Inter-island travel is primarily by ferry from mainland ports like Igoumenitsa and Patras, as well as between islands. Local buses (KTEL) serve main towns and some beaches on larger islands but schedules can be infrequent, especially on smaller islands. Renting a car, scooter, or ATV is highly recommended for full exploration, particularly in Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Taxis are available but can be expensive; agree on a fare before departure or ensure the meter is used. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber are not widely available. For navigation, Google Maps works reasonably well, but a local road map can be useful in remote areas. On smaller islands like Paxos and Ithaki, walking, local buses, and water taxis are the main modes of transport.
Late May to early July and September to early October. These periods offer ideal weather—warm, sunny days perfect for beaches and exploration, with fewer crowds and more reasonable prices than the peak July-August season. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June through October. Spring (April-May) is beautiful with blooming flowers and mild temperatures, ideal for hiking. August is extremely busy, hot, and expensive. Many festivals occur in summer, like the Corfu Festival in September and various religious 'panigiria' (feast days) in villages.
Greeks are famously hospitable. A friendly greeting ('Yassas' for formal/plural, 'Yassou' for informal) is appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (shoulders and knees covered). Beachwear is for the beach only. Tipping is customary but not obligatory: rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is standard; small change for coffee and taxi drivers. Meals are social events; expect a leisurely pace. Refusing an offer of food or drink can be seen as impolite. Smoking is still common in many outdoor taverna areas. The Ionian Islands have a more relaxed, Italian-influenced pace compared to some other Greek regions.
The Ionian Islands are very safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist spots, especially in Corfu Town and popular beaches—secure valuables. Driving requires caution due to narrow, winding, and sometimes poorly maintained mountain roads. Be vigilant for scooters and pedestrians. Scams are rare but be wary of overcharging in some tourist-oriented tavernas or taxi services; always confirm prices beforehand. There are no specific areas to avoid, but standard precautions apply at night. Beach and water safety is important; heed warning flags and be cautious of sudden drop-offs and strong currents, particularly on the west coast beaches of Lefkada and Kefalonia.
Medical facilities are adequate on larger islands like Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Lefkada, with public hospitals and private clinics. Smaller islands may only have health centers. No specific vaccinations are required for entry from most countries, but routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) should be up-to-date. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) successor provides access to state healthcare for EU/UK nationals. Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for all others. Common health concerns include sunburn, heatstroke, and minor stomach upsets. Tap water is generally safe in towns, but bottled water is preferred on many islands. Pharmacies ('farmakio') are well-stocked and pharmacists are highly trained for minor ailments.
