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.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Liston Hotel, Corfu
A budget-friendly guesthouse in the heart of Corfu Old Town, just steps from the famous Liston arcades and the main square. Clean, comfortable rooms at excellent value in an unbeatable location for exploring the UNESCO Old Town.
Check rates on Booking.comOdyssey Hostel Argostoli
A friendly, well-run hostel in the center of Argostoli offering dormitory and private rooms at budget prices. The hostel has a communal kitchen, social areas, and helpful staff who can advise on the best spots on Kefalonia.
Check rates on Booking.comZante Backpackers
The best budget option on Zakynthos, Zante Backpackers is a lively hostel near Laganas offering clean dorms and private rooms, a pool, and regular social events. It is the social hub for budget travellers on the island.
Check rates on Booking.comNefeli Pension, Corfu
A family-run pension offering simple but clean rooms in a quiet residential area of Corfu Town. Within walking distance of the old town, the pension offers excellent value with a lovely garden terrace for breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comVasiliki Beach Studios, Lefkada
Simple, affordable studios in the windsurfing hub of Vasiliki on Lefkada's south coast. The studios are steps from the beach and within walking distance of the village tavernas and windsurfing schools.
Check rates on Booking.comPanos Studios, Ithaca
Charming, affordable studios in the beautiful harbor town of Vathy on Ithaca. Panos Studios offers comfortable rooms with sea views and is an ideal budget base for exploring this unspoiled mythological island.
Check rates on Booking.comGaios Village Rooms, Paxos
Simple, affordable rooms and studios in the heart of Gaios village on the island of Paxos, just steps from the Venetian harbor waterfront and the ferry dock. Ideal for exploring Paxos on foot and catching boats to Antipaxos and sea cave tours.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
Ionian Blue Bungalows & Spa Resort
A beautifully designed bungalow resort on Lefkada's south coast with stunning sea views and easy access to some of the island's best beaches. Ionian Blue offers comfortable, spacious bungalows with private terraces, a large pool, and a full-service spa.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Bretagne Corfu
A charming family-run hotel in the heart of Corfu Old Town, the Hotel Bretagne occupies a beautifully restored neoclassical building. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring the UNESCO Old Town on foot, with comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Kefalonia Grand
A well-appointed hotel in Argostoli offering comfortable rooms with sea views over the bay. The hotel is within walking distance of the town center, the Drapano Bridge, and excellent local restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comZante Royal Resort & Water Park
A popular all-inclusive resort on Zakynthos featuring a large water park, multiple pools, and direct beach access. Ideal for families, the resort offers extensive entertainment facilities and comfortable accommodation at competitive prices.
Check rates on Booking.comNotos Therme & Spa
A boutique spa hotel on Zakynthos's southern coast offering thalassotherapy treatments, yoga classes, and a serene wellness-focused experience. The hotel has comfortable rooms with sea views and a private beach area.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Mentor, Kefalonia
A comfortable, centrally located hotel in Argostoli offering good value accommodation with sea views. The hotel has a rooftop terrace restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the bay, making it an excellent base for exploring Kefalonia.
Check rates on Booking.comPaxos Beach Hotel
A charming small hotel on the island of Paxos, set directly on a beautiful pebble beach with clear turquoise water. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea views and is an ideal base for exploring this unspoiled island.
Check rates on Booking.comCaptain Corelli Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel in the heart of Argostoli inspired by the famous novel, offering stylishly decorated rooms and a rooftop terrace. The hotel blends modern comfort with Kefalonian character and offers excellent service for the price.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Palatino, Zakynthos
A well-regarded hotel in the center of Zakynthos Town offering comfortable rooms with a convenient location near the main square, harbor, and museums. The rooftop pool offers excellent views over the town.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Set on a private peninsula with its own private beach and three coves of crystal-clear water, Corfu Imperial is one of the Ionian Islands' finest luxury resorts. The resort features elegant bungalows and suites with stunning sea views, multiple pools, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining.
Check rates on Booking.comEmelisse Nature Resort
Perched on a dramatic clifftop at Emblisi Bay on Kefalonia's northern tip, Emelisse Nature Resort combines stylish stone architecture with exceptional natural beauty. The resort features an infinity pool seemingly floating above the sea, luxurious suites, and access to a beautiful private pebble beach below.
Check rates on Booking.comLesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort
An adults-only luxury resort on Zakynthos with a stunning clifftop infinity pool and direct beach access. Lesante Blu features elegantly designed suites and villas with private pools, exceptional fine dining, and a premium spa experience in a beautiful natural setting.
Check rates on Booking.comSivota Diamond Spa Resort
An all-inclusive luxury spa resort on Lefkada situated in the beautiful bay of Sivota. The resort features well-appointed rooms with sea views, an award-winning thalassotherapy spa, multiple pools, and excellent dining in a peaceful natural setting.
Check rates on Booking.comMarbella Corfu
Set in a stunning bay on Corfu's east coast, Marbella Corfu is a 5-star resort with beautifully landscaped grounds, a private pebble beach, and exceptional sea views. The resort offers elegant bungalows and suites with direct beach access, multiple pools, and world-class service.
Check rates on Booking.comApostolata Elios Resort
A sophisticated cliff-top resort on Kefalonia offering breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea and easy access to beautiful beaches below. The resort features stylishly appointed rooms and suites, multiple pools, a large spa, and excellent dining.
Check rates on Booking.comCorfu Palace Hotel
Corfu's most celebrated classic hotel, the Corfu Palace has welcomed guests since 1953 with its elegant architecture, beautiful sea-facing gardens, and excellent service. Located in Corfu Town with sea views, it is the perfect base for exploring the UNESCO Old Town.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Corfu Old Town
The UNESCO-listed heart of Corfu Town with Venetian architecture, French arcades, and vibrant cafe culture
Best for: Culture lovers, couples, and first-time visitors
Kommeno Peninsula, Corfu
Upscale peninsula area near Dassia with luxury resorts, private beaches, and calm seas
Best for: Luxury travelers and families
Argostoli, Kefalonia
The rebuilt capital of Kefalonia with excellent tavernas, local markets, and the Drapano Bridge
Best for: Budget travelers and those seeking authentic Greek life
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
The prettiest and most exclusive village on Kefalonia with yachts and excellent seafood restaurants
Best for: Couples and sailing enthusiasts
Laganas, Zakynthos
The busiest resort area on Zakynthos known for beach clubs, bars, and nightlife near the turtle nesting beaches
Best for: Young travelers and party-goers
Vasilikos Peninsula, Zakynthos
The southeastern peninsula of Zakynthos with beautiful beaches like Porto Zoro and Banana Beach in a more natural setting
Best for: Nature lovers and families
Nydri, Lefkada
Main ferry hub on Lefkada with boat trips to the nearby Meganisi islands and good accommodation options
Best for: Island hoppers and families
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Corfu Imperial Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Set on a private peninsula with its own private beach and three coves of crystal-clear water, Corfu Imperial is one of the Ionian Islands' finest luxury resorts. The resort features elegant bungalows and suites with stunning sea views, multiple pools, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining.
Check rates on Booking.comEmelisse Nature Resort
Perched on a dramatic clifftop at Emblisi Bay on Kefalonia's northern tip, Emelisse Nature Resort combines stylish stone architecture with exceptional natural beauty. The resort features an infinity pool seemingly floating above the sea, luxurious suites, and access to a beautiful private pebble beach below.
Check rates on Booking.comLesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort
An adults-only luxury resort on Zakynthos with a stunning clifftop infinity pool and direct beach access. Lesante Blu features elegantly designed suites and villas with private pools, exceptional fine dining, and a premium spa experience in a beautiful natural setting.
Check rates on Booking.comSivota Diamond Spa Resort
An all-inclusive luxury spa resort on Lefkada situated in the beautiful bay of Sivota. The resort features well-appointed rooms with sea views, an award-winning thalassotherapy spa, multiple pools, and excellent dining in a peaceful natural setting.
Check rates on Booking.comMarbella Corfu
Set in a stunning bay on Corfu's east coast, Marbella Corfu is a 5-star resort with beautifully landscaped grounds, a private pebble beach, and exceptional sea views. The resort offers elegant bungalows and suites with direct beach access, multiple pools, and world-class service.
Check rates on Booking.comApostolata Elios Resort
A sophisticated cliff-top resort on Kefalonia offering breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea and easy access to beautiful beaches below. The resort features stylishly appointed rooms and suites, multiple pools, a large spa, and excellent dining.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book at least 2-3 months in advance for July and August, especially for popular areas
Check hotel websites for direct booking discounts and early-bird rates
Consider shoulder season (May-June, September-October) for significantly lower prices
Villas and apartments can be excellent value for groups and families
Many hotels on smaller islands like Paxos and Ithaca are small family-run properties — check directly for best rates
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.