Best time to go to Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands deliver when it comes to sunshine and balmy temperatures. In Corfu, the mercury starts creeping up around Easter time, with temperatures in the low 20s. Come summer, you can expect temperatures to be nearer the 30°C mark. Corfu is known as the greenest of the Greek isles, but most of the rain falls in the winter, with only the odd thunderstorm in the summer months. Kefalonia also sizzles in the summer, with the mercury regularly climbing up to 30°C. If you’re coming early or late in the season, expect temperatures in the low 20s. Over in Zante, spring and autumn are great times to visit, with blue skies and temperatures in the mid-20s. Summer temperatures are scorching, too – expect highs of 30 degrees plus.

Passports & Visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Greece but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Greece using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/entry-requirements.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Just so you know, the Greek government has a Climate Resilience Tax in place for all those visiting Greece. It was previously known as the Greek Tourism Tax. It's calculated per room, per night and is payable by cash or card when you check in at your accommodation. For stays between April and October, the fees are €2 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €5 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €10 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and €15 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation and villas. For stays between November and March, the fees are €0.50 per room, per night, for 1 and 2-star accommodation, €1.50 per room, per night, for 3-star accommodation, €3 per room, per night, for 4-star accommodation, and lastly, €4 per room, per night, for 5-star accommodation. These fees are subject to change and are based on the Greek official rating and not our own TUI tour operator T-rating.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you'll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Greek nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece/health