Destinations > Greece > Ionian Islands

Ionian Islands

Located off the western coast of Epiros, the Ionian Islands are culturally and geographically separated from the other Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea.

Corfu (Kerkyra)

If you take the ferry from Italy, chances are that it will stop in Corfu en route to mainland Greece. Corfu town is a nice enough place to spend time in, although most people go in search of the beaches of Agios Gordios.

Practical Information

Corfu Tourist Office

Rizopaston Voulefton & Iak. Folia

Tel 0661 0 37520

Coming & Going

Every hour ferries go to Igoumenitsa on the mainland. There are also ferries to Patras, plus international destinations in Italy, Albania and Croatia.

The bus station in Corfu town has buses to Athens.

Corfu's airport is just outside Corfu town. Like Athens, there are lots of cheap charter flights to most places in Europe, especially during the summer.

Local Transport

The island is reasonably well connected by local bus routes, although they are infrequent on weekends. Many people rent a scooter to get around. If you are staying at the Pink Palace, call them from the port, chances are they will pay for your taxi.

Accommodation

Angelica's Backpackers' Hostel

Ayos Ioannis, Corfu 49081

Sunrock Backpackers Hostel

Pelekas Beach, Sinarades, Corfu 49084

Tel (26610) 94637

The Pink Palace

Agios Gordios Beach, Corfu

Tel (26610) 53103

Kephalonia

The largest of the Ionian islands is known for its rugged landscape and it is a popular spot with travellers that want to escape Corfu's party scene. The island was recently made famous by Louis de Bernières' novel Captain Correlli's Mandolin, which was set here.

Coming & Going

Although Kephalonia has several ports, most ferries stop at Sami. This small port is located at the northern end of the island, about 25km from the island's capital, Argostoli.

Ferries to Corfu and Patras stop at Sami, including some ferries plying the Brindisi-Corfu-Patras route.

Ithaka

This small and little-visited island has beautiful scenery although the beaches don't compare favourably to those on other islands. This island is famous as the home of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey.