Ionian Islands

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Regions of Greece : Ionian islands

 

The Ionian Islands are located in the Ionian Sea, in the western part of Greece. The Ionian Sea is also called the Adriatic sea. They are composed of Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Paxoi, and some others. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, their charming villages and their verdant landscapes. 

 

Lefkada

The island of Lefkada, also called Lefkas, is the fourth largest island of the Ionian Islands, after Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Corfu. It has an area of 303 square kilometres, a coastline of 117 kilometres and a population of about 22.000 inhabitants. Lefkada (Lefkas) is a very special Greek island, which is separated from Mainland Greece by a 25-meter artificial canal and two bridges. The island has beautiful beaches, impressive sites and hospitable inhabitants. It is characterised by mountainous terrain and green countryside, making it unlike many other Greek Islands. Lefkada is known by many names, including Lefcas, Levkas, Leukas, and Lefkas,  depending on where you come from.
Lefkada (Lefkas) Island is a part of the Ionian Island cluster and is located in the Ionian Sea. It is situated above the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia, west of the coastline of the Etoloakarnania Prefecture. Lefkada Island is a cultural center of the Ionian cluster, with many historical sites, monuments and traditional houses, while several older women still wear traditional clothes, creating a charming atmosphere.
Lefkada Town, the capital of the island, is separated from the coast of the prefecture of Etoloakarnania by its artificial canal and is connected by a drawbridge and a stable bridge. Apart from the capital of Lefkada, the island possesses numerous traditional villages, such as the cosmopolitan coastal resort of Agios Nikitas, the mountainous and traditional villages of Spanochori, Athani and Vafkeri, the scenic and verdant settlement of Vassiliki, the popular and modern town of Nydri, the seaside village of Sivota, as well as the settlements of Poros, Nikiana, Lygia, Karya, Vlyho and isles surroundingg Lefkada.
Lefkada Beaches

The stunning coastline of Lefkada Island offers tourists an abundance of beautiful pebbly and sandy beaches, and cool, turquoise waters. Some of the beaches in Lefkada are considered the best in Greece, due to their soft sand, idyllic natural settings and crystal-clear waters. On the eastern side of Lefkada, the beaches are sheltered by the mainland, while the western coast is open to the Ionian Sea.

The majority of nightlife venues in Lefkada (Lefkas) are situated in Lefkada Town, Nidri and Vassiliki. Visitors who are looking for exciting nightlife in Lefkada won't be disappointed, as there is a good selection of clubs, bars and cafes, as well as an endless array of traditional tavernas and posh restaurants. Lefkada holidays aren't complete without trying the island's traditional cuisine

Getting to Lefkada

Getting to Lefkada is fairly easy. If you are coming from abroad, you should check for flights to Aktio, Preveza Airport, with a stopover at Athens Airport. Charter flights to Lefkas are available from many European countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Austra, Switzerland, etc. From Aktio Airport you can either take a bus or rent a car to Lefkada. Aktio Airport is also connected to the airports in Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Sitia Town in Crete. Try to book your airplane ticket well in advance to find lowest possible airfare to Lefkada.

There are frequent bus routes to Lefkada from Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and other major Greek cities. If you are in either Kefalonia or Ithaki, you can catch a ferry boat to Lefkada.

Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the southernmost island of the Ionian Islands and the third largest of the group , with an area of 406 square km and a population of about 35.000 inhabitants.

Zakynthos is one of the most frequented islands in the Ionian cluster. It is famed for a variety of characteristics that set it apart from all other islands. Its lush hillsides and plains are full of fragrant wild flowers and plants, while its sandy beaches are considered some of the finest in all of Greece, such as the famous beach of Navagio, (" Shipwreck Beach").
A few of the Zakynthos beaches are home to the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles, which come to lay their eggs in the soft sands. The areas where the Caretta-Carettas lay their eggs are protected by special markers so visitors do not disturb the hatchlings. The surrounding islets are also beautiful, with azure waters and pristine beaches. Zakynthos (Zante) is a favorite holiday spot for all types of tourists, as it offers facilities for party-goers, nature lovers, history buffs and family travelers. The natural environment of Zakynthos is the main reason why the island has recently developed into a holiday spot for alternative-style vacations. The excellent range of Zakynthos hotels, apartments, villas, studios and rooms for rent offered on the island is astounding, making it easy to find the Zakynthos hotel that suits your needs and budget.
Visitors can find a wide array of entertainment venues throughout the island, ranging from exciting clubs and bars, to relaxing cafes and tavernas. Some areas offer great nightlife, of which the most popular are Zakynthos Town, Laganas, Alikes, Argasi and Alikanas.
While on Zakynthos Island (Zante), you will definitely want to do a little touring. There are a number of impressive historical monuments and natural sites that are worth visiting. Zakynthos villages, are extremely quaint, especially the ones on the hillside that offer visitors a “taste” of the traditional lifestyle of Zakynthos. Your best bet would be to get in touch with a preofessional Zakynthos car rentals agency to hire a car to tour the island.

Ferries and Flights to Zakynthos

You can reach Zakynthos Island  by airplane or ferry boat. There are domestic flights to Zakynthos  from the Athens Airport all year round. You can also find charter flights to Zakynthos from the UK, Russia, Italy, France, Holland, the Czech Republic and other European countries. Many airline companies have special offers for cheap flights to Zakynthos Airport, especially during the low and middle tourist seasons, including last minute deals and student Zakynthos airfare.
Ferry boats to Zakynthos (Zante) depart from Kyllini Port in the Elia Prefecture of the Peloponnese. Ferry boats to Zakynthos  are quite frequent, especially during the summer, when thousands of visitors have planned their Zakynthos vacations. You can reach Kyllini Port by bus from Athens. Zakynthos is connected to Kefallonia Island by ferry boat.

Corfu

It is the second largest island of the Ionian group after Kefalonia.
Corfu has a total area of 592 square kilometres, a coastline of 216 kilometres. The island's population consists of 100,000 inhabitants from which 30,000 is gathered in the capital of the island, Corfu Town (or Kerkyra).

Corfu  is truly a vacationers' paradise, as it has an excellent tourist infrastructure that includes nightlife venues, Corfu car rental agencies, travel agencies, and an endless selection of Corfu hotels, rooms for rent, apartments, studios, villas that will satisfy all types of visitors, from those who are looking for Corfu discount holidays to those who prefer luxury Corfu hotels and resorts.

The history of Corfu is complex and eventful, making the island one of the prime destinations in Greece for sightseeing and cultural tours. Corfu is a blend of Greek, Venetian, British, French and Russian features, which create a most unusual and very attractive environment. While you are on your Corfu holiday, you will have the opportunity to explore traditional mountain villages, walk through the cantounia of Corfu Town and take a stroll along the beachfront of splendid seaside settlements. The Ionian waters are clean, calm and ideal for a variety of water sports, such as Corfu sailing and snorkelling, as well as day cruises around Corfu Island.

The island of Corfu  has an excellent tourist infrastructure, ensuring every visitor the hotels to suite their needs. The variety of Corfu hotels is astounding. Corfu luxury resorts and Corfu villas are available for those who prefer lavish hotel accommodations.

Corfu Beaches

It is the beloved vacation spot of sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts because most Corfu beaches have soft sands and ideal weather conditions for windsurfing, waterskiing and other beach activities. Some beaches have rocky coves that are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. The majority of Corfu beaches are organized to various degrees, and offer a variety of beach facilities, ranging from canteens and beach bars to restaurants and shops. Whatever your needs, you will be sure to find a suitable beach in Corfu.

Corfu Nightlife

Corfu is an extremely cosmopolitan island and one of the best features is its nightlife and entertainment. Corfu nightlife venues can be found all over the island, although most of them are concentrated in Corfu Town, Throughout Corfu Town there is an abundance of clubs and bars, particularly along the coastal road. There is a large number of live music halls, clubs and bars not only in Corfu Town, but also in the settlements of Paleokastritsa, Messonghi, Benitses, Sidari, Dassia, Gouvia, and Glyfada.

Corfu restaurants and tavernas are practically on every street, in every town and village.
A great many fairs and festivals take place in the villages of Corfu. Most Corfu festivals and events are lively celebrations with traditional music and dancing and delicious food and wine.

Ferries & Flights to Corfu

Ferries to Corfu Island depart from both Patras Port and Igoumenitsa Port, both of which can be reached from Athens by bus or rental car. From Patra Port, the trip to Corfu Port lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and the Corfu Ferry Boat is comfortable, with many facilties. The trip from Igoumenitsa to Corfu Port is just 1 to 1,5 hours, although the road trip is substantially longer.
There are direct flights to Corfu Airport from Athens Airport, linking all major international airports with Corfu Island. From some countries, charter flights to Corfu are available, including flights from London to Corfu.

Kefalonia

Kefalonia is an ideal destination for your vacations due to the fact that it is a cosmopolitan island and a popular resort with traditional features and naturally beautiful sites. The hospitable inhabitants with the unique island mentality in combination with the gifted landscape, create an irresistible holiday hot spot that enchants each and every visitor.
The island of Kefalonia  belongs to the Ionian Islands cluster, which is situated at the Ionian Sea between Lefkada and Zakynthos, at a close distance to the western coastline of Central Greece. Furthermore, Kefalonia covers an area of 781 sq. km., it has a coastline of 254 km and it also has approximately 32.500 inhabitants.

Kefalonia is characterized by verdant mountainous regions, pristine coasts and superb sightseeing. The dark fir trees, the natural caves, the impressive sinkholes, the carved rocks, the verdant slopes, and the golden and silver coasts are absolutely breathtaking.

Argostoli, the capital of Kefalonia, despite being ruined by earthquakes in 1953, was built again, respecting its former architecture. It is a very beautiful town with spacious squares and imposing buildings that follow the renowned tradition.

Touring around the island of Kefalonia  you will come across various interesting settlements. Assos, one of the most scenic regions of the island, with two bays, a peninsula with a castle and a cave with seals, Poros, a beautiful tourist settlement and central port of the island, Sami, the largest port of the island blessed with amazing archaeological findings and Fiskardo, a much frequented traditional settlement of exquisite attraction that reflects the nobility of the old profile of Kefalonia.