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Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..

Discovering the Ionian Islands

Sunvil’s company motto is ‘find the real country,’ and with 50 years’ expertise in arranging holidays to Greece, their customers really do - enjoying secluded beaches away from the crowds and a real taste of local life, showcasing this wonderfully varied, scenic and historic country. Whether your ideal Greek holiday is a family-friendly beach stay, a tour of ancient sites, walking through olive groves, or even sitting back to paint them, Sunvil’s hand-picked properties encompass simple studios to luxury hotels, situated across the many islands as well as the mainland. Lori, from Worldspan Travel - our Ferndown shop, was lucky enough to join a 7-day trip visiting three of Greece’s gorgeous Ionian Islands, Corfu, Paxos & Lefkada:

“If you want to experience Greece as something more than a beach holiday—something real, scenic, and memorable—this three-island trip with Sunvil is the perfect fit. Combining authentic villages, incredible food, island hopping, and a real feel for Greek culture, this itinerary offers something truly special.

Day 1 – Arrival in Corfu: Kalami Bay

After a smooth flight and a comfortable transfer, we arrived in Kalami Bay on Corfu’s northeast coast. We stayed at the Kalami Bay Apartments, which is exclusively available through Sunvil. This peaceful, unspoilt village has a few tavernas right on the beach, including the much-loved Thomas’s Place, and a handful of local shops and bars. It’s ideal for travellers who want to escape the crowds without compromising on comfort or charm.

On our first evening, we took a short boat ride to Agni and had dinner at Nikolas Taverna, known for authentic local dishes and warm Greek hospitality. The view across to Albania, with the sunset reflecting off the water, set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Kalami is also home to The White House, once the home of writer Lawrence Durrell, now a restaurant and a point of interest for fans of The Durrells series.

The view from Kalami Bay Apartments, the bay itself, and The White House

Day 2 – Jeep Safari in Northern Corfu

To see another side of the island, we joined a Jeep Safari through Corfu’s northwest. It’s a brilliant way to explore the less-travelled interior—mountain villages, cliff-top viewpoints, and some fantastic hidden beaches.

We stopped for olive oil tasting, sampled Corfu’s local beer, and had traditional Greek coffee with views over Paleokastritsa. Lunch was at Akrotiri Café, perched on a cliff with panoramic views of Arillas Bay. The tour ended with a visit to the stunning headland of Cape Drastis.

This excursion is perfect for those who want to explore beyond the resort areas and experience the real heart of the island.

A fabulous day on the jeep safari, overlooking Cape Drastis

Day 3 – Corfu Town and the Domes Miramare

We left Kalami and took a scenic drive south to Corfu Town. You could also take a boat there (about €25 return), which makes a great day trip.

Corfu Town is a beautiful mix of British, French and Venetian influences. The Liston promenade, opposite the old fortress, is lined with elegant, arcaded cafes. The narrow streets around Guildford Street and Pie Land are perfect for boutique shopping.

We enjoyed a visit to the Domes Miramare hotel - just 40 minutes south. This 5-star, adults-only resort is serene and stylish, with beautiful sea views and a central olive tree in its open-air lobby. Corfu could be a great two-centre holiday: a few days soaking up Corfu Town’s culture and history, followed by a few days of beachfront luxury at Domes Miramare.

That evening, we took the ferry to Paxos, and the change of pace was immediate......

Corfu Town is wonderful for exploring
Even the cat enjoys the luxurious surroundings at Domes Miramare

Day 4 – Peaceful Paxos and Anti Paxos

We woke up at Forest Villas, part of the GIC Villa Collection. These peaceful villas sit in the hills above Gaios, offering complete seclusion and comfort.

After a short transfer into town, we took a boat trip to the Blue Caves and Anti Paxos, where the water was the clearest we’d seen all trip. A swim here is an unforgettable experience.

Later, we explored the island by bus—visiting Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos. All three are charming harbour villages with small boutiques, friendly cafes, and excellent tavernas.

Sunvil offers a good mix of villas and apartments here—from the stylish Nassos House above Gaios to the fun and casual Beach House in Loggos.

A Cypress Villa at Forest Villas, and exploring Paxos
Gorgeous turquoise waters on the boat trip

Day 5 – Ferry to Lefkada

From Paxos, we boarded the Lefkada Palace ferry, which connects Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, Ithaca, and Kefalonia. If you want to island hop, this route makes it very easy.

On Lefkada, we stayed in the east coast town of Nidri at the Palm Trees Hotel, right on the beach. Nidri is lively and welcoming, with a pedestrianised shopping street, great tavernas along the harbour, and lovely views across the water to nearby islands.

Nidri is a good base for active travellers, with everything from car and scooter hire to e-bikes and even beach buggies available.

Palm Trees Hotel is right on the water's edge

Day 6 – Touring Lefkada

Our Lefkada tour started with a visit to Lefkas Town, an authentic working town with bustling squares, local markets, and narrow streets full of character. It’s easy to get there by bus from Nidri. Next, we headed into the mountains, where cooler temperatures and incredible views made for a relaxing day. We stopped in Karya, known for its handmade embroidery and traditional feel.

We also visited the coastal village of Agios Nikitas—a lovely pedestrianised spot ideal for families or couples, home to Sunvil’s Hotel Odyssey. Then down to Vasiliki, popular with wind and kite surfers and a departure point for ferry trips to Fiskardo, Kefalonia.

We stopped for some honey tasting and had lunch at a local taverna where we tried Briam, a delicious traditional baked vegetable dish.

Our day ended with a visit to a local monastery, where locals had gathered for a bank holiday celebration with food stalls and live music—a great cultural experience.

Waterfalls to explore and buggies to hire for the adventurous explorer

Day 7 – Homeward bound

Our final transfer to Preveza Airport took just 50 minutes, skirting the east coast of Lefkada, crossing the island’s swing bridge, and heading along the mainland coast.

This trip offers a complete Greek experience and is ideal for any traveller - couples, honeymooners, solo travellers, or families looking to explore off the beaten path —all with comfort, style, and great service. Sunvil offer flexible multi-centre itineraries - perhaps combine Kalami’s seclusion with Corfu Town’s vibrancy or mix villa life in Paxos with active adventures in Lefkada. Greece is a stunning country and seeing it this way means you get immersed in traditional villages, local tavernas and real culture, with many options to tailor your holiday to your own interests, whether it’s walking, swimming, boat trips, jeep safaris, cultural visits or food tours. Sunvil’s in-resort reps offer personalised service and unmatched local knowledge, and they really go the extra mile to ensure your holiday is truly memorable. I had a wonderful time, and I can’t wait to visit again!”

If you feel inspired to visit Greece, you can find Lori at Worldspan Travel, or get in touch with your local branch