MAP & INTRO
A short history and mythology
Way back in the heady days when Greek gods and goddesses roamed the earth, the beautiful maiden Io was turned into a white heifer by her lover, Zeus. The coquettish cow dashed through the Ionian Sea with Hera, Zeus’ wife, in hot pursuit – and so the Ionian Islands were named.
Homer was slightly closer to the mark when he wrote that the kingdom of Odysseus (Ulysses) consisted of the Ionian islands of Ithaki, Kefallonia, Zakynthos, and Lefkada. Homer’s legendary hero left his beloved home on Ithaki to fight in the Trojan Wars, and the island has consequently come to symbolize the end of a long journey.
Homer also wrote that the Ionian Islands were prominent in Mycenaean times, but the archaeological evidence dating from this period amounts to only a couple of tombs, with nary a magnificent palace or even a humble village emerging from the depths. Earthquakes have been a constant phenomenon for the islands’ inhabitants, so who knows what evidence lies buried beneath the foundations.
What surely cannot be disputed is the fact that a ridiculous number of foreign entities have claimed the Ionian Islands as their own. By the 8th century BC, the islands were held by the mighty city-state of Corinth and were valued as stepping-stones en route to Sicily and Italy. A century later Corfu was powerful enough to mount a successful revolt against the Corinthian stranglehold, but the ensuing Peloponnesian Wars (431-404 BC) left the island depleted and impoverished.
By the end of the 3rd century BC, the Ionian Islands were Roman, and they successively became part of the Eastern Roman Empire and eventually that of the Byzantine. Life on the edge of the Byzantine Empire was anything but stable, and the islands endured repeated attacks by passing Vandals, Goths, Saracens, and Normans. Finally, Venice stepped in, shaking off stubborn Norman and Angevin claims to rule the roost for 400 years. Aside from Lefkada, which was ruled by the Turks for 200 years, the Ionian Islands were the only part of Greece to escape being subsumed into the Ottoman Empire. Venice milked the islands of their wine, fruits, silk, and cotton, and transformed the towns of Corfu, Argostoli, Lefkada, and Zakynthos with the distinctive beauty of Venetian architecture. The Venetians also introduced olive trees to the islands, notably on Corfu and Paxi.
In 1350 Venice was the undisputed sea power in the Mediterranean, but by 1716 the Ionians were Venice’s sole remaining overseas possession. Venice fell to Napoleon in 1797, and the islands were allotted to France. In 1815, when the little general’s star had waned, the islands became a British protectorate under the jurisdiction of a series of Lord High Commissioners. The British employed their usual infrastructural genius, building roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, but their rule was oppressive. Calls for the islands’ political union with Greece were increasingly raised, and in 1864 the Brits finally heeded the call. To this day the islands celebrate their Day of Unification on 21 May.
Corfu and Kefallonia were invaded by Italy during WWII, as part of Mussolini’s grand plan to resurrect the mighty Roman Empire. When Italy surrendered to the Allies in 1943, the Germans massacred the thousands of occupying Italians and sent some 5000 of Corfu’s Jewish population to Auschwitz. The troubles continued when earthquakes devastated Lefkada in 1948, and Kefallonia, Ithaki and Zakynthos in 1953. The damage was so bad that rebuilding was not an option, and the islanders were encouraged to immigrate, predominantly to Australia. In more recent times package tourism has been an equally transforming force, and nowadays it appears to be the islands’ sole raison d’être.
THE BEST WAY TO SAVOR THE IONIAN SEA
A yacht holiday provides access that can not be achieved in any other way — your floating hotel suite allows you to travel effortlessly and provides access to the finest islands, villages, beaches, and experiences.
With so much to see and visit, we recommend you allow at least two weeks to explore this paradise or opt for the extra costs of a one-way trip starting or ending in the middle of the Cyclades.
WHEN TO VISIT THE IONIAN SEA
The islands are at their best in late spring, early summer (starting mid-May) when the landscape is still green, although the sea has not yet fully warmed up for swimming, and when the tourist crowds have yet to arrive. The season in the Ionian Sea is a bit shorter than in the Dodecanese, starting mid-May and ending end of September. Of course, there is always a way of starting and ending the season earlier and later.
In July or August, the Ionian Sea might be a bit overcrowded, but with good planning and maybe a bit less docking in the ports and marina’s its still an enjoyable period. If you don’t like crowds must holiday at these times we will be happy to recommend to visit other boating destinations. Towards the end of October, many facilities close and storms are possible.
DESTINATIONS IN THE IONIAN SEA
When sailing the Ionian Sea you have three main choices to start from; Lefkada, Corfu and a third option is to start from Preveza.
The larger Ionian islands of Corfu, Kefallonia and Zakynthos have their own airports, while for Lefkada it is a short drive to/from Preveza (Aktaion) airport on the mainland. All four of these islands are connected to each other by Sky Express (www.skyexpress.gr), and with Athens by Olympic Air (www.olympicair.com), and all also welcome direct flights from Northern Europe. Kythira has direct flight connections with Athens only.
Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece and to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands. From north to south, Corfu, Paxi (or Paxos), Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, and Kythira are the seven largest and most popular islands of the group, with Ereikousa, Mathraki, Othonoi, Antipaxi, Meganisi, Kalamos, kasyos, and Antikythira the lesser-known smaller islands, which have a lot going for themselves.
Besides the Ionian Islands there are also some interesting places to visit on mainland Greece, like: Sivota, Parga, Astakos, and Messolongi.
They are destinations attracting many visitors every year for a variety of reasons: Their temperate climate, lush vegetation, beautiful mountains, and breathtaking beaches will provide the perfect surroundings for your next holidays.
Ereikousa, Othonoi, and Mathraki (Diapontia Islands)
Othoni is the largest island in the Diapontia Islands and the most western point of Greek territory. It is 40 nautical miles from Italy and when the weather is good, the Italian cape of Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, can be seen.
Erikousa is the most northern, inhabited island of the Ionia Sea. It’s the second biggest of the island complex called “Diapondia Islands” just 8 nautical miles from Sidari Port (North Corfu). Named after the bush “Reiki” which flourishes during October and makes the island a purple oasis. Erikousa is a hidden gem and a small paradise where guests can relax and come closer to nature.
Seven miles off Corfu and seventy from Italy, we await your visit. Mathraki’s harbours, tavernas, beaches, pine woods, stunning views, delightful flowers, fish, pheasants, and discourse are poised to refresh you..
Kerkyra usually known as Corfu
With the passage of time the island may have changed, but we can still feel the spirit of a distant glorious past. Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.
Corfu, unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world.
In the beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical “repertoire” can be admired.
Palaces, fortresses, austere public buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia”, will make you feel as if you’ve travelled to Genoa or Naples.
Paxos
Paxos is an island in the Ionian Sea, lying just south of Corfu. As a group with the nearby island of Antipaxos and adjoining islets, it is also called by the plural form Paxi or Paxoi.
The capital and main port, Gaios (Gáios), is separated from its
natural breakwater, the tiny island of Agios Nikolaos (Saint
Nicholas), by a narrow channel, displaying one of the most
beautiful port sceneries in Greece.
Lakка is the sеcond largest village оf Paxоs. It lies in a dеep bаy in the north оf thе island and is used аs a pοrt for bоats аnd уachts, as its shаpe is almοst round and prоtесts it frοm (most) winds.
Antipaxi
Antipaxos island close to Paxi: Antipaxos island, also called Antipaxi, is the smallest of the Ionian Islands and belongs to the municipality of Paxi. According to Greek legends, Paxi and all the tiny islands around it were created when Neptune, the sea god, nipped with his trident, a tiny piece from Corfu in order to create a snug cozy place for himself and his consort Amfitryti.
You’ll find peacock-blue translucent water and the whitest of white sand on beaches on Antipaxos. Note these names: Vrika and Voutoumi on Antipaxos… beaches that should be top of your list amongst all the Ionian Islands.
Lefkada
The Ionian island Lefkada is the nearest one to the western side of the Greece mainland and it can even be reached by car, via a floating bridge! It is a popular Ionian destinations, full of amazing beaches with turquoise waters, monasteries, museums, and seafront or mountainous villages with a unique charm.
Lefkada is surrounded by a total of 24 islets – Aristotle Onassis’ Skorpios being one of them. Lefkada town is the island’s capital and port town with a large marina. The town planning is a very particular one and resembles a “fish backbone”. There are picturesque alleys, small squares, traditional houses, elaborate belfries and paved pedestrian zones that give this town its character.
Just a few kilometers north is Gyra beach where people can enjoy sunbathing and adrenaline seekers can find to the best place for kitesurfing on Lefkada!
Meganisi
The remote island of Meganisi in the Ionian Sea is located between Lefkada and the Greek mainland. Untouched by tourism, it provides amazing beaches with crystalline waters and secluded coves that can only be reached on foot or by boat!
Sea caves are the most important attractions in Meganisi. The famous Papanikoli Cave is one among them, situated on the west coast of the island. This cave got its fame because it was used as a hiding place for submarines during World War II.
Kalamos and Kastos
Kalamos is not a conventional island. It is a tall mountain range which floats on the sea, its northern side overgrowing with towering, thick pine trees. The centre of the island is the port of Kalamos, which is on the eastern side. This is where many people sailing the Ionian moor their boats in order to visit the island, enjoy some seafood at a seaside taverna or seek refuge from bad weather.
Just a few kilometres southeast of Meganissi, Kastos is the ultimate Ionian Island hideaway, blessed with lovely beaches, peace and quiet, and a deliciously simple way of life.
Measuring just 8km from north to south, and less than 1km from east to west, Kastos is a little gem of a place, inhabited by around 50 permanent residents only. This diminutive size, allied to its unspoilt beauty, makes it the ideal destination for anyone looking for a holiday away from it all.
Ithaca
Known as the home island of Ulysses from Homer’s Odyssey, Ithaca Greece belongs to the Ionian island group. Apart from its mythical essence, it boasts an incredible natural beauty. Similarly to its neighboring islands, it is covered with lush green nature and it offers exotic beaches with emerald waters.
Vathi, the capital of Ithaca is a beautiful spot featuring deep blue waters, natural charm, and traditional Ionian architecture. Filled with taverns, cafes, restaurants, all-day bars, museums, and boutiques, this is the main part of town where visitors have great options for wining, dining and shopping.
Kioni a stunning fishing village is by far a stand-out! Here you’ll find gorgeous villas filled with bougainvillea, quaint taverns and cafes as well as beautiful restaurants and waterfront bars- the perfect place to catch the sunset.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is an island in the Ionian Sea. It’s marked by sandy coves and dry rugged landscapes. Its capital, Argostoli, is built on a hillside overlooking a narrow harbor. Kefalonia’s indented coastline is made up of limestone cliffs, bays and short strips of white sand, like the famous Myrtos Beach in the north. Many beaches are only accessible by boat or on foot.
Fiscardo is the picturesque and beautiful Greek harbour village on the Northern tip of Kefalonia. Of the approximate 365 villages on this large and diverse island, Fiscardo is unique in that it is the only village on Kefalonia that has so many of the original Venetian buildings intact and still in use.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos (or Zante) is an enchanting island with great natural beauty. It is not without a reason that the Caretta-Caretta turtles have chosen some of its magnificent beaches to lay their eggs on.
The most famous sites in Zakynthos is the Shipwreck Beach that has taken its name from a rusty, wrecked ship that is found on shore. This beach is accessible with excursion boat that also passes from the famous Blue Caves.
In general, the island is famous for the wonderful beaches with sandy shores, such as Gerakas, Kalamaki, Agios Nikolaos, and Porto Zoro. A drive around will bring visitors to traditional villages and old monasteries.
Kythira and Antikythira
Kythira and Antikythira are two islands in Greece lying opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is traditionally listed as one of the seven main Ionian Islands, although it is distant from the main group.
The islands are strategically located between the Greek mainland and Crete, and from ancient times until the mid 19th century was a crossroads of merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilizations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture (a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements), as well as the traditions and customs, influenced by centuries of coexistence of the Greek, and Venetian cultures.
Greek Island yacht holidays provide the best access to the islands of the Ionian Sea.
You’ll be surprised at how reasonable your private floating hotel suite (yacht with captain and cook/host) is.
Contact us now for a quotation on your magical Ionian Sea yacht holiday.
SAIL AND STAY
Some of our clients like to extend their Yacht Holiday by staying a few days before or after their cruise in Corfu, Lefkada or on one of the other Ionian Islands.
A few days in Corfu, for instance, can be a great holiday starter, and if your group is flying in from different or distant countries this allows you time to catch up and recover from jet lag before your cruise. If you’re interested in history and art you may enjoy a visit to the Old Fortress of Corfu and the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, or just book a walking tour through Corfu Old town.
We are happy to recommend great places to stay, dine, explore and shop and can book your hotels and arrange airport and port transfers for you.
If you plan to spend some days on one of the islands, here is a brief overview of tourist numbers you can expect to encounter.
TOURISM IN THE IONIAN SEA
The Ionian Sea has been popular with visitors for centuries.
The three main islands are dominated by tourism season:
- Corfu – with its teeming old town, sophisticated restaurants, clubs and hotels is a very popular island in the Ionian Sea
- Paxos and Antipaxos – with their prestine white beaches and chrystal clear waters they attract lots of toursist, both staying on the island as daily visitors with one of the many daytrippers from mainland Greece.
- Zakynthos – white beaches, sea turtles and a party atmosphere make Zante or Zakynthos a favourite holiday destination in the magical Ionian Sea.
Lefkada, Ithaca, and Kefalonia are popular and their beaches and main towns are busy at the height of season.
Erikousa, Orthonoi, Mathraki, Kalamos, Kasos, and Meganisi remain relatively low in tourism.
ANTIQUITIES
Greece’s western coastline has been shaped both by local seismic geological and supraregional historical forces. Tectonic activity along a coastal fault-line wrenched the Ionian Islands from the mainland millions of years ago, resulting in a dramatic and picturesque seascape. And over the last three thousand or so years powerful historical events that had their foci elsewhere in Europe further shaped and created a cultural landscape. And today there are all manner of attractions that bear testimony to the comings and goings of powerful dynasties, republics and empires. Hardly surprising then that this region has some of Europe’s more popular island destinations.
Homer wrote that the Ionian Islands were prominent in Mycenaean times, but the archaeological evidence dating from this period amounts to only a couple of tombs, with nary a magnificent palace or even a humble village emerging from the depths. Earthquakes have been a constant phenomenon for the islands’ inhabitants, so who knows what evidence lies buried beneath the foundations.
What surely cannot be disputed is the fact that a ridiculous number of foreign entities have claimed the Ionian Islands as their own. By the 8th century BC the islands were held by the mighty city-state of Corinth, and were valued as stepping-stones en route to Sicily and Italy. A century later Corfu was powerful enough to mount a successful revolt against the Corinthian stranglehold, but the ensuing Peloponnesian Wars (431-404 BC) left the island depleted and impoverished.
By the end of the 3rd century BC, the Ionian Islands were Roman, and they successively became part of the Eastern Roman Empire and eventually that of the Byzantine. Life on the edge of the Byzantine Empire was anything but stable, and the islands endured repeated attacks by passing Vandals, Goths, Saracens and Normans. Finally Venice stepped in, shaking off stubborn Norman and Angevin claims to rule the roost for 400 years. Aside from Lefkada, which was ruled by the Turks for 200 years, the Ionian Islands were the only part of Greece to escape being subsumed into the Ottoman Empire. Venice milked the islands of their wine, fruits, silk and cotton, and transformed the towns of Corfu, Argostoli, Lefkada and Zakynthos with the distinctive beauty of Venetian architecture. The Venetians also introduced olive trees to the islands, notably on Corfu and Paxi.
In 1350 Venice was the undisputed sea power in the Mediterranean, but by 1716 the Ionians were Venice’s sole remaining overseas possession. Venice fell to Napoleon in 1797, and the islands were allotted to France. In 1815, when the little general’s star had waned, the islands became a British protectorate under the jurisdiction of a series of Lord High Commissioners. The British employed their usual infrastructural genius, building roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, but their rule was oppressive. Calls for the islands’ political union with Greece were increasingly raised, and in 1864 the Brits finally heeded the call. To this day the islands celebrate their Day of Unification on 21 May.
PLACES TO VISIT
Old Town of Corfu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO is a World Cultural Heritage Monument it, is classified as one most important fortified city/ports in the Mediterranean.
There is so much to see and do here, the big four main attractions are the old and new Fortress’s, Cathedral of Saint Spyridon and the Palace of Saint Michael & Saint George, however there is so much more
Achilleion Palace Corfu
The Achillion Palace is ideally located in the picturesque village of Gastouri. This magnificent Palace was built in 1890 exclusively for Elizabeth (Sissy), the former Empress of Austria. The palace used to serve as the summer retreat of the Empress. Unfortunately, Sissy, the Empress, passed away in a rather tragic manner when she was brutally assassinated in 1898 in Geneva and the palace was deserted till the year 1907 when it was bought by Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
Venetian Agios Nikolaos Fortress Paxi
The Islet of Agios Nikolaos (or Ai-Nikolas) in Paxi, Greece: Agios Nikolaos is the jewel of Gaios port, a lush green islet that covers almost the entire entrance. It was named after the small chapel that lies. The islet was built for the protection of the pirates as well as the 15th-century Venetian fortress built on top of it dominating the whole area.
Today only ruins of the fortress can be seen but it is well worth a visit for its breathtaking view and peaceful atmosphere in this amazing setting that attracts every visitor. On this islet, you will also see another small chapel dedicated to Saint John as well as an old windmill. Small boats depart from the port of Gaios for the small islet.
Santa Maura Venetian Castle Lefkada
One of the most impressive medieval buildings in Greece. It was built around 1300 by the Lombard lord Ioanni Orsini when he got the island of Lefkas as a wedding gift when he married the daughter of the ruler of the Despotate of Epirus Nikiphoros I.
The northern tip of the island of Santa Maura (today Lefkada) is situated very close to the mainland to which it is linked by a long strip of sand which forms a large lagoon.
Fabbrica Olive Museum Lefkada
Fabbrica Olive Museum is located at Syvros, a picturesque village in south Lefkada. The museum is housed in the building of the olive oil factory belonging to Tsarlambas family, one of the biggest and oldest families of the island.
The building was declared a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1997. It is part of an architectural complex covering 1.200 square meters and comprising houses, horse stables, olive oil warehouse, old wood oven in a field of 8.000 square meter in the middle of the village.
Saint George’s Castle, Assos Fortress Kefalonia
The Castle of Saint George is located 7 km southeast of Argostoli, above the village Peratata Kefalonia. It has a polygonal shape and covers an area of 16,000 sq. m. This Castle was originally built in the 12th century by the Byzantines but it was mostly the Venetians who gave it its present form. In fact, its external walls were built in 1504 by the Venetians.
The castle is in ruins today and only a few buildings survive. It was not only time and wars that caused its damages. This castle also suffered a lot from the earthquake that hit Kefalonia in 1956. At the time of its glory, inside the Castle, there were residences, public buildings, storehouses with food and guns, churches, hospitals, prisons, cisterns of water and generally an organized town.
This Castle was the capital of Kefalonia before Argostoli was made the new capital in 1757. Close to a small square in the castle, you will also see the ruins of the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas.
Agioi Theodoroi Lighthouse Kefalonia
The lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi in Argostoli Kefalonia: The lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi lies on a man-made peninsula close to Argostoli village, the capital of the island. It is a circular structure with 20 columns and its tower is 8 m tall. The building has a rather simple and Doric architectural style, while its focal plane is 11 m. It was originally built in 1828 by the British administrator Charles Napier, who ruled the island that time.
Byzantine Museum Zakynthos
This magnificent Byzantine museum of ecclesiastical art is housed in a beautifully restored building on the central waterfront plaza in Zakinthos. Almost everything here was rescued – by volunteer sailors! – in the immediate aftermath of the 1953 earthquake, with displays including entire church interiors, and frescoes arranged in a replica of the 16th-century monastery of St Andreas.
Drogaratis and Melissani Lake Cave,Kefalonia
More than 300 years ago, a strong earthquake revealed the entrance to a miracle of nature: Drogarati Cave, a work of art, an astonishing marvel of more than 150 million years old, crafted gradually by nature. Orange and yellow stalactites hang from the roof like curtains while vitreous stalagmites emerge to form spacious chambers.
A true natural miracle unfolds before your eyes in the cave of the nymphs or Melissani Caxe. This sublime underground cave-lake with crystal blue waters and marvellous geological formations will transport you to a world of ethereal beauty and atmospheric landscapes. It is surrounded by dense forestry drawing a magnificent picture of this paradise on earth.