Frequently Asked Questions
Our Office Hours :
Monday to Friday: 09.00 - 18.00
Saturday: 09.30 - 16.00
Sunday: Nov & Dec CLOSED / Jan to Oct 10.00 - 14.00
You can contact us on 020 8459 0777
Or email us at [email protected]
Travel Agents
We are affiliated to independent travel agents many of which are AITO specialist agents. All our preferred agents are fully bonded with ABTA and deal directly with us so you are assured of receiving the same specialist information as you would if you had called us direct. Please ask us if your local agent is affiliated to us.
Telephone: If you are looking for a much more personalised service when you have decided on your preferred dates and location, we can give you our specialist advice and make the necessary reservations, subject of course to availability. Just call us on: 0208 459 0777.
Internet: You are now able to book online 24-hours a day by going onto our website: http://www.ionianislandholidays.com
Your holiday can be booked from start to finish, by checking live availability and the prices, to actually booking your trip and then paying for the holiday on our secure website.
The person, in whose name the booking is made, acts on behalf of all other persons named, must be over 18 years of age and becomes responsible to us for all payments in respect of the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed upon payment of a deposit of £250 per person (for our standard holidays) plus any applicable insurance premium. For certain holidays where flights are separately bought in and cannot be cancelled, the full cost of the flight will be payable at the time of booking, as well as an additional charge relating to the accommodation and other services provided. If the accommodation is also non-refundable, full payment will be required at the time of booking. For holidays booked within 10 weeks before the departure date, full payment is required at the time of booking. It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured on your holiday.
We accept most major cards. If you wish to make your payments by cheque or balance transfer, we allow 5 working days for its receipt but the booking is deemed to be confirmed.
Please make sure you read all the booking conditions. The conditions apply to your holiday from the time you make the reservation.
Once we have taken your deposit or full payment (depending on the date you booked) we will issue a confirmation invoice, please check this thoroughly when you receive it. If there are any errors or omissions please tell us immediately as any changes made at a later date may incur amendment fees. Your confirmation acts both as your contract and final invoice, so please make a note in your diary of the date that your balance is due.
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks before departure.
- Return flights, min. 20kgs Hold Baggage, min 5kgs Hand Luggage (the Hold Baggage may vary with some airlines) per person
- Accommodation and any meals (as specified)
- Return transfers from the airport to and from your destination resort (Pelion, Skiathos, Lefkada & Corfu: hire car will be collected at the airport)
- A hire car, where specified
- All airport passenger duty (APD), UK departure tax and Greek local government taxes
- Maid service, linen and bath towels
- Services of our local representatives and agents
- Travel to and from your UK departure airport
- All meals except those where a board basis is specified
- Flight supplements: Certain peak departure dates as well as certain departure airports may incur a flight supplement.
- If we purchase flights out of our committed allocations the supplement could be greater.
- In-flight meals
- Travel insurance
- Fuel for hire cars / motor boats
- Regional airport supplements
- Visas for non-EC passport holders, where applicable
We are able to accommodate single travellers in many of our self-catering studios and hotels. All our rooms are either twins or doubles, capable of sleeping at least two people, so there will be an under occupancy supplement. In some properties at certain times of the year (especially in low and mid season) the supplement may be minimal, so please ask us for a quotation.
For those not tied to specific holiday dates, it is worth considering the seasonal differences.
- May is the best time to enjoy the abundant flora, countryside and the sights as they are less crowded.
- June, September and October are the most popular months for those wishing to enjoy a combination of sun, sea and sights.
- July and August are the hottest months and are more suitable for traditional beach holidays than exploring.
Weather information is to be taken only as a guide as weather patterns everywhere, have become more and more unpredictable.
It is sometimes possible for us to arrange a stay that is in excess of two weeks. This is very much subject to flight availability and may attract further supplements. Please ask us for availability and a quotation.
Light summer clothing and of course, swimwear. Although bath towels are provided in each accommodation, they tend to be smaller than standard, so if you have any concerns please bring your own.
Other recommended items are your drivers licence, Credit/Debit cards, a small torch and a continental plug adaptor. In the early and late seasons an item of warm clothing is recommended. Most requirements can be purchased locally but you may find them more expensive than at home.
Please note: Beach towels are not provided.
Our properties are chosen primarily for their location and appeal. Our self-catering properties are all equipped with linen and bath towels (except beach towels). Maid service is provided on arrivals day and midweek (unless specified), linen and towels are changed on these days.
All our self-catering properties are equipped, for the maximum occupancy, with sufficient crockery, cutlery, glassware and utensils suitable for preparing simple meals. Kitchen facilities in our self-catering accommodation normally include ovens, but not always washing machines or dishwashers, however there are some exceptions and details are given in the individual property descriptions. Irons, ironing boards and hairdryers are also not the norm. Some of our properties have solar power so water may be tepid rather than piping hot, especially in the early mornings and at night, but most do have an electrical backup system. All our self-catering accommodation without air conditioning will be provided with fans. Extra fans can be requested at the time of booking.
Our property illustrations are prepared and the photographs taken well in advance so some of the décor and facilities may well have been updated or changed. It is also difficult to describe and photograph each individual apartment so whilst all the main facilities will be common, the layout and furnishings may differ slightly.
Maintenance and repairs may need to be undertaken from time to time. In order to keep properties up to the standards we require our staff may make regular health, safety and quality control checks, so expect visits to the properties during your stay. If you do not wish to be disturbed, please discuss this with your representative. You are responsible for any breakages or damages caused by you or any member of your party during your stay in the accommodation. It is your responsibility to leave the property as you found it. You should advise your local representative prior to departure so that they can organise repairs or replacements as to not inconvenience incoming guests.
Please note that we take our guidance from the local authorities regarding wildfire risks. This means that in high season when the weather is dry, barbeques may not be allowed. Your Representative will advise you with regards this on your arrival.
Please take time to read our ‘Things to do before you go’ booklet, which is included with your travel documents. It will go some way to enhance your Greek holiday experience and make your stay more enjoyable.
If an accommodation has internet access this is usually mentioned in the description. In most cases connections are sufficient for checking emails and light web browsing. Bandwidth restrictions may apply if the connections are used for downloading large files or streaming video content. Wi-Fi is available in most villages and many local cafés also advertise free connections. Please note we cannot guarantee Wi-Fi availability as this is dependent on local ISPs, technical issues etc. On selected properties local charges may apply. This facility does not form part of our contract with you.
Our destinations and properties are all chosen to give you a relaxing but authentic Ionian Island holiday. Many of our properties are in beautiful rural areas where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the local indigenous wildlife. In some properties you will be staying within the local community, so their way of life should not only be observed and enjoyed but also respected.
It should also be remembered that, although we make every effort to provide all the facilities you would expect from your holiday, you are on a Mediterranean island and it is possible that from time to time you may experience such things as a temporary power cut or water shortage.
In low season and on Public Holidays, some of the public facilities may not be available. Also during local festivals villages that are normally peaceful may be transformed. Sadly, there are no seasonal building restrictions on most of the Islands and we have no control over such matters, but we will endeavour to keep track of any planned long-term construction and withdraw any properties should they be affected. Any short-term local 'DIY' (such as low level building works) activities are, however, totally beyond our control. We also have no control over the opening and closing of local businesses such as cafés and tavernas at anytime during the season, property information relating to this information should be used as a guideline only.
We have our own representatives based in each destination with offices in Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Vathy (Ithaka), Nidri (Lefkada), Gaios (Paxos), Corfu Town, Volos (Pelion), Skiathos Town and Skopelos Town. Our representatives will welcome you at the airport and ensure your efficient transfer to your accommodation. They will also assist you in arranging car hire and any excursions you may require. They will endeavour to visit you at least twice during your stay, if you so wish, and will be available to offer friendly advice and guidance in order for you to make the most of your stay. Should you encounter any difficulties, they are just a telephone call away and have the local contacts needed to solve any problems. If you are not happy with any aspect of your holiday please do not wait until you get home to tell us. Advising our local representative can help resolve most problems.
JUST HOW INDEPENDENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU, BUT WE WILL BE THERE SHOULD YOU NEED US. OUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOT PAID COMMISSION, THEY ARE ON HAND TO PROVIDE IMPARTIAL ADVICE WHERE IT IS NEEDED.
We are committed to the conservation and preservation of the natural environment. With strong local connections, we feel we have a moral responsibility towards the environment and the local community.
We support small scale agriculture and local crafts of the local community, introducing you to the products and services available locally, from traditional wine and olive oil producers to honey farmers.
We support and sponsor initiatives that seek to maintain the natural beauty of our region, including regular beach cleaning, footpath clearance and management of the wildlife.
You may only have a short time to spend in this region, but we realise that this has an important part to play in ensuring that the qualities that attracted you to the area in the first place are preserved.
We encourage appropriate future development and share a mutual responsibility towards maintaining the natural beauty of our surroundings and to ensure appropriate future development.
Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays is managed by a team who are largely native to the Ionian Islands, giving us a unique opportunity to play a major part in the development of sustainable tourism.
We at Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays do our utmost to ensure every aspect of your holidays goes smoothly and to plan, but occasionally things do go wrong and when it does, we would ask that you kindly allow us the opportunity to put matters right whilst you are still in resort. Please contact your representative during your stay to discuss matters further, after all, they are there to assist you to and to help you get the maximum enjoyment from your holiday.
Children are defined as being between the ages of 2 and 15 on the return date. Infants must be aged under 2 on your return date. We offer reductions for children on almost all our holidays. Where applicable we also supply extra child car seats and booster seats without charge (please request at the time of booking).
- Child discount: 10% discount off the adult price for children under the age of 16 on the return date of travel. The Child discount includes changes to APD (Air Passenger Duty) for children under 16, no additional discount will be offered. Price reductions for children apply to those sharing with two full fare paying adults. Child discounts do not apply to late availability offers, other special offers and hotel bookings. Where no child discount is offered for children under 16 on the return date of travel a £13 reduction per child will apply to account for APD.
- Infant price is £75: This charge includes the provision of cots (please bring your own linen), high chairs, car seats and flight carriage. Infants are not included in car occupancy numbers.
Please advise us of any special requests at the time of booking. Whilst we will endeavour, wherever possible, to meet or pass onto suppliers any reasonable special requests, we cannot always guarantee that they will be fulfilled. If you or any member of your party has any medical condition or disability that may affect your holiday, it is vital that you tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen accommodation.
Please read the property book provided and liaise with your representative, particularly if you are travelling with children. If staying in a larger property or hotel, please ensure that on arrival you are aware of the safety and evacuation procedures so that you are prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Travelling with Ionian Island Holidays Ltd provides you with complete financial protection. Ionian Island Holidays Ltd is protected by the Air Travel Organisers License through the Civil Aviation Authority - ATOL (no. 5853).
We are a member of the Association of British Travel Agents - ABTA (no. W5804) and follow ABTA’s Code of Conduct to provide a high standard of service to you. For more information about this and the benefits of ABTA’s ADR, visit www.abta.com.
We are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators - AITO (no. 5069).
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is important, however, that you purchase travel insurance that properly protects against unforeseen circumstances and covers you and your loved ones. Further information can be found on the Government's Travel Aware website. Or you can visit a travel insurance broker's here.
PASSPORT
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a current passport valid for travel to Greece, and a visa should you require one. British citizens require a passport which must have been issued less than 10 years before your arrival date and valid for three months after your return date.
- Children and Infants are required to have a passport of their own. We suggest that the passport’s validity lasts for six months longer than your planned return date.
- Further information can be found on the UK Government passport page: https://www.gov.uk/going-and-being-abroad/passports.
BORDER CONTROL: EU ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
- From 12th October, Greece will introduce the new EU (Schengen) Entry/Exit System (EES). This will replace manual passport stamping with a digital system for travellers from third countries, including the UK. As part of the process, the EES will record biometric data (such as fingerprints and a facial image) along with entry and exit details. Please be aware that border control queues on arrival in Greece may be a little longer than usual while the new system is introduced.
VISA
- British Citizens and other EU passport holders travelling to Greece do not currently require a Visa. If you do NOT hold a British or EU passport, it is vital that you check current entry requirements with the Greek Consulate on 020 7229 3850. Further information can be obtained from the Greek National Tourist Organisation at http://www.visitgreece.gr.
HEALTH
- Always check with your doctor as to which inoculations and health requirements are advisable or necessary for your holiday well before you travel. Information on health is contained in the Department of Health leaflet 'The Travellers Guide to Health' available from most Post Offices.
- You can continue to use UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) until the expiry date on the card. These offer the same cover as Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) in the EU. Once your EHIC has expired, you will be able to replace it with a GHIC. You can get a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) if you need treatment abroad and do not have a card. Most people can apply for a GHIC online, but some people need to apply by post. Beware of unofficial websites, which may charge if you apply through them. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. Your card will normally arrive within 10 days. You can apply here: https://overseas-healthcare.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get-healthcare-cover-travelling-abroad/start.
TRAVEL AWARE
- For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, please visit the government's TRAVEL AWARE CAMPAIGN: https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/
As our properties have quite an established list of return guests and in order to avoid disappointment for 2026 it is essential that you consider pre-booking your preferred accommodation. You can confirm the property by paying the normal deposit and benefit from 2025 brochure prices plus one of our early booking offers and an extra 5% loyalty discount for repeat guests (conditions apply).