The Ionian Islands are a group of beautiful islands in the west coast of Greece. They are usually called
the "the Seven Islands" (Heptanese), because seven are the principal islands, but there are also many minor
islets.
It's difficult not to fall in love with the Ionian Islands, because their natural beauty captures and hugs
the visitors with infinite olive groves, fascinating mountains and crystal clear waters. Each island has its
particular character with individual tradition, cuisine and architecture, influenced by the various invaders in
the centuries such as the Venetians, French and British. The Ionian Islands are a great attraction for several
tourists, as you can see in the crowded beach developments. But far from the packed beaches, you can
find your own remote swimming bays in a boat, walk through olive groves, or relax in an authentic kafeneio
(local coffee house). If you are interested in culture, you can discover fortifications, Byzantine churches
and Homeric sites. If you are looking for adventure and sports, you can enjoy trekking, cycling, windsurfing,
diving, playing golf or bird-watching.
The Ionian Islands have all the necessary features to satisfy all your demands for an unforgettable holiday
in Greece. You can rent a self catering apartment in one of the Islands and experience the typical filoxenia
(hospitality) of the Greek people.
The seven main islands of the Ionian Islands are: Cephalonia, Corfu, Paxi, Lefkas, Ithaca, Zante and Cythera.
Cephalonia (also known as Kefalonia) is the largest of the Ionian Islands. This island has been a bit
undervalued, but surely deserves a visit: it hides, below its high rocky mountains, rambling vineyards,
spectacular reefs, marvellous beaches and several Roman ruins.
The name of the island probably derives from the mythological figure of Cephalus, rewarded with an island
for his help to Amphitryon of Mycenae in a war against the Taphians and the Telobans. In the mythology,
Cephalonia is also related to the goddess Britomartis, which received divine honours from the population of
the island.
The capital of Cephalonia is Argostoli, destroyed in 1953 by the earthquake; the principal harbour is Sami,
even if ferry services are available also in Fiskardo and Poros.
From archaeological point of view, Cephalonia is an extremely interesting island, with findings of the
Paleolithic, Mycenaean, Roman and Venetian period. The archaeological museum of Argostoli conserves
several finds and it is considered, even if it is quite small, the most important museum of the Mycenaean
era in Greece.
Corfu (or Kerkyra in Greek) is the second-biggest and the greenest Ionian island. It is also the most famous.
In the mythology, Korkyra (evolved later in Kerkyra) was a nymph, brought to the island by Poseidon, god of
the sea, which was in love with her.
The island has been controlled for long time by Venice, which protected it by several Turkish attacks; and
after the Napoleonic wars, it has been ruled by British, until the unification with Greece in 1864. The
history of the island is loaded with battles and this is evident in the shape of castles located in strategic
places. The capital of Corfu is enclosed by two castles and for this it has been declared by the Greek
Government Kastropolis (castle city). The old town is a labyrinth of thin colourful and clean streets (known
as kanto?nia) paved with pebblestones. A boulevard goes up by the coast to the bay of Garitsa, together
with a walkway between the town and the citadel called Spianada (divided in Ano Plateia and Kato Plateia),
with a plenty of restaurants and bistros in its Liston arcade; interesting buildings and an ornate music
pavilion.
Zante (also known as Zakynthos) is the third of the Ionian Islands. The island is named after Zakynthos, the
son of Dardanus. Zante has a prosperous tourism industry. The island has also a long musical tradition: it
was a pioneer of opera and operetta in Greece. In 1815 the first Music School in Greece was established.
The Music Band of Zante took part to the first Olympic Games, in Athens 1896. Since 2009 Zante hosts
a great jazz festival (Zante Jazz Festival). Tourists are attracted here, above all teenagers, to enjoy clubs,
music, fun and weather, especially in the summer.
Lefkas (also called Lefkada) is the fourth-biggest island of the Ionians and it is connected to the mainland by
a causeway and floating bridge. Lefkas has mountains with peaks exceeding 1000m, fertile fields including
olive groves and vineyards; and pine forests. Off the east coast, there are 10 satellite islands; while in the
west coast are located beautiful uncontaminated beaches. The beauty of Lefkas is also in its proud people:
in the villages, the older women are still wearing the traditional dress.
Ithaca is generally identified with the antique island, mentioned in Homer's poem as home of Odysseus,
the place where his faithful wife Penelope patiently awaited his return. This peaceful island is two large
peninsulas, connected by a thin isthmus, with steep cliffs, sheer mountainous passages and groups of
cypresses and olive groves. The island has beautiful fishing villages, stony coves, Byzantine churches and
monasteries.
Paxi (or Paxoi) is not a single island, but a group of little islands, the largest of which are Paxos and
Antipaxos. In the mythology, Poseidon created the islands striking Corfu with its trident. Phoenicians,
Romans, Venetians, French and British controlled the islands during the centuries. Several celebrities chose
this place as their holiday home such as the actor Peter Bull, the actress Susannah York, some members of
Angelli family. Paxos is part of a European network called Cultural Village of Europe. It hosts every year a
classical music festival (founded by John Gough), which draws some of Europe's best young performers.
Cythera (or Kythira) lies opposite the eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. Since ancient times and
until the mid 19th century, Kythira had been a strategic point for merchants, sailors, and conquerors. It
had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilisations and cultures. This is clear in its
architecture, as well as the traditions and customs. In the mythology, Kythira was considered the island of
celestial Aphrodite, the Goddess of love.
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