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To the west of Epirus, Central Greece, and the Peloponnese, a group of
islands form the Ionian islands.
Corfu (Kerkyra)
is the most popular of them all. It is a very green island and a mixture
of the civilizations that have passed through at various times. The town
impresses and charms the visitor with its two forts, narrow streets, tall
houses, arcades, Venetian-built Town Hall, church to Saint Spyridon the
island's patron saint, flower-filled gardens, and balconies with their
superb wrought-iron fences. Flooded with sights, Corfu is a small paradise
on Earth. From Paleokastritsa to Kanoni, from the Achilleion to Pontikonissi
and the northern coast, one will find crystal clear water, scenic coves,
greenery and vegetation that "sinks" into the deep blue sea.
On this cosmopolitan island it is easy to combine relaxation with intense
night-life.
Paxi is an incredible microcosm.
A verdant sanctuary for peace and quiet. A "large-small" garden
in bloom, with impressive white boulders and beautiful beaches with clear
water, small coves and sea caves. Gaios is the picturesque village with
pretty houses and narrow streets. The old windmill, the Venetian fort and
the Ypapanti sea cave are the sights to see on the island before one crosses
over to Parga or to Antipaxi. A virgin, quiet island, just made for truly
relaxing holidays, Antipaxi has
some wonderful beaches and a tiny village.
Lefkada's eastern
side has dense vegetation and smooth shores. On the west, the coast is
steep though there are many long sandy beaches. But the sea everywhere
is that deep blue. Lefkada is a distinguished island with its impressive
Venetian castle and the monastery of Phaneromeni. The capital town is a
picturesque and quiet place with its characteristic multi-coloured wooden
houses. Villages built next to the sea. Excursions through the forests
to the many sights, such as the ruins of the prehistoric city and the circular
tombs. Scenic fishing villages on the western pebbled shores lapped by
the crystal clear sea.
Cephalonia (Kefalonia)
is the largest of the Ionian islands. Green rocks plunge suddenly into the deep
blue waters. Picturesque villages and small beautiful towns highlighted by old
mansions and "humble" farmhouses; a little further over, the ruins
of some ancient city. Kefalonia has been justly called the island of contrasts:
Roman, Venetian, and Byzantine ruins, side by side with famous beaches.
The capital Argostoli is where the sea pours into spectacular swallow-holes and
disappears endlessly into subterranean tunnels forming a rare geological phenomenon.
The water reappears at Lake Melissani, an incredible semi-underground lake of
clear turquoise and indigo water. Nearby is the Drogarati cave, a large stalagmitic
cavern of rare beauty. To the north is the small village of Fiskardo, and its
pretty harbour, that has escaped the earthquakes and retains the old style buildings.
Ithaca (Ithaki)
is known to the world as being Odysseus' homeland. Its enchanting coves turn
it into paradise on earth despite its small size and mountainous nature. The
west side of the island is steep and bare in contrast with the east which is
verdant and slopes gently down to the sea. The visitor can go on excursions to
the intensely Ionian, traditional seaside villages, and visit the medieval monastery
of Taxiarhon and the wonderful caves of the island that are just begging to be
explored. Green Ithaca is a much loved place, with scenic beaches, sleepy little
villages, and an ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation.
The southernmost island of the Ionian, almost triangular in shape, is idyllic Zakynthos (Zante).
It has its own way of enchanting the visitor and engraving itself in his memory.
It is not easy to forget the emerald sea, the pine covered hills, or the hospitable
and openhearted inhabitants. Up high, above the modern town with its beautiful
buildings in the typical Zakynthian style, is the Venetian castle; churches are
everywhere in the city of St Dionyssios, the island's patron saint. Small coffee-shops
and picturesque villages are to be found among the olive and almond trees, in
or around fields planted with vines and vegetables.
Zakynthos has many fine sandy beaches with calm, clear waters. One some of them
the visitor can meet the sea turtles Caretta
caretta, just before he crosses over to
beautiful Strofades a group of small islands. |
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