Ionian Islands

Situated off the western coast of Greece, not far from Italy, the Ionian Islands are some of the most beautiful of the Greek Isles. Rich in history and natural beauty, these islands attract many tourists every year but still retain a sense of authenticity and charm.

The islands are believed to have once made up part of mainland Greece before they tore away and floated into the sea. Looking at the dramatic and craggy coastlines of the islands, it certainly seems likely, while beautiful sandy beaches and tree-topped hills soften the overall look. They are also surrounded by some of the deepest oceans in the Aegean, which is a playground for animals including turtles and seals.

The most well-known of the major Ionian Islands is Corfu, while Paxos and Zante (Zakynthos) are also popular. The other major islands – Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Ithaca are a little more peaceful and relaxing, as are the many small islands and islets scattered across the region.

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Ionian Sea

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Ionian Islands hopping

The islands in the Ionian group are spaced far apart and some of them are very big, so designing an itinerary to explore them can be challenging.

There is only one ferry a day, the Lefkada Palace, that travels between Corfu in the north and Zakynthos in the south, stopping at several of the main islands along the way, and the end-to-end journey takes 13 hours.

The island of Kythira is the furthest away and is not connected to the others by ferry at all. The only way to visit Kythira is on a flight from Athens or by ferry from the Peloponnese towns of Neapolis or Gythios, or from Crete.

You can book the Lefkada Palace on Ferryhopper or see its timetable on their website.

It is also possible to travel between the islands partially by ferry and also by car or bus. For example, you can catch a small local ferry between Fiscardo on Kefalonia and Vasiliki in Lefkada, and then pick up a hire car or catch a bus up to the city of Igoumenitsa, where there are regular ferries to Corfu and Paxos.

There are also day trips from the beautiful town of Parga to Paxos.

The other way to get between the islands is to fly. Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Corfu all have small international airports, and usually in summer, direct flights between Corfu and Preveza/Lefkada and Zakynthos started with Tui and Sky Express.

The latter also runs a seasonal flight between Preveza and Kefalonia 3 days a week in summer.

Ionian Island itineraries

To see all of the Ionian Islands and do them justice, you would need many weeks, if not months. Due to the size and the geography it makes sense to do them in clusters if your time is limited. For example:

1. Corfu → Paxos → Antipaxos

Ideally, you would spend at least 4days on Corfu and a further 2-3 days on Paxos with a day trip to Antipaxos

2. Kefalonia → Ithaca

Kefalonia is huge and things are spread far and wide, so even with a week you likely won’t see everything. You could include a day trip to Ithaca or include it for a night or two.

3. Lefkada → Kefalonia

5 nights minimum on each island and preferably more. From Lefkada, you can also visit the island of Meganisi or even explore parts of the Epirus region of the Mainland, which is a fascinating part of Greece.

4. Zakynthos (Zante)

Zante needs at least 4 days and can be joined with Kefalonia for a further 4, minimum.

Ferry Connections in the Ioanian Islands

What to expect

The Ionian islands feel entirely different from the Cyclades. Expect lush green landscapes, tall cypress trees, calm turquoise water and beaches that look almost tropical.

Architecture is largely Venetian rather than whitewashed, so towns feel elegant and colourful. Food is heavier, music is louder, and the vibe is relaxed and friendly rather than minimalist or chic.

Distances are bigger, ferries are less interconnected, and a car is usually essential. Costs are mid-range, with Corfu and Zakynthos having the widest spread from budget to high-end.
Overall, think greenery, warm water, pretty villages and easy, no-stress travel.

Language: Greek, but most people in tourist areas speak English ( and more)

Currency: Euro

Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs all over Greece. Every major town and city has them, even in mini marts, travel agencies and some hotel lobbies.  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.

Plugs: The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.

Kathisma paragliding Lefkada Beaches
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BEST GREEK ISLANDS
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Best time to visit the Ionian Islands

Corfu Town is year-round, but the islands generally are best during the tourist season – April to November.

Many things may close on the smaller islands at the end of September

How long to go for

The big islands have airports and really need at least 5 days each

How to get between the Ioanian Islands

There is one ferry that connects all of the Ionian islands, but it takes 12 hours to get from the top to the bottom ( and then it turns around and does the reverse route the next day). See more under ‘Island Hopping’ above ↑

How to get around

Cars and buses are the main forms of transport.

What are the Ionian Islands in Greece?

These are the main populated islands in the Ionian group:

Corfu
Large, green and cultural. Venetian old town, resorts of every style, great food and calm water. Corfu Town is the Capital of the Ionians. Busy but beautiful.

Paxos
Small, classy and low-key. Olive groves, coves, turquoise bays and a very relaxed feel.

Antipaxos
Tiny, mostly beaches and vineyards. Unreal water and ideal for day trips from Paxos.

Lefkada
Connected to the mainland. Known for dramatic west-coast beaches, cliffs and water sports.

Meganisi
A small, very green island near Lefkada with quiet bays, yacht harbours and laid-back villages. Great for swimming, boating and slow days.

Ithaka
Peaceful, green and traditional. Small villages, walking trails and sheltered coves.

Kefalonia
Large and varied. Famous beaches, caves, wineries and spacious landscapes.

Zakynthos (Zante)
Known for Navagio Beach and blue caves. Busy resorts mixed with quiet pockets and great water.

Which island is best for first timers?

Stick to the ones with airports, but then it depends on your interests.

For beaches – Kefalonia 

History – Corfu

Parties – Zakynthos

 

Which Ionian Island has the best beaches?

They all have amazing beaches – some of the best in Europe.

Lefkada and Kefalonia are the standouts thanks to their dramatic west coastlines and the sheer number of beaches on offer.

Which is best for families?

Kefalonia for space and beaches, or Corfu for variety and easy logistics.

Which island has the clearest water?

Antipaxos, Meganisi and many bays in Lefkada are quite incredible. 

Which is the best Ionian island for hiking?

Ithaka and Corfu both have strong trails and marked routes.

Ionian Islands Comparison Chart

Island Vibe Best for Beaches Ease of access Ideal stay
Corfu Lush, historic, varied All-round holidays, families, culture, resorts Excellent variety, sandy and pebble Major European airport 4 to 7 nights
Kefalonia Scenic, spacious, natural Road trips, photography, quieter stays, beaches Famous beaches like Myrtos, dramatic coves Flights from Athens + Europe 5 to 7 nights
Zakynthos Busy, youthful in parts Beaches, boat trips Iconic Navagio plus long sandy stretches Major holiday airport 3 to 5 nights
Lefkada Dramatic coastlines, sporty Parasailing, beaches, driving Some of Greece’s best, eg Porto Katsiki Drive from the mainland; flights nearby at Aktion 3 to 6 nights
Paxos Small, stylish, quiet Couples, boating, relaxation, sea caves Pebble coves, turquoise water Ferry from Corfu or the mainland 3 to 5 nights
Ithaca Understated, literary, peaceful Hiking, villages, serenity Small coves, crystal clear Ferry from Kefalonia or Lefkada 3 to 5 nights

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