The Ionian Islands are a group of seven main islands scattered along the western coast of Greece, known for their lush green landscapes, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich Venetian heritage. Unlike the arid Aegean islands, the Ionians enjoy a wetter climate that keeps them verdant year-round, creating a unique Mediterranean paradise. From the cosmopolitan charm of Corfu to the dramatic coastlines of Kefalonia and the famous shipwreck beach of Zakynthos, these islands offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Ionian Islands.
-
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
The most iconic beach in Greece, Navagio is a small enclosed cove accessible only by boat, sheltered by towering vertical limestone cliffs. The white sand is littered with the rust-streaked wreck of the MV Panagiotis, creating one of the world's most photographed scenes. The water is an extraordinary electric blue.
Editor’s tip. Arrive early to beat the crowds
-
Myrtos Beach
Widely considered the most beautiful beach in Greece, Myrtos has bright white pebbles and vivid blue-green water set between two towering limestone peaks. The dramatic contrast of colors and the theatrical landscape make it endlessly photogenic and awe-inspiring.
Editor’s tip. No large facilities — bring food and water
-
Porto Katsiki Beach
Porto Katsiki is Lefkada's most famous beach, reached by descending roughly 100 steps down dramatic white chalk cliffs. The fine pale sand and vivid blue-green water make it one of the most visually stunning beaches in Europe. A popular boat excursion destination.
Editor’s tip. Parking fills up fast — arrive by 9AM in summer
-
Egremni Beach
One of Lefkada's most dramatic and secluded beaches, Egremni stretches for 1.5 km beneath towering white cliffs on the island's southwest coast. After a 2015 earthquake destroyed the staircase, it is now accessible only by boat, making it even more exclusive and peaceful.
Editor’s tip. Bring all supplies including water and food
-
Paleokastritsa Beach
Paleokastritsa is not one beach but a collection of six small coves framed by lush green hills and the famous clifftop monastery. The water is an extraordinary shade of blue and the setting is among the most beautiful in Corfu. A famous snorkeling and diving destination.
Editor’s tip. Boat hire available to reach quieter coves inaccessible by road
-
Glyfada Beach
One of the most beautiful sandy beaches on Corfu's west coast, Glyfada is a long, wide crescent of golden sand with bright blue water sheltered by dramatic red cliffs. Well organized with excellent facilities, it is popular but rarely overcrowded thanks to its size.
Editor’s tip. One of the best beaches for watersports on Corfu
-
Antisamos Beach
A lush, green-fringed pebble beach on Kefalonia's east coast near Sami, Antisamos is famous for its film appearance in Captain Corelli's Mandolin. The vivid turquoise water contrasting with the green hillside makes it exceptionally photogenic, and the calm conditions are good for swimming.
Editor’s tip. Combine with Melissani Cave nearby
-
Agios Nikitas Beach
A charming and picturesque beach at the village of Agios Nikitas on Lefkada's west coast, with a pleasant mix of sand and pebble and clear water. The scenic village with its traditional tavernas right on the beach adds to the appeal.
Editor’s tip. The village tavernas are excellent for lunch
-
Laganas Beach
The longest beach on Zakynthos and arguably its most famous resort area, Laganas is a broad sandy beach lined with beach bars and resorts. It is important as a critical nesting ground for the Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle, with parts of the beach protected during nesting season (June-August).
Editor’s tip. Be aware of turtle nesting restrictions June-August
-
Agios Gordios Beach
A long sandy beach on Corfu's west coast flanked by dramatic red cliffs and a large isolated rock rising from the sea. One of Corfu's most scenic beaches with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent sunset views.
Editor’s tip. Excellent sunset views
-
Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos
Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Voutoumi on tiny Antipaxos has powdery white sand and water of an almost unreal vivid turquoise. Accessible only by boat from Paxos or day trips from Corfu, it has an exclusive, paradise-island feel.
Editor’s tip. Can only be reached by boat from Gaios on Paxos
-
Makris Gialos Beach
One of the most popular and easily accessible beaches near Argostoli on Kefalonia, Makris Gialos has fine golden sand and calm, clear water. Well organized with good facilities, it is a favorite with families and offers a refreshing contrast to the wilder Myrtos Beach.
Editor’s tip. Best organized beach near Argostoli
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Ionian Islands’s coast.
How do visitors reach Navagio Beach?
The beach is accessible only by boat. Daily organised excursions depart from Porto Vromi (approximately 15 minutes) and from Zakynthos Town harbour (approximately 45 minutes). Private boat charters are also available from multiple marinas on Zakynthos.
From the Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) editorial.
Are there facilities on the beach?
Facilities are very limited. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire in high season, but there are no permanent toilets, restaurants, or drinking water on the beach. Visitors should bring their own supplies including water.
From the Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) editorial.
Is Myrtos Beach suitable for families with young children?
Myrtos is challenging for young children due to the pebble surface and regular wave action from its northwest exposure. In very calm morning conditions the sea is more manageable. Water shoes are strongly recommended. Antisamos Beach near Sami is a calmer, more family-friendly Kefalonian alternative.
From the Myrtos Beach editorial.
How do visitors reach Myrtos Beach from Argostoli?
Myrtos is approximately 24 km north of Argostoli via the main road toward Assos, then via the signposted Divarata descent road. A rental car is the most practical option; there is no regular public bus service directly to the beach.
From the Myrtos Beach editorial.
How do visitors access Porto Katsiki Beach?
By land, visitors park at the clifftop car park and descend approximately 100 concrete steps to the beach. By sea, boat excursions from Vasiliki (approximately 30 minutes) and Nidri run daily in summer and land directly at the beach waterline.
From the Porto Katsiki Beach editorial.
Is parking easy at Porto Katsiki?
Parking is available at the cliff-top car park but fills rapidly in summer. Arriving before 9am is recommended; by mid-morning in July and August the car park is typically full. Boat excursions from Vasiliki avoid the parking challenge entirely.
From the Porto Katsiki Beach editorial.
Why is Egremni only accessible by boat?
A 2015 earthquake destroyed the staircase that previously provided land access from the clifftop road to the beach. The staircase has not been rebuilt, making a boat excursion the only practical way to reach Egremni Beach.
From the Egremni Beach editorial.
Where do boats to Egremni depart from?
The main departure point is Vasiliki, approximately 20 km south of Egremni, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. Boats also operate from Nidri on Lefkada's east coast. Organised day excursions are available from both locations in summer.
From the Egremni Beach editorial.