Car rental without a credit card in the Ionian Islands
Why rent a car in the Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands lie along Greece’s western coast, facing Italy across the Adriatic, and have a distinctly different character from the Aegean islands: greener, more forested, with a Venetian architectural heritage and a cooler, more temperate climate. Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, and Ithaca are the most visited, and all of them reward independent exploration by car. The landscapes are varied with dramatic cliffs, olive groves, mountain villages, and some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, and public transport is limited outside the main towns. A rental car is the difference between seeing the postcard version of each island and discovering its real character.
Popular destinations in the Ionian Islands
Corfu (Corfu Airport) is the most visited Ionian island, and a car is the only practical way to reach the quiet villages of the north, the dramatic west coast around Paleokastritsa, and the unspoiled beaches of the northeast. Kefalonia (Kefalonia Airport) is the largest Ionian island and the most rewarding for driving: the Myrtos Beach viewpoint, the Drogarati cave, the mountain village of Asos, and the fishing harbour of Fiskardo are all car-only destinations. Zakynthos (Zakynthos Airport) is famous for its Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), best viewed from the clifftop road on the northwest coast. Lefkada is unique in being connected to the mainland by a causeway, making it accessible without a ferry; the gateway is Preveza and Preveza Airport. Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia and a popular base for exploring the island.
Driving in the Ionian Islands
Driving in the Ionian Islands is generally straightforward, though the roads outside the main towns are narrow and winding. Corfu in particular has very narrow lanes in the northern villages, and a small car is strongly recommended. Kefalonia and Zakynthos have better road surfaces than many Greek islands and the main routes are well signposted. Lefkada is accessible directly from the mainland via the causeway at its northern tip without needing a ferry. Petrol stations are available on all the main islands. For a broader overview of driving in Greece, see car rental in Greece.
