The Ionian Islands are a unique complex of islands along the western coast of Greece, where nature has been particularly generous. Thanks to its mild climate and lush vegetation, these islands are known as green paradises, with rugged coasts that hide some of the most famous beaches in the world. The area also boasts the Inousses Trench, the deepest point in the Mediterranean (5,267 m). A long period of European presence on the islands, during a time when much of Greece was under Ottoman rule, shaped a distinct architectural and intellectual identity, visible in their customs and charming linguistic idiom.

The Charm of the North: Corfu, Paxi, and Antipaxos

Corfu, the cosmopolitan of the Ionian, captivates visitors with its Old Town (UNESCO), imposing Fortresses, and Achilleion Palace. European influences are evident in the Liston and its Philharmonic Bands. North of Corfu, the Diapontia Islands (Othoni, Ereikoussa, Mathraki) offer absolute seclusion, with Othoni being the westernmost point of Greece. Further south, Paxi impresses with Gaios village and the impressive Graves sea caves (pronounced “grahves”). Beside it is Antipaxos, an earthly paradise that features exotic Voutoumi beach and crystal-clear waters with coral reefs.

The Central Ionian: From Lefkada to Zakynthos

Lefkada, the island accessible by road, is famous for its award-winning beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni, as well as the legendary Sappho's Leap location at Cape Doukato. Nearby, Meganisi offers a haven of tranquillity with Papanikolis cave, where the submarine by the same name took shelter.

Kefalonia, the largest of the islands, is home to stunning Myrtos beach, the Melissani lake-cave, and Ainos National Park with its rare Cephalonian fir trees. Neighbouring Ithaca, Odysseus' homeland, remains an eternal symbol of nostalgia for one's homeland. Further south, Zakynthos, also known as the Flower of the East, is famous for Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves, while its Marine Park offers a haven loggerhead turtles (Caretta Caretta).

Southern Splendour: Kythira and Antikythira

Kythira, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, stands out for its Venetian Castle in Hora, Neraida waterfall, and Katouni bridge, which was built during British rule. Lastly, Antikythira (Tsirigoto), lost in the open sea, is world-famous for its ancient Mechanism and wild, unspoilt beauty.

Gastronomy and Local Products

Ionian cuisine is a delightful combination of Mediterranean ingredients. Try pastitsada (beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with thick pasta) and noumboulo (cured pork) in Corfu, the famous Robola wine in Kefalonia, air-dried salami in Lefkada, and the famous ladopaximada (olive-oil rusks) in Kythira. Make sure you try the kumquat liqueur and traditional ginger beer in Corfu.