Ionian island hopping works in two clusters: Corfu and Paxos in the north, and Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos in the south. Short ferries link islands within each cluster, but linking the two usually means driving the mainland coast or flying.
Ionian island hopping works best in two separate clusters: Corfu and Paxos in the north, and Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos further south. Within each cluster, short ferries connect the islands, but there is no frequent direct ferry between Corfu and Kefalonia, so linking the two halves usually means a drive along the mainland coast or a flight. The routes below reflect the 2026 season; Ionian timetables change every year, so check them before you commit to an itinerary.
Quick facts
- Main airports: Corfu, Aktion (Preveza, for Lefkada), Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
- Best season: June to September for the most ferry connections; May and early October with fewer sailings.
- Time needed: 7 to 10 days for one cluster, 2 to 3 weeks to see both.
- Car or not: a hire car is very useful on Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos; Paxos and Ithaca are easy without one.
- Key mainland ports: Igoumenitsa, Patras, Kyllini and Astakos.
How the Ionian ferry network works
Unlike the Cyclades, the Ionian Islands are not strung along one main ferry line. They lie in a long chain down the west coast of Greece, with the mainland close by on one side. Ferries mostly run between each island and its nearest mainland port, plus a few short hops between neighbouring islands. Some of the most useful inter-island links only run in summer.
In recent seasons, booking platforms have also listed a slow multi-stop ferry linking Corfu with Paxos, Lefkada, Meganisi, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos a few times a week. Its schedule has been irregular, so treat it as a bonus if it fits your dates rather than the backbone of your plan.
The northern cluster: Corfu and Paxos
Corfu is the main gateway, with the busiest airport in the Ionian. From Corfu Town, passenger ferries run to Gaios on Paxos throughout the year, with several sailings a day in summer; in 2026 the route is listed with Kerkyra Lines and Ionian Blue Wave. Crossings take roughly one to two hours depending on the vessel. Our guide on how to get to Paxos has the details, including the car ferry from Igoumenitsa.
From Gaios, small boats cross to Antipaxos in summer. On the mainland side, Igoumenitsa is linked to Corfu Town by frequent car ferries all year, and Corfu also has a second ferry port at Lefkimmi in the south. Start your planning with our Corfu travel guide and our Paxos travel guide.
The central cluster: Lefkada, Meganisi, Kefalonia and Ithaca
Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive straight onto it, and Aktion airport is close by. From Nidri, a local car ferry crosses to Meganisi several times a day. In summer, a ferry from Vassiliki in the south of Lefkada runs to Fiskardo in northern Kefalonia and to Frikes on Ithaca; for the 2026 season this route is listed with the operator Ionion Pelagos, generally from June to September. Our Lefkada travel guide and the guide to boat trips from Lefkada cover the island’s smaller neighbours.
Kefalonia and Ithaca are linked year-round by the short crossing from Sami to Pisaetos, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes; in 2026 it is served by Ionion Pelagos and Levante Ferries. Ferries from Patras call at Sami and Ithaca, and boats from Astakos on the mainland also serve both islands. Kyllini, in the western Peloponnese, has crossings to Poros in southeast Kefalonia. For the island itself, see our Kefalonia travel guide.
The southern link: Kefalonia and Zakynthos
In summer a ferry crosses between Pessada in southern Kefalonia and Agios Nikolaos in the far north of Zakynthos. For 2026 the route is listed with Ioniansea Ferries, running roughly from late May to late September, with a crossing of about one and a half to one and three-quarter hours. Outside that season, the only practical link is via the mainland, using the frequent year-round ferries between Kyllini and Zakynthos Town operated by Levante Ferries.
Linking north and south
This is where most itineraries need careful thought. Your realistic options are:
- By car along the mainland: take the car ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa, drive south via Preveza and the Aktio tunnel to Lefkada (Igoumenitsa to Lefkada is roughly 100 km), then continue by ferry from Vassiliki to Kefalonia in summer. This is the most flexible route.
- By air: small regional flights have connected Corfu, Aktion, Kefalonia and Zakynthos in some seasons. Schedules and frequencies change, so check what is operating for your dates.
- By the multi-stop ferry: if it is running when you travel, it links Corfu and Paxos to the southern islands in a single long day at sea.
Remember that if you fly into Corfu, you will usually need to get back there for your flight home, or book an open-jaw ticket returning from Kefalonia, Zakynthos or Aktion. Our guide to Corfu airport transfers helps with the first and last legs.
Sample itineraries
One week in the north: Corfu and Paxos
- Days 1 to 4: Corfu, with time in the Old Town, a day on the west coast and a drive into the north.
- Days 5 to 7: ferry to Paxos, with a day trip by taxi boat to Antipaxos.
- Return to Corfu for your flight, allowing a buffer in case of bad weather.
Ten days in the centre: Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaca
- Days 1 to 4: Lefkada, flying into Aktion; one day on a boat trip to Meganisi and around Skorpios.
- Days 5 to 6: summer ferry from Vassiliki to Fiskardo or Frikes; two nights on Ithaca.
- Days 7 to 10: ferry from Pisaetos to Sami and four nights on Kefalonia, flying home from Kefalonia airport.
Two weeks: the long route
- Days 1 to 4: Corfu, then two or three nights on Paxos.
- Days 5 to 8: back to Corfu, car ferry to Igoumenitsa and the drive to Lefkada.
- Days 9 to 14: Vassiliki to Kefalonia, then on to Zakynthos via Pessada, flying home from Zakynthos.
Kythira and the outliers
Kythira is traditionally counted among the seven Ionian Islands, but it lies far to the south, off the tip of the Peloponnese, and is administered separately. It is not practical to combine with the islands described here. The small islands of Kalamos and Kastos, southeast of Lefkada, are reached via Lefkada or the mainland port of Mytikas.
Practical tips
- Check timetables every time. Operators publish schedules each spring and adjust them through the season. Use the operators’ own sites, booking platforms or local port agencies, and recheck close to your travel date.
- Travel in high summer for the most options. Several inter-island routes, including Vassiliki to Kefalonia and Kefalonia to Zakynthos, run only from around June to September.
- Do not over-plan. Wind can cancel small boats. Keep at least one flexible day, especially before an international flight.
- Car hire rules. Ask before booking whether your rental car can go on ferries; some companies do not allow it or require extra insurance.
- Fewer bases, longer stays. Two or three nights is the minimum that makes each move worthwhile; the islands are bigger and more varied than they look on the map.
- Fares. Prices change by operator and season, so compare current fares when you book rather than relying on older figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry from Corfu to Kefalonia?
There is no frequent direct ferry. In recent seasons a slow multi-stop ferry has been listed linking Corfu with the southern islands a few times a week, but its schedule is irregular. Most travellers drive via Igoumenitsa and Lefkada or take a flight.
Which Ionian islands are easiest to combine?
Corfu and Paxos are linked by daily passenger ferries for most of the year. Kefalonia and Ithaca are connected year-round by a crossing of around half an hour, and Lefkada links to both in summer from Vassiliki.
How do you get from Kefalonia to Zakynthos?
In summer, a ferry runs from Pessada in southern Kefalonia to Agios Nikolaos in northern Zakynthos, taking roughly one and a half to one and three-quarter hours. Outside summer, you need to go via Kyllini on the mainland.
When is the best time for Ionian island hopping?
June to September offers the most ferry connections, as several inter-island routes run only in summer. May and early October are quieter and cheaper but have fewer sailings, so plan more carefully.
How many days do you need to island hop in the Ionian?
Allow 7 to 10 days to explore one cluster, such as Corfu and Paxos or Lefkada, Kefalonia and Ithaca. To combine north and south, two to three weeks is more realistic.
