The Ionian Islands - Fabulous Nature and Great History
The six main islands are Corfu, Paxi, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Corfu as well as Zakynthos and Lefkas can be easily reached by airplane. There are also ferries going from Italy to Corfu and Kefalonia. Whether you like to enjoy the lively night life or seek peace and idyll - the Ionian Islands with their variety form a perfect ground for each sailing holiday. Corfu reminds a sickle in its form and is considered to be the northerly and the most known of the Ionian Islands. The quiet Lefkas island, also called the white island, became its name because of the light steeply coast in its western part. The charmful Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands. The beautiful Zakynthos, which is also known as the “flower of Levante”, as it was called by the Venetians, reminds a garden. Owing to their good weather conditions, small fisher ports and crystal-clear bays, the Ionian Islands are a perfect area for a fantastic sailing holiday even for beginner sailors and families. Those who are familiar with this wonderful part of Greece will return there again and again. The islands are covered with sumptuous vegetation – pine forests flee into wine yards, rocky bays - into fine sand beaches, that can be often reached only over the sea. The beautiful labyrinth of sea caves on the south coast of the island Paxos is worth visiting and easy to reach by dinghy. The islands have a long history. Romans, Byzantinians, Venetians and Turks had left their traces there and the ruins, once they all were proud castles, are now overgrown with wild flowers. The climate is well-balanced and the Greek Meltemi winds, that many sailors are scared of, do not reach the Ionian Islands. Between the mainland and the islands you will find protected sea conditions and moderate winds - ideal for beginner sailors and families. Sportive sailors can start from Corfu on the western side of the islands, hold the course for the south and on their way back enjoy the variety of the islands.
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