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Ionian Greek Islands Travel Guides
These islands are in the Ionian Sea on the Italian side of Greece, with the exception of Kythira which is south of the eastern Peloponessos. They are connected by ferry to the towns of Patras in the Peloponessos, and Corfu and Cefalonia are connected by ferries from Italy. You can drive to Lefkada and there is a ferry from Killini on the Peloponessos to Cefalonia and Zakynthos. Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Kythira have airports.
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 Corfu, Ionian Greek Islands
Corfu is a favourite destination for Brits and Europeans. Considered one of the most beautiful Greek Islands, the lush green Corfu is also called the 'Emerald Island'. Corfu was the last stop for legendary Odysseus before returning home to Ithaca, and it still has a lot to offer the modern day visitor.
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Kefallonia, Ionian Greek Islands
Kefallonia is a large green island with pine forests and many species of wildflowers and herbs. It is the nesting area for Loggerhead turtles but unlike the neighboring island of Zakynthos where they are endangered, the turtles here are doing fine. The locals are known for being clever.
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Kythira, Ionian Greek Islands
Although part of the Ionian Islands, Kythira (or Kythera) is located just off the southern tip of the Peleponnese between the mainland and Crete. According to mythology, Kythira was the birthplace of Aphrodite.
This beautiful island is quiet and tranquil and relatively unspoilt by tourism, but popular with wealthy Athenians. Combine a trip to Kythira with Crete and the Peleponnese.
The ferry runs from Neapolis, Githion and Kasteli in Crete. Nice beaches, beautiful towns. Accommodations are scarce so book before you go. if you are looking for a beautiful off the beaten path island this may be it.
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Ithaki, Ionian Greek Islands
One cannot list the Greek islands without mentioning the island of Odysseus. The island is mountainous and rocky but lots of trees and olive groves, as do the other Ionian islands. Several archeological sites associated with Homer's story along with some beautiful fishing villages and beaches make this an interesting island to visit either from Patras or Kefalonia. Ithaka is an ideal place for walking full of trails and views.Generally the island is small and quiet and June is really wonderful for family vacations.
Vathi (the capital of the island) brings together the nothern part of the island (Perahori) which has the best hiking and the southern part has the best beaches (quiet isolated coves, or bigger beaches). The best way to explore the beaches is by boat of-course. You can take your car and come to Ithaka through Patras, where there is a ferry to Ithaca daily.
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Lefkada, Ionian Greek Islands
An island you can drive to in the Ionian chain, it is actually connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus that was seperated by a canal. Nydri is Lefkada's primary tourist village but it has retained a certain charm.
You can visit nearby smaller islands with beautiful pebble and sandy beaches, great restaurants and very friendly people who still dress in traditional attire.. There is Meganisi, Kalamos, and Skorpios, of Aristotle and Jackie Onassis fame.
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Paxi, Ionian Greek Islands
Paxi (or Paxos) is a tiny island only 10km long and 4km wide. This island is very close to Corfu and you can visit for the day. There are not a lot of places to stay during high season, so make sure you have a reservation. There are three main towns on the water, Gaios (the capital and port), Loggos, and Lakka.
Antipaxi is an even smaller island 2 km south of Paxi. The beaches are spectacular and in the summer months, small boats travel back and forth from Gaios and Antipaxi.
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Zakynthos, Ionian Greek Islands
Zakynthos is an island of stunning scenery. It's a great choice if you want to visit the other Ionian Islands and/or the mainland. You can take a two day excursion from Zakynthos to visit Athens, or a day trip to Olympia. Zakynthos is home to the caretta sea turtle who nest on the beaches. Sadly, the development of tourism has threatened their existance but protection programs have begun.
Favorite Ionian Island of most expatriates and philhellenes. Shipwreck beach is one of the most famous Greece tourist photos and one of the most amazing beaches. Just because it is the last island on the list does not mean it is the last place you would want to go. This is a wonderful island to visit.
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