Where Is the Ionian Sea? Geography, Borders, and Connections

Location in the Mediterranean

The Ionian Sea lies in the central Mediterranean, nestled between the southern Italian Peninsula and western Greece.

Bordering Regions

• West: Italian regions of Calabria and Apulia
• East: Greek regions of Epirus and the Peloponnese
• North: Albania
• South: Greek island of Kythira

Key Connections

• Connects to the Adriatic Sea via the Strait of Otranto (north)
• Links to the Aegean Sea through the Strait of Messina (east)

Why It Matters

This sea has been a historic crossroads for trade, culture, and migration, shaping the civilizations that flank its shores.