The Ionian Islands are part of Greece and lie off the country’s west coast, in the Ionian Sea. The northernmost island, Corfu, has an old town with Renaissance, baroque and classical architecture. Corfu also features the 19th-century Liston, a promenade on the central square, with arcades and cafes. The 15th-century Old Fortress is nearby. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George is home to the Museum of Asian Art.

South of Corfu is Lefkada, with its 14th-century Agia Mavra Fort. Off of Kefalonia, the largest island, it’s possible to see turtles while snorkeling or diving. Its northwestern Myrtos Beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs. Melissani Cave has an underground lake reached by a tunnel. Just east of Kefalonia, the island of Ithaca has hiking and mountain-biking trails through olive groves, plus the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca, in the town of Vathý. The island of Zakynthos has secluded beach coves, including one with a shipwreck. In Zakynthos town, the Post Byzantine Museum contains gold-trimmed statues and icons.