How to Get from Corfu to Zagori

The distance from the island of Corfu to the Zagori region on the Greek mainland is about 93 miles (150 km). The most convenient way to travel to Zagori is to take a ferry from Corfu to the port of Igoumenitsa and then either drive or use a private transfer to get to your final destination in the Zagori region. This combination of ferry and car takes about three and a half hours or longer depending on where you're staying in Zagori.

Once you get to the mainland, it is also possible to take a bus from Igoumenitsa to Ioannina, the capital of Zagori, where you can then transfer to a bus that will take you to your village in the Zagori region. 

Greek ferry schedules are often more limited during the low season (mid-September through mid-June), so be sure to check that the ferry is running if traveling at this time. 

While planning your trip, consider this two-week itinerary through the magical sights of Northern Greece, including Zagori, Meteora and Corfu. If you're looking for an outdoor-centric trip instead, check out this 10-day itinerary, which features hiking in Zagori and kayaking in Corfu.

By Ferry and Car

Duration: 3.5+ hours

The easiest and most direct way to travel from Corfu to Zagori is through a combination of a ferry and car. Ferries traveling from Corfu to the port of Igoumenitsa take an hour and a half to two hours and run several times a day. 

Ferry options include a larger, open-air ferry, which is slower and takes about two hours to get to Igoumenitsa. These ships are easier on those who are prone to seasickness. Alternatively, you can take a higher speed "closed" ferry, which has less outdoor space but will get you to Igoumenitsa in an hour and a half or less. All ferries offer the option of bringing a vehicle on board, which will increase your ticket price. 

Once in Igoumenitsa, you can either rent a car or arrange for a private transfer to take you to Zagori. This scenic drive through the incredible mountains of Northern Greece takes about two hours, although it may be a little longer depending on the location of your final destination.

The fastest way to drive from Igoumenitsa to Zagori is via Egnotia Odos 92, the "New Road," which is a modern highway that will take you to Ioannina. Once there, you will switch to the Greek National Road 6 (abbreviated as EO6 or GR6 and also known as the "Old Road") to get to Zagori.

This portion of the drive winds up through the Pindus Mountains, which are home to the 46 villages that make up the Zagori. Be sure to stop and smell the chamomile, sage, and Greek mountain tea leaves along the way and keep an eye out for the famous arched stone bridges that traverse the region.

If renting a car, note that Greek car rental companies primarily offer vehicles with manual transmissions. However, for a higher price, it is possible to find automatic cars. For American travelers, don't forget to bring your international driver's license along with your state license. 

If you'd rather sit back and relax as you travel through the Greek countryside, consider booking a private transfer to take you from Igoumenitsa to your village in the Zagori. This is more expensive than renting a car but allows you to let someone else take the wheel, who is already familiar with the area and habits of Greek drivers.

By Ferry and Bus

Duration: 4.5+ hours

If you're looking for a cheaper way to get to Zagori, consider taking the bus after hopping on a ferry to the mainland. KTEL operates all buses in Greece and you can take a bus directly from Igoumenitsa to Ioannina, which takes an hour and a half. From Ioannina, you can transfer to another bus, which will take you to the villages of Zagori.

The buses in Ioannina may service only certain villages in the Zagori, so be sure to check that you can get to where you need to go if picking this option.

KTEL bus schedules are available online but it may be best to have your hotel or host double-check schedules and routes for you. Greek buses are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, so this can be a great option if you'd rather not rent a car or private transfer.