6 Must-Visit Islands in the Ionian Sea

The Greek islands are said to have the sun beaming 85% of the year on their pristine beaches. Combine that with mouth-watering Greek delicacies and traditional meals, it’s hard to resist joining the islanders’ laid-back Mediterranean mentality.

Which Ionian Islands are a must-visit during a trip to Greece?

The Ionian Islands are super beautiful! In this, Travel and Home’s Ionian Islands Edition, we share the beauty and charm of Ithaca, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Corfu, and Kythira!

Traveling between the Ionian Islands is relatively easy and quite enjoyable.

It’s not just about getting from one place to another. It’s about enjoying the journey, soaking in the stunning views, and experiencing the unique charm of each island. Here’s what you can expect from each island and some tips for a fantastic trip!

1. Kefalonia (Cephalonia)

Kefalonia Highlights:

Home to Myrtos Beach and the stunning Melissani Cave.

what to expect
plan your trip
getting there

Kefalonia is the gem of the Ionian Sea. It’s popular for snorkeling and diving.

The island is home to the rare, “caretta caretta”, sea turtle.

Greece is blessed with beautiful islands and this is another outstanding and beloved destination with pristine beaches, lots of history, lively nightlife, beautiful nature, and crystal clear waters. Enough to take your breath away!

Kefalonia has a medium-sized airport, Argostoli Kefalonia or also known as Argostolion Airport (IATA: EFL, ICAO: LGKF).

You can also book a ferry from mainland Greece, via the ports of Patras or Kyllini. From Athens you can use the public bus to get to the various ports in Western Greece.

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Lepeda Beach.

2. Ithaca (Ithaki or Ithaka)

Ithaca Highlights:

Ithaca, home of Odysseus, features beautiful beaches like Filiatro and quaint villages such as Vathy. Enjoy scenic hikes.

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plan your trip
getting there

This beautiful small island is rich in ancient history going back to the Neolithic period, 4000 – 3000 BC. It was ruled by countless empires until it was annexed to the Greek Kingdom in 1864.

The nearest airport is on Kefalonia island. From there you will catch a ferry to Ithaca. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry from Greece mainland and Lefkada.

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Lepada Beach

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3. Kythira

Wheelchair Accessible Beaches

Diakofti, and Kapsali Beach

Kythira Highlights:

Visit the lush Waterfalls of Mylopotamos.

A taste of Kythira

5 hours | Coach tour | Meet your friendly and local expert guide at the port of Diakofti.

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Kythira: Karavas Mitata Avlemonas Tour

Full day tour | Coach tour | Our tour begins in the leafy village of Karavas in the north-east of Kythira.

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Kythira: Mylopotamos Aghia Moni Diakofti Private Tour

5 hours | Coach tour | Mylopotamos is one of Kythira’s oldest villages; a traditional settlement by the Archaeological Service.

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4. Lefkada (Lefkáda)

Lefkada Highlights:

Famous for its beautiful beaches, like Porto Katsiki and Egremni.

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plan your trip
getting there

Lefkada is the “Caribbean of Greece”, boasting some of the most scenic beaches of the Greek Islands. It’s seldom that reality exceeds expectations, but at Lefkada it does.

It has it all, dramatic cliffs, wild nature, mesmerizing turquoise waters, exotic ambiance, iconic beaches, glistening pebbles on its white sand, and more.

If you want to chill away from the crowds, go to Mylos, Kalamitsi, or Kaminia beach.

We’ve provided links to excursions – see, “things to do”, above. Kayaking to the caves, as well as the cruise to the legendary Skorpios islet, is simply outstanding.

Meander in the stunning seaside villages of Nidri and Agios Nikitas. Make a point to go see the mesmerizing Dimosari waterfalls and the lighthouse at Cape Lefkada. In addition, the beautiful Faneromeni monastery is the most perfect sunset location. Also, go to the lesser-known but beautiful Melissa gorge.

Everything happens in Lefkada town.

This dream destination is connected with the mainland by a small bridge. The nearest airport on the mainland is in Preveza, namely Aktion National Airport. From here you can rent a car, catch a bus or a taxi to Lefkada island. There are no flights from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, However, many other European locations offer summer flights to Preveza.

5. Zakynthos

Also known as Zante

Zakynthos is most probably the most exotic of all the Greek islands. It has the full package, namely exquisite scenery, amazing nightlife, clear turquoise water, pristine beaches with sugar-fine sand, and Greek cuisine at its very best! Get the full scoop here!

6. Corfu (Kerkyra)

If you’re looking for a destination where every step is a journey through time, and every turn offers a new discovery, Corfu’s Old Town is calling your name. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Get the full scoop here!

The Ionian Islands have a rich cultural heritage that’s a little different from the rest of Greece.

Because they were under Venetian, French, and British rule, they were exposed to Western European culture more directly and for longer periods. This has influenced everything from local music (you’ll hear a lot of classical music and opera in Corfu) to festivals and even the local dialects, which have some Italian influences.