Corfu old town
This historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends Venetian, French and British influences.
The Ionian Islands
Lining the western coast of mainland Greece, the Ionian Islands stand out for their lush landscapes, strong Venetian heritage and intensely turquoise waters. Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and their neighbors offer a different, greener and more wooded side of the Greek islands.
Why visit the Ionian Islands?
The Ionian Islands, including Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Ithaca, stand out for landscapes greener than the Cyclades or the Dodecanese. Long under Venetian rather than Ottoman rule, the archipelago preserves a distinct architecture and culture, paired with particularly clear waters.
What to discover in the Ionian Islands?
The Ionian Islands, also known as the Eptanisa for their seven main islands, stand out for a distinct history, largely spared from Ottoman rule and shaped by centuries of Venetian presence, followed by French and British rule. This influence shows in the architecture of Corfu, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as in the local cuisine, tinged with Italian influences.
The archipelago is also marked by lush landscapes, more wooded and mountainous than the islands of the Aegean Sea, owing to a more humid climate. Zakynthos is known for its Shipwreck Beach and sea turtles, Kefalonia for its caves and mountainous scenery, while Ithaca retains a strong link to the legend of Odysseus. This diversity of landscapes and atmospheres makes the Ionian Islands a destination valued as much for nature as for heritage.
Cities to visit in Ionian Islands
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Ionian Islands in pictures
The Ionian Islands' must-see experiences
A few experiences that shape a discovery of the archipelago.
Shipwreck Beach
This secluded cove on Zakynthos, reachable by boat, owes its fame to the wreck stranded on its white sand.
Kefalonia's caves
The Drogarati cave and the underground lake of Melissani rank among the island's natural highlights.
Island of Ithaca
Tied to the legend of Odysseus, this quieter island offers peaceful villages and preserved coves.
Caretta caretta turtles
Zakynthos's national marine park protects one of the Mediterranean's main nesting sites for this species.
Turquoise waters
Coves lined with limestone cliffs offer remarkably clear waters, ideal for swimming.
Practical information
- Main islands
- Seven (Eptanisa)
- Total area
- About 2,310 km²
- Population
- About 210,000 residents
- Language
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (UTC+3 in summer)
- Climate
- Mediterranean, more humid than the Aegean
- Best season
- May to October
Frequently asked questions about the Ionian Islands
When is the best time to visit the Ionian Islands?
May through October offers pleasant weather, with higher visitor numbers in July and August on the main beaches.
Which island should I visit first?
Corfu, better served by air, is often a first entry point before reaching Zakynthos or Kefalonia.
How do you travel between the islands?
Ferries connect the main Ionian islands to each other and to the mainland, notably from the ports of Patras and Kyllini.
How do these islands differ from the Cyclades?
The more humid climate produces greener landscapes, while Venetian heritage shapes the local architecture more strongly.
Are the Ionian Islands family-friendly?
Yes, several shallow sandy beaches and a generally calm atmosphere make them a family-friendly destination.
Can you see sea turtles there?
Zakynthos's national marine park offers the chance to observe Caretta caretta turtles under protective rules.
Plan your trip to Ionian Islands
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
