Top Ionian Island Transportation & Travel Services Compared

So, are you dreaming of clear turquoise waters, ancient olive groves, and a peaceful Mediterranean vibe? The Ionian Islands – Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos– are a Greek paradise just waiting to be discovered. That being said, getting around those little jewels can be very, very tricky, especially if you’re not in the know. Very few things could be worse than being stranded waiting to take a ferry! That is to say, it’s a super good idea to check what your options are before you set off. That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide spotlighting five top travel and transportation services to make your island-hopping adventure a breeze. You know, so you can focus on the ouzo and the sunsets, instead of freaking out because you’re stranded at the port. More or less!

1. Kerkyra Lines: Your Gateway to Corfu and Beyond

Kerkyra Lines kind of feels like the old faithful friend you can usually count on for dependable ferry services linking Corfu to the mainland and other Ionian hotspots. Basically, if you’re starting or ending your Ionian adventure in Corfu, they’re almost certainly going to feature in your plans. That is to say, they have a decent number of routes, especially connecting Corfu Town with Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland; from there, you can head off into the depths of Greece or even over to Italy. In fact, it’s nearly always a reliable choice for getting to places.

That, too, it’s nice is they have a good mix of ferry types, from faster high-speed boats for getting to your destination very quickly, to the bigger, slower car ferries that you will want if you are bringing a vehicle or just want to spread out and chill on deck. Anyway, there are many different choices, so pick the boat that fits what you are after, and how you are traveling. Or very few people may be able to come along! Just a little tip is that if you’re prone to seasickness, the bigger ferries will feel more comfortable.

Customer reviews paint a largely favorable picture, seemingly emphasizing their consistency and generally decent prices. However, you are wise to book your tickets well ahead of time, especially in the summer months. That’s probably a good thing to note, anyway, especially for popular routes. So, too, it’s worth checking the schedules, as things could change. Or it will be really very frustrating!

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2. Lefkada Palace: Island Hopping with Style

If you have got your eyes set on checking out the southern Ionian islands, especially around Lefkada, then Lefkada Palace often stands out. In other words, this ferry company runs lots of domestic routes connecting places such as Lefkada, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos, which makes it incredibly easy to see a good range of islands without a massive slog. Often that’s nice to be able to travel between islands!

Lefkada Palace seemingly operates a more modern fleet, in general, and they seem proud of their comfort levels, so they may be a good choice if you see ferries as part of your holidays, rather than just as a means of transport. In fact, many reviewers very often mention how efficient the boarding is and how the ships generally leave on time. So, that could take away lots of stress! The cost will depend on when and where you want to go, though they typically give discounts for early bookings. Right, so try to think ahead.

As I was saying, checking out prices across dates is always a good call. Though don’t take my word for it – make your own comparison on websites you like!

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3. Ionian Sea Ferries: The Local’s Choice

Often, Ionian Sea Ferries tends to fly a bit below the radar compared to the bigger names, that being said, they play a super vital role in keeping the islands linked. I mean, for many locals and experienced island hoppers, this could be the service they go to when they want to jump between islands. So, keep that in mind. Basically, they do a good job connecting some of the smaller, less well-known spots, so, too, it’s the perfect option if you want to have adventures off the worn trails.

Alright, their vessels could be simpler than some of the flashier tourist-focused options, which can mean you get a far more genuine, down-to-earth travel experience. Right, if that is what you want, it’s totally a good thing. So, what this may be saying is: don’t expect fancy lounges. But, as a matter of fact, you may discover that local feel super special.

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4. Joy Cruises: Seeing the Islands in Style

Are you looking for more than just A to B transportation and are willing to experience the beauty of Zakynthos from the water? Well, Joy Cruises often mixes transport with guided tours, generally focused on experiencing the stunning coastlines and famous landmarks. Basically, it can make the journey become a really great part of your holidays!

Anyway, these kinds of tours usually happen on smaller boats, like your boat party boats, so, that’s really great, I mean, so they get into small coves and private beaches that some of the bigger ferries can’t usually get to. Right, it means you see way more, very often, and that is never a bad thing. As a matter of fact, it can work very well for families or groups looking to see loads in one day, just keep an eye on reviews because conditions will usually depend on the weather and how busy it is. Very, very different to sitting in traffic for hours!

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5. KTEL Buses: For the Budget-Minded Traveler

OK, so while it is not strictly a ferry service, the KTEL bus network tends to be essential for getting around once you’re on an island, mainly, or for connecting to ferry ports from bigger towns. Just a little tip is that most islands have a central KTEL station in their main town that is well located and can be super easily accessed from other major spots. I mean, just go there, or use their website to look for routes, very easy peasy.

I mean, KTEL is generally good value for getting from point A to point B, like your local school bus. Right, it makes it simple to take buses even if you are watching your budget. That said, they will normally run to a timetable – although in out-of-season times they do tend to have less frequent routes, so check that before you decide when to move! Very much a staple, but not always that convenient!

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