Ferry to the Ionian Islands

Andreas Kalvos of Levante Ferries

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!

Discover the islands of the Ionian by popularity.

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.

Ferry connections: Igoumenitsa, Paxi, Mathraki, Othonoi, Ereikoussa, Italy (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi)

The shipwreck (Navagio) of Zakynthos

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

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.

Ferry connections: Killini, Patra, Astakos, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Lefkada

The beach of Porto Katsiki

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

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.

Ferry connections: Killini, Patra, Astakos, Kefalonia, Lefkada

The area of Gaios

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

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.

Ferry connections: Athens (Piraeus), Crete (Kissamos), Gythio, Neapoli Voion, Antikythira

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.