“Eptanisa” is a cluster of seven islands off the western coastline of Central Greece and southern Peloponnese, the gems of the Ionian Sea. “Eptanisa” consist of Corfu, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxoi, and Kythira located in the south of the Peloponnese.
Why visit the Ionian Islands?
The Mediterranean climate, the diversity of nature and landscape cliffs, and exotic beaches are some of the reasons travelers visit the Ionian Islands. The Trench of Oinousses is 5,267 meters in depth the deepest point of the Mediterranean is in the Ionian Sea! The most famous, picturesque, and rugged beaches are in this cluster of islands in the Ionian Sea. The Venetian influence is evident everywhere, as there is a Venetian castle worth visiting on all islands.
What to do?
Try water sports such as diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing in Vasiliki and Agios Ioannis of Lefkada.
Set sail and explore underwater caves and scenic bays for mooring in Paxoi, sea caves in Kalamos and Kastos isles, and the Cave of Papanikolis in Meganisi.
Ithaka is ideal for water fun, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and more.
While snorkeling or diving, you may see protected species Caretta-caretta, sea turtle, or monachusmonachus, seals, in Zakynthos.
Walking the trails lets you admire every corner of the island in Paxoi.
In Kefalonia, the National Park of Mount Aenos is ideal for excursions and hiking, with a chance to see a rare breed of small, wild horses.
Places worth visiting
The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO world heritage site, a blend of Classical buildings with narrow cobbled alleys, the “kantounia” and secluded squares. Spianada square, the city’s Cathedral, the Church of St. Spyridon, the patron Saint. Liston, with its arcades, offers a romantic setting for a stroll and coffee, Pontikonisi, Achilleion, Mon Repo, and the monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa.
In Ithaka, the picturesque Vathy features typical local architecture pay a visit to the Maritime, Folkloric Museum, and Archaeological Museum.
In Kefalonia, Lixouri, the Kipouria Monastery enjoys a breathtaking sunset on the island.
Assos is a picturesque village, and Myrtos beach, the filming location of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Fiscardo for a gourmet meal.
Zakynthos is also known as “Zante” and “Fioro di Levante” because there are over 7,000 species of flowers. Walk around Solomos Square, see the Public Library, the Post-Byzantine Museum, the church of the patron-saint Aghios Dionysios, Strata Marina, the coastal road, at Aghios Markos Square the Museum of Solomos, Rouga Street, and the Venetian Castle.
While in Lefkada, the cosmopolitan Nydri boasts intense nightlife and an ultra-modern marina. Visit the castle of Agia Mavra and the windmills in Gira, the Archaeological Museum, the lagoon with the biotope, the traditional fish farm, and the olive grove north of Lefkada town.
In Kythira, there are numerous Venetian, Byzantine, and medieval monuments, castles, and chapels with arched alleys in Cycladic style. Take a tour of the Archaeological Museum, the Monastery of Myrtidiotissa, and the Venetian Castle in Chora.
Unique Experiences
In Kefalonia, don’t miss Lake-Cave Melissani with turquoise waters, and an opening at the top giving a magnificent sight of the sky and trees, and the Drogarati Cave with stalactites and stalagmites, used for concerts because of its acoustics.
At the Katavothres, (sinkholes) sea enters natural holes and reappears days later at Karavomylos Lake, at the other end of the island.
Explore the Oddyseus Nymphs Cave (Marmarospilia) with stalactites and Loizos Cave in Ithaka.
Amazing Beaches
There is a beach for everyone, from pristine to crowded ones with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and nature exploring.
In Lefkada, Porto Katsiki, with its crystal clear waters, Egremni is the most picturesque beach, Kathisma ideal for slope parachuting, Mylos where kite and surfing competitions take place every year, and Vasiliki and Gira ideal for wind-surfing.
In Zakynthos, the world-famous “Navagio”, the Shipwreck, and in Kefalonia, Myrtos, the filming location of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
In Kythira, Fyri Ammos is awarded for its natural beauty and crystal clear waters.
The islands are all dotted with famous exotic beaches and turquoise waters.
Taste Unique Flavors
Try the island specialties, Pastitsada, sofrito, savoro, Nonna’sPastitsio, and local sweets like nougat, the non-alcoholictsitsibyra, and Kumquat Liqueur in Corfu.
Kefalonian cuisine is known for its meat pie, lagoto, sofigado, and strapatsada. For your sweet tooth satisfaction, savor the traditional sweets, mandoles, pastokydono, and pastelli.
Savour local cheeses Zakynthian ladotyri and nouboulo in Corfu.
Don’t forget a glass of Robola, the famous dry white wine of Kefalonia, or Verdea, a local wine variety of Zakynthos, and Vertzami of Lefkada.
The Islands boast historical monuments, rich multi-cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and crystal clear waters, attracting visitors from around the globe. The Ionian Islands are an all-year-round destination, hosting music events, gastronomic feasts, religious festivals, and carnival celebrations with a Venetian flair.
