Ionian itineraries for island hopping and road trips

The Ionian Islands offer a dazzling choice for anyone planning short escapes or a longer Greek odyssey. Whether you prefer island-hopping by ferry or a scenic road trip that combines beaches, villages and mountain roads, I will guide you through one- to three-week sample itineraries, practical ferry information and realistic driving times so you can plan a smooth, memorable trip.

One-Week Ionian Highlights: Fast Island-Hopping Sample Routes

Corfu, Paxos & Antipaxos — Quick blue-and-white immersion

For a compact first timer’s week, start in Corfu (arrival via plane or ferry), spend two days exploring the old town and beaches, then take a day ferry to Paxos (Gaios) — about 1.5–2 hours depending on the service. Paxos is perfect for a night or two; rent a tender to visit Antipaxos for crystal waters and short swims. This route minimizes transfers and maximizes seaside relaxation.

Kefalonia Express — Dramatic coastlines and caves

If you fly into Kefalonia, plan three nights there to see Myrtos Beach, Melissani Cave and Assos. Then take a short ferry or boat transfer to Ithaca for authentic tavernas and quiet coves (ferries vary seasonally; typical crossings 30–60 minutes). This option is great if you want to combine natural wonders with laid-back island life.

Two-Week Ionian Exploration: Balanced Ferry and Road Trip Routes

Lefkada base + Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos loop

Lefkada is unique because it’s connected by bridge, so you can start a car-inclusive road trip. Spend 2–3 days exploring Lefkada’s famous beaches, then catch a summer ferry from Nidri to Kefalonia (about 1.5–2 hours) or drive via the mainland to Kyllini for ferries to Zakynthos. From Kefalonia, short crossings link to Ithaca. This balanced approach mixes driving freedom with selective ferry legs.

Western Ionian circuit — Corfu to Zakynthos

Begin in Corfu, hop to Paxos, return to mainland (Igoumenitsa) and drive south along the coast to Kyllini for a ferry to Zakynthos. Use Kefalonia as the mid-point for two or three nights. This route is more ambitious but rewards you with varied landscapes and diverse beaches.

Three-Week Ionian Immersion: Slow Travel and Hidden Gems

Slow-paced island-hopping with plenty of detours

With three weeks, I recommend slower rhythms: allow 3–5 nights on major islands and 1–2 nights on smaller gems. Example sequence: Corfu (3) → Paxos/Antipaxos (2) → Lefkada (3) → Kefalonia (4) → Ithaca (2) → Zakynthos (3). Use local ferries and a rented car where islands are connected by short ferries or bridges. This gives you time for hiking, boat trips, local markets and spontaneous detours.

In-depth travel tips for longer stays

Stay flexible. Local timetables shift with the season, and weather can change ferry frequencies. I suggest booking main ferry legs in advance during July–August, but leave some days open to extend a port you love.

Ferry Schedules, Operators and Booking Advice

Major operators and seasonal patterns

Key operators in the Ionian include Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and regional companies like Levante and local lines connecting smaller ports. Services increase dramatically in high season (July–Aug) and drop in spring/autumn. Timetables are island- and port-specific.

How to book and what to expect

Use aggregators (Ferryhopper, Direct Ferries) for schedules and cross-check with operator sites. Decide early whether you need a vehicle space — ferries that accept cars have limited spots and sell out. Expect boarding to require arrival 30–60 minutes before departure for vehicle ferries, less for foot passengers.

Driving Times, Road Conditions and Logistics

Typical driving times between key points

• Corfu north to south: up to 2 hours on winding roads.
• Kefalonia Argostoli to Fiskardo: 1.5–2 hours.
• Lefkada coast drives: 30–60 minutes depending on route.
• Zakynthos across the island: 30–60 minutes.
  Factor in slower speeds on mountain roads and hourly stops for photos.

Car rental tips and road realities

Rent a small, nimble car for narrow lanes. Fuel stations are plentiful on major islands but sparse on tiny islets. Parking in village centers can be tight; plan for early arrivals if you want waterfront spots. I advise checking insurance coverage and carrying a physical copy of your rental agreement.

• Book main ferry legs ahead in peak season.
• Prioritize fewer, longer stays over rushed hops.
• Rent a car for islands with long coast-to-coast drives.
• Check port locations: some ferries use different harbors (e.g., Sami vs. Argostoli).
• Allow buffer days for weather or schedule changes.

Final Planning Checklist for Ionian Itineraries

I hope these sample routes and practical pointers help you craft a trip that fits your rhythm — whether you chase beaches for a week or linger for three weeks to discover quieter bays and tucked-away villages. Plan ferries smartly, keep driving legs reasonable, and leave room for spontaneous discoveries: that’s where the Ionian magic truly happens.

For up-to-date ferry timetables, port-by-port notes and island guides that can help you fine-tune these itineraries, see ionian-island.co.uk. These practical resources are handy to cross-check schedules and local tips before you book.