Soaring cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop to the brilliant blue sea and soft white sand beach at Porto Katsiki on Lefkada island. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Eyes on the Ionians:  We haven’t yet travelled to the Ionian group of islands off the west coast of mainland Greece, but I’m hopeful we’ll finally get there during one of our holidays in the next several years.

There are 11 islands in the Ionian archipelago, with the largest being Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada and Paxoi. As you’d expect from Greek islands, the Ionians boast spectacular scenery — verdant valleys, charming towns and traditional Greek fishing villages, enthralling coastal caves and grottoes, fascinating underground lakes, and beguiling white sand beaches along brilliant cerulean seas.

Franc Malečkar has captured some of that fabulous scenery in the travel photos which he has kindly permitted me to publish below.

 

The magnificent coastline near the Asos peninsula on Kefalonia. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Overlooking the Asos peninsula on Kefalonia. A picturesque traditional village, also named Asos, is nestled around a bay on the neck of the peninsula. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Another view of the Asos peninsula on Kefalonia’s northwest coast. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

The harbourside at Kioni village on Ithaca. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

A lush green valley near Valsamata on Kefalonia. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Tourist boats explore the Melissani underground lake on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Another view of tourist boats in the Melissani underground lake. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Sunset view from Kathisma beach at Ag. Nikitas on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Tree-covered mountainsides near Mikro Gialos on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Mikro Gialos is a very popular family beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

The coastline near Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Tour boat passengers enjoy a swim in the gorgeous warm turquoise water at Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

A swimmer at Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

The tranquil harbour at Vasiliki village on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Looking way down on Myrtos beach on Kefalonia. Photo by Franc Malečkar.

 

Pefkoulia beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.