Xionodromika

Ionian Islands: Lush vegetation and great cultural tradition

Ionian Islands


Ionian Islands or Eptanisa is an island area of Greece which includes the islands that are situated out of Ipirus’ and of west and south Peloponnese’s coasts. These islands are Corfu, Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kythira and their neighboring islets.

Ionian Islands don’t constitute geographically a united group, because Kythira is between south Peloponnese and Crete, but they had had a common historical course for a long time.

Ionian Islands’ economy is mainly based on agriculture that is different from island to island. Their principal agricultural products are oil, grapes, wine, greens, garden produce, currant, citrus fruits, melons, watermelons, fruits and dried fruits. Also, another essential source of profit is tourism which is rapidly developed thanks to natural beauties and the remarkable touristic infrastructure.

Ionian Islands Map

Eptanisa’s folk culture presents a peculiarity which springs from the fact that the region didn’t experience the Turkish conquest. From time to time, these islands were conquered by Venetians, English and French, who didn’t though have the alteration of national character of habitants in view. However, the western effects contributed to the development of cultural level, arts and letters.

All islands of Ionian Sea are characterized by rich vegetation, countless natural sights and great cultural tradition. These islands attract a lot of Greek and foreign tourists all the year round.

The fascinating natural landscapes, the verdurous areas, the peaceful dentelated coastline, the wonderful pebbly or sandy beaches, the bright sun, the impressive sea caves, the burning sunsets, the scenic narrow-streets, the especial Ionian architecture and the remarkable ancient monuments that drift each traveler to past hangover, are elements that render Ionian Islands unique in variety and natural beauty.

Beautiful Corfu, the most popular island of Ionian Sea enthralls with its landscape multiformity, the verdant areas, the picturesque watersides with the crystal-clear waters, the heavy cultural heritage and the modern touristic infrastructure. The incomparable natural beauty in combination with the countless historical sights fascinates the visitor.

Kefalonia is the biggest island of Eptanisa. It’s an island with sharp contrasts and a unique physiognomy. The steep slopes, the golden sandy beaches, the scenic churches and the ancient monuments and forts captivate the glances of admiration. The famous film “The Mandolin of Captain Koreli” was shot on the beautiful island of Kefalonia.

Zakynthos, fiore di levanter, is a verdurous mountainous island with unique natural beauties, idyllic beaches with aquamarine waters, impressive sea caves and glorious history. The turtle caretta-caretta and the mediterranean seal monachus-monachus take shelter in the island.
The small and currently picturesque island of Ithaca is Odysseus’ homeland. The luxuriant vegetation, the natural sights, the traditional settlements, the deep blue waters of Ionian Sea and the historical wealth render Ithaca an attractive destination that offers mostly calm holidays.

The beautiful island of Lefkada is the only island that has got road access, as it is linked to Aitoloakarnania by a floating bridge. The countless natural sights, the pinewoods, the historical buildings and the insular air that the traditional villages give off, impress the visitor. Very near to Lefkada, opposite Nydri, Scorpios, the island of Greek magnate Aristotelis Onasis, is found.

Although Paxi is a small island, it has a cosmopolitan character. The whole island is an immense olive grove and is famous for its excellent quality oil. The holiday resorts of the island in combination with the landscapes of incomparable enchantment, the lee creeks and the limpid sea attract a lot of visitors.

Kythira is goddess’ Aphrodite Island. It is the most secluded island of the cluster, as it is found southeast of Peloponnese. The continuous landscape alternations and the maintenance of the authentic island physiognomy are features of the island. The unique natural beauties, the picturesque watersides, the Byzantine churches, the ravines, the caves and the gullies render Kythira an earthly paradise.

All the Ionian Islands constitute ideal destinations for cosmopolitan and tranquil holidays in summer as well as in winter. The warm and cordial hospitality of habitants will overwhelm you. Taste the gastronomic pleasures of each island and live memorable experiences!

Ionian Islands Photos