IONIAN ISLANDS

The Ionian Group, known in Greek as the Heptanisa or ‘the Seven Islands’ consists of seven main islands anchored in the Ionian Sea: Corfu, Paxi, Kefallonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki, Lefkada, and Kythira. The islands differ from other island groups; they are more reminiscent of Corfu’s neighbor Italy, not least in light and their colors are mellow and green compared with the stark, dazzling brightness of the Aegean. The islands do not experience the Meltemi and as a result, they can be extremely hot in summer.
The culture and cuisine of each Ionian Island are unique and differ from the Aegean islands and Crete.

CORFU
Corfu is the second-largest and greenest Ionian Island and the best known. In Greek the island’s name is Kerkyra. With the highest rainfall, it’s also the nation’s major vegetable garden and produces scores of herbs. Corfu’s Town is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The Old Town is in the northern section between the Spianada and the New Fortress to the west. Corfu has many interesting museums; the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Asian Art, the Byzantine Museum, and more. Do not forget to visit the Church of Agios Spyridon and the Church of Saint George, Angelokastro, Cape Drastis, Canal d’Amour, and Old Perithia. Corfu’s best beaches are on the west coast.

ITHAKI
Ithaki is separated from Kefallonia by a strait only 2 km to 4km wide. The unspoiled island has a harsh, precipitous east coast and a soft green west coast. The interior is mountainous and rocky with pine forest pockets, cypresses, olive groves, and vineyards. Ithaki has a few sites like the Fountain of Arethousa, the Cave of the Nymphs (ideal for hiking), Agia Panagia church with beautiful Byzantine frescoes, Moni Katheron monastery, and lovely small fishing villages. Ithaki has a variety of small beaches, and mostly are pebbled in combination with crystal clear waters. For mythical hero Odysseus, Ithaki was the home he left to fight the Trojan Wars. According to Homer, it took Odysseus 10 long years to return home to Ithaki.

KEFALONIA
Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, has rugged, towering mountains. The highest Mountain Enos (1627m) is the Meditteraenean’s only mountain with a unique fir forest species, Abies Cephalonica. The island has many species of heavily scented herbs and wildflowers. Kefalonia has 6 ports; Sami, Argostoli, Poros, Lixouri, Pesada and Fiskardo. Around Sami, you should visit the Mellisani Cave (a subterranean seawater lake), and the large Drogarati Cave. Fiskardo, framed by cypress-mantled hills, and with fine Venetian buildings, is just gorgeous. The stunning beaches of Myrtos, Petani, Antisamos, Skala, and Xi are favored by many tourists. Hiking, diving, horseback riding you name it, Kefalonia has it all!

LEFKADA
Lefkada is joined to the mainland by a narrow canal, its 25m strait is spanned from the mainland via a long causeway and floating bridge. Lefkada is mountainous with several peaks over 1000m and therefore ideal for hiking lovers. It is also fertile, well-watered by underground streams, with cotton fields, acres of dense olive groves, vineyards, fir, and pine forests. Anyone interested in windsurfing and/or catamaran sailing should head straight to Vasiliki. Vasiliki bay is one of Europe’s best windsurfing locations. The Nydri waterfalls are a pure natural beauty and just breathtaking. Not only is Lefkada famous for its golden white sandy beaches, but it also has a few sites worth visiting. The Castle of Agia Mavra, Church of Agios Ionassis Antzoussis.

ZAKYNTHOS
Zakynthos has inspired many superlatives. It is an island of exceptional natural beauty and outstanding beaches. The famous Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), is at the Northwestern tip of the island. It truly is a splendid beach with crystalline, aquamarine waters. The loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta) is one of Europe’s most beautiful yet most endangered marine species. Zakynthos hosts the largest congregation of nests with an average of 1300 nests per year along the 5km stretch of the Bay of Laganas on the island’s south coast. Around the island, there are many breathtaking caves and natural arches that are only reachable by yacht or boat. The Anafonitria Monastery and Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery, Agios Dionisios Church, the Byzantine Museum, and the Museum of Solomos are for those who seek the history and culture of the island.