To the west of Epirus, Sterea Ellada and the Peloponnese,
lie the Ionian Islands, a unique set of jewels,
ever favourite among Greeks and foreigners alike.
These islands belongs to the Ionian islands: Corfu (Kerkyra), Ithaki, Zakynthos
(Zante), Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxoi and Antipaxoi.
Corfu (Kerkyra)
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the most popular of them
all. It is a very green island and a 4. mixture of the civilizations
that have passed through at various times. The town impresses
and charms the visitor with its two forts, narrow streets, tall
houses, arcades, Venetian-built Town Hall, Saint Spyridon's
church, the island's patron saint, flower-filled gardens
and balconies with their superb wrought-iron fences. Flooded
with sights, Corfu is a small paradise on Earth. From Palaiokastritsa
to Kanoni, from the Achilleion
to Pontikonisi and the northern coast, one
will find crystal clear water, scenic coves, greenery and vegetation
that 'sinks' into the deep blue sea.
Corfu: Pontikonisi
On this cosmopolitan island it is easy to combine
relaxation with intense nightlife.
Palaiokastritsa
Lefkada
Lefkada' s eastern side has dense vegetation
and smooth shores. On the west, the coast is steep though there
are many long sandy beaches. But the sea everywhere is deep
blue. Lefkada is a distinguished island with its impressive
Venetian castle and the monastery of
Faneromeni. The capital town is a picturesque and quiet
place with its characteristic multi-coloured wooden houses.
The coast facing the mainland, with Ag. Mavra fortres are joined
to Lefkada by a short bridge.
Villages built next to the sea. Excursions through
the forests to the many sights, such as the ruins of the prehistoric
city and the circular tombs. Scenic fishing villages on the
western pebbled shores lapped by the crystal clear sea.
Kefallonia
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian islands. Green rocks plunge
suddenly into the deep blue waters. Picturesque villages and small
beautiful towns highlighted by old mansions and "humble"
farmhouses; a little further over, the ruins of some ancient city.
Kefallonia has been justly called the island of contrasts: Roman,
Venetian and Byzantine ruins, side
by side with famous beaches. The capital Argostoli
is where the sea pours into spectacular swallow-holes and disappears
endlessly into subterranean tunnels forming a rare geological
phenomenon. The water reappears at Lake Melissani,
an incredible semi-underground lake of clear turquoise and indigo
water. Nearby is the Drogarati cave, a large stalagmitic
cavern of rare beauty. To the north is the small village of Fiskardo,
and its pretty harbour, that has escaped the earthquakes and retains
the old style buildings.
Ithaki (Ithaca)
Ithaki is known to the world as being Odysseus
homeland. Its enchanting coves turn it into paradise on earth despite
its small size and mountainous nature. The west side of the island
is steep and bare in contrast with the east which is verdant and slopes
gently down to the sea. The visitor can go on excursions to the intensely
Ionian, traditional seaside villages, and visit the medieval monastery
of Taxiarches and the wonderful caves of the island that
are just begging to be explored. Green Ithaki is a much loved place,
with scenic beaches and sleepy little villages; in short, an ideal
spot for an unforgettable vacation.
Zakynthos (Zante)
The southernmost island of the Ionian, almost triangular in
shape, is idyllic Zakynthos.
It has its own way of enchanting the visitor and engraving itself
in his memory. It is not easy to forget the emerald sea, the
pine covered hills, or the hospitable and openhearted inhabitants
of Zante, as it is otherwise called. Up high, above the modern
town with its beautiful buildings in the typical Zakynthian
style, is the Venetian castle; churches are everywhere in the
city of Agios Dionysios, the island's patron saint. Small coffee
shops and picturesque villages are to be found among the olive
and almond trees, in or around fields planted with vines and
vegetables. Zakynthos has many fine sandy beaches with calm,
clear waters. On some of them, the visitor can meet the sea
turtles Caretta-Caretta, just before he crosses over to beautiful
Strofades, a group of small islands.
Zakynthos: "Navagio" beach
Paxoi & Antipaxoi
Paxoi is an incredible microcosm. A verdant sanctuary
for peace and quiet. A 'large-small' garden in bloom, with impressive
white boulders and beautiful beaches with clear water, small coves,
and sea caves. Gaios is a picturesque village with
pretty houses and narrow streets. The old windmill, the Venetian fort,
and the Ypapanti sea cave are the sights to see on
the island before one crosses over to Parga or to
Antipaxoi. A virgin, quiet island, just made for
truly relaxing holidays, Antipaxoi has some wonderful
beaches and a tiny village.
Palaiokastritsa
