Kefalonia

Map of Kefalonia

Kefalonia is the largest and the most mountainous island of the Ionian islands, a place that has real towns as well as resorts. Kefalonia has 781km² and 35.800 population(3rd after Corfu and Zakynthos). Capital of the island is Argostoli, a large and thriving town with a marvelous position within a bay. A big part of Kefalonia belongs to mountain Ainos with peaks the Megas Soros (1. 628m), Agia Dynati(1.131m), Evmorphia(1.043m) and Kokkini Raxi(1.078)

Argostoli was totally rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, but has an enjoyable atmosphere that remains defiantly Greek, especially during the evening around Platia Valianou -the center of the town- and the pedestrianized Lithostroto, the main shopping street which runs parallel to the seafront.

 

Corfu (Kerkyra)

Corfu (Kerkyra) is the second largest island in the Ionian, with 592 km² and 100.000 population. It's located in the North part of Ionian. Dangling between the heel of Italy and the West coast of mainland Greece, green, mountainous Corfu was one of the first Greek islands to attract mass tourism in the 1960s. Indiscriminate exploitation turned parts into eyesore but a surprising amount of the island still consists of olive groves, mountains and woodland. The majority of of package holidays are based in the most developed resorts and unspoilt terrain is often only a few minutes' walk away. The staggering amount of accommodation on the island means that competition keeps prices down even in high season, at least in many resorts outside of Corfu Town.

It has oblong shape, widest in the North and narrow in the South. Coasts have 217 km total length. Terrain is mostly mountainous, particularly in the North.

Corfu means the city of peaks. Highest peaks are the Pantocrator (914m) and Stravoskiadi(849,)

Zakynthos

Map of Zakynthos

Zakynthos belongs to the Ionian islands. It also called Zante. The island is green and unspoilt and because of rich vegetation the Venetian had given to the island the name "Fioro di Levante". The capital of the island is the Zakynthos Town.The island has three distinct zones: the barren, mountainous northwest, the fertile central plain and the eastern and southern resort-filled coasts. The biggest resort is Laganas, on Laganas bay in the South. There are also smaller and quieter resorts North and South to the capital, and the Southerly Vassilikos peninsula has some of the best countryside and beaches, including exquisite Yerakas.

The island produces fine wines, such as the white Popolaro, olives, vineyards and citrus.

Due to unspoiled environment Zakynthos is the best home for endangered species like sea turtle, Caretta-Caretta and the seal Monachus-Monachus.

Zakynthos with 404km² and 40.000 poppulation is the 3rd bigger island of the Ionian islands and the 11th in Greece.

Lefkada

Map of Lefkada

Lefkada is the 4th biggest island of the Heptanese with 302 km² extension and 22.000 population. The fact that is connected to the mainland by a long causeway through lagoons and a 25m pontoon swivel bridge is the main feature of this island. It barely feels like an island especially on the busier Eastern side. The easy access makes this island the favorite destination for Greeks. The capital is a village with the same name, Lefkada, which is located on the Northern part of the island.

Lefkada Town

Lefkada Town sits at the island's Northernmost tip, right where the causeway joins it to the mainland. Like other capitals in the Southern Ionian, it was hit by the earthquakes of 1948 and 1953 and the town was devastated. It's a small town and still very attractive, especially around the main square, Platia Agiou Spyridonos, and the arcaded high street of Ioannou Mela. You can catch a glimpse of the old way of the life at the little Phonograph, Radio and Tradition Museum. On the Northwestern seafront the modern cultural centre houses the newly expanded Archeological Museum.

Kythera

Kythera is known as the Island of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. Is one of the Heptanese, the seven islands of Ionian. It is located in the Southeastern side of the Peloponnese peninsula and generally in South Greece. The previous name of the island was Cerigo. Kythera has been influenced by many civilizations and cultures because it was located in a strategic position. 

Map of Kythera

Ithaca

Ithaca is one of the Heptanese,the Ionian islands. It is located South of Leukada and Northeast of Kefalonia. Capital of Ithaca is Vathi. The extension of the island is 92 km² and population, 3.231 inhabitants. Ithaca has two ports, Vathi which is one of the largest natural harbours and Piso Aetos, linked both to Patra via Sami(Kefalonia port). Piso Aetos is also connected to Fiskardo (Kefalonia), Vasiliki(Leukada) and Astakos. Ithaca was Odysseas's legendary homeland, the muthical hero, whose delay to return home was the main element of Odysseas's plot.

Map of Ithaca

Ithaca lies east of the Northwest coast of Kefalonia. It has approximately 100 km of coastline. Vathi is the capital and the largest settlement of the island. The second largest village is Stavros in the Northern part. Ithaca has many beaches but the most famous are Piso Aetos, Filiatro, Kioni, Dexa, Skinos and Gidaki. Bays include Frikes and Kioni Bays to the Northeast, Sarakiniko Bay and Ormos Gulf to the Southeast and Afales to the Northwest. The capes are Melissa to the North, Mavronos and Agios Ilias to the East, Agios Ioannis and Sarakiniko and Skinos. The tallest mountain is Nirito part (806 m), followed by Merovigli (669 m).