Ionian Islands

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Ionian Islands ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd Ionian Islands Why Go? Corfu ............................. 479 The Ionian Islands (Τα Ιόνια Νησιά) stand apart from main- Paxi ...............................492 stream Greek life. With their cooler climate, abundant olive Antipaxi ........................495 groves, cypress trees and beautifully forested mountains, the Meganisi .......................500 Ionians are a lighter, greener version of Greece. The Vene- tians, French and British have shaped the architecture, cul- Kefallonia ...................... 501 ture and (excellent) cuisine, and the unique feel of Ionian Ithaki .............................509 life has been evoked from Homer to Durrell. Zakynthos......................512 Though the islands appear linked in a chain down the Kythira .......................... 518 west coast of mainlaind Greece (with the exception of Antikythira ....................523 Kythira, which sits at the southern tip of the Peloponnese), each has a distinct landscape and cultural history. Corfu Town combines Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies. Kefallonia, Paxi and Ithaki Best Places to Eat preserve wild terrain and a relaxed feel. Lefkada has some » Vasilis (p 494 ) of the best beaches in Greece, if not the world. The Ionians » Casa Grec (p 505 ) off er something for adventure seekers, food lovers, culture vultures and beach bums alike. » Klimataria (p 490 ) » Tassia (p 509 ) » Paradise Beach (p 508 ) When to Go Corfu Town Best Places to °C/°F Temp Rainfall inches/mm Stay 40/104 0.79/20 30/86 » Emelisse Hotel (p 509 ) 0.39/15 » Niforos (p 506 ) 20/68 » Siorra Vittoria (p 484 ) 0.2/5 10/50 » Boschetto Hotel (p 497 ) 0/32 0 J FDNOSAJJMAM May Life is still Jul Escape the Sep Leaves quiet and the heat in the rest of change and the wildflowers are Greece and head harvest of robola abloom every- to its coolest grapes is happen- where. islands. ing in Kefallonia. Erikousa Othoni To Italy (80km) Ionian Diapondia Islands Islands Mathraki Sidhari Highlights Saranda 1 Explore world- Agios Stefanos Corfu ALBANIA class museums, Paleokastritsa fortresses, Corfu restaurants and Town Venetian, French and Pelekas Sagiada British architecture in To Ioannina 0 40 km (75km) Corfu Town (p 482 ) 0 20 miles 2 Hop from E92 gorgeous harbour to Igoumenitsa gorgeous harbour in Lefkimmi pastoral Paxi (p 492 ) 3 Treat yourself to South GREECE top restaurants in Kerkyra Straits IONIAN ISLANDS ISLANDS IONIAN Kefallonia’s charming Lakka Parga Fiskardo (p 508 ) and Kythira To Gythio (55km); Paxi striking Assos (p 508 ) Kalamata (100km) Cape Spathi Gaïos EPIROS 4 Learn to windsurf Platia Ammos Kythira Antipaxi (p 498 ) at Vasiliki Strait To or (p 503 ) kayak and Agia Pelagia Antikythira E55 cave in Kefallonia (50km) Potamos 5 Rank your favourite beaches, Kythira from the busiest on Diakofti Corfu or Zakynthos Avlemonas to the quieter joys Alexandrades Preveza Livadi of Paxi or Lefkada’s Kominianika Lefkada west coast (p 499 ) Kalamos Town Kapsali 6 Walk the paths STEREA 0 4 km Lefkada ELLADA of Homer in Ithaki 0 2 miles Nydri (p 512 ) 7 Discover the tiny Vasiliki Meganisi Mytikas villages, waterfalls One Way Only and remote coves of Vasiliki to Fiskardo Seasonal Kalamos Kythira (p 518 ) Fiskardo to Frikes IONIAN Fiskardo Kastos Frikes Assos To SEA Ithaki Astakos (5km) Piso Aetos Vathy Agia Lixouri Evfymia Argostoli Sami Kefallonia Pesada Antikythira To Diakofti Poros (50km) To Patra Potamos (70km) Harhaliana Galaniana Antikythira 0 4 km Shipwreck Agios Nikolaos 0 2 miles Beach Zakynthos To Patra Strait (70km) Zakynthos Kyllini Zakynthos Town PELOPONNESE To Kythira (see inset) (260km); Bay of E55 Antikythira (see inset) (290km) Laganas.
Recommended publications
  • Guida Di KASTOS E KALAMOS Un Sentito Ringraziamento Per La Collaborazione Di Marco Ferrario Autore Della Parte Finale Di Questa Guida KASTOS
    Guida di KASTOS e KALAMOS Un sentito ringraziamento per la collaborazione di Marco Ferrario autore della parte finale di questa guida KASTOS cultura cucina alloggi info escursioni e spiagge E' un'isola piccola, nascosta dalla costa dell'Etolia dall'isola di Kalamos. La superficie dell'isola è di cinque chilometri quadrati, con una lunghezza massima di otto. Dispone di una fitta macchia mediterranea, più rigogliosa nella parte ovest. Ulivi, cipressi e pini sono le piante più comuni. La collina, che si estende quasi per la stessa lunghezza della costa, supera a mala pena i cento metri di altitudine. Consigliamo di consultare i contributi del socio di Marco Ferrario: Lefkada in kayak - Speciale Kastos e Kalamos in Kayak ed il suo sito http://ekokayak.wordpress.com/ Dov'é ? L'isola si raggiunge da Mytikas con un collegamento quotidiano, tramite un piccolo ferry, il Kastòs, che inizia nel mese di maggio. Alcuni giorni la partenza da Mytikas era prevista per le 11.30 in altri per le 14.00. In alta stagione sono previste due corse per permettere la visita giornaliera. Gli orari possono cambiare e pertanto è meglio controllarli nella taverna del porto, dove sono esposti all'entrata, con i numeri di telefono di Bambis, giovane introverso conduttore del ferry, cell. + 30 6977 078057. E' disponibile anche un servizio di taxi boat che in dieci minuti raggiunge l'isola. Costa 50 euro. L'operatore più affidabile pare essere Georgios, cell. +306977845946. Il trasporto auto non è possibile, al massimo un motorino o una bicicletta può contendere il posto nel minuscolo ponte del naviglio, alle merci destinate a rifornire i trenta abitanti dell'isola e soprattutto i tre ristoranti che lavorano prevalentemente con i diportisti che arrivano nel porto.
    [Show full text]
  • Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Zakynthos Island, Greece
    ANNALS OF THE UPPER SILESIAN MUSEUM IN BYTOM ENTOMOLOGY Vol. 27 (online 004): 1–13 ISSN 0867-1966, eISSN 2544-039X (online) Bytom, 9.11.2018 LECH BOROWIEC1 , SEBASTIAN SALATA1,2 Notes on ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Zakynthos Island, Greece http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1481794 1 Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Taxonomy, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 65, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland e-mail: 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected] Abstract: Forty five ant species were recorded from the Zakynthos Island (Ionian Islands) in 2018, including seven not attributed to any formally described taxon. A comparison of ant fauna of Zakynthos with ant fauna of Samos islands is presented. Both islands have similar surface area (405.6 versus 476.4 km2) and are placed almost on the same latitude (37°) but represent the most western and the most eastern fauna complexes in Greece; 78 species and morphospecies were recorded from both islands but only 23 species are common. Key words: ants, Greece, East Aegean Islands, Samos, faunistics, taxonomy. INTRODUCTION Zakynthos is a Greek island placed in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, placed 13.5 km south of Kephalonia – the largest Ionian island, and 18 km west of the Peloponnese. It is also a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands Region. The area of the island is 405.55 km2 and it is 37 km long and 19 km wide. Its coastline is roughly 123 km. The island is very diverse, with a mountainous plateau on its western half, steep cliffs on southwest coast, and densely populated and fertile plain, with long sandy beaches and several isolated hills, on the eastern part.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism Development in Greek Insular and Coastal Areas: Sociocultural Changes and Crucial Policy Issues
    Tourism Development in Greek Insular and Coastal Areas: Sociocultural Changes and Crucial Policy Issues Paris Tsartas University of the Aegean, Michalon 8, 82100 Chios, Greece The paperanalyses two issuesthat have characterised tourism development inGreek insularand coastalareas in theperiod 1970–2000. The firstissue concerns the socioeco- nomic and culturalchanges that have taken place in theseareas and ledto rapid– and usuallyunplanned –tourismdevelopment. The secondissue consists of thepolicies for tourismand tourismdevelopment atlocal,regional and nationallevel. The analysis focuseson therole of thefamily, social mobility issues,the social role of specific groups, and consequencesfor the manners, customs and traditionsof thelocal popula- tion.It also examines the views and reactionsof localcommunities regarding tourism and tourists.There is consideration of thenew productive structuresin theseareas, including thedowngrading of agriculture,the dependence of many economicsectors on tourism,and thelarge increase in multi-activityand theblack economy. Another focusis on thecharacteristics of masstourism, and on therelated problems and criti- cismsof currenttourism policies. These issues contributed to amodel of tourism development thatintegrates the productive, environmental and culturalcharacteristics of eachregion. Finally, the procedures and problemsencountered in sustainabledevel- opment programmes aiming at protecting the environment are considered. Social and Cultural Changes Brought About by Tourism Development in the Period 1970–2000 The analysishere focuseson three mainareas where these changesare observed:sociocultural life, productionand communication. It should be noted thata large proportionof all empirical studies of changesbrought aboutby tourism development in Greece have been of coastal and insular areas. Social and cultural changes in the social structure The mostsignificant of these changesconcern the family andits role in the new ‘urbanised’social structure, social mobility and the choicesof important groups, such as young people and women.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ionian Islands in British Official Discourses; 1815-1864
    1 Constructing Ionian Identities: The Ionian Islands in British Official Discourses; 1815-1864 Maria Paschalidi Department of History University College London A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to University College London 2009 2 I, Maria Paschalidi, confirm that the work presented in this thesis is my own. Where information has been derived from other sources, I confirm that this has been indicated in the thesis. 3 Abstract Utilising material such as colonial correspondence, private papers, parliamentary debates and the press, this thesis examines how the Ionian Islands were defined by British politicians and how this influenced various forms of rule in the Islands between 1815 and 1864. It explores the articulation of particular forms of colonial subjectivities for the Ionian people by colonial governors and officials. This is set in the context of political reforms that occurred in Britain and the Empire during the first half of the nineteenth-century, especially in the white settler colonies, such as Canada and Australia. It reveals how British understandings of Ionian peoples led to complex negotiations of otherness, informing the development of varieties of colonial rule. Britain suggested a variety of forms of government for the Ionians ranging from authoritarian (during the governorships of T. Maitland, H. Douglas, H. Ward, J. Young, H. Storks) to representative (under Lord Nugent, and Lord Seaton), to responsible government (under W. Gladstone’s tenure in office). All these attempted solutions (over fifty years) failed to make the Ionian Islands governable for Britain. The Ionian Protectorate was a failed colonial experiment in Europe, highlighting the difficulties of governing white, Christian Europeans within a colonial framework.
    [Show full text]
  • Registration Certificate
    1 The following information has been supplied by the Greek Aliens Bureau: It is obligatory for all EU nationals to apply for a “Registration Certificate” (Veveosi Engrafis - Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής) after they have spent 3 months in Greece (Directive 2004/38/EC).This requirement also applies to UK nationals during the transition period. This certificate is open- dated. You only need to renew it if your circumstances change e.g. if you had registered as unemployed and you have now found employment. Below we outline some of the required documents for the most common cases. Please refer to the local Police Authorities for information on the regulations for freelancers, domestic employment and students. You should submit your application and required documents at your local Aliens Police (Tmima Allodapon – Τμήμα Αλλοδαπών, for addresses, contact telephone and opening hours see end); if you live outside Athens go to the local police station closest to your residence. In all cases, original documents and photocopies are required. You should approach the Greek Authorities for detailed information on the documents required or further clarification. Please note that some authorities work by appointment and will request that you book an appointment in advance. Required documents in the case of a working person: 1. Valid passport. 2. Two (2) photos. 3. Applicant’s proof of address [a document containing both the applicant’s name and address e.g. photocopy of the house lease, public utility bill (DEH, OTE, EYDAP) or statement from Tax Office (Tax Return)]. If unavailable please see the requirements for hospitality. 4. Photocopy of employment contract.
    [Show full text]
  • Ionian Islands of Western Greece
    IONIAN ISLANDS OF WESTERN GREECE Going into more detail of our proposals for Summer 2018 in Greece, we would like to give you an idea of the many passage possibilities. The countless islands with all their beauty, make Ionian Greece a destination that can offer exciting places to visit without the fear of getting bored. Here are few of our favorite itineraries: 1. CORFU TO CORFU ROUTE A : We sail around Corfu, visiting the stunning coastline of Paleochastrisa, sailing to Paxos and Antipaxos, and then navigate the mainland coast stopping in Parga, Mourtos and other beautiful locations. Returning to Corfu. ROUTE B : It takes us to the north of Corfu to visit the small but beautiful Diapontinie islands of Othoni, Erikoussa and Mathraki. Afterwards we will sail south to Paxos and Antipaxos and then return to Corfu. (Parga may be included as well, time dependent.) ROUTE C : More navigation from Corfu to Lefkas. We move to the west of Lefkas and stop in the lively Fiskardo on Cefalonia. Afterwards we head north-east up the Inland Sea touching Meganisi, Skorpios, the east coast of Lefkas, following the channel returning to Corfu via Paxos. (this is the most classic of routes) 2. CORFU TO ZAKYNTHOS (ZANTE) one way in 1 week (for the round trip allow 2 weeks) - From Corfu, we sail a coastal route, the channel of Lefkada, then descend and touch Meganisi, Fiscardo, Ithaca, west coast of Zakynthos and finish in the south of the island, in the beautiful bay of Laganas, where the turtles nest on the beaches.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ionian Islands COPY
    ∆ΩΡΕΑΝ ΑΝΤΙΤΥΠΟ FREE COPY PUBLICATION GRATUITE FRA OPUSCOLO GRATUITO ITA The Ionian Islands EJEMPLAR ESP GRATUITO GRATIS- www.visitgreece.gr AUSGABE Распространяется бесплатно GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION THE IONIAN ISLANDS GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION 04Corfu (Kerkyra) 22Diapontia Islands 26Paxoi (Paxi) 32Lefkada 50Kefalonia 68Ithaca (Ithaki) 74Zakynthos (Zante) CONTENTS 1. Cover page: Zakynthos, Navagio beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters attract thousands of visitors each year. Ionian Islands The Ionian Islands have a temperate climate, seawaters as deep as they are refreshing, in the area, reaching 4,406 m., registered as the greatest in the Mediterranean. verdant mountains, a rich cultural heritage and a carefree spirit; the ideal combination for Their mild, temperate climate makes them the ideal choice for vacation or permanent stay. your holidays during which you will enjoy a well-developed tourism infrastructure, hotels, In the wintertime, the mainland’s mountains buffer the bitter northern winds blowing to the restaurants, water sports centres, cultural events and numerous sights, historic monuments, direction of the islands while the hot summer weather is tempered by the mild northwestern and museums. meltemia winds and the sea breeze. The area’s air currents have turned many of the Ionian Scattered along the mainland’s western coastline, the Ionian Islands are a cluster of 12 Islands’ beaches into worldwide known destinations for windsurfing. large and small islands covering an area of 2,200 sq. km. There are six large ones: Zakynthos The Ionian Islands have been inhabited since the Paleolithic times. Since then, numerous (Zante), Ithaki (Ithaca), Kerkyra (Corfu), Kefalonia (Cephallonia), Lefkada (Leucas), and invaders and cultural influences have left their stamp on the islands.
    [Show full text]
  • The 8 January 2006 Earthquake (M 6.7) Offshore Kythira Island
    The 8 January 2006 Earthquake (Mw 6.7) Offshore Kythira Island, Southern Greece: Seismological, Strong-motion, and Macroseismic Observations of an Intermediate-depth Event Konstantinos I. Konstantinou, Ioannis S. Kalogeras, Nikolaos S. Melis, Moissis C. Kourouzidis, and George N. Stavrakakis Konstantinos I. Konstantinou, Ioannis S. Kalogeras, Nikolaos S. Melis, Moissis C. Kourouzidis, and George N. Stavrakakis Institute of Geodynamics, National Observatory of Athens INTRODUCTION In this article we take advantage of a multitude of available observations to give a detailed report on this most recent large On 8 January 2006 at 11:34 GMT (13:34 local time), a strong intermediate-depth earthquake. First, we describe the temporal earthquake with a moment magnitude of 6.7 occurred in and spatial distribution of the mainshock-aftershock sequence southern Greece, off the eastern coast of the island of Kythira. and summarize all available moment tensor solutions reported The epicentral coordinates as estimated by the European by various agencies. Then, we present preliminary analysis of Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC-CSEM, http:// strong-motion recordings in an effort to check the relationship emsc-csem.org were 36.31°N, 23.24°E, and the focal depth was between the shaking caused by such an event and the influence of 60 km. The shock was felt in a spatially extended area that cov- both attenuation and local geological conditions. Macroseismic ered Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, Syria, Jordan, data collected from the whole of Greece also are included and and Lebanon. Despite the large magnitude of the earthquake, utilized toward understanding the regional intensity attenua- the reported damage was not extensive mainly due to the inter- tion pattern.
    [Show full text]
  • In Focus: Corfu, Greece
    OCTOBER 2019 IN FOCUS: CORFU, GREECE Manos Tavladorakis Analyst Pavlos Papadimitriou, MRICS Director www.hvs.com HVS ATHENS | 17 Posidonos Ave. 5th Floor, 17455 Alimos, Athens, GREECE Introduction The region of the Ionian Islands consists of the islands in the Ionian Sea on the western coast of Greece. Since they have long been subject to influences from Western Europe, the Ionian Islands form a separate historic and cultural unit than that of continental Greece. The region is divided administratively into four prefectures (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefallinia and Zakinthos) and comprises the islands of Kerkira (Corfu), Zakinthos, Cephalonia (Kefallinia), Lefkada, Ithaca (Ithaki), Paxi, and a number of smaller islands. The Ionian Islands are the sunniest part of Greece, but the southerly winds bring abundant rainfall. The region is noted for its natural beauty, its long history, and cultural tradition. It is also well placed geographically, since it is close to both mainland Greece and Western Europe and thus forms a convenient stepping-stone, particularly for passenger traffic between Greece and the West. These factors have favored the continuous development of tourism, which has become the most dynamic branch of the region’s economy. Island of Corfu CORFU MAP Corfu is located in the northwest part of Greece, with a size of 593 km2 and a costline, which spans for 217 km, is the largest of the Ionian Islands. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality is also named Corfu, after the island’s name, with a population of 32,000 (2011 census) inhabitants. Currently, according to real estate agents, foreign nationals who permanently reside on Corfu are estimated at 18,000 individuals.
    [Show full text]
  • Floating Adventure GR Islands of Corfu
    Greece Active Journeys Escorted tour Cycling Tour descriptions and distances Day 1 Corfu Day 2 28 km Sivota - Parga - Lefkas Day 3 30 km Lefkas Day 4 45 km Islands of Corfu by Bike Cephalonia Day 5 20 km + On the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, this is surely the most stunning- Ithaca & Meganisi 15 km ly beautiful side: the main attraction is the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea. Day 6 50 km Come and discover why centuries of Venetian influence dominate the archipelago Mitikas - Lefkas of the Ionian Islands. Day 7 24 km Paxos & Corfu From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian empress Day 8 Sissi, this journey will lead us to areas that are not very well known here. The Corfu Greeks themselves have been travelling to these islands for holidays for a welcome respite from the city. Discover the famous island of Ithaca, said to have been the home of Odysseus, you will never forget the green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain Tour Details 2018 world of Kefallonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos. We Dates: April 14, 21, 28 enjoy our stay on board the wooden motor yacht and let us be pampered by the Oct 6, 13, 20, 27 excellent Greek cuisine and the coziness of the ship. Come enjoy this Floating Adventure with Active Journeys! Cost: $2495 per person Single Supplement: On request Fact Sheet Length: 8 days / 7 nights Includes : E-Bike Info : Bike rental: $175 • 7 nights accommodation, with 2 • E-bike rental: $350 Grade: Intermediate days all meals and 5 days break- fast & lunch or dinner on boat in- • Limited supplies on boat, so Starts/Ends Corfu reservations recommended cluded Above deck cabin: $185 p.p.
    [Show full text]
  • Bereshit| Lefkada
    WELCOME BERESHIT| LEFKADA GREECE | ADVANTAGES ⚫ According to national reports and the Greek economy performance indicators, Greece has began to completely emerged from its 7 years economic crisis. ⚫ The real estate market is already showing a strong recovery by an increase of 30% in housing prices during the last 3 years. ⚫ The forecast for the next 5 years, is that the market will continue to strengthen and real estate prices will return to its 2007 pricing level. ⚫ Improvement of macro-economic situation while complying with economic criteria and requirements set by the European Union, leads to a reduction in the risk attributed to the Greek economy and to a growing expectation for a continuance economic recovery in the coming years. ⚫ The economic crisis and Greece's recession opened up a prime opportunity for investment. GREECE | ADVANTAGES ⚫ The leading sector in Greek economy is tourism, that even during the recent crisis, the tourist industry in Greece has been one of the mainstays of economic growth and employment. ⚫ In 2018 the number of tourists visiting the country reached about 32M, YTY growth rate of 23% compared to 2017. Furthermore, between 2006-2017 the tourists population in Greece almost doubled itself. ⚫ The steady increase in the number of tourists visiting Greece each year is also attributed to geopolitical problems in competing markets as Turkey and Egypt. ⚫ Tourism population is expected to reach 50 million visitors in 2028. ⚫ The Greece government is encouraging investments in the country as a strategic step for growth in the Greek economy, establishing a very convenient position for real estate investments.
    [Show full text]
  • Greek Cultures, Traditions and People
    GREEK CULTURES, TRADITIONS AND PEOPLE Paschalis Nikolaou – Fulbright Fellow Greece ◦ What is ‘culture’? “Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts […] The word "culture" derives from a French term, which in turn derives from the Latin "colere," which means to tend to the earth and Some grow, or cultivation and nurture. […] The term "Western culture" has come to define the culture of European countries as well as those that definitions have been heavily influenced by European immigration, such as the United States […] Western culture has its roots in the Classical Period of …when, to define, is to the Greco-Roman era and the rise of Christianity in the 14th century.” realise connections and significant overlap ◦ What do we mean by ‘tradition’? ◦ 1a: an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (such as a religious practice or a social custom) ◦ b: a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable … ◦ 2: the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction ◦ 3: cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions ◦ 4: characteristic manner, method, or style in the best liberal tradition GREECE: ANCIENT AND MODERN What we consider ancient Greece was one of the main classical The Modern Greek State was founded in 1830, following the civilizations, making important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, revolutionary war against the Ottoman Turks, which started in astronomy, and medicine.
    [Show full text]