Where is the Ionian Islands Region of Greece?
The Ionian Islands are a group of seven main islands and several smaller ones in the western part of Greece. They are surrounded by the Ionian Sea, and are known for their scenic beauty, clear waters, and historical significance.
Popular tourist destinations on the Ionian Islands include Corfu, Zakynthos (Zante), Kefalonia, and Ithaca. The Ionian Islands have a rich history, with many of the islands having been ruled by different civilizations, including the Greeks, Venetians, and French.
The Ionian Islands do not have a capital city, as they are a group of separate islands each with their own municipalities. However, the largest city in the Ionian Islands is Corfu Town, located on the island of Corfu.
The six largest Ionian islands are:
– Corfu (or Kerkyra)
– Ithaca
– Kefalonia
– Lefkada
– Paxi
– Zakynthos
Note: Kythira is often thought of as the seventh largest Ionian island. However, it actually belongs to the Region of Attica. Geographically, it is found off the southeastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula.
The six smaller Ionian islands are:
– Antipaxi
– Ereikousa
– Mathraki
– Othonoi
– Meganisi
– Strofades
What does the Ionian Islands Region have to offer?
Airports
– Corfu
– Kefalonia
– Lefkada
– Zakynthos
Agriculture
Agricultural products in the Ionian Islands region include olives, olive oil, sausages, cheeses, kumquats, figs, legumes, thyme honey, livestock, and fish. There are also many beautiful wineries and vineyards worth visiting. One of the most common grapes grown on Corfu and Kefalonia is Robola.
Mandola is a sweet treat made of almonds and sugar that can only be found in the Ionian Islands, particularly Kefalonia. Its deep red color comes from a seaweed used for food coloring.
Mantolato is a sweet nougat treat made from egg whites, almonds, sugar, and honey. It is a traditional product of Zakynthos.
Beaches
Corfu Island – Best Corfu Beaches
Ithaca Island – Best Ithaca Beaches
Kefalonia Island – Best Kefalonia Beaches
Lefkada Island – Best Lefkada Beaches
Paxi Island – Best Paxi Beaches
Zakynthos Island – Best Zakynthos Beaches
Restaurants
Corfu Island – Popular Restaurants in Corfu
Ithaca Island – Popular Restaurants in Ithaca
Kefalonia Island – Popular Restaurants in Kefalonia
Lefkada Island – Popular Restaurants in Lefkada
Paxi Island – Popular Restaurants in Paxi
Zakynthos Island – Popular Restaurants in Zakynthos
Tourism
Melissani Cave
Discovered in 1951, Melissani Cave on the island of Kefalonia hides a beautiful underground lake with trees and forests surrounding it. Artifacts found in the cave date back to the 3rd and 4th century BC. Tourists can reach the lake by an underground tunnel and explore it with a boat and a guide.
Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach) on the island of Zakynthos is one of the most photographed and most beautiful beaches in all of Greece. It is home to a smuggler’s shipwreck, gorgeous turquoise waters, white sand, and jutting marble cliffs.
Corfu Old Town
The Old Town of Corfu is located at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea. Its roots go back to the 8th century BC and to the Byzantine period. It clearly has Venetian influence, which makes sense since Corfu was ruled by Venetian nobility from 1386 to 1797. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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See some of our Ionian Island region recipes here.
Do you have a recipe from this region that you love? Share it with us!