Ionian Sea Islands: The Complete Guide

Ionian Sea Islands: The Complete Guide for Sailors & Smart Travellers

The Ionian Sea Islands are Greece’s emerald-green sailing paradise, calm waters, reliable summer winds, dramatic cliffs, Venetian towns and sheltered anchorages.

Whether you’re chartering for a week or planning a full cruising season, this guide gives skippers and travellers everything needed to explore safely and confidently.

About the Ionian Sea Islands

The Ionian Sea Islands lie off Greece’s western coast along the Ionian Sea, facing Italy. Unlike the dry Cyclades, these islands are lush, mountainous and greener due to higher winter rainfall.
The main islands include:

They are ideal for:

  • First-time charterers
  • Families
  • Flotillas
  • Relaxed coastal hopping
  • Early and late season sailing
Corfu island vlacherna monastery
Corfu island vlacherna monastery Greece

Where Are the Ionian Sea Islands?

The Ionian Islands stretch from the Albanian border in the north down to the Peloponnese in the south.

Quick geography summary (Featured Snippet ready):

  • West of mainland Greece

  • East of Italy

  • North–south island chain

  • Sheltered from the Aegean Meltemi

The sailing grounds are mostly protected by mainland Greece, making this region calmer than the Cyclades Archipelago.

Ionian Sea Islands Historical & Natural Highlights

Unlike many Aegean islands, the Ionian group has strong Venetian, French and British influences.

Highlights include:

  • Venetian fortresses in Corfu

  • Homeric mythology on Ithaca

  • British architecture in Zakynthos

  • Venetian harbour towns in Kefalonia

  • Dramatic white limestone cliffs across the western coasts

For sailors, the blend of history and safe natural harbours makes the region both scenic and practical.

Meganisi Island Greece
Meganisi Island Greece

What Ionian Sea Islands in Greece Are Worth Visiting?

The best Ionian Sea islands to visit are Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos. Each offers unique sailing conditions, beaches, culture and natural beauty.

Corfu

Best for architecture, cosmopolitan feel, and excellent marina infrastructure.

Paxos & Antipaxos

Compact, charming, turquoise anchorages. Perfect for relaxed sailing.

Lefkada

Easily accessible by bridge. Gateway to central Ionian cruising.

Kefalonia

Wild landscapes, caves, dramatic beaches.

Ithaca

Quiet, authentic, ideal for slow cruising.

Zakynthos

Famous for Shipwreck Beach and sea caves.

Ionian Sea Islands Top Destinations & Villages

Iconic Towns & Villages

  • Corfu Old Town – UNESCO heritage feel

  • Fiskardo (Kefalonia) – pastel harbour village

  • Gaios (Paxos) – protected natural harbour

  • Vathi (Ithaca) – peaceful deep-water bay

  • Nidri (Lefkada) – charter base hub

  • Zakynthos Town – lively waterfront promenade

These towns provide:

  • Water & fuel

  • Tavernas on the quay

  • Provisioning

  • Short walking distances

Paxos Greece
Paxos Greece

What Is the Most Beautiful Part of Ionian Sea Islands?

The most beautiful part of the Ionian Sea Islands is widely considered to be the west coast cliffs of Lefkada and Kefalonia, along with Navagio Beach in Zakynthos and the turquoise waters of Antipaxos.

Beauty varies by preference:

  • Dramatic cliffs → Lefkada

  • Emerald anchorages → Paxos

  • Wild mountains → Kefalonia

  • Mythic charm → Ithaca

Ionian Sea Islands Beaches

White Cliff Beaches

  • Porto Katsiki (Lefkada)

  • Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia)

  • Egremni (Lefkada)

Sandy Family Beaches

  • Glyfada (Corfu)

  • Tsilivi (Zakynthos)

Secluded Sailing Anchorages

  • Ormos Abelike (Meganisi)

  • Lakka Bay (Paxos)

Blue Flag Options

Many organised beaches offer clean water, facilities and lifeguards.

Paradise Beach Ithaca Greece
Paradise Beach Ithaca Greece

Ionian Sea Islands Top Natural Wonders

  1. Navagio (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos

  2. Melissani Cave Lake, Kefalonia

  3. Blue Caves, Zakynthos

  4. Mount Ainos National Park

  5. Cape Drastis, Corfu

These locations are ideal for:

  • Drone photography

  • Snorkelling

  • Kayaking

  • Geological exploration

What Is Special About Kefalonia?

Kefalonia is special for its dramatic mountain scenery, turquoise beaches, underground cave lakes, authentic villages and excellent sailing anchorages.

Highlights:

  • Myrtos Beach

  • Melissani Cave

  • Fiskardo harbour

  • Mount Ainos

For skippers, Kefalonia offers:

  • Deep natural bays

  • Good holding

  • Safe marina options (Argostoli, Sami)

Activities & Culture

Traditional Festivals

Summer panigiria (village feasts) are common.

Sailing & Island Hopping

Short 10–20 NM legs make it perfect for families.

Cuisine

  • Fresh fish

  • Pastitsada (Corfu)

  • Robola wine (Kefalonia)

  • Olive oil & honey

Architecture

Venetian fortresses and neoclassical buildings.

Outdoor Activities

  • Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters

  • Hiking Mount Ainos

  • Sea kayaking in caves

  • Paddleboarding in calm bays

  • Coastal cliff photography

Ionian Sea Islands Travel Information

What Languages Are Spoken?

Greek is official. English widely spoken in tourism areas.

What Are the Must-Buy Local Products?

  • Olive oil

  • Robola wine

  • Kumquat liqueur (Corfu)

  • Local honey

  • Handmade ceramics

Shopping for Souvenirs

Harbour boutiques and village artisan shops.

Is Ionian Sea Islands Expensive?

Mid-range compared to the Cyclades.
Marinas: €30–€80 (season dependent, 40ft yacht approx.)
Anchoring: Free in most bays.

Do I Need a Car?

Not if sailing. On land-only trips, yes for remote beaches.

Is Ionian Sea Islands Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes. Low crime, friendly locals, well-developed infrastructure.

How Do I Get to Ionian Sea Islands?

You can reach the Ionian Sea Islands by direct international flights to Corfu, Kefalonia or Zakynthos, by ferry from mainland Greece, or by driving to Lefkada via bridge.

Options:

  1. International flights (seasonal direct routes)

  2. Domestic Athens connections

  3. Ferry from Igoumenitsa or Patras

  4. Yacht charter bases in Lefkada & Corfu

Agiofili Lefkada Greece
Agiofili Lefkada Greece

How Long Is a Ferry from Athens to Ionian Sea Islands?

There is no direct ferry from Athens to most Ionian islands.

Typical travel times:

  • Athens to Patras: 2.5 hrs by car

  • Patras to Kefalonia ferry: 3–4 hrs

  • Athens to Lefkada: ~4 hrs drive

Total journey: 6–8 hours depending on island.

Which Is the Best Port to Arrive At?

For sailors:

  • Corfu Marina – Northern Ionian access

  • Lefkas Marina – Central Ionian hub

  • Sami (Kefalonia) – Good access to south

  • Zakynthos Port – Southern entry

Best all-round charter base: Lefkada (easy access, bridge connection, central position).

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ionian Sea Islands?

Best sailing months: May–June & September.

Season breakdown:

  • April–June: Mild, quieter, ideal winds

  • July–August: Busy, hot, afternoon NW breeze (Maistro 10–20 kt typical)

  • September–October: Warm sea, fewer crowds

  • Winter: Limited services, strong systems possible

Why Visit Ionian Sea Islands?

  • Protected sailing

  • Short distances between islands

  • Good holding anchorages

  • Lush landscapes

  • Family-friendly conditions

  • Excellent food

It’s arguably Greece’s most beginner-friendly sailing ground.

Sample 7-Day Sailing Itinerary (Central Ionian)

Day 1: Lefkada → Meganisi (12 NM)
Day 2: Meganisi → Ithaca (18 NM)
Day 3: Ithaca → Kefalonia (15 NM)
Day 4: Kefalonia → Fiskardo (10 NM)
Day 5: Fiskardo → Paxos (22 NM)
Day 6: Paxos → Antipaxos (8 NM)
Day 7: Return leg

Safe havens throughout:

  • Nidri

  • Vathi (Ithaca)

  • Sami

  • Gaios

Always check HNMS forecasts and Navtex before departure.

Fiskardo Kefalonia
Fiskardo Kefalonia

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Ionian Sea Islands in Greece are worth visiting?

Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos are the most popular and sailing-friendly.

2. What is the most beautiful part of Ionian Sea Islands?

The west coast cliffs of Lefkada and Navagio Beach in Zakynthos are widely considered the most dramatic.

3. How do I get to Ionian Sea Islands?

Fly directly to Corfu, Kefalonia or Zakynthos, or drive to Lefkada and cross the bridge.

4. How long is a ferry from Athens?

Typically 6–8 hours total travel combining road and ferry.

5. When is the best time to visit?

May–June and September offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds.

6. Is Ionian Sea Islands expensive?

Moderate by Greek standards. Anchoring is usually free.

7. Do I need a car?

Not for sailing holidays.

8. Which is the best port to arrive at?

Lefkada is the most convenient central base.

9. Is Ionian Sea Islands safe for solo travelers?

Yes, very safe with good infrastructure.

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