Ionian Islands

Ionian Islands

Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), the biggest islands in Ionian Sea, constitute the Eptanissa.
Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands in Ionian Sea.
The temperate climate; the deep and cool sea waters; the mountains; the lush vegetation; the cultural heritage; and the cheerfulness of the inhabitants, make the Ionian Islands the ideal place for a holiday as well as rest and relaxation.
Scattered along the western coastline of Central Greece, the Ionian Islands as they are known, are an island cluster comprising twelve small and large islands whose total surface area comes to 2,200 square kilometers.
The Ionian Islands have been inhabited since Paleolithic times, have been through many invasions, and have received the influence of a variety of cultures.

Islands

Corfu

Located off the west coasts of Greece and Albania and linked by daily ferry to Italy, Corfu is unlike other Aegean island. Corfu is green and lush. It is an island of contrasts – young Europeans bustling around the old town, lively beachside resorts within a stones throw of olive groves and rural hamlets where donkeys do most of the work.
Visit beautiful Paleokastritsa in the north or take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. Corfu is a good place to hire a car – even in the height of summer you can always find solitude!

Paxos

Unspoiled Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian Islands, lying just 11 km from Corfu. Paxos is covered in many olive groves with ancient gnarled and twisted olive trees, some of them hundreds of years old, which shelter numerous species of wild flowers and small vineyards. This serene and unspoiled landscape is what makes a holiday to the island of Paxos truly memorable.
The olive oil in Paxos is of a very high quality and is also used in the production of soap and shampoo. All the local products can be bought from shops on the Gaios water front.
There are excellent beaches and quiet coves, with crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming. Although only one or two are sandy beaches, Paxos has the most magical clear waters for enjoyable swimming.

Lefkada (Lefkas)

The island’s name means white, and refers to the white cliffs in the south. It is a green, mountainous island. The people on the island separated the island from the mainland in the 7th century BC by cutting a canal – now it is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Several yachting companies have their bases here, with windsurfing and other water sports making the island a major holiday destination. But the island also is very nice to explore, either on foot or by renting a vehicle. There are you can go on boat trips to the neighbouring islands. The private Onassis family island of Scorpio is nearby but out-of-bounds.
There are both sandy and pebble beaches. Around Nidri you’ll find lots of water sports and taverns, but there are also several quieter beaches like Lagada and Dessimi. Most bars and discos are in Nidri, and this is a paradise for people who really want to party.

Ithaca

Ithaca is most famous for being Odysseus’s homeland. Although there are no substantiated archaeological discoveries to support Homer’s writing, that it was the birth place of Odysseus, it fits his description completely “There are no tracks, nor grasslands…it is a rocky severe island, unsuited for horses, but not so wretched, despite its small size. It is good for goats.”
Ithaca offers those who like walking some excellent walking opportunities, in the fabulous scenery. There are many types of wild flowers and wildlife to see. With picturesque towns such as Kioni and Friskes, Ithaca is a lovely little island to explore. Ithaca is an island unspoilt by tourism, it is calm and beautiful and perfect for a relaxing holiday. It has very clear waters so is excellent for snorkelling and there are many different kinds and colours of fish to see. After a visit here you will see why Odysseus spent 10 years struggling to get back home, to this wonderful island.

Zakynthos (Zante)

The most southerly of the Ionian Islands has a varied landscape, the west is characterised by striking mountain scenery and is largely uninhabited and the east is packed with fertile plains, picturesque bays and long sandy beaches. Zante is a beautiful island, with many varieties of pretty colourful flowers that seem to blossom all year round. The island captured the hearts of the Venetians who ruled here for many years and who nicknamed Zante ‘Flower of the East.

Source: Ioanian-Islands.com