Escape to the blue and green Ionian

Holidays in the Ionian Sea are a mosaic of unique experiences. Award-winning beaches, picturesque settlements, exciting nightlife, rare nature and gastronomic diamonds. In the Ionian you can be exactly what you want to be: Cosmopolitan, explorer, nature lover, party animal, fine diner, sailboat traveler or very low budget explorer.
You can reach the Ionian easily and quickly from any part of Greece, with ferry tickets from Let's Ferry.

Which are the Ionian Islands?

The complex of islands found in Western Greece is also known as the Ionian Islands. These are: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki, Lefkada, Kythira and Paxi. Apart from Kythira which belongs to the Attica Region, the rest belong to the Ionian Islands. Be ready to have your mind blown by the small islands of the Ionian such as Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Antikythira, Meganisi, Othonoi, etc.

The picturesque village Loggos in Paxi

Why go to the Ionian?

If you want to combine nature with turquoise colored waters, then you have found the perfect destination for your vacation. The Ionian locks in large volumes of rain keeping it green all year round, quite the opposite to the Cyclades islands which are not famous for their vegetation. In addition, especially in the Northern Ionian, beauforts are generally low.
Another advantage that the Ionian islands have is that they are accessible from various parts of Greece. From Crete to Igoumenitsa, you will find itineraries for the Ionian Sea.
As for accommodation, the prices are fairly reasonable, with services being at least satisfactory. You will find plenty of accommodation, especially if you make your reservation a little earlier. One of the perks is that you will have a view of the Ionian Sea from almost every hotel in Kefalonia.
For camping fans there are also fully equipped campsites in Lefkada, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu.

Turquoise waters in Corfu

Can I go island hopping in the Ionian?

Of course, the small Ionian islands are considered unexplored diamonds! Your options are abundant, especially if you compare the Ionian to other island complexes. If you like being based on an island and island hop in the surrounding islands, check out the map of the Ionian Sea and get ideas:

• Corfu to diapontic islands: Ereikoussa, Othonoi and Mathraki.
• Kefalonia to Ithaki and Lefkada. On the route Kefalonia - Lefkada there are two itineraries: Fiskardo - Nydri and Sami - Vasiliki.
• Lefkada to Kasto, Kalamo, Meganisi, Kythro, etc. The summer route Lefkada - Kefalonia is especially popular.
• Paxi to Antipaxi and Corfu.
• Kythira to Antikythera.

Before traveling, find out about all available itineraries.

Lazareto islet in Ithaki

What are the best Ionian beaches?

The list is endless! The color of the waters is reminiscent of exotic destinations such as Bali and the Caribbean. They have been awarded Blue Flags and often appear on top ten lists in Europe. A popular way to discover them is to rent a sailboat or a catamaran in the Ionian Sea.
• In Zakynthos you must visit the Panagiotis Shipwreck, which took its name from the impressive shipwreck on the beach that sits still, waiting for visitors.
• In Kefalonia, start from Myrtos which has been awarded for its beauty, Assos, Antisamos, Agia Efimia and Xi with the distinctive red sand.

The beach Agios-Sostis in Zakynthos

• In Lefkada, go to Porto Katsiki, Egremni, Agios Nikitas, Kathisma, although the locals will share with you secrets of the surrounding islands so you can swim in pristine beaches.
• In Corfu you will find beaches filled with tourists dancing from dusk till dawn, such as Kavos, but also more secular ones such as Paleokastritsa and Glyfada.
• In Ithaki you will find paradise beaches such as Filiatro and Gidaki.
• In Kythira you will dive at the crossroads of the Aegean, the Ionian and the Libyan Sea. Do not leave the island if you do not swim in Kaladi, Melidoni and Diakofti.
• In Paxos, the whole island is spread out in an exotic setting with dense trees and dazzling blue waters. Kaki Lagada and Levrechio are very popular, while many prefer to go to Antipaxos in order to spend an unforgettable experience in Voutoumi.

Magnificent beach in Paxi island

Unique experiences in the Ionian

No one gets bored while on vacation in the Ionian Islands. Get to know the Kareta Kareta turtles in Zakynthos, in a unique park in the Mediterranean. Find out how you can help by asking the experts about how you can be of assistance.
• In Kefalonia try some wine tourism and discover Robola, the local wine.
• Corfu will make you fall in love with its traditional cuisine: Pastitsada, sofrito, tsigareli and burdeto are some of the flavors that will win you over.
• The beautiful seabed in Paxos invites you to get to know it better by diving, whatever level of experience you are at.
• You will discover the secret places of Ithaki through paths, which are clear and open to anyone who wants to explore them.

Porto timoni beach in Corfu

How do I get to the Ionian Sea by boat?

Corfu: Corfu is connected with Ereikoussa, Igoumenitsa, Mathraki, Othonos, Patras and Sami of Kefalonia.
Kefalonia: Kefalonia has three ports. From Fiskardo you will make the ferry route Kefalonia - Lefkada. Sami is connected with Astakos, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, Corfu, Patras and Pisaetos in Ithaki. Poros is connected with Ithaki and Kilini.
Zakynthos: Zakynthos is connected to Kilini.
Ithaki: Ithaki is connected to Astakos, Sami and Poros in Kefalonia and Patras.
Lefkada: Lefkada is connected to Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaki.
Kythira: Kythira is connected to Piraeus, Antikythira, Gythio and Kissamos.
Paxi: Paxi is connected with Igoumenitsa and Antipaxi.

Hours and days vary depending on the season, so before booking, check with Let's Ferry for available itineraries. Do not miss the opportunity to visit some of the best Greek beaches on islands that have really so much to offer. Holidays in the Ionian Sea set the travel bar high and every time you visit the Ionian Islands, you will find another reason to bring you back.