No place in Europe has more of a Caribbean look and feel than Greece’s Ionian islands. Most recognizable for their surreal turquoise waters set against soft white sand or iconic limestone cliffs, white fishing boats floating on royal blue seas in the distance, and every shade of blue in between, the Ionian islands are truly the stuff of dreams.
Nestled within the warm embrace of the Ionian Sea, a mesmerizing expanse of the Mediterranean, the Ionian islands are graced by the alluring presence of the Italian coast to the west and the majestic Greek mainland to the east. Among the more than 20 islands that compose this archipelago, seven majestic gems reign supreme, often affectionately dubbed the ‘Eptanissa Group,’ a reference hailing from the Greek word ‘Epta,’ meaning ‘seven.’
See the Ionian islands on the map.
Well-connected by a network of maritime transportation, these principal islands welcome travelers from all over the world, allowing them to island-hop and enjoy as many of these timeless destinations as they wish.
Here are the best seven islands in the Ionian group:
1. Corfu (Kerkyra)
Corfu, a lovely green island covered in pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees, is one of the most popular Greek Islands, including among celebrities. Its history is rich, having been ruled by the Venetians, French, and British.
Notably, it was the site of the first Greek University and the first philharmonic orchestra. Corfu Town, the capital, boasts beautiful Venetian architecture and holds a special place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The town’s charm lies in its winding streets and small squares, with Spinada being one of Greece’s largest squares. The magnificent cathedral is dedicated to St. Spyridon, the island’s Patron Saint. In the main town, visitors can explore galleries and museums, along with enjoying a variety of bars and restaurants.
Beyond the town, traditional villages and natural wonders like the salt lake Alikes and the Karission lagoon, where flamingoes and other migratory birds stop by in the winter, await exploration.
Corfu offers many gorgeous beaches, such as Ayios Georgios Pagon and Glyfada. For those seeking less crowded options, Ermones and tiny Kouloura are excellent choices.
The island also provides ample opportunities for water sports, including diving and water skiing. Additionally, visitors can enjoy horse riding in Gouvia and Aviaki, as well as paragliding and hiking on a network of trails. With direct flights from numerous European airports, getting to Corfu is hassle-free.
2. Lefkada
Lefkada stands out as an island of dense forests, famous beaches, and traditional fishing villages. Unique among the main seven islands, Lefkada is connected to the Greek mainland by a causeway.
Its capital town, Lefkada town, situated on the north coast of the island, enchants visitors with its maze of narrow alleyways and a plethora of tavernas serving the island’s delectable dishes.
The island’s stunning beaches are some of the most photographed in the world, having earned it the nickname ‘the Caribbean of Greece,’ with a mix of soft sand and azure waters that are nothing short of breathtaking. Among the top beaches are Porto Katsiki, Milos, Egremni, and Kathisma, but there are more isolated options for those seeking solitude.
Watersport enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, and scuba diving, as well as boats available for charter to explore nearby tiny islands, including Skorpios.
Lefkada offers numerous attractions for sightseeing, such as the eastern coastal villages of Nydri and Agios Nikitas. On the island’s east coast, sea caves sheltered WW2 submarines, adding an element of history to the natural beauty.
Windsurfing enthusiasts will be delighted with the options in Vassiliki on the south coast. To reach Lefkada, travelers can take a car or bus, as there are no direct flights or ferries.
3. Kephalonia (Kefalonia)
Kephalonia, the largest Ionian Island, is renowned for its dry rugged landscape, beautiful white beaches, calm turquoise waters, and diving reefs. Its capital, Argostoli, sits atop a hill overlooking the harbor.
While some beaches are accessible only on foot, Kephalonia’s snorkeling and diving sites are major draws. Tourists can explore the impressive Melissa underground lake, Drogati cave, and numerous underwater caves and reefs.
For beginners, various scuba diving courses are available. The island’s sandy beaches also serve as nesting sites for Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) and are a home to monk seals (Monachus monachus), often spotted during boat trips.
Visiting charming fishing villages like Fiscardo and Assos is a delight, and Kephalonia’s popularity with Italian visitors is due to its proximity to the port of Bari on the Italian coast. The island has its own international airport, offering flights from all over Europe during the summer season (May-October), and internal flights from Athens operate year-round.
The only downside about Kefalonia is that it’s really hard to leave. Its unmatched natural beauty, accessibility, and the tranquil seaside lifestyle might just persuade you to move to Greece altogether.
4. Zakynthos (Zante)
The island of Zakynthos is one of the most photographed in the world, its beaches have repeatedly made the top 10 best beaches in the world lists.
Zakynthos offers a plethora of activities for the entire family. Its main town overlooks the harbor and features numerous narrow streets with excellent shopping opportunities, particularly in Solomos Square.
The village of Bochali, situated on a hill above the main town, rewards visitors with breathtaking views, especially at night when twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere. Th Kastro, the old castle, stands on the ruins of the ancient acropolis, providing a commanding view of Bochali, Zakynthos Town, and the harbor.
Known for its fantastic beaches, Zakynthos boasts the iconic Navagio Beach, also known as ‘shipwreck beach,’ which is accessible only by boat. The Blue Caves, located near Ayios Nikolaos on the north of the island, are equally impressive. Some of Zakynthos’ beaches are frequented by Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and tourists can witness the turtle project in action at Laganas Bay and Gerakas.
For water sports enthusiasts, Zakynthos offers excellent facilities for diving and other activities. The island also features several hiking routes leading to medieval towers and mountain villages. Visitors can indulge in horseback riding and enjoy the thrill of a professional karting track. Zakynthos’ international airport receives flights from various European destinations.
5. Paxi (Paxos)
Located south of Corfu in the North Ionian Sea, Paxi is a small cosmopolitan island among the main seven islands. Though it lacks direct flights, it remains well-connected by ferry all year round. Most visitors fly to Corfu and then take the ferry, with crossings varying between 50 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Due to its small size, Paxos is an ideal destination for a few days, with a relatively undiscovered charm and popularity among private yachts that anchor there. The island’s beaches are mostly stony with clear waters, and the main sandy beach lies on its southern tip. Some beaches, such as Plakes, are accessible only by boat and are especially picturesque, surrounded by old olive groves.
The west coast features dramatic chalk formations carved by the wind and sea, including caves and arches. For sandy beach lovers, a short ferry ride to Antipaxos provides access to beautiful beaches like Mesovrika and Voutoumi.
Paxi’s allure has attracted numerous artists to settle there. Its three main fishing villages, Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos, exude a quaint charm, with Italian architecture and friendly ducks and geese strolling through the narrow streets.
6. Ithaca
This small island is truly impressive, boasting over 100 tumbling waterfalls, steep gorges, and dramatic countryside. As the birthplace of Ulysses, Ithaca is steeped in mythology, making it an appealing destination for history enthusiasts.
A quiet island covering just 96 square kilometers and housing a population of just over 3,500, Ithaca is perfect for nature lovers. The lush greenery and numerous footpaths leading to small chapels and hamlets make it a paradise for hikers.
The sparkling emerald waters surrounding its shores add to the island’s allure. Visitors can choose from a variety of beaches, ranging from larger, popular ones with sun loungers and parasols to more secluded coves for a peaceful retreat.
Some of the island’s beaches are well-known nesting sites for Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta), adding to the natural wonders of Ithaca. Among the three harbors on the island – Pisaetos, Frikies, and Vathy – visitors can access Ithaca via ferries from other islands like Kefalonia, as there are only a few direct ferries from Pireaus.
Notably, Pisaetos is one of the world’s largest natural harbors, making it a fascinating sight for maritime enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
7. Kythira (Tsirago)
Kythira, mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, is a small, attractive, and secluded island that lies further out from the south eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula compared to the other main islands. The island’s dramatic green valleys leading to the shore and its villages with Venetian-influenced architecture provide a unique charm. Kythira boasts numerous historical monuments waiting to be discovered.
For those seeking relaxation, Kythira is an ideal destination, as there are no organized excursions, allowing visitors to enjoy its unspoiled beauty at their own pace.
Avelemonas, a coastal village, is particularly picturesque and a must-visit. Other notable sights include the Cave of Ayia Sofia, situated 20 km from Chora and featuring impressive stalagmites and a small chapel, as well as the stunning Waterfalls of Fonissa, which cascade 20 meters into a gorgeous pool, perfect for swimming. The Medieval Castle of Chora overlooks the main village and offers a glimpse into the island’s history.
Kythira is a paradise for hikers, particularly during the milder temperatures of spring or autumn. Adventurers can also consider taking a boat trip to the tiny island of Antikythira, which lies nearby and has only 50 inhabitants.
While the island’s airport serves regular domestic flights from Athens, there are no direct international flights. Instead, regular ferries connect Kythira to Piraeus port (Athens) and the ports of Neapoli in the Peloponnese and Kissamos in Crete.
The Ionian Islands present a perfect opportunity for a relaxing getaway surrounded by a mesmerizing blend of colors and landscapes that will stay with you forever. Whether you choose to visit one of the main seven islands for a chance to unwind and embrace village life or opt for island hopping to explore several islands, each will captivate you with its own magic.
The abundance of attractions and natural wonders may leave you with the delightful predicament of having so many places to visit and not enough days to explore them all.
More magical Greek islands to explore:
Discover the Greek paradise: The best Aegean islands
Five reasons to dream of Greece: The best Cycladic islands
Make the islands of Greece your forever home: The best Greek islands to live on
