Ionian
The Ionian Islands are the closest to Italy. They share the Ionian Sea with our country and are somewhat different from all other Greek islands. For instance, they are lush and green, not particularly hot, and have a humid climate, which is uncommon in other archipelagos and quite reminiscent of Italian nature. Moreover, due to their location, historically, they have been much more influenced by Italy (especially Venice) than by purely Greek influences.
They do not have a common denominator that characterizes them; in fact, they are quite different from each other. They range from very touristy ones to quiet and slow-paced islands.
The sea, nature, and beaches are truly beautiful. Often, we Italians choose them as a first approach to Greece, and as an introduction, they are simply stunning.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- List of the 16 reviewed Ionian Islands
- Map of the Ionian Islands
- Which island to choose?
- How to reach the Ionian Islands?
- Where to stay in the Ionian Islands?
- Which are the most beautiful according to us?
- Which islands have airports?
- What is the climate in the Ionian Islands?
- Which are suitable for families with children?
- Which are the best for nightlife?
- Which are the most economical?
- Which are the least touristy?
- Which have the most beautiful sea and beaches?
List and Names of All 16 Reviewed Ionian Islands
Below you can find the list of all the 16 Ionian Islands we have reviewed.
Clicking on an island will take you to a detailed guide containing information on how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and which beaches to visit!
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Map of the Ionian Islands
As you can immediately see from a map of Greece, the Ionian Islands are the closest to Italy. Located in the Ionian Sea, south of the Otranto Channel, they form what is also called the Eptanese, an archipelago consisting of seven islands. In reality, as you can see from a detailed map, there are almost thirty islands. We have reviewed 16 of the most famous tourist islands. So where exactly are these islands? All located in the Ionian Sea and arranged almost vertically, from north to south, always near the mainland. Let's see better where and which ones are located in the north, the center, and the south of this sea.
In the north (very close to Italy and especially to the coasts of Albania), we first find the three small islands of the Diapontian archipelago (Ereikoussa, Othoni, and Mathraki), then the large Corfu with Paxos and Antipaxos. In the center, we have Lefkada (with Meganisi, Kalamos, and Kastos), Ithaca, Kefalonia and a bit further south Zakynthos. Finally, much more distant and close to the coasts of the Peloponnese, there are the very small Elafonisos, Kythira, and finally Antikythira.
Due to their strategic geographical position, the Ionian Islands have gained significant importance in the past as they are located directly on the sea route between Italy and Greece.
Ionian Islands: Which One to Choose?
Do you want to explore the Greek islands with a gradual approach? Great, you can start with one of the Ionian Islands. They are more similar to Italian marine environments and are also geographically closer to us. All very beautiful and fascinating, so which one to choose? If you don't know any of them, where should you go for the first time? As always, it depends on your expectations. Some are very lively and touristic, others are a bit wild and quiet. There are cliffs, fantastic sandy beaches, lush areas, rich seabeds, architecture, and archaeology waiting for you. Let's indicate some that are a bit different from each other.
Corfu
Suitable for young people due to its international appeal, for those who love sailing as it is the capital of nautical tourism, for those who appreciate both the green interior and the blue sea, and for those intrigued by the architectural aspects of the buildings. Corfu, with an international airport, is the closest to Italy and offers all kinds of tourist services.
Elafonisos
If you don't mind the somewhat complex journey to reach it and are looking for a Caribbean landscape in Greece, Elafonisos is the right choice. Very small but perhaps for this reason very charming (apart from a bit of crowding in high season).
Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian Islands, with an international airport, is a good choice if you are attracted by the variety of landscapes on its territory and the curious geological phenomena that characterize it. It is still a fairly quiet island, green, and with beautiful sandy beaches.
Zakynthos
A very touristy island suitable for everyone. With an international airport, it offers many things: a beautiful climate, lots of greenery, a beautiful sea, sandy beaches where sea turtles sometimes come to lay their eggs, and especially the famous and much-photographed shipwreck beach.
Kythira
Located south of the Peloponnese, a bit far from the other islands of the archipelago, it is certainly less known but also for this reason can be a good choice for those who love tranquility, slightly wild environments, but also fascinating monuments and villages to visit. There are also beautiful beaches.
Lefkada
For those who do not like sea travel, Lefkada can be reached by flight and then a short land journey, as it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island offers rare beauty marine landscapes with sandy beaches, cliffs, and truly evocative sea. Picturesque villages and lush nature are not lacking.
How to Reach the Ionian Islands?
Most of the Ionian Islands are easily accessible, either by flight or by sea. The Ionian group is particularly well connected to Western Europe thanks to numerous direct flights and ferry routes. For islands in the southern Peloponnese area, the journey might be a bit longer but is always manageable. Here are the main ways to reach them:
Flight
Directly by plane to those with an international airport, namely Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. Lefkada is served by a national airport located on the mainland just a few kilometers away. In high season, numerous direct flights operate from cities across Europe, including the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Italy, and more. For more information, you can consult the article "Which Greek islands have airports and are accessible by plane?".
International Flight + Domestic Flight
By plane to Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport) and then, with a short domestic flight (maximum 100 seats), the islands with only a national airport (Lefkada and Kythira) can also be reached.
Flight + Ferry
By plane to the international airports of Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia and then by ferry. The Ionian Islands are well connected by sea. For the small Diapontian archipelago, the connections are less frequent and operated from Corfu.
Car + Ferry
By car (or another private vehicle like a motorcycle or camper) to the departure port. Travellers from Western Europe can take a ferry from Adriatic ports (such as Venice, Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi in Italy) directly to some Ionian islands (for example Corfu or Kefalonia), or to Igoumenitsa/Patras and continue by land and ferry. Those driving from Northern or Eastern Europe can reach Greece via the Balkans and then take a ferry to the islands.
For more information on sea routes, you can consult the article "Ships and Ferries to the Greek Islands".
Where to Stay in the Ionian Islands?
After choosing the Ionian island for our vacation, we need to decide where to sleep. Accommodation options range from magnificent resorts to simple campsites, including hotels and inns of all categories, tourist villages, and especially studios, typical of Greek hospitality. For luxury accommodation, that is, a resort offering all comforts and the possibility of enjoying excellent animation and sports, the best-equipped islands are Corfu and Zakynthos.
If you are looking for a campsite, the choice falls between these islands: Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Elafonisos, Kefalonia, Paxos, and Kythira. Remember that wild camping is prohibited in Greece, but on some islands, it is tolerated, provided it is done with respect for the environment and people.
As for hotels and inns of all categories, they are abundant on all major islands. The most characteristic accommodations remain the studios. These are small lodgings (studios or one-bedroom apartments), generally inexpensive and family-run, furnished simply but functionally and pleasantly. They are always equipped with a kitchenette, which can be very useful, for example, if you miss a plate of pasta! Some studio stays also include breakfast, and if the hosts have a garden, they often provide their fruit and vegetables. It is not uncommon to make friends with both the hosts, who are usually friendly and helpful, and the neighboring guests, thanks to the friendly atmosphere that easily develops.
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The Most Beautiful Ionian Islands According to Us
The Ionian Islands that we recommend as a first choice are: Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Paxos, Zakynthos, and Elafonisos. We consider them the most beautiful from a landscape perspective and the most accessible, but even the small Diapontian islands and Antipaxos have a special charm.
As always, giving advice is not easy. Some are looking for fun, some for the tranquility of a wild environment, some have children and want sandy beaches with shallow water, some want to do water sports, some want to immerse themselves in high-level marine landscapes, some want to eat well or enjoy ancient history. Even in this archipelago, there is a bit of everything. The islands we list perhaps satisfy a bit of all tastes.
So let's see what to absolutely see or do once you arrive on the chosen island:
Corfu
Visit the characteristic city, the picturesque Kanoni and Paleokastritsa, and of course, swim in its beautiful sea.
Lefkada
Wander through the fantastic natural landscapes of the island, its beautiful villages, and its splendid blue sea.
Kefalonia
Visit the incredible Melissani Cave and take a trip to the famous Myrtos Bay with its turquoise sea.
Paxos
Scuba diving in the seabeds considered among the most beautiful in Greece and a trip to the beautiful islet of Antipaxos.
Zakynthos
Boat trip to the famous Navagio Beach and attempt to spot Caretta Caretta turtles (without disturbing them) on the beautiful sandy beaches where they sometimes nest.
Elafonisos
Enjoy the splendid Caribbean beaches that characterize it (perhaps not in high season).
Ionian Islands with Airports
The Ionian Islands directly accessible by plane, as they have an international airport, are Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos. The island of Lefkada is served by a national airport located on the mainland a few kilometers away, while the island of Kythira has only a national airport that requires a connecting flight in Athens. In high season, there are also direct charter flights to the main islands.
As for Corfu, its international airport is called "Ioannis Kapodistrias" and is about 3 km from the capital. During the summer period, the airport is directly connected to Italy mainly through scheduled flights departing from Rome (Ciampino), Milan (Malpensa), Bergamo (Orio al Serio), Naples (Capodichino), and Bologna (Guglielmo Marconi).
The airport of Kefalonia, on the other hand, is called "Argostoli" and is 9 km from the capital. The island is reachable mainly by flights from Milan (Malpensa) and Rome (Fiumicino).
For Zakynthos you fly to the "Dionysios Solomos" airport, which is 4 km from the capital. The departure cities in Italy are mainly Milan (Malpensa), Bari (Karol Wojtyla), Naples (Capodichino), Palermo (Punta Raisi), Rome (Fiumicino), and Venice (Marco Polo).
For the island of Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a bridge, the "Aktion" airport near Preveza on the mainland is used, about 20 km from the island. From Italy, you can fly mainly from Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa), and Bergamo (Orio al Serio).
As for the island of Kythira, which has only an airport for domestic flights, it is necessary to change at Athens (Elefthérios Venizélos airport) and then continue with a domestic flight to "Kythira" airport, which is about 20 km from the capital. The domestic flight is short, but the planes have a maximum capacity of about 100 seats.
Climate, Weather, and Temperatures in the Ionian Islands
The climate in the Ionian Islands is typically Mediterranean. Summers are dry, sunny, and decidedly warm. Rainfall, often abundant, occurs mainly in autumn and winter but never accompanied by freezing temperatures, as snow is very rare (sometimes present on the heights).
As for the winds, the absence of the Meltemi, typical of other Greek archipelagos, makes the summer season decidedly warm, while the presence of the Tramontana in winter can bring some cold days. The climate of the three islands south of the Peloponnese is an exception because it is less humid and a bit windy.
The sea temperature during the beautiful season is always very pleasant.
In the Ionian Islands, you generally go in summer, from June to mid-September, with light clothing because the weather is favorable. In the other seasons, it is good to bring an umbrella.
Let's see now, month by month, the average temperatures and other climate information:
| Month | Air Temperature | Precipitation | Sea Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°-14° | frequent | 15°-16° |
| February | 6°-14° | frequent | 15° |
| March | 7°-16° | moderate | 15° |
| April | 9°-19° | moderate | 16° |
| May | 13°-24° | low | 18° |
| June | 16°-28° | absent | 21°-22° |
| July | 19°- 31° | absent | 23°-24° |
| August | 25°-29°, | absent | 24°-26° |
| September | 16°-28° | low | 23°-25° |
| October | 13°-23° | moderate | 21°-22° |
| November | 10°-19° | frequent | 18°-19° |
| December | 7°-15° | frequent | 17° |
Ionian Islands Suitable for Families with Children
In general, the Ionian Islands archipelago can be a good choice for a family vacation with children. They are almost all easily accessible, equipped with sandy beaches, shallow waters, lush vegetation, and many tourist services.
It is usually thought that a place is family-friendly when it offers easy connectivity, a pleasant natural environment without dangers, entertainment and suitable sports, and some architectural or natural curiosities. For more anxious parents or those with children who are a bit frail, the presence of a medical clinic can also influence the choice.
As for accommodation and dining, as mentioned several times, there should never be any problems: the food is not spicy, and the accommodations are clean, functional, and many with direct access to the beach.
To narrow down the choice a bit, we have selected three islands that could best satisfy families with children. On all the islands of the archipelago, however, it is possible to have a great vacation even with small children: the Mediterranean is not the ocean, and the islands often offer many sandy beaches and nearby vegetation.
Corfu
Easily accessible, both by flight and ferry, it offers many tourist services, beautiful sandy beaches, lots of greenery, entertainment for the little ones, and even a hospital.
Kefalonia
Also easily reachable from Italy, both by flight and by sea from Puglia, it offers beautiful sandy beaches, entertainment for the little ones, caves, and a hospital.
Zakynthos
Easily accessible by flight, lively and full of services, it has sandy beaches with crystal clear water where children can have fun trying to spot sea turtles. If necessary, there is also a hospital in the capital.
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Ionian Islands for Those Seeking Fun and Nightclubs
If relaxation and rest are not the first things that come to mind for your vacation, but instead, you are looking for fun, sports, nightclubs, and new friendships, the Ionian Islands have Corfu and Zakynthos available!
Corfu
Lively and frequented especially by young people, including many English, it has all kinds of venues where you can dance, drink, sing, and make new acquaintances. The nightlife is particularly intense in Kavos and Ipsos.
Zakynthos
Like Corfu, Zakynthos is also very lively and appreciated by young people (including many English among the foreigners) for everything it offers: beach parties, nightclubs, and bars of all kinds. The epicenter of fun is in Laganas, but there are several other places where the fun lasts until morning!
Most Affordable Ionian Islands for Those Who Want to Save Money
If one of our desires has always been a vacation in Greece, perhaps on an Ionian island (the closest to us), but we have always postponed it thinking we couldn't afford it, we can rethink that. In the Ionian archipelago, you can easily spend a beautiful vacation at reasonable prices.
The cost of the trip is certainly an important factor, and to evaluate this expense, it is necessary to analyze several items:
- Travel by motorcycle/car/camper/bus
- Ferries with or without a vehicle
- International and/or domestic flight
- Rental of a vehicle on the island
- Accommodations
- etc...
In the following articles, you can find details and specific references also for the Ionian Islands:
- Ships and Ferries to the Greek Islands
- Which Greek Islands Have Direct Flights from Europe?
- Greek Islands Easy to Reach by Sea or Air
- Which Greek Islands Have Airports and Are Accessible by Plane?
As for accommodation, aside from tents and sleeping bags, the most economical solution is always to choose one of the many “studios” present on all the islands. These are small apartments equipped with a kitchenette and usually family-run.
Assuming that with a little research and a spirit of adaptation, every island also offers “low cost” solutions, we list below those that we believe offer the most options and therefore, among these, also the most economical ones.
Corfu
Very touristy, lively, international, very green, architecturally interesting, and the center of nautical tourism in the Ionian Sea: certainly the most famous of the archipelago.
Zakynthos
With an excellent climate, very touristy, with beautiful beaches and clear sea where, in a designated marine park area, Caretta Caretta turtles nest.
Kefalonia
The largest of the archipelago, with very varied landscapes, offers an all-around vacation.
Lefkada
Connected to the mainland by a bridge, with a beautiful sea, lush inland, and picturesque villages.
Kythira
The southernmost of the Ionian Islands, quiet and sparsely populated, worth visiting for its wild nature and the beauty of its villages and monuments.
Less Touristy and Quieter Ionian Islands
Being close to Italy, the Ionian archipelago is famous and quite touristy. However, it is possible to spend a relaxing vacation by choosing among the quieter and less touristy islands of the archipelago. Generally, these islands are a bit more difficult to reach, but the peace, atmosphere, and lack of crowds of tourists compensate for any travel inconveniences or the more limited service offerings. So, let’s look at some brief suggestions for deciding on which of the less touristy Ionian islands to spend our serene and relaxing vacation.
Kythira
For those who love slightly wild places but with the possibility to visit beautiful villages, churches, and castles.
Ithaca
The “rocky” native island of Odysseus is for those who love Homeric tradition and rugged landscapes.
Very quiet are especially the small islands of the archipelago where, however, it is more difficult to find accommodation.
Antikythera
Rocky island with very few beaches.
Antipaxos
With fantastic beaches, and precisely for this reason, quiet only when the day-trippers leave in the evening.
Ereikoussa
Flat island, green, and with several beautiful sandy beaches.
Kastos
Hilly island with rocky coasts but also small and beautiful coves.
Mathraki
Green, with cliffs and sandy beaches, very underdeveloped for tourism.
Othonoi
Mountainous, very green, and with sandy beaches. The tranquility on the island is greater when day-trippers from Corfu are not present.
Ionian Islands with the Most Beautiful Sea and White Beaches
In Greece, the sea and beaches are generally beautiful. In the Ionian Islands, in particular, you can find beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. So, let’s see where you can find the most beautiful sea with the whitest beaches in this archipelago close to home.
Since generally each island has more than one bay for swimming, below we try to highlight only the most beautiful and Caribbean-style beaches.
| Island | Best Beaches |
|---|---|
| Antipaxos | Voutoumi |
| Kefalonia | Myrtos |
| Elafonisos | Simos |
| Lefkada | Porto Katsiki, Egremni |
| Zakynthos | Navajo |
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