Nestled in the deep blue Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands are very close to the Italian coast and, unlike the Cyclades or the Dodecanese islands, are known to be the green islands of Greece.
They are traditionally known as the Heptanese, meaning 'The Seven Islands', although there are many more than seven that make up the archipelago. Here, where the Mediterranean is at its best, are some of the most beautiful islands in Greece. But which island to choose? We have put together a useful guide to the Ionian Islands, perfect for your summer holiday.
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The Ionian Islands of Greece
Corfu
Paxos
Lefkàda
Ithaca
Kefalonia
Zakynthos
Cerigo
Ionian Islands
Unlike the Cyclades, the nature here is superb. The blue sea contrasts with the sandy beaches surrounded by Mediterranean maquis, forests and olive groves. A wonder to be discovered at all. But that's not all, on a voyage of discovery to the Ionian Islands you will fall in love with the beaches, the archaeological remains and the sheer cliffs.
The image that comes to mind when thinking of the Ionian Islands is the wonderful Wreck Beach on the island of Zakynthos, one of the most beautiful and photographed places in the world, as well as the spectacular green landscape of Corfu, dotted with olive groves and very close to Italy. The islands of the archipelago are mostly mountainous and are characterised by a warm, humid climate and are characterised by small towns and villages where life flows slowly and relaxed and by beaches sheltered by incredible gulfs.
But where are the Ionian Islands? The historic Ionian archipelago lies very close to the Italian coast, south of the Otranto Channel. The islands can be reached in Italy by ferry, the only one with an airport being Kefalonia.
The closest to Italy is Corfu.
Here are the 7 main islands of the archipelago from north to south.
Corfu
Paxos
Lefkada
Ithaca
Kefalonia
Zakynthos
Cerigo
In addition to these, there are other smaller islands that are: Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi as well as the group of deserted islets south of Zakynthos.
Which one to choose?
Which Ionian Islands are the most beautiful? Zakynthos is definitely a paradise for those who love spectacular landscapes, panoramas and beaches. Visit it out of season to enjoy its beauty without the summer crowds of tourists. Lesser known and very beautiful is the island of Cerigo, which will leave you breathless with its superb nature and sleepy villages. Around the island you can visit monuments, Venetian fortresses and small churches.
Lefkada is the Caribbean island of Greece and this is no exaggeration. The island offers white sandy beaches protected by cliffs and is rich in green and mountainous landscapes where you can go hiking. The island stretches for about 300 kilometres and has about 120 kilometres of coastline.
The largest island of the Ionian Islands is Kefalonia where it is worth visiting the most famous cave, that of Melissani that was created by the collapse of a rock, here the water is cobalt-coloured.
Map and Map
Below is a map of the Ionian archipelago.
Greece