Our Ionian Islands
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.
Zakythos, Ithaca, Corfu (Kerkyra), kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxi are the six, large Ionian Islands.
Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi and the deserted islets of Strofades south of Zakynthos are the smaller Ionian Islands.
Together with the island of Kythira and the neighboring Antikythira the islands form the island cluster of Eptanisa. Nevertheless it should be noted that Kythira and Antikythira are completely cut off from the rest of the Ionian islands situated as they are across southern Peloponnese and the coast of Laconia.
Once, the Ionian Islands were part of Central Greece but were torn apart when the terrain sank due to the seismic activity along the great coastline fault of the Ionian Sea. This accounts not only for the ragged shores and hauntingly beautiful beaches but it also accounts for the islands’ tall mountains, once part of the Pindos mountain range which crosses Central Greece. It also accounts for the great depth of the waters in the area which, at 4,406 meters, is the greatest in the Mediterranean.
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.
What is more, the traits of the Ionian Islands are perfectly combined with a flawless tourism infrastructure, excellent hotel accommodations, restaurants, diving centers, sea sports, cultural events, and a multitude of sights, historic monuments and museums worth visiting.
With their cooler climate, abundant olive and cypress trees and forested mountains, the Ionians are a lighter, greener version of Greece. The Venetians, French and British have all in their own way shaped the architecture, culture, (excellent) cuisine – and the unique feel of Ionian life.
Though the islands appear linked in a chain down the west coast of mainland Greece, each has a distinct landscape and cultural history. Corfu Town has Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies. Kefallonia boasts soaring mountains and vineyards; Paxi’s Italianate harbour villages are impossibly pretty; and soulful Ithaki preserves wild terrain and a sense of history. Zakynthos has sea caves and waters teeming with turtles. Lastly, lefkada has some of the best turquoise-lapped beaches in Greece, while Kythira feels off-the-beaten-path and mysterious. The Ionians offer something for adventure seekers, food lovers, culture vultures and beach bums alike.
The Ionian Islands are also a leading player in the water sports sector. Lefkada is home to the wind surf surfers and kite surfers who love the beaches of Vassiliki and Mylonas. The sailors, again, with Nydri, take excursions to the dreamy islets of Lefkada, Meganisi, Kalamos, Kastos. To the north of Corfu, the Diaponti islands( Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni )are a very popular destination for sailors, who also make the round of the island. Paxos, Antipaxos, Kioni of Ithaca, cosmopolitan Fiskardo of Kefalonia are favorite destinations of those who sail to the Ionian Sea all summer. Paths in lush landscapes can be found on all the Ionian Islands, as well as wonderful cycling routes.
Unique cuisine and flavors that smell Ionian sea. They stand out for the cosmopolitan aroma and sophisticated flavors that characterize their cuisine: yes, the Ionian Islands will surprise you with the richness of culinary experiences they can offer you. Characteristic and special Corfiot cuisine with dishes such as sofrito, bianco, bourdeto and pastitsada. Products such as chitvibura and kumquat are produced only in Corfu. The kitchen of Lefkada is also interesting – often in the restaurants of the city you will eat with the music of the cantatars. If you are lucky, on the island you will taste the delicious, but small-scale, lentils. Excellent olive oil is produced by Paxi and Corfu. In Zakynthos you will taste the sweet mint – and if they do not treat you, ask for it![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
