AREA GUIDE TO IONIAN ISLANDS - GREECE
To the west of Epirus, Sterea Ellada, and the Peloponnese, a group of islands form the Ionian Islands.
Corfu (Kerkyra) - Corfu impresses and charms the visitor with its two forts, the narrow streets, tall houses, arcades, a Venetian-built Town Hall, the 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 Achillion 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 a vibrant social life.
Paxi - Paxi is an incredible microcosm. A verdant sanctuary of peace and quiet, with impressive white boulders and beautiful beaches of clear water, small coves and sea caves.
Antipaxi - A virgin, quiet island, just made for truly relaxing holidays, Antipaxi has some wonderful beaches and a tiny village.
Lefkada - Lefkada's eastern side has dense vegetation and smooth shores. On the west, the coast is steep though there are many long sandy beaches. The sea everywhere is an incredible deep blue. Lefkada is a distinguished island with its impressive Venetian castle and the monastery of Phaneromeni and a picturesque and quiet capital town.
Kefalonia - Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands. Picturesque villages and small beautiful towns highlighted by old mansions and humble farmhouses stand alongside the ruins of some ancient city. Kefalonia has been justly called the island of contrasts with Roman, Venetian, and Byzantine ruins jostling for space 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.
Ithaki - Ithaki is known to the world as being Odysseys' 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 verdant east that slopes gently down to the sea. Green Ithaki is a much-loved place, with scenic beaches and sleepy little villages.
Zakynthos (Zante) - Zakynthos is the idyllic, southernmost island of the Ionian, almost triangular in shape. It has its own way of enchanting the visitor and engraving itself in their memory. It is not easy to forget the emerald sea, the pine covered hills, or the hospitable and openhearted inhabitants of Zante. 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. Back...
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