The Ionian Islands are a group of islands west of mainland Greece. Their alternative name is the Heptanese which translates into “seven islands” and refers to the seven main islands of the group, yet the total number of islands exceeds 25 if the smaller ones are factored in.
They stand out for their lush vegetation and spectacular teal waters, as well as the rich past still evident through architecture, points of interest and customs, and local luscious delicacies. Those potentiate the islands’ appeal and make thousands of people return to them every summer.
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
Andreas Kalvos of Levante Ferries
Via Ferry
The ferries to the Ionian Islands depart from ports on the western mainland of Greece, namely Igoumenitsa, Kyllini, Patras and Astakos. The routes operate all year round and are daily from and to the larger islands during summer.
We have compiled a list of the islands of the Ionian sorted by popularity. Thus, you can find the destination that best suits your ideal holiday as you envisage it!
Most of the Ionian Islands have airports that receive numerous visitors from Greece and abroad throughout the year. Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia have international airports, while Kythera has a state airport that receives flights only from Athens International Airport. Lefkada may not have an airport but is served by Aktio International Airport, which lies within a 20-minute drive distance.
We have gathered all key information for the Ionian Islands. Keep reading to choose the one that best suits your needs for this year's vacation!
THE ISLANDS BY POPULARITY
Discover the islands of the Ionian by popularity.
Corfu
The town of Corfu
Corfu borders the Adriatic Sea and is the northernmost island of the Ionian Islands. The mythical island of the Phaeacians is famous for its fairy-tale and cosmopolitan town, as it is the only place in Greece that, thanks to its intact Venetian architecture, makes the visitors feel as if they are walking around in the alleys of a small town in Italy! Corfu’s main attractions include the Town Hall, the area of Kanoni and Pontikonisi, the Achilleion Palace and the old fortress next to Spiniada Square. Many museums and churches lie throughout the island, too. The most famous tourist resort is Paleokastritsa which stands out for its striking beaches.
The southernmost island of the Ionian Sea is called Zakynthos by some, Zante by others and Fior di Levante by the more romantic ones. The unique Navagio (Shipwreck) beach and the fact that the Caretta caretta sea turtles prefer the southern part of the island to give birth are the main reasons why Zakynthos is on the travel bucket list of many. The island is one of the greenest in Greece and boasts both sandy and rocky beaches with crystal-clear waters. At the same time, while equipped with modern infrastructure to satisfy visitors, it still retains its island character, especially outside the city limits.
Ferry connections: Killini, Kefalonia
Kefalonia
The landscapes of Kefalonia
Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian Sea. It has a heavenly beauty with rich vegetation that hosts endemic species of flora and fauna. A highly-impressive feature of its geomorphology is the caves, the most famous being Drogarati and Melissani. The stunning beaches are another reason Kefalonia attracts thousands of visitors, with Myrtos continuously being ranked among the most spectacular beaches in the world. Due to its location, it has known many conquerors, with the Venetians being the most influential in terms of culture. The 1953 earthquake destroyed most of the island, with very few escaping the disaster, including the picturesque and cosmopolitan yachting paradise, Fiskardo.
Lefkada is the closest island to the mainland and the only one connected to it by a bridge allowing access by road. It is praised for its magnificent coastline containing many capes and bays. Its most famous beach is Porto Katsiki on the northwestern side of the island, while its attractions include the castle of Agia Mavra, the sea lakes in Town and the waterfalls of Nydri.
Ferry connections: Kefalonia, Ithaca
Ithaca
Vathi village in Ithaca
The homeland of the resourceful Odysseus is also home to several picturesque settlements, caves, coves and paths. Surrounded by deep-blue waters and lush vegetation, the mythical island welcomes numerous travelers every year who visit it to admire its stunning beauty and dive into its cool waters.
Paxi and its neighbor, Antipaxi, are among the most authentic islands of Greece, displaying an almost unadulterated beauty. The dense vegetation often reaches up to the turquoise waters that wet the shores. With several villas available for rent, they are ideal destinations for vacationers seeking tranquility and seclusion.
Ferry connections: Igoumenitsa, Corfu
Kythira
The castle of Kythira
Kythera (or Tsirigo) is a picturesque island located under the Peloponnese. Many also call it the island of Aphrodite and Eros. Visitors are impressed by its traditional villages, pristine beaches, picturesque churches, impressive caves and points of historical interest.
Apart from the seven main islands of the complex, some other, smaller islands can also be visited via ferry. They have very few permanent residents and do not receive as many visitors as the well-known islands, which is why they are dominated by natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. These include the Diapontic Islands (Mathraki, Ereikoussa, Othonoi) northwest of Corfu, Meganissi southeast of Lefkada and Antikythera southeast of Kythera.
{"translations":{"engine":{"default_port_from":"","default_port_to":"","from":"FROM","to":"TO","date":"DATE","passenger":"PASSENGER","passengers":"PASSENGERS","vehicle":"VEHICLE","vehicles":"VEHICLES","loading_message":"Searching for Itineraries"}}}
Searching for Itineraries...
An error occurred: Please refresh your browser and try again.
