REST OF IONIAN ISLANDS
To the west of Epirus, Sterea Ellada, and the Peloponnese, a
group of islands form the lonian islands.
Paxi is an incredible microcosm. A verdant sanctuary for peace
and quiet. A "large-small" garden in bloom, with impressive
white boulders and beautiful boaches with clear water, small
coves, and sea caves. Gaios, is the picturesque village with
pretty houses and narrow streets. The old windmill, the Venetian
fort, and the Ipapanti sea cave are the sights to see on the
island before one crosses over to Parga or to Antipaxi. A
virgin, quiet island, just made for truly relaxing holidays,
Antipaxi has some wonderful beaches and a tiny village.
Lefkada's eastern side has dense vegetation and smooth shores.
On the west, the coast is steep though there are many long sandy
beaches. But the sea everywhere is that deep blue. Lefkada is a
distinguished island with its impressive Venetian castle and the
monastery of Phaneromeni. The capital town is a picturesque and
quiet place with its characteristic multi-coloured wooden
houses. Villages built next to the sea. Excursions through the
forests to the many sights, such as the ruins of the prehistoric
city and the circular tombs. Scenic fishing villages on the
western pebbled shores lapped by the crystal clear sea.
Kefalonia is the largest of the lonian islands. Green rocks
plunge suddenly into the deep blue waters. Picturesque villages
and small beautiful towns highlighted by old mansions and
"humble" farmhouses; a little further over, the ruins of some
ancient clty. Kefalonia has been justly called the island of
contrasts: Roman, Venetian, and Byzantine ruins, side by side
with famous beaches The capital Argostoli is where the sea pours
into spectacular swallow-holes and disappears endlessly into
subterranean tunnels forming a rare geological phenomenon. The
water reappears at Lake Melissani, an incredible
semi-underground lake of clear turquoise and indigo water.
Nearby is the Drogarati cave, a large stalagmitic cavern of rare
beauty. To the north is the small village of Fiskardo, and its
pretty harbour, that has escaped the earthquakes and retains the
old style buildings.
Ithaki is known to the world as being Odysseys' homeland. Its
enchanting coves turn it into paradise on earth despite its
small size and mountainous nature. The west side of the island
is steep and bare in contrast with the east which is verdant and
slopes gently down to the sea. The visitor can go on excursions
to the intensely lonian, traditional seaside villages, and visit
the medieval monastery of Taxiarhon and the wonderful caves of
the island that are just begging to be explored. Green Ithaki is
a much loved place with scenic beaches, sleepy little villages,
and an ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation.
The southernmost island of the lonian, almost triangular in
shape, is idyllic Zakinthos. It has its own way of enchanting
the visitor and engraving itself in his memory. It is not easy
to forget the emerald sea, the pine covered hills, or the
hospitable and openhearted inhabitants of Zante, as it is
otherwise called. Up high, above the modern town with its
beautiful buildings in the typical Zakinthian style, is the
Venetian castle; churches are everywhere in the city of St.
Dionysios, the island's patron saint. Small coffee shops and
picturesque villages are to be found among the olive and almond
trees, in or around fields planted with vines and vegetables.
Zakinthos has many fine sandy beaches with calm, clear waters.
On some of them, the visitor can meet the sea turtles
Caretta-caretta, just before he crosses over to beautiful
Strofades, a group of small islands.
The verdant island of Kithira is located off the southeast
corner of the Peloponnese. It is ringed by wide sandy beaches
and clean seas, while the interior justifiably impresses with
traditional villages, castles, monasteries, and churches.