The Ionian islands (Greek: Ιόνια Νησιά) are one greek Archipelago in the Ionian sea (Greek: Ιόνιο Πέλαγος) and which extends from Albania in the north to over the southern tip of the Peloponnese extends.
Islands
The island of Kythira belongs to the administrative district Attica, some smaller islands will be the Peloponnese assigned, all the islands north of it form the independent region Ionian islandsThe Ionian Islands include:
- 2 Paxi
(Παξοί). 
The archipelago consists of the inhabited islands of Paxos and Andipaxos as well as numerous other uninhabited islets and rocks. They are the least touristic islands in this area and are particularly popular with yachtsmen and motorboat enthusiasts. - 3 Levkada (Λευκάδα). It is one of the most beautiful Ionian islands and is connected to the mainland by a small bridge, making it easy to reach by car. It offers one of the most beautiful natural landscapes and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Sea. Aside from the beaches, the one with coastal villages like Nidri Lefkada and Agios Nikitas, natural beauties like Dimosari waterfalls, delicious food and loads of exciting activities is well worth a visit.
- 4 Kefalonia (Κεφαλονιά). It is the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Group and is known for its picturesque beaches, dramatic landscapes, blue bays, charming villages, mysterious caves and a lively atmosphere and delicious food.
- 5 Íthaca (Ιθάκη). Ithaca is touristic overshadowed by Kefalonia and has largely escaped the package tour companies, but it is still a popular destination for individual travelers, day trippers and yachts. The quiet island is small and almost divided into two by a narrow ridge of hills. The north has the better beaches and more interesting walking areas, while the south has the relatively busy capital city port of Vathi and the more important historical links to Homer. The west coast of Ithaca is rough and rugged with only a few decent beaches, while the east is characterized by rolling hills and farmland. Many homes on Ithaca were destroyed in the 1953 earthquake.
- 6 Zakynthos (Ζάκυνθος). Island with steep cliffs, lush greenery and numerous beautiful bays with crystal clear water, which is particularly popular with package tours. The best known is the smuggler's bay, in which a shipwreck lies, which is one of the most famous photo opportunities in Greece.
- 7 Kythira (Κύθηρα). The island, spared from mass tourism, was one of the birthplaces of Aphrodite, once a Venetian fortress and later a pirate base. There are imposing castles, mysterious caves, picturesque bays, pretty villages and beaches for every taste.
background
The archipelago is also called in Greece Eptánisa (Greek: Επτάνησα) or Seven islands designated.
The Ionian Islands came around 750 BC. In the sphere of influence of the Greeks, later initially under Roman rule. After the division of the Roman Empire, they formed the westernmost province of the Byzantine Empire, after its collapse they belonged to the Republic of Venice. From 1817 on they were under the name United States of the Ionian Islands self-employed. In 1864 they joined the state of Greece, which had been founded a few years earlier.
language
The former Creole language between Italian and Greek has now almost died out. Greek has prevailed since it belonged to Greece. English and Italian are common as the language of education.
getting there
Airports gives up Corfu, Preveza (Mainland), Kefalonia, Zakynthos and over Athens and then to the aforementioned airports.
Ferry connections: see respective island
kitchen
The cuisine of the Ionian Islands is traditionally Italian, in the tourist areas "Original Greek Food" is offered.
security
As in all of Greece, violent crime is extremely rare.
climate
The islands are much more humid and greener than the rest of Greece.
