Located along the western coast of mainland Greece and around the southern tip of the Peloponnese, they are quite different from the dry, white-and-blue image many people associate with the Cyclades.

They’re green, lush, and shaped by centuries of Venetian rule that left its mark on the architecture, the food, and the general atmosphere in a way that makes the Ionians feel distinctly more European than their Aegean counterparts.

The history of the archipelago goes back to Homer’s Odyssey, and the islands have been known under a variety of names over the centuries, most famously the Heptanese, referring to the seven principal islands (Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira), alongside smaller satellites like Antipaxos and Meganisi.

They offer everything from Corfu’s UNESCO-listed Old Town to the sea turtle nesting beaches of Zakynthos, the dramatic caves of Kefalonia, and the postcard-perfect harbor of Ithaca.

The islands

Corfu

It’s one of the best-known Greek islands and one of the most developed in terms of tourism infrastructure. Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with elegant arcades, Venetian architecture, and winding alleys that bring centuries of history to life. The mild climate and varied landscape ensure perfect conditions for vineyards, fruit orchards, and the olive groves that cover much of the island. The Venetian Fort is the most iconic landmark, but the island rewards exploration well beyond the capital — the Canal d’Amour in Sidari, where erosion has carved romantic channels through sandstone cliffs, is one of the more striking natural features on any Greek island. Easily accessible by plane, boat, or bus.

Paxos (Paxi)

The smallest of the seven main islands, sitting just 7 km south of Corfu, Paxos is known for lovely beaches, charming villages, and the olive groves that cover most of the island’s interior. The capital, Gaios, is home to important churches, a Venetian castle, and a folklore museum. It’s small enough to explore thoroughly in a couple of days and has a quiet, unhurried character that contrasts nicely with busier neighbors. The island is accessible by boat.

Antipaxos

Just a short boat trip from Paxos, Antipaxos has vineyards, crystal-clear turquoise water, and sandy beaches that rank among the most beautiful in the Ionian. Most people visit as a day trip from Paxos, which is exactly the right approach as there’s almost no infrastructure here.

Lefkada (Lefkas)

Uniquely connected to mainland Greece by a causeway, it’s possible to drive from the mainland to Lekfada. The island is mainly mountainous with dense vegetation, and the capital has lovely churches, a castle, and some nice beaches close by. The western coast is where you want to be: Porto Katsiki and Egremni Beach, where dramatic white cliffs frame turquoise water in settings that rival any Caribbean beach. Lefkada is also a premier windsurfing destination. Vasiliki Bay offers perfect afternoon thermal winds that attract kitesurfers and windsurfers from across Europe. The island can also be reached by bus, plane, or ferry.

Ithaca

Just off the coast of Kefalonia stands this lovely mountainous island, legendary home of Odysseus and the connection to Homer’s Odyssey is taken seriously here. In the north of the island you can see ruins of a building that might have been the palace of Odysseus, with a model of the palace in Stavros village. The quaint capital, Vathy, is built on one of the most protected bays in the Ionian and is really pretty. Take your time to stroll around, have a meal, and visit the archaeological and folklore museums. There are also monasteries, churches, and small coastal villages to explore. The island can be reached by boat from Kefalonia or the mainland.

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian Islands, sitting just off the west coast of the Peloponnese. Kefalonia is home to therapeutic springs and subterranean waters, interesting caves, excellent beaches, archaeological sites, and traditional villages. The island’s crown jewel is the Melissani Cave, an underground lake where sunlight creates magical illumination effects through a collapsed roof — one of the most photographed natural sites in Greece. Kefalonia is also renowned for its wine, particularly the Robola variety produced in the island’s mountain vineyards. The island can be reached by plane, boat, or bus.

Meganisi

A small island just off the southeastern coast of Lefkada, largely under the radar and growing quietly in reputation among sailors and nature lovers. Three small villages, excellent swimming, and the kind of unspoiled quiet that’s becoming genuinely rare in the Ionian. Worth adding to a Lefkada trip if you have an extra day.

Zakynthos (Zante)

During the Venetian era it was known as the “flower of the east” and the natural beauty of the island justifies the title. The island’s most famous sight is Navagio, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece, although its status and accessibility can vary, so don’t plan your entire trip around being able to swim there.

Zakynthos is also home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta, which nests on the beaches of the Gulf of Laganas every summer, an experience unlike anything else in the Greek islands. In the capital you can visit the ruins of the Venetian castle as well as several churches and museums. The traditional villages are set in lovely countryside offering some of the best views in the Ionian Sea. The island can be reached by plane, boat, or bus.

Kythira (Cerigo)

The island stands close to the mainland, off the southern tip of the Peloponnese, and has always played an important role in history. Over the years it has been influenced by many cultures, such as the Minoan, Byzantine, Venetian, British, which is evident when you visit the villages. The beaches are nice, the terrain is rugged, and several churches and monasteries reward exploration. It is quieter, more self-contained, and less visited than its more famous siblings.

Getting to the Ionian Islands

Corfu and Kefalonia are the main entry points by air, with direct flights from across Europe throughout the summer season. Zakynthos also has its own airport. From Athens, domestic flights connect to Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira year-round. Lefkada is the only island reachable by car — the causeway from the mainland makes it uniquely accessible.

By ferry, the main departure points from the mainland are Patras, Igoumenitsa, and Killini, with connections to Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Ithaca. International ferries from Italy — Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, and Venice — also dock at Corfu and Patras, making the Ionians a natural first stop for travelers coming overland through Europe.

What to Do in the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are particularly good for travelers who would rather enjoy some additional activities alongside spending time on the beaches.

Explore Historic Towns and Villages

Centuries of Venetian, French and British influence have left their mark on the islands. Corfu Town is the obvious example, but you’ll also find Venetian fortresses, traditional villages, churches and old mansions throughout the region.

If you like history, spend some time exploring the towns and villages, where the character of the Ionian Islands becomes much more obvious.

Go Sailing or Take a Boat Trip

The Ionian Sea is ideal for sailing, and the islands are close enough to one another that island-hopping by boat can be a wonderful way to see the region.

Even if you don’t want to spend your entire holiday on a yacht, boat trips are a good way to reach small beaches, sea caves and nearby islands such as Antipaxos.

Enjoy the Beaches

The Ionian Islands have some of the most spectacular beaches in Greece, from the enormous sandy beaches of Zakynthos and Kefalonia to the tiny coves of Paxos and Ithaca.

The scenery is often quite different from the Cyclades. Instead of dry hills and bright white buildings, you’ll often find green vegetation growing right down towards the water, with dramatic cliffs and deep blue or turquoise sea.

Go Hiking and Explore Nature

The mountainous terrain makes the Ionian Islands particularly good for hiking. Ithaca and Kythira are especially appealing if you want to explore on foot, while Kefalonia has Mount Ainos and a network of trails through its forests and villages.
Cycling, diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports are also popular, particularly on Lefkada and Kefalonia.

Try the Local Food and Wine

Each island has its own specialties, so don’t expect the food to be exactly the same everywhere.

Corfu is known for dishes such as pastitsada and sofrito, while Kefalonia is famous for its Robola wine. Lefkada has its own traditional products, and Paxos is particularly associated with excellent olive oil and local seafood.

And, of course, one of the best things you can do on any Ionian island is sit at a waterfront taverna, order whatever looks good and watch the boats come in.

Where to stay

Corfu Town is the most atmospheric base in the group — UNESCO-listed, well-connected, and with accommodation ranging from boutique hotels in Venetian buildings to comfortable mid-range options just outside the Old Town. For beach-focused holidays, Kefalonia and Zakynthos both have excellent resort areas. Lefkada Town works well as a base for exploring the island’s beaches and as a hub for day trips to nearby Meganisi, while Antipaxos is best reached via day trips from Paxos or Corfu. Paxos is lovely for a more intimate, quieter stay — just book well in advance as accommodation is limited.

>> Book your accommodation in the Ionian Islands

Best time to visit

May, early June, and September are the sweet spots across all the Ionian Islands. The weather is reliably warm, the sea is swimmable, and the crowds are manageable. July and August are peak season — Corfu and Zakynthos in particular get very busy, and prices reflect it. The Ionian Sea offers calmer waters than the wind-swept Aegean, though summer days can feel quite warm and humid, making the afternoon sea breezes (Maistros) very welcome. October is increasingly popular for a late-season visit — quieter, cheaper, and still warm enough to swim.

Which Ionian Island Should You Visit?

That depends entirely on what you’re looking for.

Corfu is probably the easiest all-round choice, particularly for a first visit. Kefalonia is better if you want a larger island with plenty of beaches and places to explore. Zakynthos combines famous beaches with nightlife and boat trips, while Lefkada is particularly convenient if you’re traveling by car or want to enjoy water sports.

If you want something quieter, look at Ithaca or Paxos. And if you really want to get away from the standard Greek island circuit, Kythira is worth considering.

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