Guests: 4 | Bedrooms: 2
Guests: 6 | Bedrooms: 3
Guests: 6 | Bedrooms: 3
Traditionally called the Heptanese (the Seven Islands) the Ionian Islands are another group of Greek Islands and are set largely in the Ionian Sea to the west of mainland Greece. One island however, the Island Kythira (Cythera) is set at the southern tip of the Peloponnese in neighbouring Attica and not the Ionian Sea.
The six northern islands of Corfu (Kerkyra), Paxos (Paxi), Lefkada (Lefkas), Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Zakynthos (Zante) and Ithaca (Ithaki) are truly set in the clear warm waters of the Ionian Sea. There are numerous smaller islands in this region but these larger islands are the most famous of holiday destinations and tourism is an essential and most welcome mainstay of the local economy.
As the Ionian Islands are set further North than some other islands such as Crete or Rhodes, the holiday season may not be quite so long but all have the benefit of high temperatures in the summer months and well into autumn. Indeed temperatures start to climb in May and it can be quite warm up until November. The winters are mild and rainy as a result these islands are more verdant than some of the other islands being covered in greenery.
You will also find that, whilst, they retain their uniquely Greek flavour, the Ionian Islands have a slightly more European atmosphere than some having not only been occupied by Venetians, Romans and Byzantine in the past but having also been domains of France and Britain.
The islands are easily accessible with busy Airports at Corfu, Kefalonia and Zante and good ferry services to the other islands, making the islands suitable for a multi destination holiday if desired. Mainland western Greece and its wonders are only a short distance away and open for exploration for the more adventurous. If a more leisurely holiday is preferred then each island can offer sun kissed beaches, deep blue clear waters, a varied verdant landscape, a wide variety of activities, delightful villages and often lively sophisticated capitals and excellent cuisine to ensure that your holiday is truly memorable.