Ionian Islands Travel Guide
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
The Ionian Islands are the green islands of the west, shaped by Venice rather than the Ottomans: they never fell to Ottoman rule. Corfu town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2007), a Venetian fortress-town of two fortresses, the Liston arcade and cricket on the Spianada.
Kefalonia has Myrtos, the great white-pebble beach, and the underground lake of Melissani. Zakynthos has Navagio, the Shipwreck beach, and the loggerhead turtles of Laganas Bay. Lefkada, Ithaca (the home of Odysseus) and Paxi complete the chain.
Destinations in Ionian Islands
Corfu old townThe UNESCO town: the Old Fortress, the Liston, the Spianada.
Navagio BeachThe Shipwreck beach of Zakynthos: the viewpoint above the cove.
Myrtos BeachKefalonia's great beach: white pebbles under limestone cliffs.
PaleokastritsaCorfu's coves and the monastery on the headland.
FiskardoKefalonia's Venetian harbor, untouched by the 1953 earthquake.
Melissani CaveKefalonia's underground lake: boats under the collapsed roof.
Lefkada beachesPorto Katsiki and Egremni: the great west-coast beaches.
Paxi and AntipaxiThe small islands: olive groves and the Voutoumi beach.
IthacaThe home of Odysseus: Vathy and the quiet north.
Laganas Bay turtlesZakynthos: the loggerhead nesting beaches, a national marine park.
AchilleionEmpress Sissi's palace above Corfu town.
Hover a region to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Ionian Islands
Regional food
- Sofrito (Corfu's veal in white wine and garlic)
- Pastitsada (the Sunday meat and pasta dish)
- Kumquat liqueur of Corfu
Getting there
Airports on Corfu (CFU), Kefalonia (EFL) and Zakynthos (ZTH). Ferries run from Igoumenitsa to Corfu, and from Kyllini to Kefalonia and Zakynthos.