The islands of the Ionian-Ithaca, Kefalonia, Kerkyra (Corfu), Kythira, Lefkada, Paxos, and Zakynthos-are a paradise of natural color. Each of the islands has its own unique landscape. Kerkyra is lush with olive, pine, myrtle, cypress, and eucalyptus trees growing wild throughout. Paxos is rocky with beautiful stone houses contrasting against the azure sea. Ithaca is mountainous with pleasant seascapes throughout. In addition to their natural beauty the Ionian Islands' proximity to Italy makes them an ideal place for a trip to both Greece and Italy.

The islands were first made famous in Homer's saga of Odysseus' journey home to Ithaca. The mild winds of the Ionian Sea accounted for very easy navigation towards the end of his journey. These winds still make for smooth sailing today, which is why we believe sailing is one of the best ways to see this area of Greece.

The islands are unique in all of Greece in that all but Lefkada were untouched by Ottoman rule. The Ionian did not escape occupation, however. Most heavily influenced by 400 years of Venetian rule, major towns throughout the Ionian are still alive with distinctive Venetian architecture.

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