Corfu & the Ionian Islands
The greenest of the Greek islands, strung down Greece's west coast: Corfu's Venetian old town and olive-clad north-east, tiny Paxos, Lefkada's white cliffs, Kefalonia's Myrtos Beach and Zakynthos's Shipwreck Cove. Direct flights from London run from about April to October, and the sea is warm enough for swimming from late May; June and September give the best balance of heat, crowds and prices.
Overview
Most UK visitors fly into Corfu or Kefalonia and stay put, though ferries make a two-island trip easy. Corfu suits almost everyone: families in the sandy north-west and Kassiopi, couples and walkers on the quieter north-east coast facing Albania, and culture lovers in Corfu Town. Paxos, about an hour by fast ferry from Corfu, is for slow villa holidays and boat hire. Kefalonia is bigger, wilder and better for driving, while Zakynthos mixes loggerhead turtle beaches with Laganas's club strip. Lefkada, joined to the mainland by a causeway, has the finest west-facing beaches. The season runs from May to October; outside it, many hotels and tavernas close and the rain arrives.
Map of Corfu & the Ionian Islands
Highlights
- 1Architecture
Corfu Old Town
A UNESCO-listed maze of Venetian lanes between two fortresses, with the arcaded Liston built under French rule and cricket still played on the Spianada. Climb the Old Fortress at sunset and eat in the backstreets of Campiello.
- 2Beach
Paleokastritsa
A cluster of small coves with clear turquoise water beneath a clifftop monastery on Corfu's west coast. Take a boat trip to the sea caves, then drive up to the village of Lakones for the view down over the bays.
- 3Nature
Paxos and Antipaxos
Tiny, olive-covered Paxos has three harbour villages, Gaios, Lakka and Loggos, and hiring a small boat is the way to explore. Antipaxos, a short hop south, has vineyards and the startlingly clear water of Voutoumi beach.
- 4Beach
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
A sweep of white pebbles and intensely blue water below sheer cliffs in north-west Kefalonia, best seen first from the road above. Afternoons are busiest; combine it with the Venetian-castle harbour village of Assos nearby.
- 5Nature
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos
A rusting smuggler's ship lies on a white cove enclosed by cliffs on Zakynthos's north-west coast. Rockfall risk has kept the beach and its waters closed to visitors in recent seasons, so see it from the clifftop viewpoint and check current rules before going.
Where to stay
Corfu Town
Stay in the old town for restaurants, museums and evening strolls; good for couples and short breaks, though you will need transport for the best beaches.
Kassiopi, Corfu
Harbour village in Corfu's north-east with pebble coves, coastal walks and plenty of tavernas; suits couples and families wanting calm water and views of Albania.
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Kefalonia's prettiest harbour, largely spared by the 1953 earthquake, with yachts, upmarket tavernas and boat trips to Ithaca; best for couples happy to pay more.
Lakka, Paxos
A horseshoe bay in northern Paxos with villa rentals, small beaches and boat hire; ideal for a slow week of swimming and long taverna lunches.
When to go to Corfu & the Ionian Islands
Best time: May–Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Corfu Town
How much does Corfu & the Ionian Islands cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £130 off-peak and £400 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Corfu & the Ionian Islands
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Greece are different. If you are a touring creative, see details about the Uniform (Schengen) visa.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Greece
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 28 Oct 2026 | Ohi Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Glorifying Mother of God |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Mon 15 Mar 2027 | Green Monday |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Independence Day |
| Fri 30 Apr 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 3 May 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Tue 4 May 2027 | Labour Day (observed) |
| Mon 21 Jun 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Dormition of the Mother of God |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Corfu's heavy winter rainfall is why it is so green: from November to March expect grey spells, cool seas and shuttered resorts, so treat the Ionians as a May–October destination.
- To island-hop, use the summer-only Kefalonia–Zakynthos ferry from Pessada or the Corfu–Paxos fast ferries, and book hire cars well ahead for July and August, when fleets sell out.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Greece guide.
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