Greece is an island nation. Thousands of small islets and larger islands spread across the azure Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, making it a luscious and sun filled vacation destination. Among Greece's islands are the sub-chain known as the Ionian Islands. Among the islands is the well known isle of Corfu. Taking a tour if the Ionian Islands is a great way of immersing yourself into the best that Greece has to offer.
Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, second only to Kefalonia. Corfu was among the first to actively market itself to the tourist market, and it still shows that today. Corfu, due to the lush mountainsides, is nicknamed The Emerald Island of Greece. In these green mountains are dozens of trekking and walking trails, letting adventurous types explore on foot. The name Corfu is not the name the Greeks call her, instead referring to Corfu in the Greek "Kerkyra", the name of the temptress that lured Poseidon in from the sea.
The other Ionian Islands are Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Paxos and Kythira. These are all known for private and secluded white-sand beaches, fishing, diving and steep mountainous terrain. Ferry service connects all of the islands with daily service, letting travelers explore by boat.
Peak tourist season in the Ionian Islands is between late May through early September. If you visit during this time of year, try to make reservations at the hotels and pensions well in advance because of the popularity of these getaway Isles. To explore on land, there are numerous scooter and Vespa rentals. With the high cost of fuel, these scooters make great inexpensive transportation with which to explore.
The islands have a sparse population, which allows visitors great leeway in finding remote or uncrowded beaches. The largest island Kefalonia only has 32,000 year round residents in an area that comprises 700 square kilometers. That leaves lots of space for everyone. Even with the small populations, there are ample hotels, inns and restaurants that cater to visitors.
When an exploration of the Greek Islands crosses the agenda, be sure to to include visits to the Ionian Islands on the western edge of Greece for a truly unique and special Greek getaway.
