Posted by The Ionian Islands include the islands west of the Greek mainland and the Peloponnese. Until around 1800, most of the islands belonged to Venice, after that they were predominantly British. They have been part of Greece since 1864. The Ionian Islands are made up of seven larger islands and many smaller islands. The seven large ones are: Corfu, Kythera, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Paxos and Zakythos. The islands are much greener and rainier than the eastern Greek islands. There are direct flights from Germany to Corfu and Zakynthos. All of the islands can be reached by ferry from the mainland and some from other islands. Island hopping on the Ionian Islands is becoming increasingly popular. The less touristy islands, especially Kefalonia and Ithaca, are in our opinion some of the most interesting islands in Greece. You can still find real Greek culture and almost untouched beaches here.
Islands from north to south (7 main islands)
Corfu (Corfu) is the northernmost, most famous and most populous Ionian island. More than 120,000 people live here. Kekyra (Corfu Town) is the largest city on the Ionian islands. Tourism has made Corfu prosperous. The northern part of Corfu lies just a few kilometers off the Albanian coast. Corfu can be reached by ferry from Igoumenitsa (mainland) and Italy.
Paxos is the smallest of the main islands with 5,000 inhabitants and 20 square kilometers. It has some beautiful villages and beaches to offer. Paxos can be reached by ferries from Igoumenitsa on the mainland. During the tourist season there are also ships from Corfu.
Lefkas is not actually a real island, as there is a bridge (worth seeing swing bridge) to the mainland (some tourism, partly still quite Greek, nice people, beautiful beaches).
Kefalonia (Kephalonia) is the largest Ionian island but has significantly fewer inhabitants than Corfu (around 40,000). Kefalonia has a wild, mountainous landscape and is green. Despite its size and the airport, there is surprisingly little tourism. The majority of the inhabitants live from agriculture, and the soil is considered very fertile. Many tourists come because of the interesting caves. Anyone looking for an Ionian island for solitary hikes could find their happiness on Kefalonia.
Ithaca is a small, scenic island and is said to be the home of Odysseus. The residents are very proud of this. Ithaca is very close to Kefalonia and is one of the less touristy Ionian islands.
Zakynthos is a major provider of package tourism. The island is beautiful and ideal for hiking and cycling. It is known for its sea turtles. Zakynthos has the second major international airport in the Ionian Islands. The majority of holidaymakers come from Great Britain.
Kythira is much further south, south of the Peloponnese. This little-visited but interesting island lies just in the Ionian Sea and is still one of the Ionian Islands.
Smaller Ionian Islands
In addition to the seven large Ionian Islands, there are of course a large number of smaller inhabited and, above all, uninhabited Ionian islands. It is not possible to say exactly how many there are. It depends on whether you call every rock that protrudes from the sea an island or not.
Here is a small overview of other inhabited Ionian Islands:
Antipaxos has around 100 inhabitants, an area of 5 km² and is located just a few kilometers south of Paxos. Antipaxos and Paxos together form the municipality of Paxi. Many tourists come to Antipaxos as part of a day trip, but few stay longer. There are ferries to and from Paxos and Rhodes.
Othoni is the most populated island of the smaller Ionian island with 500 inhabitants. Othoni is located west of Corfu, towards Italy. No other place in Greece is closer to Italy and further west. However, there are only ferries to Corfu.
Kalamos and Meganisi are by far the most populous islands in the small Tilevoides archipelago. Although regular ferries run to Kalamos and Meganisi, not many tourists come. The 700 inhabitants of Kalamos and the approximately 1,000 inhabitants of Meganisi therefore live mainly from agriculture.
There are a number of other inhabited Ionian islands in the Tilevoides. The Tilevoides lie between the islands of Lefkas and the mainland. Kastos is the only island besides Kalamos and Meganisi with more than 100 inhabitants, there are around 120. This is followed by Scorpios and Sparti with 70 and 40 inhabitants respectively. Thila and Fermekoula are also inhabited, with 30 and around 15 people respectively.
Elafonisos (area 20 km², inhabitants around 700) lies south of the Peloponnese and north of Kythira. Many tourists, especially day trippers, come to Elafonisos in the summer. Many of the residents also make a living from fishing. The distance from the mainland is less than a kilometre, and from Kythira it is about 3 kilometres. Tourists also visit Simos beach in the south of Elafonisos.
Antikythira is a small island between Kythira and Crete. Anfikythira can be reached by ferry from Kissamos on Crete as well as from Kythira and the Peloponnese. About 50 people live permanently on the island. There are few tourists, but there is a lot of untouched nature.
Top 10 Things to Do Ionian Islands
Navagio Bay (Shipwreck Beach) – Zakynthos
One of the most famous bays in the world with a stranded ship surrounded by white cliffs and turquoise waters.
Tip: Best accessed by boat or from the viewpoints above the cliffs.
Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia
One of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, known for its bright colors and dramatic cliff backdrop.
Tip: Ideal for photography and swimming.
Old Town of Corfu (Kerkyra)
UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian architecture, narrow streets (Kantounia) and impressive fortresses.
Highlights: Liston Promenade, Spianada Square, Old Fortress.
Melissani Cave – Kefalonia
A magical cave with an underground lake illuminated by sunlight through a hole in the ceiling.
Tip: Take a boat tour to explore the cave.
Porto Katsiki – Lefkada
Stunning beach with fine sand and turquoise waters, framed by high cliffs.
Tip: Accessed via stairs, early arrival recommended in summer.
Blue Grottoes – Zakynthos
Impressive sea caves with bright blue waters, ideal for boat and kayak tours.
Tip: Combine the tour with a visit to Navagio Bay.
Achilleion Palace – Corfu
A magnificent palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi), with impressive architecture and gardens.
Highlights: Statues of Achilles, views over the island.
Vathy – Ithaca
The charming capital of the island of Ithaca, surrounded by green hills and picturesque bays.
Tip: Perfect for a relaxing stroll and fresh fish in the tavernas.
Paleokastritsa – Corfu
One of the most beautiful coastal areas in Corfu with beautiful bays, caves and a monastery.
Tip: Rent a boat to explore the caves and visit the monastery of Paleokastritsa
Kanoni and the Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) – Corfu
An iconic place with a small chapel on a tiny island accessible by a causeway. Perfect place for photos and sunsets.
What to do in the Ionian Islands?
Discover stunning beaches
The Ionian Islands are known for their turquoise waters and spectacular beaches:
Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia): One of the most famous beaches in Greece, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Navagio Beach (Zakynthos): The famous “shipwreck beach”, only accessible by boat.
Porto Katsiki (Lefkada): A stunning beach with white cliffs and crystal clear waters.
Voutoumi Beach (Antipaxos): A paradise beach with turquoise waters.
Explore charming towns and villages
Corfu Town (Corfu): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Venetian, French and British architecture. Stroll the narrow streets of the Old Town and visit the Old Fortress.
Assos (Kefalonia): A picturesque village with colorful houses, a Venetian castle and an idyllic bay.
Fiscardo (Kefalonia): An elegant fishing village with upscale restaurants and boutiques.
Lakka and Gaios (Paxos): Charming villages with a relaxed atmosphere and great tavernas.
Visit historical and cultural sites
Achilleion Palace (Corfu): The magnificent palace of the Austrian Empress Sisi.
Venetian Fortresses (Corfu and Zakynthos): Witnesses to Venetian rule.
Roman Villa in Skala (Kefalonia): Ancient mosaics and ruins.
Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni (Lefkada): A spiritual place with breathtaking views.
Take boat trips and sailing tours
Visit hidden coves and beaches that are often only accessible by boat.
Take a day trip to smaller islands such as Antipaxos, Meganisi or Mathraki.
Sail around Zakynthos to discover the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach.
Hiking
Mount Ainos (Kefalonia): Hikes through the national park with views of the Ionian Sea.
Lake Korission (Corfu): A nature reserve with sand dunes, flamingos and wild animals.
Hiking trails on Lefkada: From the cliffs to the Nidri waterfalls.
Styx waterfalls (Ithaca): A scenic hike through untouched nature.
Discover caves
Melissani Cave (Kefalonia): An underground lake with a magical play of light.
Drogarati Cave (Kefalonia): An impressive stalactite cave.
Blue Grottoes (Zakynthos): Caves that make the water glow a deep blue.
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