Corfu and the Ionian Islands — Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos — are the westernmost cluster of Greek islands, lying in the Ionian Sea within striking distance of both mainland Greece and the Italian Adriatic coast. That geography gives you real choice: you can cross from Italy directly, or approach via the Greek mainland port of Igoumenitsa. Either way, the ferry is the most civilised way to arrive.
The key port: Igoumenitsa
For Corfu in particular, Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland is the workhorse port. Short crossings to Corfu Town (Kerkyra) run frequently throughout the day — the sea distance is only about 10 km and regular ferries make the trip in 45–90 minutes depending on the service (fast ferries versus conventional car ferries). You can practically see Corfu from the quay.
This makes Igoumenitsa an ideal hub if you are approaching the Ionian from the north or if you have driven down through Albania or northern Greece. It is also where the Italian Adriatic ferries call before continuing to Corfu, so travellers from Italy often touch Igoumenitsa first.
Ferries from Italy: the Adriatic crossing
The most popular approach from western Europe is the overnight or day crossing from one of the Italian Adriatic ports. The main departure points are Ancona, Bari and Brindisi, and the main destinations in or near the Ionians are Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Patras (for onward travel to the Peloponnese).
Grimaldi Lines
Grimaldi Lines operates routes from Brindisi and Ancona connecting to Igoumenitsa and Corfu. Grimaldi is a major freight and passenger operator on the Adriatic; their large ro-pax ships carry cars, lorries and passengers with good on-board facilities including cabins, restaurants and on-deck space. The Brindisi to Igoumenitsa crossing takes roughly 8–9 hours; from Ancona it is an overnight sailing of around 15–16 hours.
ANEK Lines
ANEK Lines, one of the main Greek ferry operators, also sails the Adriatic routes — including Ancona and Venice to Igoumenitsa and Patras. Their ships are large and modern with a range of cabin categories. The Ancona to Corfu (via Igoumenitsa) route is one of their core summer services. ANEK ships are often comfortable for overnight crossings and they know their Adriatic traffic well.
Routes and operators on the Adriatic can evolve from season to season, so it is worth checking current timetables directly with Grimaldi and ANEK, or through a Greek ferry booking platform, before finalising plans.
Reaching Kefalonia, Zakynthos and the southern Ionians
For the southern Ionian islands, the picture is a little different. Kefalonia and Zakynthos (Zante) are served from Killini, a small port in the Peloponnese that you would typically reach by driving south from Patras. Killini to Poros (Kefalonia) takes around 1 hour 30 minutes; Killini to Zakynthos is roughly the same.
If you have come by ferry from Italy to Patras, the drive to Killini is under an hour on the motorway — making a Patras-disembarkation a sensible choice if the southern Ionians are your destination. The Viamo guide to Greek island ferries covers the overall network in more detail.
Lefkada is connected to the mainland by a road causeway and a short swing bridge, making it the only Greek island you can drive to without a ferry at all.
Island-hopping in the Ionians
Once you are in the Ionian archipelago, inter-island ferries link the main islands, though the connections are less frequent and more seasonal than in the Cyclades or Dodecanese. Corfu is connected to Paxos by fast boat; Kefalonia has links to Ithaca; Lefkada can be reached from Meganisi and other small islands nearby.
The pace here suits a relaxed itinerary rather than ambitious multi-island hopping. Plan for two or three islands in a week rather than five or six, and you will not feel rushed.
Taking a car or campervan
The Adriatic route is particularly popular with motorists. Families with campervans, cyclists and motorcyclists all use the Italy-Greece crossings to bring their vehicles across, and it works seamlessly: you drive on at Ancona or Brindisi and drive off at Igoumenitsa or Patras, ready to explore Greece at your own pace.
Cabin advice for overnight crossings: the Ancona and Venice crossings are long enough that a cabin is worth considering, especially in summer when on-deck areas can be very warm. Book early — the better cabin categories sell out in July and August.
Booking and timing
Summer (June to September) is peak season and sailings can be busy, particularly at weekends and on Italian public holidays. The best fares and the best choice of cabin come from booking several months ahead. Ferry booking platforms such as Ferryhopper or Directferries aggregate availability from multiple operators, but you can also book directly with Grimaldi or ANEK.
For a fuller overview of how Greek ferry booking works — including how to read timetables and what to bring to the port — the guide to booking ferries explained is a useful starting point.
What Corfu and the Ionians are like
Corfu Town is a Venetian city — UNESCO-listed, with narrow lanes, Italianate facades and a pair of massive fortresses. The island itself ranges from the lively resort beaches of the west coast to the quieter, greener north. The Ionians as a group are generally lusher and better-watered than the Cyclades, which makes them popular for cycling and hiking as well as beaches.
The Ionian islands are on the same Greek time (EEST in summer) and use the euro. No special visa is needed for EU and most other passport holders, but check your own government's current advice if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get to Corfu by ferry from Italy?
Ferries from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa (which continue to Corfu) take roughly 8–9 hours, making Brindisi the closest Italian departure point. From Igoumenitsa, the short crossing to Corfu takes under 90 minutes on a conventional car ferry, or less on a fast boat.
Which ferry operators go from Italy to Corfu?
Grimaldi Lines and ANEK Lines are the main operators on the Adriatic routes serving Igoumenitsa and Corfu. Timetables and availability vary by season; check current schedules directly with the operators or via a ferry booking platform.
Can I island-hop within the Ionians by ferry?
Yes, though connections are less frequent and more seasonal than in the Cyclades. Corfu links to Paxos; Kefalonia to Ithaca; and connections exist between other islands. A relaxed pace works best — plan for two or three islands rather than rushing between many in a short time.
Do I need a visa to visit Corfu from Italy?
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so EU and EEA citizens and most visa-exempt travellers can enter freely. If you are travelling from outside the EU/EEA, check the requirements with your own government — the usual Schengen rules apply. The European Commission publishes the authoritative guidance.
Sources and further reading:
- Adriatic and Greece ferry routes: Grimaldi Lines (grimaldi-lines.com) and ANEK Lines (anek.gr).
- Greek island ferry network overview: Viamo guide to Greek island ferries.
- Ferry booking guidance: booking ferries explained.
- Entry requirements: European Commission and your own government's travel advice.