pedestrian area, or use the car only if your accommodation is on the outskirts.
Take a short drive or taxi up the hill to the Monastery of Faneromeni, roughly 10 minutes from town. It is Lefkada’s principal monastery and a peaceful contrast to the busy waterfront, with shaded courtyards, a small ecclesiastical museum, and wide views over the lagoon and town. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—and check the gate hours locally, as religious sites can close briefly in the afternoon; a visit around 18:00 is usually a good bet in August. Entry is generally free, though a small donation is welcome. Return to town before sunset, when the approach roads can become busy with beach traffic heading home.
For dinner, book Margarita, a relaxed central restaurant known for creative Greek cooking rather than a formal taverna atmosphere. Expect approximately €25–40 per person with wine; dishes often make good use of local produce and seafood, so ask what is freshest that evening. It is within easy walking distance of the pedestrian center, making it a convenient final stop after the marina and monastery. August tables fill quickly, particularly outdoors, so reserve ahead or arrive around 19:30; afterwards, leave time for a slow wander through Lefkada Town’s lanes and a final drink along the waterfront.
Leave Agios Nikitas around 08:00 for Kathisma Beach, a 15–20-minute drive south along the west-coast road. The beach road becomes busy quickly in August, so arrive early for easier parking and a quieter stretch of sand; expect roughly €5–10 in fuel or €25–35 by taxi. Settle in for a long swim and a relaxed morning beneath the dramatic white cliffs. The organized beach section has sunbeds and cafés, but walking a little farther from the central access keeps things less crowded. Allow about 2½ hours, and bring cash for small purchases and a little shade if you prefer not to hire an umbrella.
Return toward Agios Nikitas, then follow the coastal footpath to Milos Beach. The trail begins near the village and takes around 20–30 minutes each way, with a hot, uneven descent—proper shoes are much better than flip-flops. Milos Beach is more natural and generally quieter than Kathisma, with no full-service beach infrastructure, so carry water, fruit, and anything else you need. Spend about two hours swimming and enjoying the steep green-and-white coastal setting, then allow extra time for the uphill walk back.
Back in Agios Nikitas village, wander its pedestrian lanes and waterfront for an hour, when the harshest heat has eased. The small harbor is pleasant for a cold drink, and the narrow lanes are best explored slowly rather than treated as a checklist. For dinner, drive about 15 minutes inland to T’ Aloni in Drymonas, a traditional restaurant known for regional Lefkadian cooking and broad mountain-and-sea views. Reserve ahead for sunset in August; dinner is usually around €25–40 per person, and the rural setting makes a taxi return worth arranging in advance if you are not driving.
Leave Agios Nikitas around 07:30–08:00 for Nydri; allow roughly 35–45 minutes by car or taxi, with extra time for August traffic. Arrive early at Nydri harbor to check the day’s local boat timetable, find parking, and board the service for Spartochori—the crossing usually takes about 25–45 minutes and costs approximately €12–20 per person, depending on the boat. From the landing, walk or take the short uphill transfer into Spartochori, a compact hilltop village with whitewashed lanes and wide views over the Meganisi channel. Give yourself about an hour here; the small square is pleasant for a coffee, but carry water for the climb and wear shoes with a decent grip.
Return to the waterfront for a small-boat excursion along Meganisi’s western coast, allowing around 2½ hours. The main highlight is Papanikolis Cave, whose high limestone opening and clear blue water make it one of the island’s most memorable stops; most tours also pause in sheltered coves for swimming. Boats generally leave in the late morning or around midday, but schedules are weather- and operator-dependent, so reserve locally in Spartochori or confirm before leaving Nydri. Bring reef shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag—shade on smaller boats is limited, and the sea is usually calmer earlier in the day.
After the excursion, continue by local transfer to Vathy, your base for the night. Spend the late afternoon strolling the compact Vathy waterfront, where fishing boats sit alongside small tavernas and independent shops. It is an easy, unhurried harbor walk rather than a sightseeing circuit, so this is a good time to browse for local soaps, ceramics, or woven goods and stop for a cold drink. For dinner, settle at O Gialos, right beside the harbor, and order the catch of the day or grilled seafood with a Greek salad and local wine; expect roughly €25–45 per person. Ask what arrived that morning rather than choosing only from the printed menu, and aim for an early table if you want to eat waterside without waiting.
Leave Vathy, Meganisi before sunrise for the ferry connection to Nydri. Allow roughly an hour for the crossing, then continue by car across Lefkada to Vasiliki for the sailing to Fiskardo; with check-in, summer queues, and the drive, this is a 5–7-hour transfer overall. Confirm the 2026 timetable and vehicle space with Lefkada-Palmos and Ionion Pelagos the day before—August sailings fill quickly, and you should arrive at Vasiliki port at least 30–45 minutes early. Once in Fiskardo, follow the main road south toward Sami and Argostoli, allowing extra time for winding roads and beach traffic.
Break the journey at Melissani Cave in Karavomylos, just outside Sami, ideally in the early or mid-afternoon when sunlight reaches the underground lake and makes the water glow. The visit, including the short boat ride, takes about an hour; tickets are generally around €8–10 per adult, and queues can be longest between late morning and 3pm. From there, drive roughly 15 minutes inland to Drogarati Cave near Chaliotata. Wear shoes with good grip—the steps are damp and uneven—and allow about 45 minutes, with admission usually around €6–8. The cave’s natural acoustics are excellent, though scheduled performances are occasional rather than guaranteed.
Continue to Argostoli, check in, and take an unhurried walk along the waterfront toward De Bosset Bridge, crossing the stone causeway as the heat eases. The route is flat and easy, taking about an hour there and back; sunset light is particularly attractive over the lagoon and harbor. For dinner, settle at Ladokolla sto Pythari, a relaxed local choice known for grilled meats and hearty Kefalonian dishes. Expect approximately €20–35 per person with drinks, but call ahead or arrive early in August, as tables can disappear quickly.
After breakfast in Argostoli, leave around 08:00 by rental car for Myrtos Beach, following the inland road toward Sami before turning northwest toward the coast. The drive takes about 1 hour 20 minutes; allow extra time for August traffic and the winding final approach. Stop first at the famous viewpoint above Myrtos Beach for the classic sweep of white pebbles and brilliant blue water, then continue down to the beach if you want a swim. The road and beach parking fill quickly, so bring water, reef shoes, and cash for any small parking or refreshment charges. Spend roughly 2½ hours here, but avoid lingering in the strongest midday sun.
Continue south to Assos Village, about 25–30 minutes from Myrtos Beach. Park at the entrance to the village—cars are restricted through much of the narrow waterfront area—and wander the colorful lanes down to the small harbor. Have a relaxed lunch or cold drink at one of the waterfront tavernas, then set aside about 1½ hours for the village itself. From there, follow the signed uphill path to the Venetian Castle of Assos. The climb takes around 30–40 minutes each way in the heat, with little shade, so carry water and wear proper shoes; the ruins are generally open-access, and the views across the peninsula are the reward. Leave Assos by mid-afternoon for the drive to Fiskardo, allowing roughly 45–55 minutes on the scenic northern road.
Arrive in Fiskardo before sunset, return the car near your accommodation, and stroll the Fiscardo waterfront for about an hour. The preserved Venetian-era buildings, small fishing boats, and harbor-side promenades are particularly atmospheric once the day-trippers begin to leave. Finish at Nostro Mare, where modern Greek cooking and seafood are served close to the harbor; budget around €30–50 per person, and reserve ahead in August, especially for an outdoor table. After dinner, take a final unhurried walk along the waterfront rather than driving—the central harbor area is compact and much more enjoyable on foot.
Take the first seasonal Fiskardo–Frikes ferry, confirming the sailing and whether your rental car can board the evening before; crossings are usually about 1–2 hours. From Frikes, drive south to Vathy in roughly 30–40 minutes on the winding island road. If the sailing is cancelled, the fallback is the Sami–Pisaetos route, which adds driving time, so keep the morning flexible. In Vathy, leave the car at the edge of the harbor—central parking is limited—and spend about 1½ hours walking the horseshoe waterfront, browsing the small lanes behind it, and watching the caiques come in. The waterfront is particularly pleasant before the midday heat.
Walk or drive a few minutes to the Archaeological Museum of Vathy, a compact museum displaying finds from ancient Ithaca, including pottery and objects connected with the island’s long settlement history. Allow about an hour, and check the posted summer opening hours before setting out, as small island museums sometimes close between visits or operate reduced schedules. Afterward, pick up water and snacks in Vathy before heading to Gidaki Beach. The most enjoyable option is a local water taxi from the harbor—confirm the return departure when buying your ticket; otherwise, use the walking trail, allowing considerably longer in the heat. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes, as Gidaki Beach is deliberately undeveloped, with limited shade and only basic seasonal facilities.
Give yourself around three unhurried hours at Gidaki Beach for swimming and snorkeling in the exceptionally clear water, then return by water taxi or trail to Vathy. Back in town, shower and wander the harbor again as the light softens before dinner at Kohili, a relaxed choice near the waterfront for traditional Greek dishes; budget about €25–40 per person. Reserve or arrive early in August, particularly if you want an outdoor table, and expect dinner service to begin at the usual Greek pace rather than rushing through the meal.
Leave Vathy at first light for Pisaetos, allowing about 30–40 minutes by car or taxi on Ithaca’s winding roads. Confirm the Pisaetos–Sami sailing the evening before, including whether your vehicle can board; seasonal services can change, and this is a day when a missed connection has a real knock-on effect. After reaching Sami, allow roughly three hours for the onward ferry to Kyllini, plus time for disembarkation and the drive toward Zakynthos Town. Keep water and snacks with you, and expect to arrive in the mid- to late afternoon. In Zakynthos Town, leave the car at your accommodation or use a central paid car park rather than attempting to drive through the narrow old streets.
Begin at Solomos Square, the town’s broad waterfront-facing civic space, where the Venetian-influenced architecture gives you an easy first orientation. Spend about 45 minutes strolling around the surrounding streets before walking inland to Saint Mark’s Square, roughly 10 minutes away. This is the historic heart of town and a pleasant place to slow down over a cold drink; the nearby museums generally close by late afternoon, so check same-day hours if you want to go inside. From here, continue uphill by taxi or car to Bochali and the Zakynthos Venetian Castle. Allow around 1½ hours for the atmospheric ruins and sunset panorama over the harbor and town; wear shoes with a decent grip, as the paths are uneven and poorly lit after dark.
Return to central Zakynthos Town for dinner at Prosilio Restaurant, a polished contemporary Greek address where local ingredients are given a more modern treatment. Book ahead for August and aim for an early table—around 19:30–20:00—so you are not waiting after the long travel day. Expect approximately €35–60 per person before drinks. After dinner, take an unhurried walk along the waterfront and around the central squares; the town is liveliest once the heat eases, and this is a better time to browse than during the busy afternoon.
After breakfast in Zakynthos Town, take a taxi or rental car south to Keri Lighthouse—about 35–40 minutes from Laganas, or closer to 25–30 minutes if you are already staying there. Go first thing, before the heat and tour buses, and allow around an hour for the dramatic cliff views toward Marathonisi and the open Ionian Sea. The lighthouse itself is modest; the real attraction is the viewpoint along the road and the quiet, scrub-covered headland. Continue down to Keri harbor for your pre-booked boat excursion, allowing time to park and check in. The two-and-a-half-hour trip through the Keri Caves is best in late morning, when the water is bright and calm; bring reef shoes, sun protection, and cash for any small harbor charges, and confirm whether the operator supplies snorkel gear.
After returning to Keri harbor, have a light lunch there before boarding or continuing by boat into Laganas Bay for Marathonisi. Plan about two hours on the turtle-shaped island: swim and snorkel from the sandy beach, but stay within marked areas and do not touch the water or beach if nesting restrictions are in force. Boats can be busy in August, so agree on the exact return time and meeting point with your skipper. Back in Laganas, take a slower sunset walk along Laganas Beach, keeping to the permitted shoreline and avoiding bright lights or loud music near protected nesting sections. Finish at Sarakina, where a relaxed dinner of traditional Zakynthian dishes—such as rabbit, local cheeses, country salad, and ladotyri—usually runs about €20–35 per person. Reserve ahead for August, especially if you want an outdoor table, and arrange your return taxi through the restaurant or accommodation rather than relying on finding one late at night.