Ionian Islands Travel Guide

If you’re planning a Greek island holiday, be sure to visit the incomparable Ionian Islands. If you’re already picturing whitewashed cliffside buildings with blue roofs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Ionian Islands chain's variation in scenery and style.

Located to the west of mainland Greece, these islands are geographically close to Albania and Italy, with the latter having had a significant influence on the islands throughout the centuries. Long held by the Venetians, the Ionian Islands have a mix of Greek and Italian charm, with architecture and cultural practices carried over from its Venetian roots. Also on the western side of Greece is the history-rich Peloponnese region, making it an excellent mainland destination to couple with an Ionian Islands tour. Check out our 7-Day Mythical Peloponnese trip to customise and add it to your Ionian Islands holiday!

Instead of the aforementioned whitewashed buildings, you’ll find colourful seaside villages surrounded by lush green landscapes. Groves of pine, olive, and cypress trees are abundant, with verdant nature as far as the eye can see. These islands receive plenty of rainfall (during the winter months) that provides resplendent vistas of flourishing plant life and the bright blue Ionian Sea. 

While there are many museums and monasteries, crumbling ruins and castles to tour, the natural beauty of the islands is the wealth of beaches that dot each island. You’ll be hard-pressed to find an unimpressive beach during your Ionian Islands holiday, as some of the best beaches in Greece are found along this island chain. From soft white sand to bright pebbled shores, the seas are perfect for swimming, relaxation, and any water sport you can imagine.

The Ionian Islands are the perfect holiday destination to enjoy sand and sea, authentic and delicious Greek cuisine, and nature anywhere you turn. You’ll delight in the charming seaside villages, delicious wines, and Italian-inspired gastronomy as you find both quiet retreat and lively excitement across the islands. 

The Ionian Islands are a true oasis in the Mediterranean, and you’ll be more than happy that you decided to visit this lesser-known destination with so much on offer. For a great adventure along the Ionian Islands, check out our 14-Day Ionian Dream trip.

The Ionian Islands have a typical Mediterranean climate: hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. These rainy winters are the reason for the island's impressive greenery, making them stand out compared to the other Greek island chains. 

The rainiest months are from November until February, averaging 9 to 12 days of rain. Luckily, the temperatures during these winter months are still pleasant, with January and February seeing the lowest average temperature of 9ºC and average highs of 15ºC. 

On the other side of the spectrum, the driest and hottest months are July and August. They feature average temperatures of 22ºC to 31ºC, though it can get even hotter, occasionally reaching the high 30s. Sun seekers will love an Ionian Island holiday during these months as there’s virtually no rain and sunshine lasting into the evening. 

This hot summer season sees the most visitors to the Ionian Islands, making it peak season. This means prices go up, and availability goes down, but the offset is enjoying the beaches and island life in peak weather conditions. 

To take advantage of the summer feeling but without the mass crowds and higher costs, you can plan your Ionian Islands tour during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

June and September are great choices as you’ll still have the sun and warmth, with both months seeing an average temperature range between 22ºC and 28ºC. September has the edge over June when it comes to swimming conditions, as the sea temperatures are higher after the endless summer sun. 

March, April, May, and October can be great times to visit, too, with May and October seeing a similar low of 17ºC and a high of 23ºC. April’s temperatures are a few degrees cooler, and March finds itself colder than April's.

From a weather perspective, there’s no time of year to avoid the Ionian Islands, as the mild climate makes for a comfortable year-round visit. If you want to take advantage of the stunning Ionian beaches, June through September is your best bet, but if you’re looking for more quiet and fewer crowds and costs, autumn, winter, and spring are great options, too. And always keep in mind that Greek islands fully come to life during the peak season, so many businesses and ferry routes close when there are few visitors to service.

Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach)

Shipwreck beach is among the most famous sights of the Ionian Islands. Many people visit the island of Zakynthos to visit this popular landmark.

The stunning location features a crescent-shaped beach of bright white sand surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and met by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Ionian sea. The natural beauty is only enhanced by the rusting ship on the beach, a result of a shipwreck in the 1980s. 

The only way to reach the beach itself is by boat, and there are plenty of daily tours available. For a view from above, there’s a lookout point high on the cliffs which provides a stunning outlook of the entire scene below. If you have the time, you should definitely try to enjoy the beach from both of these locations!

Melissani Cave 

A visit to the Melissani Cave is a must during your Ionian Islands tours. Located in Kefalonia, there are two ways to view this natural beauty: from above and from within. 

You’ll be able to join or take a private boat tour into the caves, with the most stunning portion of the journey taking place when you see the cave’s lake. A large portion of the cave roof collapsed centuries ago, letting light into the depths and turning it into a secret oasis. The blue waters are framed by lush green trees and vegetation, making for a surprising contrast against the cave walls.

Previous excavations found ancient artefacts and relics depicting mythology surrounding nymphs, creating a mystical ambience as you take in the natural beauty of the cave. 

Get a glimpse of  the lake from above by climbing to the viewing platform outside and on top of the cave itself. 

Paleokastritsa

Located on the island of Corfu is the incredibly scenic village of Paleokastritsa. The green hills and bright blue Ionian Sea will immediately draw your attention to the six beaches in the area.

Small promontories of rocky and hilly outcroppings covered in verdant vegetation separate the coastline into six bays, each with its own beach. You’ll find both sandy and rocky shores that provide the perfect setting for relaxation or fun in the water. Bars and restaurants line the area, with authentic Greek cuisine and refreshing drinks readily available to enjoy. 

If you want to take in the town from above, the Paleokastritsa Monastery is the perfect viewpoint spot. The monastery is a must-see as well, dating back to 1225 and offering an insight into  Corfu’s religious history and, more surprisingly, a look at a whale skeleton featured on the property. 

Paleokastritsa is a beautiful area rich in nature and culture and ripe with opportunities. A full day is spent in Paleokastritsa during our 11-Day Ionian and Aegean Highlights trip.

Myrtos Beach

Found on the island of Kefalonia is the captivating Myrtos Beach. Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in all of Greece, and in fact, in all of the world, the beach wins blue flag status (recognition for high environmental and quality standards) year after year.

Well maintained and attracting many crowds, the beach still has a feeling of calm about it because it’s not very built up. You’ll find some sunbeds, umbrellas, a snack bar, and restrooms, but other than these basic amenities, the area is left to nature. 

Famed for its pebbled white beach, the waters are completely transfixing as they transition between shades of deep blues to turquoise hues. It’s a fantastic spot for swimming or relaxing on the shore, with towering cliffs dotted with lush greenery surrounding the beach itself. 

If stunning beaches are what you’re after, the amazing beaches of non-Ionian Island Crete are a feature of our 15-Day Jewels of Greece trip.

Blue Caves

Amongst the natural beauty of Zakynthos, you’ll find the Blue Caves. Accessible only by boat, this popular attraction features naturally eroded limestone arches, allowing small boats to pass through and enter the caves beyond.

Within the caves, you’ll feel like you have entered another world, with the light reflecting off the water and cave walls in such a way that everything appears a deep shade of blue. There’s a mystical feeling in the air when you’re in the caves, and it’s best visited during the morning to get the best light.

Boat tours are readily available, and they’re often coupled with trips to see Shipwreck Beach. You can also book your own private boat if you’d like, allowing you to enjoy your Ionian Islands tour in a little more comfort and privacy. Simply contact our Local Designers in Greece to arrange your private boat tour.

How you’ll choose to explore the Ionian Islands will largely depend on the size of the island you’re on. For the larger and more popular islands, public transport (buses) will be more readily available, and taxis are always an option too. There are even water taxis available so that you can skip the roads and get from point A to point B while enjoying the beautiful Ionian Sea and enjoy the island view from afar. 

Many of the islands would be best explored by renting a private car or scooter, and on Zakynthos, it’s popular to explore certain parts of the island on ATV (quad bikes). Depending on the season, the weather and road conditions, and which island you’re on, rentals are always available, and you can decide which option best suits you at a specific time.

If you’d rather take a more relaxed approach to transport, hiring a private driver is always a fantastic option. One of our Local Designers will be more than happy to help with this arrangement.

To get to the islands themselves and travel between them, you’ll want to use a mix of ferries and flights. Island hopping while on an Ionian Islands holiday isn’t as easy as other Greek island chains like the Cyclades or the Dodecanese, but it can certainly still be done. Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia all have their own airports that provide both domestic and international flights. 

If arriving by ferry, the port in the city of Patras is a great starting off point, and travel between the islands themselves can be managed easily by day trips on small boats or by hopping back on a ferry. The schedule varies from year to year, so while planning your ferry route ahead of time is nice, it’s not always possible during Ionian Island tours.  

The Ionian Islands generally refer to the six major islands that make up the chain: Zakynthos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Paxos (along with nearby Antipaxos). We’ll discuss the largest and most visited of the three in greater detail below. 

The other islands, Ithaca (mythical home of Odysseus), Lefkada (known as the Caribbean of Greece for its beaches and scenery), and Paxos (filled with seaside villages and charming, quiet beaches) offer lesser-known holiday destinations that are often overlooked in favour of the larger and more lively islands. 

These are equally as enjoyable to visit for long stretches of time or for day trips by boat from the larger islands. If a more relaxed and less travelled Ionian Island holiday spot is what you’re after, Ithaca, Lefkada, and Paxos just might be the places for you!

Zakynthos

Zakynthos is known for two main things: Shipwreck Beach and partying. When you visit the island, however, you’ll discover that Zakynthos is so much more than its popular reputation. 

Of course, visiting the iconic Shipwreck beach is a must, but if you’re looking for a more laidback Ionian island tour, you can avoid the more lively areas of the island.

The mountains and hills of Zakynthos provide countless opportunities for hiking, ending in beautiful cliffside views of the sea beyond. There are over 25 beaches across the island as well, so relaxing away from the crowds can be easily done. If you’re seeking excitement without the party atmosphere, the beaches are a fantastic place to find numerous water sports to enjoy throughout your time there.

Zakynthos is the place to see Caretta turtles, an endangered species that nests on its sandy white shores, and further inland, you’ll find Byzantine monasteries to visit, old Zakynthos Town to stroll around, and even the ruins of Bóchali Venetian Castle. 

Kefalonia

The largest of the Ionian Islands in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands - a hard feat to achieve. You won’t want to leave this picturesque island resplendent with bright and thriving nature. 

The turquoise Ionian waters await you at the many stunning beaches dotting Kefalonia. The striking Myrtos beach will immediately draw you with its glistening bright sandy shores, towering dark cliffs, and the aforementioned blue-green sea. 

With plenty more beaches to explore, Kefalonia is also home to a national park, ancient villages with archaeological sights, delicious Greek cuisine, and the absolutely mesmerising Melissani Cave. The cave houses a lake of vibrant blue shades, with plants and trees growing at the edges. Legends of nymphs help keep the feeling of mysticism around this true marvel of nature. 

You’ll spend days exploring Kefalonia and its Ionian neighbours on our 14-Day Ionian Dream trip.

Corfu

If you’re looking for a fun mix of things to do on your holiday to Greece in July, check out the blend of wonders that Corfu has on offer. Corfu is a complex and diverse destination, absolutely brimming with opportunities. Rich in nature, culture, and history, you’ll find everything you need to relax and unwind or fill your days with adventure.

Nature-lover’s will face an abundance of choices:from deciding which hike to try, which beach to relax upon, or how to best spend your day in or on the sea. Corfu is home to numerous trails that lead to a multitude of destinations. Hike to lesser-known beaches, stumble upon rural villages, or discover viewpoints displaying the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the evergreen land of Corfu.

The beaches are as abundant as the trails, and you’ll find both rocky and sandy shores across the island. Paleokastritsa is the most famous of Corfu’s beaches, featuring bright green cliffs banking the shimmering sea. You can snorkel, dive, or sail upon the Ionian waters, enjoying the best of summer weather throughout it all. The Paleokastritsa Bay is a highlight of our 8-Day Athens & Corfu Family Adventure trip.

The island’s mixed past makes it quite unique compared to other Greek locations, finely balancing the effects of prior Venetian, French, and British occupation. Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you’ll notice the various influences on architecture and cuisine. Corfu is known for its excellent gastronomy, featuring a vast collection of fine dining as well as more casual eateries. The island offers fantastic natural beauty as well as more cosmopolitan offerings. 

Pastitsada

For a taste of the Ionian’s Venetian history, you’ll want to try pastitsada. This dish originates in Corfu and is quite similar to an Italian pasta dish. 

The star of the meal is the braised meat and sauce. Often cooked with beef, the meat cooks in a tomato-based sauce, featuring classic ingredients like onion, garlic, and white wine. The additions of cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves change it up from the classic Italian fare, making it a staple and recognisable dish of Corfu.

The meat and sauce are served over pastitsio noodles, with an end result of a pasta-type dish or similar to a stew mixed with pasta.

Greek Sofrito

When visiting Corfu, you’ll likely find sofrito popping up on nearly every menu. It’s a classic dish of the island, consisting of fried slices of veal which are added into a sauce loaded with garlic and parsley. The mixture is cooked in white wine and vinegar, resulting in the dish’s telltale intense and tangy taste.

Moussaka

Resembling an Italian lasagna, moussaka is a delicious dish found across all of Greece and is very popular in the Ionian Islands.

When you tour the Ionian Islands, you’ll find it made one of two ways: with eggplant or with potatoes. Instead of layers of pasta sheets that are found in a lasagna, the layers are formed using eggplant or potatoes, coupled with minced meat (generally lamb or beef) in a rich tomato sauce and veggies. 

The dish is topped with béchamel sauce before baking in an oven. The end result is a hearty and delicious Greek staple that will be sure to have you coming back for seconds. 

Carnival of Corfu

When you tour the Ionian Islands, you’ll quickly take note that the architecture is highly influenced by the old Venetians who ruled the islands and is reminiscent of Italy. 

The Venetian vibes come out in full force during the Carnival of Corfu, a bright and dazzling festival you won’t want to miss. The carnival pays homage to the middle-age roots of the Venetians on the Ionian Islands in many ways, including the elaborate and aristocratic masks and clothing sported by locals and festival attendees. 

Just like in Venice, the Carnival of Corfu has colourful and exciting parades during the celebrations, culminating in a great bonfire said to cleanse Corfu’s sins. 

It’s an exciting festival for all who attend, with happy revellers enjoying good food and refreshment, all while leaving you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. The festival generally starts at the end of February or at the start of March each year.

Robola Wine Festival

Enjoying wine while visiting Greece is often at the top of many visitors' to-do lists - Greek wine is fantastic, after all. And what could make it even better? Getting to consume the wine for free.

On the island of Kefalonia, the third week of August signifies the start of the Robola Wine Festival. Considered the finest wine produced on the island, the Robola Wine Company hosts the festival and invites all attendees to drink and enjoy their famed white wine at no cost.

There’s dancing, live music, plenty of delicious food pairings, and of course, the much anticipated unlimited free wine. It’s the perfect opportunity for indulgence and merriment, and this festival weekend will surely be a highlight of any tour of the Ionian islands.

-The currency used in Greece is the Euro. At the time of writing, $1 USD is equivalent to €0.96.

-Greece follows the Schengen visa agreement. A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa allowing visitors to enter the country for 90 days in any 180-day period. Depending on your citizenship, you may enter Greece freely without applying, while some citizenships require an application.

-Have cash on hand as ATMs are few and far between, and card payments aren’t always available.

-Pack comfy footwear and leave the high heels behind. It’s forbidden to wear high heels at archaeological sites due to the damage they’ve caused in the past!

-We have a handy guide about all things Greece that you can check out here!

Choosing the Ionian Islands for your Greek holiday is a choice you’ll never regret. The natural beauty of the islands is second to none, providing a unique look at Greek island life. It’s the perfect choice for a beach holiday, with towns and cosmopolitan offerings available and bringing balance for an all-around holiday that’s sure to please anyone. If you’re dreaming of planning your Ionian Islands tour, contact our Local Designers, who are more than happy to help.