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Porto Katsiki on Lefkada island

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.

 

coastline near Asos on Kefalonia

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

 

near Asos village on Kefalonia

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.

 

Asos peninsula on Kefalonia

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

 

Kioni village on Ithaca

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

 

a valley near Valsamata on Kefalonia

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

 

Melissani underground lake on Lefkada

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

 

Melissani underground lake on Lefkada

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

 

Kathisma beach Lefkada

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

 

Mikro Gialos Lefkada

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

 

Mikro Gialos beach Lefkada

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

 

Porto Katsiki Lefkada

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

 

Porto Katsiki beach Lefkada

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

 

Porto Katsiki beach on Lefkada

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

 

Vasiliki village on Lefkada

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

 

Myrtos beach  Kefalonia

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

 

Pefkoulia beach on Lefkada

Pefkoulia beach on Lefkada. Photo by Franc Malečkar.