Greece is the perfect destination for cruise lovers – not only are the shorelines of Greek islands stunning but there’s so much to do and see on land as well.

Greece has attracted British travellers for centuries and with good reason.

The ideal destination for both sea and land, the Mediterranean hotspot is brimming with enough culture, gastronomy and outdoor activities to suit holidaymakers of any age.

Cruising Greek islands enables guests to hop off at multiple ports of call, but where is best for tourists to go with so many gems to choose from?

This is what jet-setters need to know about just some of Greece’s beloved – and beautiful – Ionian Islands.

Which Greek islands should tourists visit?

Corfu

The childhood playground of renowned naturalist Gerald Durrell and the birthplace of Prince Philip, Corfu has plenty of claims to fame.

The first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were all founded here.

Corfu boasts a rich multi-cultural heritage, historic monuments, a stunning natural landscape and crystal-clear seas. It also has excellent weather all year round.

The beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, is well worth a visit and there are plenty of churches, museums and palaces to explore.

Trips to the beach should be included in an itinerary, too. Paleokastritsa is the most famous beach resort, while other top Corfu beaches include Agios Gordis, Pelekas and Glyfada. Most are lined with hotels, seaside restaurants, water sports centers, and beach bars so there’s no shortage of fun activities. Alternatively, guests can just relax on the sand.

There’s no shortage of traditional food products. These include local honey, extra virgin olive oil and sheep yoghurt. Local recipes such as Pastitsada (pasta topped with meat braised in a spicy tomato-based sauce) and Sofrito (veal with an intense garlic and vinegar-based sauce) are really excellent.

Lefkada

Lefkada is found in the heart of the Ionian islands and is connected to mainland Greece by a small bridge, making it one of the easier Greek islands to visit.

The island has everything a holidaymaker could want – idyllic coves lapped by turquoise waters, gorgeous secluded beaches, picturesque villages, a rich history and welcoming locals.

It’s also become known as a destination for windsurfing and paragliding while cycling is a great way to explore.

The town of Lefkada offers plenty to tourists so be sure to wander around admiring the pretty alleys, traditional houses and characterful buildings. Restaurants and cafés can be found in the central square.

There are plenty of amazing beaches here. Heading for a swim at Kastro, Gyra, Myloi, and Agios Ioannis Antzousis is recommended while to the east holidaymakers will find numerous beautiful, wooded isles. Meanwhile, Kalamos and Kastos isles are within a short distance and can boast beaches and sea caves of great beauty.

Kefalonia

Fans of the novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières (or indeed the film adaptation starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz) will be well aware of the beauty of Kefalonia.

The largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia features breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters and green mountains.

The peak of Mount Ainos bristles with pine, cypress and olive trees while vineyards flourish at its foot. The popular Kefalonian Robola wine variety is produced here.

Wildlife lovers should try snorkelling or diving – they might spot rare loggerhead sea turtles or the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.

The magical Cave Lake of Melissani is also worth visiting on the island. It’s one of Kefalonia’s most famous tourist attractions.

If something more lively takes travellers’ fancy, Kefalonia’s biggest town and capital Argostoli is home to a vibrant nightlife. There are lots of bars, cafes and restaurants to try out in Argostoli, too.

What’s more, foodies are in for a treat. Kefalonia produces yellow cheese, feta cheese, olive oil, honey and local meats.

Jet-setters should be sure to savour the famous meat pie (a lagoto dish cooked with rabbit and sofigado dish with goat) or the cod pie filled with salted codfish and skordalia (a garlic sauce) made with boiled potatoes in cod’s broth with lemon or vinegar.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are the island’s traditional sweets mandoles (almonds assorted with sugar) and pastokydono (a sweet made of quince puree).

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) may have carved a reputation for itself as a party island, but the destination offers much more than boozy club nights.

The Venetians, who ruled Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island “Fioro di Levante” (flower of the East) thanks to the 7,000-plus species of flowers found on the island.

The verdant destination offers sandy beaches in secluded coves as well as rugged cliffs and a fascinating underwater world. Loggerhead sea turtles or Mediterranean monk seals may also be spotted here.

Solomos Square with its architecture and museums is worth a visit while neighbouring coastal road Strata Marina K. Lomvardou street is home to cafes, bars and restaurants. A number of remarkable churches can also be found on Zakynthos.

Products such as honey, olive oil, cheese, goat yogurt and local dish spetsofai – a rabbit dish stuffed with cheese, served with herbs, and cooked in red wine – are well worth tasting during a visit to Zakynthos.

Katakolo

Katakolo is a picturesque port near the city of Pyrgos in western Ilia and overlooks the Ionian Sea.

The town is one of the most visited ports for cruise ships in Greece and is a major gateway for the archaeological site of Olympia – the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Olympia boasts the impressive remains of buildings used by the Ancient Greeks.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a must-see with visitors able to see famous ancient exhibits up close.

There’s plenty for nature lovers here, too – why not encourage travellers to hike through the beautiful nature surrounding Alpheios River, enjoy a refreshing swim in the small lakes created by the Neda waterfalls, or head to Kato Samikos beach?

Extreme sports lovers will also enjoy hiking, bicycling, rafting, kayaking, and kitesurfing.

This piece was sponsored by Visit Greece.