Corfu
Corfu is accessible both by air and sea, making it easy to include in your travel plans.
By Plane: Corfu International Airport (CFU), also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, receives direct flights from Athens year-round and from many European cities during the summer season. The airport is located just 3 km from Corfu Town, a quick 10-minute taxi or bus ride away.
By Ferry: Ferries to Corfu run frequently from the port of Igoumenitsa on the mainland (about 1.5–2 hours), and from other Ionian Islands during the high season. There are also occasional routes from Italian ports such as Bari and Ancona. Ferries arrive at the New Port of Corfu, just a short distance from the town center. Albania port of Sarande arrives to Corfu town in 45 minutes.
The number of convienent ways to arrive in Corfu makes it an excellent starting point for your Greek Ionian getaway.
Getting Around: Buses Across the Island
Corfu’s public bus system is efficient and affordable, offering two types of services:
Blue Buses (Local Routes): Serve Corfu Town and nearby suburbs.
Green Buses (Intercity Routes): Connect Corfu Town with destinations across the island, including Paleokastritsa, Kassiopi, Sidari, Lefkimmi, and more.
Here are some useful Green Bus routes:
Corfu Town to Kassiopi – approx. 1 hr 20 min, with departures roughly every 2–3 hours.
Corfu Town to Paleokastritsa – approx. 45 minutes, ideal for beachgoers and hikers.
Corfu Town to Lefkimmi – approx. 1.5 hours, serving the island’s southern region.
You can find updated timetables and ticket prices on the official Corfu Green Buses website: https://greenbuses.gr
My favourite beaches in Corfu
Kassiopi:
Bataria Beach: A peaceful cove with fine pebbles, great for swimming and snorkeling.
Pipitos Beach: Just a short walk from the town center, surrounded by olive groves and turquoise waters.
Kanoni Beach: Offers shallow, calm waters, ideal for families with kids. There were umbrellas available and a nice walk along the rock face.
Sidari:
Sidari Main Beach: A long, sandy Blue‑Flag beach right by the village centre—perfect for families thanks to its shallow water, sunbeds, and beachfront bars. A hub for water sports like pedalos, jet skis, and banana boats
Apotripiti Beach: Slightly more secluded, Apotripiti boasts sandy shores mixed with clay-rich deposits believed to be good for the skin—a natural spa experience
Canal d’Amour (Channel/Lovers’ Canal): This iconic cove, carved into sandstone cliffs, is Sidari’s most famous natural landmark. The serene turquoise inlet is great for swimming and memorable photos.
Kavos
Kavos is a bustling beach resort town located on the southernmost tip of Corfu, about 45 km from Corfu Town. Known for its long sandy beach, affordable accommodations, and high-energy nightlife, Kavos has become a top destination for young travelers seeking a mix of sun and party vibes. Despite its reputation as a party capital, Kavos also offers beautiful coastline, calm waters, and opportunities for laid-back exploration.
Kavos Beach (Main Beach)
Arkoudilas Beach
St. Peter’s Beach
More activies and day trips:
Paxos and Anti-Paxos
The small Ionian islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are two of the most breathtaking destinations off the coast of Corfu—famous for turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and a relaxed island vibe. The best part? They’re easy to visit on a day trip from Corfu.
While you can see Paxos and Anti-Paxos islands in a day trip from Corfu, if you have the time I reccomend spending at least one night on Paxos island in order to make the most of the trip, as the day trip is quite long and draining each way to Corfu Island.
However, if you don’t have a night to spare, the day trip is still well worth visiting these stunning islands!
If you would like to do the day trip, the company we used is linked here
Lefkada
To arrive at Lefkada, we travelled by Ferry on Lefkada Palace being the main operator. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at https://lefkadapalace.com/
Lefkada stands out with its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. Connected to mainland Greece by a floating bridge, this island offers the perfect blend of accessibility and untouched natural beauty — making it a favorite for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Best beaches in Lefkada
1. Egremni Beach Once accessible only by a long staircase down cliffs (but recently improved with better access), Egremni is a breathtaking stretch of white sand bordered by towering cliffs and intense blue waters. Its relatively remote location means fewer crowds compared to other beaches, and the crystal-clear sea makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
2. Porto Katsiki Arguably Lefkada’s most famous beach, Porto Katsiki is instantly recognizable by its stunning cliff backdrop and brilliant azure waters. The beach’s name means “goat port,” hinting at the steep paths once used by goats to reach it. Today, visitors access it via a set of stairs carved into the cliff. With its pristine sand and breathtaking views, it’s a bucket-list destination for beach lovers.
More activities and day trips:
Kefalonia
The fastest way to travel by ferry from Lefkada to Kefalonia is via a direct ferry from Lefkada to Sami, which takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. These ferries depart three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Kefalonia is a large island and not easily accessible by public transport, I reccomend hiring a car here in order to see the many different parts of the island.
Kefalonia is a captivating Ionian island that enchants visitors with its dramatic landscapes, hidden caves, and pristine beaches.Some of my favourite things to do here:
Melissani Cave (Melissani Lake)
Located near Sami, this subterranean cave with an open roof lets sunlight illuminate its electric‑blue waters. Visitors glide across in small, guided rowboats—creating a magical, cenote‑like experience. It is reccomended to visit around Midday, however we found lines were quite long in peak season and returned later in the day for a shorter line experience.
Myrtos Beach
Iconic and often voted among Greece’s most beautiful—pebble shoreline under towering cliffs, with crystal-clear turquoise waves
Charming Villages & Towns
Assos Village:
A picturesque harbor town nestled in a fjord-like bay and crowned by Venetian castle ruins
Fiscardo: Upmarket northern port with Venetian architecture, gorgeous waterfront tavernas, easy access to sea caves, and a stylish ambiance
Argostoli: The island’s capital, traverse the De Bosset Bridge, stroll shorelines, and visit boutique shops
Drogarati Cave:
Nearby Melissani, this enormous stalactite cave hosts acoustic concerts—an atmospheric experience
Private boat rentals:
Ideal for discovering remote coves and hidden beaches—many accessible only by water. No boat licesnse was necessary
Zakynthos
There are two main ferry companies that operate regularly from Kefalonia to Zakynthos. Lefkada Palace operates this route, with ferries sailing approximately 3 times per week and taking about 3 hours. Levante Ferries also operates routes between Kefalonia and Zakynthos, and leaves from Porto Town.
Top Things to Do in Zakynthos
. Visit the Iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)
No trip to Zakynthos is complete without witnessing Navagio Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Framed by towering white cliffs and known for the rusted shipwreck that rests on its sands, it’s accessible only by boat. Alternatively, hike to the cliff-top viewpoint for that legendary panoramic photo. Try to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting.
Explore the Blue Caves
Along the island’s northern coast lies the stunning Blue Caves — a series of sea arches and caverns where the light reflects off the limestone walls to create an almost glowing turquoise color. You can explore the caves by small boat tours or, for the more adventurous, by kayak or even snorkeling. Early morning visits are best when the light is at its most magical.
Spot Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Laganas Bay
Zakynthos is a sanctuary for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles. Head to Laganas Bay or Gerakas Beach, both part of the National Marine Park, to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can take a turtle-spotting boat trip (just make sure it’s with an eco-friendly operator), or if you’re lucky, watch them nest during the summer months.
Walk to Mizithres Islands
One of Zakynthos’ hidden gems is the Mizithres Islands — two striking limestone rock formations rising from the turquoise sea, just off the coast of Keri. During low tide or calm conditions, it’s possible to walk or wade from Keri Beach to the Mizithres viewpoint and sometimes even get close to the base of the formations. The area is absolutely breathtaking and less crowded than Navagio, making it ideal for photos, a peaceful swim, or a romantic picnic. It’s a must-do for nature lovers and one of the most scenic spots on the island.
The nightlife in Zakynthos is also fantastic if you are looking to head out. Spend some time in Laganas at night.
Other day trips and activities:
From Zakynthos, you can catch direct flights to the Cyclades islands, or continue on your journey to other parts of europe, with some excellent direct flight options.
See flight options:
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