Where is ionian islands

Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi or Paxos and Kythira are the seven largest and most popular islands of the group, while Antikythira, Antipaxi, Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Meganisi and Strofades are lesser-known smaller islands, which have a lot going for themselves. They are destinations attracting many visitors every year for a variety of reasons:. Their temperate climate, lush vegetation, beautiful mountains and breathtaking beaches will provide the perfect surroundings for your next holidays.

Over the millennia, geological transformations have helped shape stretches of awe-inspiring steep coastline, beautiful sandy shores and high mountains. Tectonic changes also account for the great depth of the waters in the region; the Calypso Deep reaches a staggering 5, m. Egremnoi and Porto Katsiki beaches on Lefkada Island, Navagio Beach on Zante Island and Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia Island are but a few of the award-winning must-visit destinations in a long list of spots with cool emerald waters.

Set sail to discover unexplored gems on the Ionian Islands; the sheltered coves and amazing sea caves, such as the Blue Caves on Zante Island and the Caves called Grahves on Paxi Island are impressive locations to add on your list of things to see.

During the period of Ottoman rule in the rest of Greece, the Ionian Islands were European dominions; this exposure to the western way of life has led to a cultural and artistic development that is evident today in their architectural heritage, their charming dialect, customs and traditions. Other must-see places beyond the town limits are Achilleion Palace, and Panagia Palaiokastritsa Monastery.

On Kythira, the southernmost island in the group, the most interesting historical sights are the 13th c. Local products include virgin olive oil, thyme honey, fragrant herbs and rare citrus fruit; these are some of the basic ingredients to delicious traditional savoury and sweet dishes you can try in this part of the country.

On Kythira Island, you must try the renowned and scrumptious olive oil rusks. Taste cheeses and charcuterie such as salami made in Lefkada Island, ladotyri a flavourful cheese which matures in olive oil made in Zante Island and nouboulo smoke-cured pork meat made in Corfu Island. Locally produced wine is the best way to accompany your meals.

Where to eat: Panorama Mountain tavernas in Greece always seem to be more friendly than their beachfront companions; perhaps they have to try harder to attract diners. Panorama, also in Athani, is no exception, and also offers the views its name promises. Don't miss: Yialos beach A slightly tortuous, but dramatic, road leads down from Athani to the sea, where Yialos beach awaits by the deep-blue water. Only in the height of August will you find many crowds here. Where to stay: Hotel Familia Located in the island's pretty capital, Vathy, this small hotel was built in a restored 19th-century olive press.

Each of the seven rooms has its own style, and the overall atmosphere justifies the name. Lovely little touches include a varying breakfast of home-baked treats and free bicycles for the guests to explore the island.

Where to eat: Kohili The habourside is where to hang out in Vathy, and this traditional taverna is the best of the ones that line it. Don't miss: Homer sights Ithaka makes much of its connection with Homer and there are various sites around the island that are speculatively connected to locations in the Odyssey. Walking trails lead to many of them, such as the Arethoussa Spring.

They are well worth hunting out, if only for the joy of the hikes themselves. Where to stay: George Molfetas Just to the east of the island capital of Argostoli, with views down to it, is the traditional village of Faraklata.

It is home to an old mansion house that has been turned into this boutique hotel, named after a poet ancestor of the owner, Katerina.

She has put her heart into the place, and the results are clear to see. Where to eat: Kiani Akti Down in Argostoli, this fish taverna has an enviable location, with tables on a pier over the water.

Seafood is clearly the way to go, and the razor clams are particularly renowned. Don't miss: Ayios Georgios The medieval capital of the island was at Ayios Georgios, a few kilometres inland from Argostoli. It was destroyed by one of the many earthquakes that the island suffers, but the Venetian castle remains remarkably intact. Great fun for the kids, and the young at heart. Where to stay: Karavomilos Beach Camping Not far from Sami — the old capital of the island, where much of Captain Corelli was filmed — this campsite is set on a good beach and the pitches are nicely shaded by eucalyptus and mulberry trees.

It has all the facilities you'd expect, including a taverna and free Wi-Fi. Where to eat: Il Familia Right on the habourside, this restaurant manages to blend an authentic atmosphere with tasteful decor and an interesting menu, which includes fresh local fish with an Italian twist. Don't miss: Melissani cave Named after a nymph who drowned herself here as the god Pan did not return her affections somewhat unusually for him this cave consists of two lake-filled chambers, one of which has a collapsed roof.

Small boats ferry visitors through the cave, and the best time to come is around midday, when the sunlight illuminates the incredible blues of the water. Where to stay: Pansion Limni A lot of the accommodation on Zakynthos gets block-booked by package tour companies. Lena Mare Hotel is a luxury hotel in the Acharavi area on the northern section of the island of Corfu.

Built in Fulltext search. Popular Search. See the gallery. The Ionian Islands Emerald isles with an Italian flair. Islands full of myths and colourful traditions Medieval castles and monasteries, storied buildings and excellent museums — all are testaments to the rich culture and history of the Ionian Islands. Ideal conditions for water sports and sailing The larger Ionian Islands are champions when it comes to water sports.

Delicacies inspired by the history of the Ionian Sea The Ionian Islands will surprise you with their wealth of culinary flavours. Paxos, crystal-clear beaches of fairy tale beauty Make a point of taking a close look at the castle of Ai Nikolas, a listed monument which was first built in and is the most famous attraction on the island. Different ports on the western coast of Greece have boats departing to the Ionian Islands daily or every other day. Which Ionian Islands have airports?

Three Ionian Islands Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia have airports, receiving seasonal international flights as well as domestic flights from Athens throughout the year. Aktion airport, by Preveza, is just 20km from Lefkada, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

What is the best time of year to visit the Ionian Islands? The Ionian Islands are favourite summer holiday destinations and are particularly popular in July and August. What are the Ionian Islands named after? And while parts of its coastline are among the few stretches in Greece with development to match the Spanish Costas , the island is large enough to contain parts as beautiful as anywhere in the group.

Zakynthos , also known as Zante, has gone down a similar tourist route to that of Corfu, particularly on the southern half of the island. Elsewhere, the island's pace is a lot less intense, keeping in mind the party-towns of Laganas are often brimmed with stag and hen parties. Popular beaches include Agios, Nikolaos and Navagio, the infamous sandy cove home to an iconic shipwreck. As the smallest of the Ionian Islands, Paxi is missing historical sites, however, it has some of the best swimming at its little sister island, Andipaxi.

The latter is connected to the mainland by a causeway and iron bridge but still has quite a low-key straggle of tourist centres and only two major resorts, despite boasting some excellent beaches, strung along its stunning west coast. As the largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia is home to some magnificent scenery and rich war history. Considered the best of the islands for its size and range of activities, Kefalonia might be your best pick.

The island makes for good hikes, with rocky cliffs for climbing. Residents admire it's lack of tourism, although despise that the island is officially considered a subsection of Kefalonia. The Ionian Islands are similar in their scenery and activities, the key differences are the levels of tourism on each Island.

Other than that, the contrasts are minimal. On much of the larger beaches, you will be spoilt for watersport choices.