Lush green islands, with lace-like shores, golden sandy beaches and natural beauties untouched by time. Historical monuments take every traveler on a journey to romantic times. Smiling, kind people whose every conversation becomes a song and their every movement a dance. The islands of the Ionian Sea, from antiquity to the present day, stand out for their fairytale beauties, their civilization and the special culture of their inhabitants.
The Ionian Islands or Ionian Islands, as they have come to be called due to the number of the largest of them, extend along the western side of the mainland of Greece and further south along the western side of the Peloponnese. The Ionian Islands complex consists of a total of twelve small and large islands, each of which stands out for its history and physiognomy.
Due to their geographical location, they are located at the crossroads of three continents, these islands have been inhabited since ancient times and have developed great civilizations in each historical period.
Islands endowed by generous nature with infinite beauties and adored by the people who inhabited them and created great cities on them. Islands that have known many conquerors and were influenced by their culture, creating their own unique Ionian identity.
What can one praise when talking about the Ionian Islands? Where should one begin the narrative of their endless graces?
Corfu, the queen of the Ionian Sea, with its Venetian charm has gained worldwide fame. The island of the Phaeacians who offered their hospitality to Odysseus and led him back to his beloved Ithaca, putting an end to his wanderings, is distinguished for its tourist infrastructure. Here, the green of the mountains and the verdant plains with the blue of the sea and the white of the rocks, have created an earthly paradise. Add to this beauty the great historical sights and you will have outlined the ideal travel destination, for every season of the year.
Kefalonia, the island with the stately capital, Argostoli, and the "Little Paris" as the locals call Lixouri. The gifts of nature here also impress the visitor. Wonderful beaches, sea caves with impressive decorations, mysteries that challenge you to "search" for them, such as Kounopetra, Lake Akoli and the snakes of Panagia. Traditional villages and picturesque harbors that are ideal for walks and evening wanderings.
Zante, the flower of the Levant, the island where our national poet Dionysios Solomos was born, stands out for its glorious history and incredible beauty. Endless sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, towering cliffs that rise up on the shore and add their own grace to the natural beauties. The loggerhead sea turtle caretta – caretta and the monk seal monachus – monachus find refuge in the bay of Laganas.
Ithaca does not need much introduction. The small Ionian island is known all over the world. It is the homeland of the resourceful Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War. His desire to return to his beautiful homeland gave him the strength to withstand the blows of the gods. At the top of Aetos Hill you will see the ruins of the ancient acropolis that the locals call the ´´Palace of Odysseus´´. Stunning beaches and beautiful locations will fill your vacation days with colors and aromas.
Lefkada, the mainland island. It is the only island that has road access. This lush Ionian island gained international fame thanks to Aristotle Onassis. A short distance from its shores lies the famous Scorpios, the island of the Greek tycoon, which was visited by all the great personalities of the time in the 60s and 70s. The small, verdant islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, located south of Corfu, captivate every visitor at first sight. Real oases of green, they offer a peaceful vacation. Lace-lined shores, impressive sea caves and sheltered harbors create landscapes as beautiful as paintings.
Kythira is the most isolated island of the complex as it is located on the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese. They seem cut off, but they are also a link in the invisible chain that unites the islands on a common historical path. Kythira claims the title of the homeland of the goddess Aphrodite. Chora with its Venetian castle and endless coasts wins the admiration of visitors.
All the Ionian islands are popular tourist destinations and attract thousands of visitors from every corner of the world, especially during the summer season. They are suitable for all types of tourism, such as archaeological, religious, marine, nature, etc.
Also, the Ionians are famous for being people of joy. Singing is in their blood, as is dancing. So entertainment is the main thing in the Ionian Islands. And because, as Greeks, we combine entertainment with food and drink, the Ionian Islands have a tradition in this area as well. Some of the most beautiful varieties of wine are produced in the fertile Ionian islands, such as the Kefalonian Robola, while their cuisine includes unique recipes and flavors that remain unforgettable!
Ionian Islands. Visit them and let yourself be enchanted by their magic… |