Ferry to Ionian Islands

Ferry Travel to the Ionian Islands

To reach Greece’s Ionian Islands by ferry, look to the country’s western mainland coast: Epirus faces the northern islands, while the western Peloponnese is the mainland starting region for the southern part of the group. Choose your island before planning the journey across mainland Greece, as Corfu and Zakynthos sit at opposite ends of a widely spread archipelago. Corfu suits a stay combining historic town streets with beaches, while nearby Paxi appeals if you prefer a smaller island centred on harbour villages. Kefalonia offers enough variety for a holiday based on one island, with its mountainous interior, distinct coastal towns and beaches spread across a substantial area. Neighbouring Ithaca suits a quieter, smaller-scale trip, while Zakynthos combines beach-focused holidays with the option of exploring inland villages.

For island hopping, think in geographical clusters rather than assuming the whole group forms a convenient ferry circuit. Corfu and Paxi form a natural northern pairing geographically, while Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi lie off Corfu’s north-western side and appeal to travellers seeking small-island stays. Kefalonia and Ithaca are close neighbours in the central part of the group, making them a sensible combination to consider, whereas adding Zakynthos extends your journey south. Proximity alone does not establish a direct ferry link, so choosing two neighbouring islands leaves more room for exploring than an itinerary stretching from Corfu to Zakynthos, where transfers can become a substantial part of the holiday. Once you have chosen your island combination, compare the crossings for each stage before fixing accommodation dates.