The Ionian Islands - A secret paradise?
The Ionian Islands are located in the Ionain Sea, off the west coast of Greece and are formed of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos, Kythira. All the islands are renowned for their beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters and stunning scenery.
Corfu
Corfu is the second largest island, after Kefalonia and was the first to open itself up to tourism with plenty to offer its visitors. It attracts visitor from all over the world and is one of those rare destinations that caters for all ages and tastes.
Corfu is known as Kerkyra in Greek and takes its name from a variation of the Nymph Korkira, daughter of the Greek river god Aesopos in mythology. Legend says that the god of sea, Poseidon fell in love with the Nymph Korkira, kidnapped her and then brought her to the Island, hence the name Kerkyra.
The island of Corfu has been described as the Emerald Isle, the Garden of Eden and by Homer himself, a beautiful and rich land all this is due to the lush green hills, towering mountains, clear blue seas, pure white sands, endless olive groves and colourful wild flowers.
Corfu is full of variety from its traditional fishing villages to its large modern resorts, coupled with its amazing wildlife, over six hundred types of wild flowers and numerous exotic birds including pelicans, bee eaters, hoopoes and golden orioles; this island has something for everyone!
The most southerly of the Ionian Islands has a varied landscape, the west is characterised by striking mountain scenery and is largely uninhabited and the east is packed with fertile plains, picturesque bays and long sandy beaches. Zante is a beautiful island, with many varieties of pretty colourful flowers that seem to blossom all year round. The famous poet Edgar Allen Poe, in 1837, wrote a poem entitled "Sonnet to Zante" the last line states "Isola d'ora! Fior di Levante!" which means "Island of Gold, Flower of the East".
Any visitor is sure to be enraptured by the islands charms and to agree with Poe that it is indeed an island of gold and certainly an ideal holiday destination. Zante has much to offer any visitor, from splendid sandy beaches, the unique chance to see endangered wildlife in the form of Caretta Caretta turtles and Monk seals, impressive monasteries and churches with fine frescos and icons, as well as the famous Blue Caves and the best known sight on Zante- Shipwreck beach one of the most photographed places in the world.
Zante Town is the capital of the island and was built amphitheatrically up to the hill of Bohali, famous for being the location where Dionysios Solomos found the inspiration to write the poem which later formed the lyrics to the Greek National Anthem. The capital had to be rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1953; however it was reconstructed with respect to its previous architectural style and character, and has a quaint old style charm.
The Venetians ruled on Zante for many years and many of the buildings have a strong Venetian influence. There are several interesting museums in the town well worth a visit, such as the Byzantine museum and the Solomos and Kalvos museum. In Solomos square there is a fine statute of Dionysios Solomos and near this square are numerous cafes- ideal for refreshment and a chance to bask in the glorious sunshine.
Ithaca
Ithaca is the second smallest of the inhabited Ionian Islands. It is 29 km in length and 6.5 km wide and has a coast line of 100 km. It consists of 2 peninsulas that are almost equal in size and they are joined by the isthmus of Aetos (or Eagle bay). The island is long and narrow and is almost divided in half by the sweeping bay of Molos. Ithaca is 2 nautical miles west of Kefalonia and as the island does not have its own airport, most visitors reach Ithaca by ferry boat from Kefalonia. The highest mountain peak on Ithaca is Mount Neritos, which is 800 m high. Vathy is Ithaca’s capital town, and has been since the Venetian times and is located in the south east of the island. Vathy is one of the world’s largest natural harbours.
Ithaca is thought to have been named after the son of a Kefalonian King, Ithacis, who settled here and together with his brother built a fountain that provided the whole island with water. It is known that in the Mycenaean times that Ithaca was the capital of Kefalonia. There have been archaeological finds that date back to 4000- 3000 B.C, here on Ithaca.
Ithaca is most famous for being Odysseus's homeland. Although there are no substantiated archaeological discoveries to support Homer’s writing, that it was the birth place of Odysseus, it fits his description completely "There are no tracks, nor grasslands… it is a rocky severe island, unsuited for horses, but not so wretched, despite its small size. It is good for goats."
Odysseus after fighting in the Trojan Wars endured a 10 year ordeal to get back home to Ithaca and his wife Penelope. Due to this many people feel that Ithaca symbolises life’s journey and destiny. In a poem called Ithaca, by Cavafy, he writes“When you set out on your voyage to Ithaca, Pray that your journey may be long, Full of adventures, full of knowledge.
Kefalonia
The largest of the seven Ionian islands (700 sq km2 about). It's highest peak is Ancient Mount Aenos, 1628 m (5341feet) In Greece's west coast, Cephalonia has only 32,000 resident islanders. With Lefkas to the north and Zakynthos to the south the island is firmly on a tourist trail and grows each year as more accommodation becomes available and big tour operators move in.
Despite the annual influx of visitors, mainly Italians, the island is so big it is still possible to get away to places where you are unlikely to meet a soul for days. Kefalonia is an island as attractive to walkers as it is to sunbathers. For the walker there are acres of inland forest covered mountains to explore. For sun bathers there are plenty on beaches (many of them among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Kefalonia Is one of Greece's best secrets and once voted 10th in a world scenic beauty league, thus it demands and deserves exploration. Beautiful golden beaches, lofty mountains providing the scenic backdrop to hundreds of secluded white coves , the strange cliffs , the cave of St. Gerassimos - the island's patron saint, the Cave of Drongorati, the underground lake at Mellisani, churches and Monasteries perched precariously on cliffs, timeless villages.