4 Nights in ionian islands
It’s hard not to fall for the Ionian Islands, an archipelago that sweeps down the west coast of mainland Greece. Discovering these islands is a tantalising odyssey. Their natural beauty embraces the visitor – the vast olive groves, intriguing mountainscapes and iridescent waters of the Ionian Sea offer something for adventure seekers, culture vultures and beach bums alike. The temperate climate; the deep and cool sea waters; the mountains; the lush vegetation; the cultural heritage; and the cheerfulness of the inhabitants, make the Ionian Islands the ideal place for a holiday as well as rest and relaxation. What is more, the traits of the Ionian Islands are perfectly combined with a flawless tourism infrastructure, excellent hotel accommodations, restaurants, diving centers, sea sports, cultural events, and a multitude of sights, historic monuments and museums worth visiting. Scattered along the western coastline of Central Greece, the Ionian Islands as they are known, are an island cluster comprising twelve small and large islands whose total surface area comes to 2,200 square kilometers. Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu (Kerkyra), Kefalonia, Lefkada, and Paxi are the six, large Ionian Islands. Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi and the deserted islets of Strofades south of Zakynthos are the smaller Ionian Islands. Together with the island of Kythira and the neighboring Antikythira the islands form the island cluster of Eptanisa. Each island boasts a distinct tradition, cuisine and architecture. It’s easy to get off the beaten track: find your own isolated swimming coves in a boat, wander through olive groves, or stumble across an authentic kafeneio (coffee house). Cultural adventurers can explore fortresses, Byzantine churches and Homeric sites. Adventure addicts can trek, cycle, windsurf and scuba dive, and anyone can try bird-watching or golf. The culinary experience rounds off an Ionian journey: indulge in fresh, generous helpings of local dishes, served with a huge dollop of local filoxenia (hospitality).
The Ionians are traditionally called the Heptanese, i.e. "the Seven Islands", but the group includes many smaller islands as well as the seven principal ones.
The seven are from north to south: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Cerigo
The seven are from north to south: Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos (Zante), Cerigo
Corfu
Corfu is a very popular tourist destination, the city was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was Homer’s ‘beautiful and rich land’, and Odysseus’ last stop on his journey home to Ithaki. Shakespeare reputedly used it as a background for The Tempest. With the nation’s highest rainfall, scores of vegetables and herbs thrive here, especially in spring. With its beguiling landscape of wildflowers, and cypress trees rising out of shimmering olive groves, Corfu hangs in there as one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” came to be successfully applied to local artistic traditions. Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantoúnia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples. Discover Spianáda, Listón, The impressive 15th century Old Fortress, as well as the New Fortress, A considerable number of churches. The most imposing one is the city’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Spyridon, the island’s patron Saint, whose relics are kept here. Call in at the city’s fascinating museums, The Museum of Asian Art, Archaeological, Banknote & Byzantine Museum, Dionysios Solomos Museum. Must see are Mon Repos Palace, Kanóni, Paleópolis, & Achilleion (a fairy palace). And don’t leave before you pay a visit to the nearby islands of Paxi (A sanctuary of love for gods) and Antipaxi (outstanding beauty and Voutoúmi Beach). |
Kefallonia / Cephalonia
Kefallonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, hides secrets and surprises below its rugged, towering mountain range: sprawling vineyards, stunning cliffs and beaches and unclassified Roman ruins. KKefallonia’s capital is Argostoli, the main port is Sami, and ferry services also run from Fiskardo and Poros. The island of Cephalonia is also known as Kefalonia, Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia. The magnificent sights, amazing beaches, rich cultural heritage, great monuments, mountains, castles, remote monasteries and cheerful, hospitable people are the treasures making Kefalonia one of the most attractive destinations. The island has a splendid natural beauty and a diversified geological structure with innumerable small bays and rich vegetation; the mountain Aenos (National Park since 1962 supporting rich flora and fauna) looks impressive from far away. The movie ‘’Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’’ shot in the natural scenery of the island refers to a history of the Resistance movement. Argostoli is the island capital (as well as the capital of Kefalonia and Ithaca prefecture) since 1757. It is a modern town, which preserves its traditional character, built amphitheatrically with a view of the Koutavous lagoon, which is a crossing area for the migratory birds. The city has many neoclassical buildings, big squares, churches and remarkable cultural activity. The Archaeological Museum, The Korgialeneios Library, The Folklore and History Museum, The Napier Garden, The Rizospaston street, Lithostroto, Kampanas square, The 900 meter long Drapano stone bridge, The Katavothres are all sights here. Enos Forest has been designated as a National Park. |
Ithaca / Ithaka
“Keep Ithaca always in your mind. Arriving there is what you are destined for”. Worldwide famous as the home of Odysseus, Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfillment. Scuba diving and sea kayaking are very popular. Cave of the Nymph will give you the chance to combine an exciting visit with a myth: Odysseus had hidden there the gifts he had brought along from the land of the Phaeacians. The beach lovers will take pleasure in a multitude of choices covering all tastes, from sand to pebbles, from rocky to green-clad backgrounds, from peaceful to busy ones. Some of them are: Lootsa, Filiatró, Sarakínniko, Dexá, Minnímata, Yidáki, Aetós, Áspros Yalós, Afáles, Kourvoólia. The 3.000-odd inhabitants of the island reside in Vathý (capital of the island and home to the Maritime and Folkloric Museum as well as to the Archaeological Museum of Ithaca), Perahóri (scenic little village with a breathtaking view over the island), Stavrós (Archaeological Museum), & Anoyí (upright stones of the area). It might be difficult to date the local dishes back to the ancient era; still their taste is mythical all the same. Try codpie, tomatoballs, savóro fish (fish fillet fried in vinegar, raisins, rosemary and garlic) tserepáto (red meat of chicken charcoal-grilled in a clay pot) and, as a desert, rovaní (ground rice with honey). |
Zante / Zakynthos
The flower of the East. Its landscape diversity has resulted in different types of beaches: there are sandy beaches in secluded coves where the tranquil waters are deep blue on the island’s southeastern part; yet, if rugged cliffs and an interesting underwater world are to your liking, try the western part of the island. The Venetians, who ruled Zákynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island “Fioro di Levante” (flower of the East) as there are over 7,000 species of flowers on Zákynthos. On Zante, great care is taken to protect two endangered animal species, namely the caretta aretta sea turtle and the monachus monachus seal. The city of Zakynthos is the capital of the island and at the same time the island's port. Take a tour around the city and visit The Solomos Square, Post- Byzantine Museum of Zante, the coastal road known as Strata Marina, Aghios Markos square, Rouga (Alexandros Romas street), Venetian Castle, Stranis hill (great views). Visit also the remarkable churches of Zakynthos, Aghios Nikolaos, Aghios Dionysios, Aghios Markos, Aghios Georgios, Panaghia Pikardiotissa. Zakynthos is famous for its cultural life. The Carnival: A traditional town crier goes around the island proclaiming the program of the Carnival festivities. Navigo Beach is famous as the house of wreck of the supposed moon curser ship Panagiotis. |