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 day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Paxos and Antipaxos Island Cruise
One of the most popular day trips from Corfu, this full-day boat excursion visits the charming twin islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Paxos features dramatic sea caves, the famous Hypapanti sea arch, and the picturesque harbor village of Gaios. Antipaxos offers the most spectacular turquoise water in the entire Ionian Sea, with two beautiful lagoon beaches at Vrika and Voutoumi. Most tours include snorkeling stops and time to explore Gaios village.
Highlights: Hypapanti sea arch and sea caves on Paxos · Antipaxos's unbelievably blue lagoon beaches · Gaios harbor village — charming Venetian architecture · Swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water
Day Trip to Ithaca from Kefalonia
A fascinating day excursion from Kefalonia to the legendary island of Ithaca — the mythological home of Odysseus described in Homer's Odyssey. Regular ferry services from Sami connect to Ithaca in around 30 minutes, allowing a full day to explore the charming harbor town of Vathy, swim in secluded coves, and visit mythological sites linked to the Odyssey including the Fountain of Arethusa and the School of Homer ruins.
Highlights: Vathy — one of the most beautiful harbor towns in Greece · Fountain of Arethusa — mythological spring of Odysseus · Kioni and Frikes — picturesque northern villages · Dexa Beach — where Odysseus supposedly landed
Mainland Greece: Ancient Dodona and Ioannina
An exciting day trip from Corfu to the Greek mainland by ferry, exploring ancient Dodona — the oldest oracle in Greece, dating to the 2nd millennium BC — and the vibrant city of Ioannina with its atmospheric island fortress on a lake. This trip combines ancient history with living Greek culture far from the beach crowds.
Highlights: Ancient Dodona theater and oracle sanctuary · Ioannina's island fortress and the museum of Ali Pasha · Ioannina's atmospheric old bazaar · Lake Pamvotis — stunning lake with island village
Navagio Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour, Zakynthos
The quintessential Zakynthos day trip combines the island's two most iconic natural wonders in a single boat excursion. The tour visits the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach in its dramatic limestone cove, followed by a cruise to the extraordinary Blue Caves at Cape Skinari where sunlight through the turquoise water creates vivid violet and blue colors. Snorkeling stops are usually included.
Highlights: Navagio Beach with the MV Panagiotis wreck on white sand · Blue Caves extraordinary natural light effects · Swimming in electric-blue Ionian water · Views of Zakynthos's dramatic limestone coastline
Lefkada Offshore Islands: Meganisi, Sparti, and Scorpios
A boat day trip from Nydri on Lefkada to the beautiful offshore islands of the Meganisi group, Sparti, and past the famous privately-owned Scorpios island (former home of Aristotle Onassis). The tour explores crystal-clear bays and secluded coves, with swimming stops in stunning turquoise water.
Highlights: Meganisi island village of Vathy — charming and unspoiled · Scorpios island — famous former Onassis private retreat · Sparti's pristine beaches and clear water · Multiple swimming stops in Ionian turquoise water
Myrtos Beach, Assos, and Fiskardo Drive, Kefalonia
A classic self-drive day trip around the northern half of Kefalonia visiting three of the island's most spectacular locations: the famous Myrtos Beach with its dramatic white cliffs, the exquisite Venetian village of Assos on its isthmus, and the chic harbour village of Fiskardo. This route showcases the extraordinary diversity of Kefalonian landscapes.
Highlights: Myrtos Beach — arguably Greece's most spectacular beach · Assos village and Venetian fortress · Fiskardo's elegant Venetian harbour · Spectacular mountain and sea road scenery
Albania Day Trip from Corfu
A unique border day trip from Corfu to neighboring Albania, now increasingly popular as Albanian tourism has opened up. Fast boats cross from Corfu Old Port to Saranda in around 45 minutes, allowing a full day to explore the ancient ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Saranda's lively seafront promenade, and the Blue Eye spring.
Highlights: Butrint Archaeological Park — UNESCO listed ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins · Saranda beach promenade and seafront restaurants · Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) — extraordinary natural spring · Opportunity to explore a fascinating emerging destination
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Items
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Overview
- Most Ionian day trips use a combination of ferries, excursion boats, and rental cars. Public buses reach very few day trip destinations.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.