The origins of Ionian Islands came from the word “Ionios” used as an epithet for the sea between Epirus and Italy, which houses the islands.
Today, the islands have become one of the greatest tourist destinations with notable examples being Kerkyra (also known as Corfu) as it is filled with culture and history, Zante with its verdant valleys and seas brimming with life and Ithaca which is worldwide famous as the home of Odysseus.
Corfu / Kerkyra
Corfu is the second largest of all Ionian Islands. This island’s history is inexplicably linked to the history of Greece. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the group of islands.
There’s a lot to do for visitors in Corfu, like strolling through the Kerkyra Old Town and visiting the Museum of Asian Art and the Byzantine Museum.
The beaches of Corfu are also excellent for tourists and the interior of the island provides a beautiful escape for people who are looking to stay away from mainstream tourism.
Paxi / Paxoi
Paxi / Paxoi is the smallest group of islands group within the Ionian Islands. The largest islands of the group are called Paxos and nearby there is Antipaxos. The island of Antipaxos is famous for its wine and two of the best beaches in all of the Ionian Islands, Voutoumi and Vrika.
The Paxi is one of the least commercial parts of the Ionian Islands and is known as one of the most picturesque islands in the world, providing beautiful scenery of the beaches and the sea to the visitors of the island.
Lefkada
The origins of the name of this island come from the famous white cliffs of Cape Lefkada as Lefkada means “white”. Cape Lefkada is also said to be the site of an ancient temple of Apollo and tourists can visit the island to experience the beautiful scenery and the calmness this island can provide.
The island is an amazing destination for people who are looking to enjoy some beautiful beaches on an island and absorb the Greek and Italian cultural heritage.
Ithaca / Ithaki
The island of Ithaca is located in the Ionian Sea and is the second smallest islands of the Ionian Islands. The island is linked to Homer’s Ithaca, the home of Odysseus and symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfillment.
For people who want to experience history and really fine beaches, Ithaca is a perfect destination.
Cephalonia / Kefalonia
The island of Cephalonia / Kefalonia is the largest of all Ionian Islands and is the sixth largest overall Greek island. It is the only municipality of the regional unit of the Ionian Islands.
The geography of the island is filled with a lot of beautiful mountains, capes, flora or fauna. It is also filled with beautiful beaches like the famous Myrtos beach. The island is known for its rich biodiversity, with a significant number of endemic and rare species.
There are also other great things that the island offers such as the fishing villages of Fiscardo and Assos and the Melissani underground lake.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is known for crystal beaches and great nightlife and is one of the most beautiful and popular of all the Ionian Islands. Visitors to this island can enjoy the amazing beaches like Navagio with its beautiful golden sand and the exotic blue waters or the amazing nightlife offered in Laganas region.
Kythira
The island of Kythira is a part of the main group of Ionian Islands, even though it is geographically located at a distance from the rest of them.
As it is situated between the Greek mainland and Crete, a variety of cultures can be found in the long and varied history of this island. This can be clearly seen in the architecture as well as the traditions and customs of the people.
For people looking for a beautiful vacation in Greek islands, the island of Kythira has a lot to offer like the beautiful villages, beaches, museums, monuments, and attractions.