Corfu
Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseeus' last
stop on his long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known
of the lonian islands. It owes its sophistication and charm
to the meshing of the different civilizations that have
occupied the island and to the natural beauty with which
it is so abundantly endowed. On this cosmopolitan island,
you'll be able to combine relaxation with good times and
a full nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist
centre which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult
visitor.
The
capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkira). It
is built on a promontory that projects into the sea and
is separated into a northern and a southern section. East
of the northern part lies the Old Fortress, cut off from
the town by a moat. For centuries all the popular of Corfu
lived within this citadel, which was founded by the Byzantines
but greatly expanded and strengthened by the Venetians.
The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements,
left over from different civilizations. It presents an enchanting
picture with its broad streets and spacious squares, the
popular Spianada – the town "green" –
contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with blocks
of stone (known as "Kantounia"), houses with a
strong Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade,
traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian
monuments, balconies with wrought-iron railings and window
grilles.
Paxoi
Paxi is the smallest island of the Eptanisa. It is located
in the south of Corfu and gifted with a landscape coloured
with a variety of green and a sea full of blue shades.The
hospitality of the locals, the fresh fish, the night life
and the quiet, peaceful locations make this island the perfect
resort for those who prefer a calm and restful vacation.
On your visit to Paxi, you may run in to little chapels,
windmills, old houses and places of incredible beauty.
Another advantage are the beautiful, safe ports in Paxi
, where a great number of boats can be gathered at any one
time.
Ithaki
Ithaka, an island situated in the Ionian Sea, is known to
the world as the being Odysseys' homeland. It's enchanting
coves turn it into a paradise on earth, despite its small
size and mountainous nature.
The west side of the island is steep and bare in contrast
withthe east which is verdant and slopes gently down to
the sea. The visitor can go on excurtions to the intesely
Ionian, traditional seaside villages, and visit the medieval
monastery of Taxiarhon and the wonderful caves of the island
that are just begging to be explored.
Ithaka is a very loved place, with scenic beaches, sleepy
little villages and an ideal spot for an unforgettable vacation.
Kefalonia
The largest island in the Ionian is Cephalonia. It is a
rugged and mountainous island. In ancient time it was part
of the kingdom of Odysseus and evidence at archaeological
sites mentioned by Homer have been found. The ruins of most
interest are those at Krani
Argostoli
– Until 1953 Argostoli was ver much like Fiscardo,
due to the earthquake the town was rebuilt. Some remains
show what the capital was like. You can get water and fuel
on the quay, provisions are in an abundance. You can tie
on the quay but might opt for the cove on the east side
near the entrance but this is recommended only in calm weather.
Lixouri
– Across the gulf from Argostoli is Lixouri. The prevailing
NW winds can make anchoring uncomfortable. Fuel and water
can be obtained.
Fiscardo
The north east village of the island and the only one that
survived during the 1953 earthquakes. Fiskardo is considered
as one of the most traditional villages in Europe due to
its architecture and all the traditions that it carries.
Cosmopolitan surroundings, luxurious shops, beautiful bars
and food for all tastes and ages is what Fiskardo has to
offer its visitors. The beachside restaurants, tavernas
and bars which you will find situated side by side, are
decorated with beautifully glowing lit candies which give
you the colour of festivity at its best. Walk along the
beautiful pathways of the village and witness the Ionian
beauty at its best. Take a swim in the ever enchanting beaches
of Emblisi, Foki and Andrea limani. Join the hustle and
bustle of Fiscardo, a picturesque bay where you can find
the best food in the famous "Captain's Bar" that
serves the best food in the area.
Poros
– A small harbor with winds from the north. Fuel and
water can be obtained. If you are the adventurous type a
walk to gorge is quite a spectacular site.
Lefkas
The precipitous cliff of Lefkada (The White Cape) juts dramatically
into the sea, pointing towards distant Cephalonia. On the
site of the lighthouse once stood a temple to Apollo. At
which the notorious Lefkadian Leap - 236 feet straight down
to the tumultuous sea below - proved the innocence of the
survivor, or the guilt of less sturdy divers, The Leap also
attracted its fair share of disconsolate lovers, The great
lesbian poetess Sappho supposedly flung herself into the
sea here in despair for her love for Pheion. The practical
Romans perfected the leap by using wings to break the fall.
The capital reflects the island's history, of Venetian influence
in its dignified churches and houses. The 13th century fortress
of Santa Maura tops sandy beaches where windmills and trees
seem to rise straight from the open sea.
·
Lefkas Town - The harbor offers good shelter as well as
facilities. Care must be taken when entering and leaving
the harbor not to cut across the corner of the canal east
of the town when arriving or leaving from South. The depths
are only ½ a meter.
· Nidri – It can get a bit crowed as it is
a yacht charter center where several flotillas start from.
It is a quaint town which offers good shelter. You can provision
your yacht with fuel, water, food and any repairs. There
are several tavernas to choose from.
· Tranquil Bay – This bay is located opposite
of Nidri town, The bay provides good shelter and an impressive
beauty with its olive and cypress trees surrounding the
bay. It offer tranquility as name states.
· Ormos Vlikho – There is a small quay and
the bay itself offers good shelter. The prevailing winds
here are northerly . Some provisions are available in town
and there are several tavernas.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos, the southernmost of the lonian islands, owes
its name to the son of Dardanos, the king of Troy, who according
to myth built the first city here. It is also mentioned
in "The Iliad". All who came to this island fell
under its spell. The Venetians baptized it "the flower
of the Orient" (Fior' di Levante). Others gave it just
as evocative names like "earthly paradise", and
"Perfumed Isle", while Dionysios Solomos, the
father of modern Greek poetry and a native son, wrote "Zakinthos
could make one forget the Elysian Fields".
No
one who has been here can forget the emerald green of its
sea, its pine-studded mountains, its musical people and
their hospitality. The first thing to welcome you, as soon
as you step off the ferryboat, is the town 
of
Zakinthos. Though it lost all but three of its buildings
in the earthquake of 1953, the town has been meticulously
reconstructed and its former layout has been faithfully
preserved. Zakinthos today has pleasantly arcaded wide streets,
spacious squares imposing buildings and cheerful houses.
The Museum of Post-Byzantine Art on Solomos Square contains
treasures salvaged from the island's historic churches.
On the waterfront, one should visit the churches of Agios
Dionysios, the island's patron saint, with its tall campanile,
and of Agios Nikolas tou Molou, a church out of the Italian
Renaissance with, surprisingly, a 17th century Byzantine
belfry.
Zakynthos
is almost triangular in shape, with two green mountainous
promontories extending into the sea to form the huge bay
of Laganas. There are more pine-covered mountains and hills
in the north, but the centre is gentle and lush, richly
planted with currant vines, olive trees, almonds and seasonal
vegetables. There are dozens of beaches to choose from,
sandy and sheltered with invitingly sparkling water. Flowers
of every kind till every available space, filling the air
with the scent that so enraptured visitors of old.
With
a sunny climate most of the year and good roads to facilitate
exploring, Zakinthos lends itself to holiday making in spring
and fall as well as summer. Some of the best known summer
resorts are Argassi, Alikes, Planos, Tsilivi, Vassilikos,
Gerakas and Porto Roma, while Laganas is the most famous
of all. Its long beach and wide range of facilities attract
thousands of tourists from May through September. At Laganas,
Vassilikos and Gerakas, the endangered sea turtle "Caretta-Caretta"
also comes to lay her eggs.
GREEK
ISLANDS & IONIAN
