Sports and leisure activities - Ionian Islands in 2024

Practical information : Move & Laze around Ionian Islands

Budget & Tips

If free activities are rare and complicated in the big cities, the Ionian islands, on the other hand, offer a thousand possibilities on land and sea. Most outdoor activities won't cost you a penny, whether it's swimming or hiking. For diving, kiteboarding, canoeing or mountain biking, unless you come equipped, you'll need to hire the equipment: many stores and associations offer quality equipment for hire, but it's often rather expensive in high season.

What's very local

The dance is practiced by all during the great celebrations that punctuate the national life: you can learn some traditional steps by joining the circle on the occasion of these panigyri. The celebrations of Pure Monday, 40 days before the Orthodox Easter, are full of surprises. In Corfu alone, about 20 brass bands march through the streets! The festivities begin on Palm Sunday, when families gather and prepare the traditional almond and honey cakes. On Good Friday, the bells ring throughout the city. The streets are filled with processions, with an epitaphios, a coffin and an icon of Christ, which is moved around the city. On Easter Saturday, at 11 am, the bells ring and suddenly thousands of clay pots full of water are released from the windows into the streets. On this occasion, the tradition also wants that large contests of kites are organized.

Your documents please

On the coast, a boating license is required to rent a sailboat or motorboat in Greece: normally, a coastal license is sufficient for the captain alone, but some charter companies will ask for an additional guarantee, with a second person who knows how to navigate on board. Scuba diving is regulated to prevent the looting of ancient wrecks: any archaeological finds must be reported to the port authorities or the police. Solo diving is prohibited, as is spearfishing (although you may see locals with harpoons in hand). Last but not least, windsurfing and kitesurfing are normally forbidden to children under the age of 16, without parental consent.

To be booked

If you want to take part in emblematic events such as the Corfu half-marathon, keep an eye on the dates and don't miss the registration deadline. Elsewhere on the coast, for all diving or kitesurfing courses, you'll need to book in advance at the most popular tourist spots. There's no need to book weeks in advance, but the high season can fill up fast.

Main events

Prestigious cultural festivals take place all summer long in Greece, from Athens to Epidaurus. It's impossible to list them all! The Ionian Islands also organize quality festivals. But above all, throughout the year, look out for religious celebrations with processions and popular fervor that are often spectacular.

Tourist traps

Some sporting activities can be dangerous. This is particularly true of coastal diving. This is why it's essential to use professional schools and rental companies.

Sports and leisure activities Ionian Islands

FISKARDO DIVERS

LEFKAS DIVING CENTER

EURODIVERS

CORFOU GOLF CLUB

CORFU MOUNTAIN TRAIL

KASSIOS DIAS RACE

ACHILLEON DIVING CENTER

AQUA LAND

ADAMIEION CERAMIC ART STUDIO

WIND SURF VASSILIKI

WALKING LEFKADA

ARAMIS FARM

RENT A BOAT ITHACA

LAGANAS HORSE RIDING CENTER

KYTHIRA DIVE CENTER

MARYSOL SURF IN CORFU

SENTIER VERS AGHIOS GEORGIOS