IONIAN ISLANDS

The Ionian Sea is crowned with a complex of islands which consists of Kerkyra or Corfu, Cefalonia, Zakynthos or Zante, Ithaca, Lefkada, Kythira and Paxi. Strung along the west coast of Greece, the Ionian islands are the only group not in the Aegean, and in many ways they are more reminiscent of their close neighbor, Italy. Apart from tiny Meganisi, none are "undiscovered", although, as with all Greek islands, anyone who forays into their hinterlands will be rewarded with the delights of unspoiled villages. Corfu, with its beguiling landscape of vibrant wildflowers and slender cypress trees rising out of shimmering olive groves, is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Greek islands.

Corfu

Lovely Corfu, green and sun-drenched with its indented shores, a mythical, fascinating island, first appeared on the scene at the dawn of time when she gave refuge to Jason and the Argonauts on their return from their quest for the Golden Fleece. Set off the western coast of mainland Greece, Corfu is probably one of the most beautiful Greek islands and a purely recreational destination. Corfu"s splendor is alive throughout the ages, from Homer to Durrell, from Shakespeare to Napoleon, from King Alkinoos to King Constantine, writers and painters, statesmen and Kings, travelers and explorers have all been captivated by its stunning natural beauty, flaming sunsets and turquoise emerald beaches. Time in Corfu is never wasted: the historical sights might be few, but nonetheless very important and definitely well worth a visit. During her visit in 1861, Empress Elizabeth of Austria described the island as the most beautiful place on earth, fell in love with it, and built a fateful palace. Absolutely no expense was spared and a few years later the Palace was in full splendor, with an abundance of columns and Bronze Goddesses in its vast gardens. Currently renovated, the Palace houses a small museum and the island"s famous Casino. As the northernmost Ionian island, Corfu"s strategic position on the crossroads between East and West at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea made it a prize for covetous conquerors from earliest times. Among them were the Romans, Goths, Normans, Venetians, French, Russians, Turks and British. Despite long periods of foreign occupation, it never lost its essential Greek character. Nor has it today, a cosmopolitan resort on a world scale, the favorite holiday spot each year of thousands of tourists with widely differing tastes and demands. Despite tremendous popularity with holidaymakers, the island manages to terrain its hideaway coves and secret lanes, where old ladies riding side-saddle on donkeys seem to belong to a time gone by. Hundreds of villages are scattered throughout the island, featuring villagers in a rustic lifestyle, who are mainly farmers. The island"s countryside is ideal for walks and visitors will be mesmerized by the hills and meadows as they blend together in a natural surrounding that is truly unique. Also famous for attracting birdwatchers and flower enthusiasts, the island"s coastline stretches over a hundred miles, featuring a continuous succession of sandy and pebble beaches, and idyllic coves washed by the deep blue Ionian. Corfu boasts over 25 resorts, most of which along the sea-front. The two special places for incentive-seekers are Tripa and the village of Danillia. The former is an old-fashioned shop-come-tavern in Kinopiastes, close to Corfu, featuring Iocal cuisine, entertainment and folk-dancing. Danillia is a traditional country village with old buildings, shops, a Folk Art museum and an open-air restaurant with a show in the main square. Another popular incentive on the island is a boat-trip to the remote corner of the island for a beach barbecue: one of these destinations is Kassiopi on its northern tip. Corfu also offers a wide range of sporting facilities, which can be integrated into every visit. The Golf Course on the island is an 18-hole championship course, designed by the British specialist, Donald Herradine. Tennis, cycling, horse-riding and minigolf, along with an array of water-sports, complete the picture of its impressive sporting infrastructure. The island of Corfu seems to exist between two worlds: one is that of escape into an exquisite serenity, the other that of fun and entertainment against a backdrop of blue waters and long beaches, cafes, taverns, bars, discos, nightclubs and casinos.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, of Zante, is the southernmost and third largest island in the Ionian Sea. The island?s western coastline is about 34 kilometers long and mainly rocky and steep, with many small coves and caves. On the other hand, the eastern coastline facing the Peloponnese measures about 37 kilometers in length and features beautiful smooth sandy shores and plains. Three quarters of the island"s surface is mountainous, lacking in rivers and lakes, with the exception of a few streams. The island however boasts a large number of springs, the most famous of which being the Well of Oinousses, measuring 4,004 meters deep: the deepest point in the Mediterranean. The island"s climate is mild, with significant rainfalls and a large number of sunny days. Zante is generally very green, even in its more arid regions, which is probably why the Venetian named it "Fior di levante" (Flower of the East). Zante is also quite famous for its caves, naturally attracting a great deal of interest amongst its visitors and classified as a strong incentive. The most famous of these is the Blue Cave situated in the sea, east of cape Skinari. The cave was discovered in 1897 and was named after the shades of blue created within it. Another important attraction are the island"s many hot springs. The island"s historical past is truly intriguing, with the oldest traces of human existence discovered being those in the gulf of Laganas, dating back to the Neolithic period. Fossilized bones dating back to the Neolithic period. Fossilized bones dating back to the Paleolithic period were also discovered on the same beach. The island has known many conquerors in its time: Romans, Saracens, Normans, Franks and Turks, but the ones who really made a difference were the Venetians, who ruled it between 1485 and 1797. Venetian traces are currently particularly evident in its architecture and in its local dialect, which still contains many Italian words. The island was also successively ruled by the French, the Russians and the British, before it was reunited with Greece in 1864. Zakynthos is also the birthplace of Dionysios Solomos, great poet whose work "Hymn to Liberty" became the National Greek Anthem. Zante is a highly developed tourist destination and designed to offer the best in a comfortable and relaxing stay. The island features extremely clean seas, a beautiful countryside, museums and historical monuments and a good road network. Generally, visitors will be impressed by the choices available, from secluded coves to cosmopolitan beaches offering water-sports and other modern sporting facilities. From bars, pubs and discotheques to deluxe night-clubs, for the elite, and with romantic, traditional taverns with serenading, for those who prefer a personal "note" with their meal. The islanders are famous for their good humor, mellifluous voice, cheerful manner and particularly friendly attitude. Zakynthos boasts a number of good hotels, many of which operate all year round, offering a full range of facilities, with a capacity ranging from a handful of rooms to around 120. Most hotels on the island offer convention and congress facilities, while there are a number of tourist agencies catering to all the needs of business travel. Zante is one of the prettiest Greek islands and, more importantly, one that is within easy access from the mainland and relatively close to Athens.

Lefkada

Lying between Corfu and Cefalonia in the Ionian Sea, Lefkada offers her beauty to the lucky visitor. Miles of long beaches covered with unique white sand face the open sea and give you the life-full joy of big waves or the tranquillity of completely calm and transparent waters. Picturesque villages, woods, trees, flowers, waterfalls and beautiful small islands combine with history and culture to provide a unique experience on a diverse setting. The locals, lively and warm, have received many Venetian influences, while they have also experienced Turkish yoke and English hegemony, but retained their Greek identity due to their close connection with mainland Greece. Most of the island"s picturesque villages are well-hidden in the interior in ravines, heights or forests, to protect themselves from pirates. Off the island"s southeastern shores are a number of small verdant islands. Meganisi, the largest of all, attracts many visitors in the summer season. It has some beautiful beaches and a few villages.

Cefalonia

Cefalonia, a land of contrasts, is the largest of the Ionian Islands. It has an irregular coastline and is largely mountainous, rising to 5,340 feet (1,630 m) at Mount Ainos, which in ancient times was a temple of Zeus. Its slopes are covered with tall, cedar-like fir trees that grow nowhere else in the world. Traditional important occupations are shepherding and fishing. Cephalonia, with its temperate climate and heavy rainfalls, is also known for its wine, olives, and olive oil. On other parts of the island you"ll run into groves filled with olive or orange trees and hillsides studded with grapevines; breathtaking golden beaches and deep coves, rugged rocky shores or visit famous caves. In the area of Lassie, 2,5 kilometers from the capital, Argostoli, are the famous Katavothres (swallow-holes), a rare geological phenomenon. Here, seawater enters openings in the rock and "disappears".  Only recently were scientists able to trace it; they found that it travels northeast underground all the way across the island finally to emerge at Melissani. (In the past, water poured in at such a rate it was used to power two enormous sea mills). The cave at Melissani is actually a partially covered subterranean lake. When the sun is directly overhead, its rays strike the ultramarine water, shattering into a myriad of colours. The good road network across the island makes it easy to explore Cefalonia from one side to the other; its deep blue waters, steep bare cliffs, lush valleys and picturesque, secluded villages justify it as a favorite choice for combining business with pleasure.

Ithaci

Ithaci is according to mythology the homeland of King Ulysses, who made it known outside the borders of Greece. It lies less than two miles off Cefalonia island and has a unique natural beauty. The capital and port, Ithaci, is one of the most-photographed places in the country. Life on the island is peaceful, as it knows of no such large crowds like most other islands. Should one wish to combine beautiful scenery and a wonderful time, the island of Ithaca is the place to be.