Corfu and Paxos: Ionian lights, a guided journey

Welcome at Corfu airport and transfer to the village of Liapades, set on the heights of the west coast. Your charming address overlooks the coves of Gefyra and Rovinia, whose turquoise waters sparkle below. Free time for a first swim or simply to contemplate the panorama from the terrace. Welcome dinner with Ionian flavours.

The day begins beneath the silver canopy of olive trees, some of them a thousand years old, which are the wealth of Corfu. A shaded path descends to the coves of Rovinia and Limni, where the sea slips between gentle cliffs covered in maquis. The trail then climbs to a balcony viewpoint offering a wide panorama over the bays of Palaiokastritsa. Return to Liapades for a free afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

From Liapades, the path climbs to the charming village of Doukades, whose cobbled lanes breathe authenticity. A fine ascent along an old trail leads to the chapel of Agios Simeon, a natural viewpoint perched above the void, from which the eye takes in the entire west coast of Corfu and, on a clear day, the mountains of mainland Greece. Descent through the olive trees, then up again to the panoramic village of Lakones. A stone-paved path plunges into a shaded gorge down to the monastery of Palaiokastritsa, founded in the 18th century facing the sea. Transfer back to Liapades. Dinner and overnight.

Morning transfer to the old town of Corfu, Kerkyra. You wander through narrow lanes bordered by Venetian palaces, discover the two fortresses watching over the town, admire the ochre facades and wrought-iron balconies of the Spianada. Time for a Greek coffee on the Liston, then embarkation for Paxos. The ferry crossing lasts between 1 h 15 and 2 h, time to watch Corfu slowly recede. On arrival, a short walk takes you to the tip of Mongonissi, between olive trees and crystal waters. Settle into your charming address for three nights. Dinner and overnight.

From Gaios, the colourful little harbour of Paxos, the path follows the coast southward to the natural arch of Tripitos, sculpted by the waves in the limestone cliff. Along the way, you discover an ancient Greek cistern and dizzying views of the wild coast. On a clear day, the silhouette of Antipaxos appears on the horizon, with its sandy beaches bathed in almost Caribbean seas. Return to Gaios for a terrace dinner facing the harbour. Overnight in Paxos.

The day's route crosses Paxos from side to side, climbing gently through olive groves to the vicinity of the Platanos summit (248 m), the roof of the island. The descent reveals a succession of hidden beaches: Kipiadi, Kipos, Marmari, each an invitation to spread your towel and dive in. The walk ends at the village of Loggos, a tiny fishing port of pastel houses where the tavernas serve the finest grilled octopus in the archipelago. Dinner and overnight in Paxos.

A gentle morning walk through the olive groves of Paxos, where light filters between branches twisted by the centuries. A stop at the church of Ypapandi and a Venetian house that testifies to the island's rich history. The path emerges at Lakka, an arc-shaped harbour ringed by cypresses, ideal for a late-morning swim. After lunch, ferry back to Corfu for a free evening in the lively lanes of Kerkyra. Dinner on your own in one of the old-town tavernas.

An entire day to enjoy Kerkyra at your own pace. Wander through the Campiello quarter, push open the door of an Orthodox church adorned with golden icons, taste candied kumquats at the market, or treat yourself to a boat trip to the coastal caves. Lunch in a trattoria in the old harbour, a culinary legacy of the long Venetian presence. Final group dinner at an address chosen by your guide.