The Ionian Islands are located in Ionian Sea, at the west of Greece and are composed of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaki, Paxos and Kithira. The Ionian Islands are famous for their beautiful sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, charming villages and lovely countryside, with beautiful trees and flowers. These islands can offer everything you could wish for a Greek Island holiday. The climate of the Ionian Islands is Mediterranean, with mild winters and cool summers. The sweetness of the climate is such that many consider as better than the famous climate of the French Riviera. The economy of the Ionian Islands is mainly based on agriculture, which varies from island to island and on tourism which is developed the recent decades. There are plenty of fully equipped touristic facilities as hotels, restaurants, bars, dive and watersports centers and also cultural and archaeological sites. The Ionian Islands are an ideal destination for holidays as they combine deep and cool sea with green mountains and cheerful people with a big sense of hospitality. Let’s know more about some of the best Ionian Islands and reasons why should visit them.
| List of Ionian Islands |
|---|
| Corfu |
| Ithaka |
| Kefalonia |
| Kithira |
| Lefkada |
| Paxi |
| Zante |
Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and the 6th largest in Greece. It is located between Lefkada and Zakynthos and has a population of approximately 35.000 people. Capital of Kefalonia is Argostoli and other major towns are Lixouri, Poros, Sami and Scala. The Ionian Sea as we have already mentioned is famous for its beautiful beaches and Kefalonia is no exception. Its beaches are very popular as they have clear waters and sandy beaches. Most famous of all is Myrtos, which is declared as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. According to an annual vote of the Greek Ministry of Environment, Myrtos has been elected as “The Best Greek Sea” for eleven years continuously. Natural caves, strange rocks and beaches, green hillsides and beautiful small lakes charm the visitors. The residents are also famous worldwide for their hospitality, their intelligence and their sense of humor. Some of the most important sights to visit are the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli, the Naval and Environmental Museum of Fiskardo with information about the history, the marine life and the natural beauty of the island and the Natural History Museum of Kefalonia and Ithaki. If you go to Kefalonia do not miss the chance to taste the traditional kitchen and the wines of this wonderful island. Rompola is the most famous variety of wines which are produced in Kefalonia with a characteristic and rich taste. There are a lot of wineries you can visit during your holidays and know more about two more wines with Controlled Designation of Origin, the Mavrodafni and the Moschato. You can get to the island by airplane from Athens or Thessaloniki, by ship from Patras, Killini and Astako and by bus from Athens (trip which includes and ferry boat). Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful Greek islands and that’s the reason for visiting it a lot of local and foreign VIPs!
Ithaca
Ithaca is the mythical island of Odysseus and after a visit you will realize why he spent 10 years suffering to get back home. It’s a wonderful island with irresistible beauty, a landscape full of contrasts with colors deep green and deep blue and traditional homes made with the unique Ionian architectural style. Ithaca is a virgin island, calm, beautiful and perfect for a relaxing holiday. It has very clear waters so is excellent for snorkeling and there are many different kinds and colors of fishes to see and also many types of wild flowers and wildlife. Ithaca with its simple and natural charming is the symbol of nostalgia and love for the country. If once visit this island, it’s sure you will feel nostalgia and you will come back again and again…
Zakynthos, many times is mentioned as a ‘’blessed island’’ as combines rich cultural heritage and incredible natural beauty. It is a child of the earthquakes, emerged from the seabed with a strange triangle shape. The half part of the island has regular sandy beaches and the other half part has steep and rocky beaches. The Blue Caves, the Shipwreck and the beaches which have been chosen from the caretta-caretta turtles and the cosmopolitan nights in popular villages are only some of the reasons for being this island so loved for foreigners and local tourists. People happy and cheerful, famous for their hospitality and for their habit to speak with a lot of gestures will impress you. Zakynthos is one of the places which can steal your heart for ever…
Lefkada is also known as the ‘’emerald island’’ thanks to its green scenery and the turquoise color waters. It has a Mediterranean climate with fresh cool and light winds. You fall in love at the first sight with this gorgeous island, its beaches are sandy with turquoise crystal waters and pines which almost touch the sea. If you are a sport type, every year in Lefkada are organized some of the most popular international festivals for windsurfing and kite surfing, as the island is among the 10 best destinations for these sports. Also, you can walk at incredible paths which drive to waterfalls and swim in small lakes which have been created through the years, biking or even riding at the green hillsides. When we talk for nightlife, you have to know that fun beats red from early until the wee hours! There are a lot of bars, clubs, restaurants and beach bars to live it up with loud music and fun for all the tastes and ages. So, ‘’live your myth in Greece’’ visiting the islands with the mythical beauty!
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